Every car brand has to greater or lesser degrees been struggling with supply issues due to the ongoing global semiconductor shortage.
This has meant waiting lists for many of the most popular vehicles on sale. But in some cases carmakers have also had to temporarily remove features needing chips, to keep the factories rolling.
Features that have been removed are primarily infotainment- or sound-system-related, but in some cases certain safety technologies have been removed as well.
The following cars are confirmed to have had features temporarily removed due to these semiconductor shortages. As we learn of others, we will update the list.
When we’ve contacted car companies, they’ve advised it’s best for customers to reach out to authorised dealers to get the most up-to-date information on their orders.
Let us know if there are any models missing that you’re aware of, and we’ll follow up.
Audi
On Audi Australia’s website it indicates that “due to global component shortages, certain standard and optional equipment is not currently available on certain Audi model vehicles”.
The following features are listed as temporarily unavailable to order on certain Audi models.
A3/S3:
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Exit warning
RS3
- Rear-cross traffic alert
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Exit warning
A6 (inc. allroad quattro):
- Electric steering column adjustment (optional extra across the range)
A7/S7:
- Electric steering column adjustment (55 TFSI quattro)
Q5/Q5 Sportback/SQ5/SQ5 Sportback:
- Electric steering column adjustment
Q7/SQ7:
- Electric steering column adjustment
- Electric luggage compartment cover
Q8/SQ8:
- Electric steering column adjustment
- Electric luggage compartment cover
e-tron/e-tron Sportback/e-tron S/e-tron S Sportback:
- Electric steering column adjustment (optional extra across the range)
BMW
“The bottleneck in the supply of semiconductor components has impacted availability of individual vehicle equipment options for certain models,” said a BMW Australia spokesperson.
“We are working closely with our dealer partners to provide alternative solutions for our customers to minimise waiting times. This process is supported by the high degree of customisation of our vehicles.”
The following features are temporarily unavailable to order on certain BMW models, per the BMW Australia website.
1 Series:
- Wireless phone charger
- Enhancement Package (128ti only)
- Metallic paint
- Panoramic glass sunroof
- Adaptive cruise with stop & go
- Driver Assistance Package (118i only)
- Adaptive cruise control with stop & go
- Adaptive headlights with auto high-beam
- Tyre pressure monitor
- M Sports Plus Package (118i only)
- M Sports front seats
- M rear spoiler
- M seat belts
- M sports steering wheel
- M sports brakes
- Tinted headlights
- High-gloss black exterior elements
- Adaptive cruise control with stop & go (128ti and M135i xDrive)
2 Series coupe:
- Head-up display
2 Series Gran Coupe:
- Wireless phone charger
- Drivers Asstance Package (218i and 220i)
- Adaptive cruise control with stop & go
- Adaptive LED headlights with auto high-beam
- Tyre pressure monitor
- M Sport Plus Package (218i and 220i)
- M Sports front seats
- M rear spoiler
- M Sports seat belts
- M Sports steering
- M Sport brakes
- Tinted headlights
- High-gloss black exterior elements
- Adaptive cruise control with stop & go
4 Series coupe and convertible
- Driver Assistant Professional (420i and 430i)
- Adaptive cruise control with stop & go
- Front and rear cross-traffic alert
- Lane-keeping assist
- Side collision warning
- Junction assist
- Visibility Package (420i and 430i)
- Metallic paint
- Glass sunroof
- BMW Laserlight headlights
- Driver Assistant Package (420i)
- Adaptive cruise control with stop & go
- Front and rear cross-traffic alert
- Lane-keeping assist
- Side collision warning
- Junction assist
- Semi-autonomous parking assist
- Tyre pressure monitor
- Dash cam
- BMW Laserlight headlights (optional on 420i and 430i, standard on M440i xDrive)
5 Series
- Rear-axle steering
- Bowers & Wilkins 16-speaker sound system
Z4
- Reversing assistant
- Wireless phone charger
- Precision Package (sDrive20i and sDrive30i)
- Ambient lighting
- Harman Kardon sound system
- Adaptive LED headlights (sDrive20i only)
- Metallic paintwork (sDrive30i only)
