DAB Radio

[ROBK1985]

I'm just quoting Google so may be wrong!

If it is the case that all the D1 stations have formally moved over to DAB+ and its an issue with the actual units for pre 2018 models, then not sure what Audi can do, and I'd imagine there'll be a cost to upgrade the unit.

The switch over is on the Digital radio companies rather than the manufacturers I believe.

I'm just using the Global Player App and bluetoothing that through Media for the time being.

 

Rob

[raycox]

Thank you for contacting Audi UK regarding the issue that you have with the DAB radio in your Q3.

I am sorry to hear that you are experiencing these issues your vehicle.  

I would recommend that you take your vehicle to one of our Approved Audi Centres to be diagnosed.  

Our Audi trained technicians will diagnose any issues with your vehicle using the latest diagnostic equipment. If they discover an issue, they will discuss this with you and make any recommendations necessary. We are unable to diagnose issues remotely from the Customer Service Centre so would always request this as an initial step.

Contact details for all Audi Centres can be found here:

https://www.audi.co.uk/owners-area/locate-a-centre.html

If your vehicle is outside of the manufacturer’s warranty or the cause of the issue is not a manufacturing defect, you may be charged for the diagnostic test. Please be advised that we cannot comment on what you have read on a third party forum as these are purely peoples opinions. 

I do hope the above information proves helpful. 

This case will now be closed, however, we value your feedback and would appreciate it if you could spare a few minutes to complete a survey about the service that I have provided which you may receive in the next few days. This survey is only about my performance as a Customer Relations Manager and not about the Audi processes, centres, or the outcome of the case.
 

[raycox]

Just received this 

[Smithers01]

Just spoke to AudiUK via FB Messenger. I received a scripted response which was no use at all.

 

“Hi thank you for contacting Audi UK. We are sorry to learn that you are experiencing issues with your DAB Radio, and we do apologise for the inconvenience this has caused you. We can confirm that you would need to get this issue diagnosed at your local Audi Centre to determine the main cause. Please be advised that you can locate your nearest Audi Centre by clicking on the link provided below, https://ow.ly/CIKQ20006Fs. We hope this information proves useful.”

[Noely_ra]

Hi All, 

 

I am so happy I have seen this thread.  I have a 2018 A6 and most of the DAB radio stations have stopped working, exactly same issues already mentioned on here.  I had the same response from the dealership in that I would have to pay £140, just to run a diagnostic.  I'll keep trying different things and share anything I find out and I'll keep an eye out in case anyone else does.

[AMarler]

Same this is happening to me, glad it’s not just me! Audi A1 TSFI 66 plate

[Wile06]

Same has happened to me Audi S1 2015. Phoned Audi uk basically fobbed off and told to wait a few days or take to local dealer. Tried hard reset and rescanned still no national DAB. 

[Chris Q3 2018]

I am having the same problem with my Q3 (2018). I only bought the car on 20 Feb this year, and radio stations all worked OK for a few weeks. Then not. Thanks to those of you pursuing this.

[Chris Q3 2018]

20 hours ago, raycox said:

This is my software version year is 2018

I have exact same software as 

[Chris Q3 2018]

I have exact same software as raycox.

 

[regan]

Hi all,

 

I've just signed up to say I have the same, 2017 Q3, got back off holiday yesterday and noticed no DAB channels would play, it's been in an indoor carpark for a week but I couldn't see how that would've affected it.. rescanned multiple times but still not getting onto D1, local channels work, so it must be something else wider at play as has been discussed..

 

Hopefully something can be found to resolve soon.

 

Also just found this discussing it here where there's a bit more info https://www.a1-forum.co.uk/threads/dab-radio.234074/

 

Edited April 8 by regan
Adding new information

[tp5harp]

I took my car in to the Audi garage today, then scanned all of the equipment, and said there was nothing wrong with the car.  They said the problem is basically what others have said on here, that the D1 stations have moved to DAB+ and the older cars do not support this.  The said there is nothing they can do to resolve this.  I even asked if there were any DAB+ hardware upgrades I could purchase, but they said there were no options available for this.

At least the didn't charge me for the diagnostic checks, and I got my car cleaned, so every cloud.

[Mark A6]

@tp5harp useful update then for sure.  I'll look at that before picking up with Audi UK again to discuss this issue. 

[DavidNew]

42 minutes ago, tp5harp said:

I took my car in to the Audi garage today, then scanned all of the equipment, and said there was nothing wrong with the car.  They said the problem is basically what others have said on here, that the D1 stations have moved to DAB+ and the older cars do not support this.  The said there is nothing they can do to resolve this.  I even asked if there were any DAB+ hardware upgrades I could purchase, but they said there were no options available for this.

