NHTSA Recall 18V082000: Inflator module (air bags)
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. reported this safety recall to NHTSA on , covering an estimated 162,782 vehicles. It affects 7 models including the Audi A3.
| NHTSA campaign | 18V082000 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer campaign | 69R6 |
| Component | AIR BAGS › FRONTAL › DRIVER SIDE › INFLATOR MODULE |
| Report received | January 30, 2018 |
| Owner notification | February 23, 2018 |
| Initiated by | NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation |
Defect
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2006-2013 Audi A3, 2007-2009 A4 Cabriolet and S4 Cabriolet, 2008 RS4 Cabriolet, 2009-2012 Q5, and 2010-2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet and S5 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
Safety risk
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 23, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69R6. Note: This recall partially supersedes recall 16V-078.
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 18V082000
| Make and model | Model years |
|---|---|
| Audi A3 | 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 |
| Audi A4 Cabriolet | 2007, 2008, 2009 |
| Audi A5 Cabriolet | 2010, 2011, 2012 |
| Audi Q5 | 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 |
| Audi RS 4 | 2008 |
| Audi S4 Cabriolet | 2009 |
| Audi S5 Cabriolet | 2010, 2011, 2012 |
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.