- Harman Kardon 12-speaker sound system
X2
- Harman Kardon 12-speaker sound system (sDrive18i only)
X3
- Driving Assistant Professional Package (all models except for M40i)
- Adaptive cruise control with stop & go
- Front and rear cross-traffic alert
- Lane-keeping assist
- Side collision warning
- Junction assist
X4
- Driving Assistant Professional Package (all models except for M40i)
- Adaptive cruise control with stop & go
- Front and rear cross-traffic alert
- Lane-keeping assist
- Side collision warning
- Junction assist
X5
- M Sport Package for seven-seat vehicles
- Third row seat
- Adaptive two-axle air suspension
- xOffroad Package (xDrive30d and xDrive40i)
- xOffroad driving modes
- xOffroad-specific user interface
- Extended underbody protection
- Mechanical differential lock
- Adaptive two-axle air suspension
- BMW Display Key
- Rear-axle steering
- Adaptive two-axle air suspension
- Heated and cooled cupholder
- Third row seat package
- Third row seating
- Electrically-adjustable second-row seats
- Storage net and flex net
- Two comfort cushions in second-row seats
- Bowers & Wilkins 20-speaker sound system
X6
- xOffroad Package (xDrive30d and xDrive40i)
- xOffroad driving modes
- xOffroad-specific user interface
- Extended underbody protection at front axle
- Adaptive two-axle air suspension
- BMW Display Key
- Rear-axle steering
- Adaptive two-axle air suspension
- Heated cupholder
- Bowers & Wilkins 20-speaker sound system
iX
- Multi-functional front seats with memory and lumbar support
Citroen
Citroen has confirmed it’s removing certain safety technology from its C3 hatch and C5 Aircross due to the semiconductor shortage.
All C3 hatch and C5 Aircross SUV models arriving from April onwards will come without blind-spot monitoring and front and rear parking sensors, usually standard on both model lines.
Models that have already arrived in Australia during the first quarter of 2022 are unaffected.
“The global automotive industry faces an exceptional situation with the accumulation of the health crisis and a worldwide shortage of semiconductors,” said a spokesperson for Citroen Australia.
“Our global teams are mobilized to drive our manufacturing activity in this unstable context, and we need to adapt accordingly.
“Despite our continuous effort to deliver our customers the best possible experience, and in order to help minimise the impact on vehicle availability, there has been an adjustment in the specification of the MY22 Citroen C3 and MY22 Citroen C5 Aircross.”
C3
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Front and rear parking sensors
C5 Aircross
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Front and rear parking sensors
MORE: 2022 Citroen C3 and C5 Aircross losing safety features
Jaguar
Jaguar indicates “some vehicles, standard features and options may be temporarily unavailable or face extended delivery times” on its local website.
“We are communicating directly with any affected customers and our retailers where there is any change of specification,” said a Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) spokesperson.
JLR says you should consult your local Jaguar dealer to confirm what is and isn’t available.
XE
- Surround view camera
- 12-inch digital drivers display
- ClearSight digital rearview mirror
- Technology Pack
- ClearSight digital rear-view mirror
- 5.5-inch Touch Pro Duo touchscreen
- Wireless phone charger
- Head-up display
Kia
Carnival
The 2022 Kia Carnival is still not available with rain-sensing window wipers, a digital instrument cluster and the Blind Spot View Monitor camera on higher grades, despite these features being mentioned at launch as running changes.
At this stage it won’t be available until the brand can work through a year’s worth of backorders.
“We have every desire to implement COVID-19 affected features on Carnival, however are still suffering from severe supply restrictions, and as a result have accumulated a very large quantity of backorders. Some of these backorders are over 12 months old,” said Kia Australia’s product boss Roland Rivero.
“Kia Australia is working closely with the factory to clear these backorders as quickly as possible. Once our backorder count reaches a more palatable level, we will be looking to enhance the range with the features promised at launch.”
