Component/System: Windshield washer fluid monitoring system (level sensor and warning). Observed Behavior: The system provides no advance or “low level” warning. The only alert occurs when the reservoir is completely empty, with no intermediate notification of low fluid. Failure Mode / Functional Impact: Washer function is lost suddenly without prior warning. The driver is not given an opportunity to refill fluid before the system becomes non-functional. Safety Risk: Loss of washer fluid prevents clearing road spray, salt, or debris from the windshield, causing immediate degradation of forward visibility. This is most critical during highway driving, winter conditions, and repeated washer use. The absence of advance warning creates a foreseeable risk of reduced visibility while operating the vehicle. ADAS Impact: The vehicle uses a forward-facing camera behind the windshield for driver assistance features. When the windshield becomes contaminated and cannot be cleaned due to depleted washer fluid, camera visibility may be impaired. This may reduce performance or temporarily disable features such as lane keeping, lane departure warning, and traffic sign recognition, resulting in simultaneous degradation of driver visibility and certain assistance systems. Reproduction / Confirmation: An authorized Audi dealer confirmed this behavior as normal and consistent with design. Audi customer care supported this position. Inspection History: The vehicle has been inspected by an authorized Audi dealer. No inspection by police or insurance representatives. Warnings Prior to Failure: No warnings, messages, or symptoms appear prior to complete depletion. The only alert occurs when the system is empty. Requested Evaluation: Evaluation is requested as to whether this design adequately supports driver visibility and safe operation, and whether any modification exists or is planned to provide earlier warning.
- NHTSA ID
- 11734658
- Incident
- Jan 10, 2026