A Stellantis SQA audit at your facility verifies compliance across multiple dimensions: IATF 16949 baseline, Stellantis customer-specific requirements (CSRs), Global 8D format usage, TSV response cycle documentation, and evidence of process adherence in recent supplier quality events. Preparation is not paperwork exercise. Auditors look for evidence of process usage, not just process existence.
This guide covers what SQA auditors examine, common findings, and how Tier 1 suppliers prepare effectively. For scoping calls, contact IDS at 905-260-2388.
What SQA Auditors Actually Examine
1. IATF 16949 Certification Current
Baseline verification. Certificate must be current, scope must cover the applicable production processes, and any nonconformances from IATF audits must be addressed with corrective action evidence.
2. Stellantis Customer-Specific Requirements Documentation
Auditors review the supplier's documented understanding and adherence to Stellantis CSRs. Suppliers experienced with GM SPQS or Ford Q1 often miss Stellantis-specific requirements without dedicated CSR review.
3. Recent 8D Reports in Stellantis Global 8D Format
Auditors sample recent 8D submissions and examine format adherence, D5 and D6 discipline, verification data quality, and read-across analysis completeness. See 8D reports customers actually accept.
4. TSV Response Cycle Documentation
Auditors review recent TSVs, response acknowledgment timing, on-site presence documentation, containment plan submissions, and closure verification data. Pattern misses trigger elevated audit scrutiny. See Stellantis TSV playbook.
5. PPAP Submission Records
Auditors sample recent PPAP submissions to Stellantis for boundary sample completeness, control plan detail, capability data quality, and customer-specific requirement references.
6. Launch Support Evidence
For suppliers on active launches, auditors review pre-SOP through first-30-days launch support documentation including GP-12 equivalent containment activation, daily customer communication logs, and issue triage records.
Common Audit Findings
- D5 corrective action too shallow or D6 verification data too thin in recent 8D reports
- Missing Stellantis customer-specific requirement references in PPAP or 8D documentation
- TSV response cycle time miss patterns without root cause analysis
- Read-across analysis absent in 8D reports for shared platform or shared program components
- IATF nonconformance corrective action gaps from prior audits not closed
- Boundary sample documentation incomplete for shared components across multiple Stellantis brand programs (Ram, Jeep, Dodge, Chrysler)
30 to 60 Day Preparation Timeline
Days 60 to 45 Before Audit
- Sample recent 8D reports and review against Stellantis Global 8D format
- Compile TSV response cycle data for the last 6 to 12 months
- Verify IATF 16949 certification current and nonconformance corrective actions closed
Days 45 to 30 Before Audit
- Complete internal 8D format review and refresh training if gaps identified
- Review Stellantis customer-specific requirements documentation and refresh where needed
- Compile PPAP submission records with boundary sample and control plan detail
Days 30 to 7 Before Audit
- Run internal mock audit against SQA audit protocol
- Address any identified gaps with corrective action documentation
- Prepare audit-day logistics: meeting rooms, document access, key personnel availability
Audit Day
- Have key personnel available: quality manager, engineering manager, launch manager, program manager
- Provide requested documentation promptly with organized access
- Take detailed notes on any findings for post-audit corrective action planning
Post-Audit Corrective Action
SQA audit findings require documented corrective action within Stellantis specified windows. Weak post-audit response elevates future audit scrutiny and can affect Stellantis supplier scorecard position.