Kia Australia has promised it’s working to bring these features amidst production constraints, component shortages and supply chain issues. CarExpert reported in July 2021 that after initially being earmarked as an MY22 running change, customers would likely have to wait until the first half of 2022.
The only updates since the introduction of the current-generation Carnival so far is the rollout of Kia’s new logo.
CarExpert understands vehicle specifications cannot be changed after an order has been placed, which would explain why the brand hasn’t just rolled out the features as it delivers vehicles throughout the course of the year.
MORE: Kia Carnival: 12 months of backorders delaying missing equipment
Land Rover
On Land Rover’s website it says “some vehicles, standard features and options may be temporarily unavailable or face extended delivery times”.
“We are communicating directly with any affected customers and our retailers where there is any change of specification,” said a Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) spokesperson.
JLR says you should consult your local Jaguar dealer to confirm what is and isn’t available.
JLR Australia didn’t provide a list of Land Rover vehicles with features missing due to semiconductor shortages.
Mercedes-Benz
CLA
A Mercedes-Benz spokesperson has confirmed the ongoing global semiconductor shortage has affected supply of certain vehicle components in the CLA.
For example, the base CLA200 not gets an eight-speaker 100W sound system, instead of a nine-speaker 225W sound system.
Other changes for the CLA200 include no lumbar seat adjustment and single-zone instead of dual-zone climate control.
There’s no wireless phone charger available on any 2022 Mercedes-Benz CLA model, and a head-up display isn’t available on non-AMG models.
A number of the option packages have either been deleted or altered to remove certain features, too.
To get the most up-to-date information on features are and aren’t available on the CLA, Mercedes-Benz says to get in contact with an authorised retailer.
C-Class
New builds of the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class will be temporarily unavailable with adaptive suspension and rear-axle steering due to semiconductor shortages.
These features are bundled together to make up the $3400 Engineering Package.
A Mercedes-Benz spokesperson has confirmed the Engineering Package is only available on already built C-Class vehicles that can be purchased on the Mercedes-Benz website.
Potential owners can choose to hold off ordering a new C-Class in the hopes of being able to choose the package, but at this stage there’s no clear timeline of when it’ll return.
The Mercedes-Benz spokesperson indicated the option package will only be temporarily missing, and Mercedes-Benz will make it available again “as soon as possible”.
MORE: 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class temporarily loses rear-axle steering
Mercedes-Benz Vans
On Mercedes-Benz’s Australian website it indicates that Mercedes-Benz van products manufactured from November 1, 2021 onwards “may be missing some or all of the following driver assistance and safety systems/features”:
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Adaptive cruise control
- Blind-spot assist
- Rear-cross traffic alert
- Exit warning
“Due to a shortage in radar sensors, there is a possibility that the factory will produce vehicles without mounting the impacted radar in order to maintain their availability,” said a Mercedes-Benz Commercial spokesperson.
“To date there has been minimal impact on our orders for Australia and we continue to work closely with our suppliers to do what we can to shorten the time vehicles are at risk of being produced with adjustments to their equipment levels.”
Mitsubishi
Outlander
Mitsubishi has dropped features on some grades of the Outlander SUV as running MY22.5 adjustments “to optimise supply”.
“Due to ongoing supply constraints and increasing material, manufacturing and logistical costs, Mitsubishi Motors Australia has adjusted certain Outlander models’ standard specification for the 22.5 model year,” the company said in its media release.
“This decision was taken to optimise production and minimise supply delays for Outlander customers.”
The Outlander ES has lost one-touch up/down windows for all windows besides the driver’s window, the Outlander LS has lost its power tailgate, and the Outlander Aspire has lost its digital instrument cluster for a 7.0-inch multi-function display with analogue gauges.
Mitsubishi Australia says the first MY22.5 vehicles are due in showrooms from April 2022.
MORE: Mitsubishi Outlander: MY22.5 changes see equipment dropped on lower grades
Mini
3-Door Hatch, 5-Door Hatch, Clubman and Convertible
Mini has temporarily paused production of six-speed manual transmission as supply chain issues worsen.
At this stage production is scheduled to resume in early 2023, according to a Mini Australia spokesperson.
