NHTSA Recall 15V823000: Occupant classification (air bags)
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. reported this safety recall to NHTSA on , covering an estimated 21,074 vehicles. It affects 2 models including the Audi A6.
| NHTSA campaign | 15V823000 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer campaign | 74D1 |
| Component | AIR BAGS › SENSOR › OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION |
| Report received | December 8, 2015 |
| Owner notification | February 5, 2016 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Defect
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Audi A6 vehicles manufactured March 28, 2011, to March 25, 2013, and 2012-2013 Audi A7 vehicles manufactured January 25, 2011, to March 19, 2013. In vehicles with heated and cooled seats, the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS), used to enable the front passenger air bags, may malfunction and prevent the passenger-side air bags from deploying in a crash.
Safety risk
An air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of occupant injury in a crash.
Remedy
Volkswagen will notify owners, and Audi dealers will install a PODS system repair kit, free of charge. The recall began on February 5, 2016. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 74D1.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Vehicles covered by recall 15V823000
Being listed here means the campaign covers the model year, not that every car was built with the defect or is still unrepaired. Enter your VIN above to check your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are free at authorised dealers. Source: NHTSA, October 2026.