At least the didn't charge me for the diagnostic checks, and I got my car cleaned, so every cloud.

This means there must be thousands of Audis with duff radios out there - and these are not old cars either 

[ryan123456]

i'm having the same problem how can we rectify surly they must need to do something 

[Mark A6]

I'm a tad sceptical that the conversion from DAB to DAB+ is to blame, as I checked when Planet Rock moved and it was October 2023.  They posted on X on that date "Planet Rock's digital radio transmission has just been switched from DAB to DAB+".

That being said, I just found this - https://www.digitalradiochoice.com/news/absolute-radio-kiss-kisstory-and-magic-radio-to-switch-to-dab/.  I don't know what others listen to but this happened on 31st March 2025 - the article says it covers just Absolute Radio, KISS, KISSTORY and Magic Radio.  

I just did a quick check - Bauer Media Audio UK is a UK-based radio division of Bauer Media Group owning brands; Absolute Radio, Greatest Hits Radio, Jazz FM, Hits Radio, KISS, Planet Rock, Magic, Kerrang! Radio and Heat Radio.

[Smithers01]

This is lawsuit worthy.

Edited April 8 by Smithers01

[DavidNew]

It’s probably worth everyone with this issue posting a question on :

@AudiUk

on x (formerly Twitter) 

There are a few comments/ questions on there but more will start a trend which can’t be ignored. 

[Mark A6]

Ok so I just went to look at the radio in the car and forgot I looked through the scanner over the weekend and the list divides the stations into regions and under Newcastle / North East there's a listing for Planet Rock.  I tried it and it worked, but the other tuned station called the same doesn't.  I'll need to check out further,  but it does indicate a difference maybe in broadcast.

[Smithers01]

3 hours ago, tp5harp said:

I took my car in to the Audi garage today, then scanned all of the equipment, and said there was nothing wrong with the car.  They said the problem is basically what others have said on here, that the D1 stations have moved to DAB+ and the older cars do not support this.  The said there is nothing they can do to resolve this.  I even asked if there were any DAB+ hardware upgrades I could purchase, but they said there were no options available for this.

At least the didn't charge me for the diagnostic checks, and I got my car cleaned, so every cloud.

 

3 hours ago, DavidNew said:

This means there must be thousands of Audis with duff radios out there - and these are not old cars either 

Yep thousands, I think something will be announced shortly. This is a big issue, surely other cars are having issues as well?

[Smithers01]

Info about DAB+
What Is The Difference Between DAB+ and DAB?
DAB+ is a further development of the DAB standard, thus assumes all functions of DAB, but offers additional benefits. The technical difference is the type of audio coding, ie the two standards use different methods for the preparation before and after the transfer of data. While DAB uses MPEG-1 Layer-2, DAB MPEG-4 HE-AAC v2, the most efficient audio compression used worldwide.

Also found this on another forum:
"It seems most of D1 national has now gone to Dab+ which means the audio on the channels is now He-aacv2. This unfortunately means head units with old chipsets cannot decode the new audio. Our Audi A1 is affected but not the A3 (both 2018). The A3 can decode the new audio so is ok. There is a chance audi dealers could charge £140 if you take the car for inspection when in fact there is no fault. The problem is D1 going to Dab+. Have just contacted Bauer and they have confirmed the switchover of the channels. Other Audi models affected could be Q3 2017 or anything before 2018 with a head unit that has cd sd dab combined which is installed in the dash rather than separate units for dab etc."

Edited April 8 by Smithers01

[WBURN]

I have a 2016 A6 Avant and I’m experiencing the same issue!! 
first noticed it when I could no longer receive Talk Sport!!!

Tried re-scanning, no joy!!!!

[mich]

i have the same problem with a 2017 q3 .. spoke to dealership monday .. and are getting inundated with calls with the same problem .. he said they had a car in today put in on scanner showed no faults .. he said mine was the first 2017 model with this problem .. most have been 2015 .. he said to call back in 2 weeks if still not working .. and for a recall has to be agreed by audi in germany . surely they will have. a recall on this problem ?? but everyone need to call local dealer to let them know 

[Mark A6]

My cars got a CD, SD and DAB combined so that fits.  🙄

[Wendy Y]

I only recently noticed I had lost some of my favourite radio stations, Heart 70s and Heart 80s (please don’t judge!😂).. my Audi Q3, 2018, went In for M.O.T. in the dealership today, and I mentioned it.. I was advised to wait a few days, and if the problem didn’t clear, to contact them again .. I’m so glad I found this group, I thought I was going mad.. I’m not technically minded, so I thought I must have pushed a wrong button!!..🙈🙈.. Thank you to those who are taking this further.. I eagerly await at updates..