“The semiconductor supply bottleneck has impacted the availability of individual vehicle equipment options for certain Mini models,” said a Mini Australia spokesperson in a statement.
“This issue has been compounded by the Russia/Ukraine crisis, which is restricting the supply of wiring harness produced in factories in Ukraine.”
“The ‘6 speed manual’ transmission has not been deleted from our product offer, however clients wanting to order a vehicle with this specification, will be looking at a production date early next year.”
“We expect the situation to improve by early next year, possibly sooner.”
Six-speed manuals are currently available across the 3-Door Hatch, 5-Door Hatch, Clubman and Convertible models.
The only models without a manual transmission option locally are the Countryman SUV, John Cooper Works Clubman, and the Mini Electric Hatch.
MORE: Mini pausing production of manual transmissions until 2023
Peugeot
3008 and 5008
- Focal premium sound system
- Wireless charger (June 2022 onwards)
- Power tailgate (August 2022 onwards)
“Despite our continuous effort to deliver our customers the best possible experience, and in order to help minimise the impact on vehicle availability, there has been an adjustment in the specification of the MY22 Peugeot 3008 and 5008 range,” said a Peugeot Citroen Australia spokesperson in a statement.
“From June arrival onwards, all variants of the Peugeot 3008 and 5008 ranges will not include wireless charging and from August arrival onwards, all variants of the Peugeot 3008 and Peugeot 5008 ranges will not include the electric tailgate.”
A Peugeot Citroen Australia spokesperson confirmed there’s no retrofit solution available for either of these features.
They also encouraged customers to speak with their local Peugeot retailer about the specifics of their 3008 and 5008 order.
MORE: 2022 Peugeot 3008, 5008 lose Focal sound system due to shortages
MORE: Peugeot 3008, 5008 lose more features
Expert
Peugeot Australia has removed side thorax airbags from its Expert mid-sized van for the MY22 model year due to semiconductor shortages.
This change excludes the Limited Edition Expert Sport variant.
It has also deleted adaptive cruise cruise control and replace it with a simpler passive cruise control system.
At the same time, it also increased the Expert’s pricing for MY22 by between $1950 and $2250 over the equivalent MY21 range.
“The global automotive industry faces an exceptional situation with the accumulation of the health crisis and a worldwide shortage of semiconductors,” said a Peugeot release.
“Our global teams are mobilised to drive our manufacturing activity in this unstable context, and we need to adapt accordingly.
“Despite our continuous effort to deliver our customers the best possible experience, and in order to help minimise the impact on vehicle availability, there has been an adjustment in specification of the MY22 Peugeot Expert LCV range.”
MORE: Peugeot van loses side airbags due to chip shortage
Polestar
Polestar 2
Polestar has removed its Pixel LED headlights and cornering lights from the option list of its Polestar 2 high-riding electric hatchback as a result of the semiconductor chip shortage.
These were included as part of the optional $5000 Pilot Pack.
The pack has now been renamed to Pilot Lite and has had its price reduced to $3400.
“We are reviewing all existing orders and identifying those affected. We will contact affected customers directly from week commencing 14 March 2022 to inform them of the feature change and compensation,” said a Polestar Australia spokesperson.
“We continue to work to mitigate the impact of the global semiconductor shortage on our production, and to prioritise semiconductors in the best way we can.”
The spokesperson said there are no other spec changes to announce for the Polestar 2’s inaugural model year, and that there’s no timeframe for when the upgraded lighting will return.
Models can’t be retrofitted with the Pixel LED lights.
Polestar confirm there are cars already in Australia or in transit that aren’t affected by this change.
All Polestar 2 models will now use full-LED headlights with automatic high-beam, however the Pilot Lite pack still bundles in LED fog lights albeit with no cornering function.
MORE: Polestar 2 temporarily losing feature due to chip shortage
Renault
A spokesperson for Renault’s local distributor Ateco confirmed the automaker has temporarily removed certain features from the Captur and Arkana SUVs.
“Like every OEM currently, Renault has also been impacted by the global semi-conductor shortages and, as a result, has made temporary adjustments to our local specifications,” said an Ateco spokesperson in a statement.
Captur
- Electric folding mirrors
- Arkamys Auditorium 3D six-speaker sound system instead of Bose nine-speaker sound system
Arkana
- Electric folding mirrors
MORE: Renault: The latest changes due to semiconductor shortages
Skoda
Scala
The 2022 Skoda Scala will temporarily not be available with active assist features such as blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert due to semiconductor shortages.
These features are usually standard on the top-of-the-range 110TSI Signature, and available as part of an option package on the 110TSI Ambition and 110TSI Monte Carlo.
The Skoda premium sound system temporarily isn’t available as part of the Travel Pack for the 110TSI Monte Carlo due to the same semiconductor-related issue.
Once supplies of semiconductors and components improves, Skoda Australia has confirmed these features will return to the Scala.
For now, a Skoda Australia spokesperson has said they expect the restored specifications to return by the 2023 model year change, which is around June 2022.
MORE: Multiple Skoda models lose features, owners credited
Kamiq
Skoda Australia has confirmed blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert remain temporarily unavailable due to semiconductor shortages, as previously reported. Affected vehicle customers will receive a $350 discount.
The 110TSI Monte Carlo with the optional Travel Pack still misses out on blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, as well as the Skoda sound system due to semiconductor shortages. Affected vehicle customers will receive an $800 discount.
Monte Carlo and Signature models produced from April onwards regain full LED headlights with Skoda’s Adaptive Front Light System and cornering functionality, but without front dynamic indicators.
MORE: 2022 Skoda Kamiq 85TSI returns to Australian range
Octavia
The 2022 Skoda Octavia will temporarily not be available with features such as semi-autonomous parking assist and a range of Canton premium sound systems due to semiconductor shortages.
Semi-autonomous parking assist comes as part of the Premium Pack for the Octavia 180TSI RS and Canton premium sound systems feature on the Tech Pack for the Octavia 110TSI Style and the Premium Pack for the Octavia 180TSI RS.
Once supplies of semiconductors and components improves, Skoda Australia has confirmed these features will return to the Octavia.
For now, a Skoda Australia spokesperson has said they expect the restored specifications to return by the 2023 model year change, which is around June 2022.
MORE: Multiple Skoda models lose features, owners credited
Overseas model shown
Superb
The 2022 Skoda Superb 162TSI Style is currently not available with matrix LED headlights and the Superb 206TSI Sportline isn’t available with the 12-speaker Canton premium sound system due to semiconductor shortages.
Interestingly, the Superb 206TSI Sportline is still available with the matrix LED headlights though according to Skoda Australia’s website.
Once supplies of semiconductors improves, Skoda Australia has confirmed these features will return to the Superb.
For now, a Skoda Australia spokesperson has said they expect the restored specifications to return by the 2023 model year change, which is around June 2022.
MORE: Multiple Skoda models lose features, owners credited
Overseas model shown
Kodiaq
The 2022 Skoda Kodiaq will temporarily not be available with active assist features such as a surround-view camera (excluding RS), blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert due to semiconductor shortages.
The Kodiaq also won’t be available with the 12-speaker Canton premium sound system and electric child safety locks on the rear doors and windows.
These listed features have been standard on the Kodiaq RS and available as part of option packages on the Style and Sportline trims, and once supplies improve are expected to be again.
A Skoda Australia spokesperson confirmed these specification changes and said the Kodiaq will only be in de-specified form for “a few months”. Affected owners who have a Kodiaq on order are being credited at least $1100, as compensation.
The Skoda Australia spokesperson also said that the surround view camera will be returning to the Kodiaq sooner than expected. This means that fewer units have been affected.
Once supplies of semiconductors and components improves, Skoda Australia has confirmed these features will return to the Kodiaq.
MORE: Multiple Skoda models lose features, owners credited
Tesla
Model 3
CNBC reports that Tesla has removed one of the two electronic control units used in the steering racks of Chinese-made Model 3 and Model Y vehicles, which will prevent more sophisticated autonomous driving technology from being deployed over the air.
The news outlet spoke to two employees and says it’s seen internal correspondence advising of the change, which has already reportedly affected tens of thousands of vehicles shipped to markets including Australia.
All Model 3s sold in Australia are sourced from China, and the Model Y is set to follow suit.
The second control unit for the electric power-assisted steering is used mainly as a backup, and sources tell CNBC there are no safety issues.
The removal also reportedly won’t affect the operation of Autopilot or Full Self-Driving (FSD).
However, the control unit’s presence in Tesla models is to support the eventual rollout of Level 3 autonomous driving technology.
With the control unit gone, Tesla owners would reportedly have to have it retrofitted at a service centre to receive this technology update. This might also be required if there’s a more sophisticated update to FSD.
MORE: Tesla removes control unit due to chip shortage – report
Volkswagen
Arteon (from September 2022)
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Proactive occupant protection
Passat (from September 2022)
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Proactive occupant protection
Polo Style (from September 2022)
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Proactive occupant protection
T-Cross Style (from September 2022)
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Proactive occupant protection
T-Roc (excluding R) (from September 2022)
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Proactive occupant protection
Tiguan (excluding R) (from September 2022)
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Proactive occupant protection
- Power tailgate (optional instead)
Tiguan Allspace (from September 2022)
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Proactive occupant protection
- Power tailgate (optional instead)
Buyers of the above cars affected by the changes will be refunded (or have the purchase price cut by) between $550 and $1300. They’ll also be given the option to wait until vehicles start arriving with the missing kit.
MORE: Volkswagen removes features due to semiconductor shortages
Golf R
Volkswagen has temporarily removed the Harman Kardon premium sound system from the Golf R‘s standard feature list due to ongoing semiconductor shortages.
In doing so Volkswagen has cut the price of affected vehicles by $1000.
By making the feature an option, Volkswagen can thereby import “steady supply” of Golf Rs in the interim without the pumped-up audio system, instead using a less high-end audio setup.
“Initially both versions of the Golf R will be offered at the revised RRP without Harman Kardon, and with this sound system at $66,990 for the hatchback and $69,990 for the wagon,” said Volkswagen Passenger Vehicles brand director Michal Szaniecki.
“This and the choice of a sunroof are the only two options on the Mark 8 Golf R.”
A number of Golf Rs allocated to Australia have already been made with the Harman Kardon system, and will be once again following the present hiatus.
As this move is only temporary, making the sound system optional means the extant stock can go to those who’ll pay for the option.
MORE: 2022 Volkswagen Golf R prices cut – with a caveat
Overseas model shown
Tiguan R
Volkswagen is pre-emptively cutting the price of its upcoming mid-sized performance SUV.
The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan R will start at $68,990 before on-road costs, down $1000 from the previously announced price.
Volkswagen has made the Harman Kardon sound system an option, priced – appropriately enough – at $1000.
It follows an identical move by Volkswagen Australia with the redesigned Golf R, with chip shortages forcing the company to move the sound system to the option list or risk blowing out waiting times for buyers.
The company says no such shortage has been flagged for the Tiguan R but it’s aware of the possibility.
Like the Golf R hatch, the Tiguan R will launch locally in April but the company says the hotted-up mid-sized SUV “will not begin to be visible in showrooms until May or June along with Golf R wagons”.
The only other option, beyond the sound system, is a panoramic sunroof for $2000.
MORE: 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan R prices cut ahead of launch
Volvo
On the Volvo website it indicates that “some optional features may not be available” on vehicles in its line-up.
A Volvo Car Australia spokesperson said that the brand doesn’t have any models currently missing features due to semiconductor shortages but may in the future.
We’ll update this in the future if/when features become temporarily unavailable.
If features do become unavailable though, the Volvo spokesperson mentioned that affected owners would be taken care of. They also said that Volvo isn’t compromising on any of its safety equipment.
Volvo says you should contact your local dealer to get the most up-to-date information.
MORE: Staggering impact of semiconductor shortage on car industry revealed
