NHTSA Recall 18V370000: Occupant classification (air bags)
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. reported this safety recall to NHTSA on , covering an estimated 139,249 vehicles. It affects 5 models including the Audi A6.
| NHTSA campaign | 18V370000 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer campaign | 74D5 |
| Component | AIR BAGS › SENSOR › OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION |
| Report received | June 4, 2018 |
| Owner notification | November 29, 2018 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Defect
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Audi S6 and S7, 2012-2018 A7 and A6 Sedan, and 2014-2018 RS7 vehicles equipped with basic seats (with or without heating). Stress or wear of the body-sensing mat within the front passenger seat may cause the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) control module to malfunction.
Safety risk
If the PODS module malfunctions, the front passenger air bag may not deploy properly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a PODS system repair kit, free of charge. The recall began November 29, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 74D5.
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 18V370000
| Make and model | Model years |
|---|---|
| Audi A6 | 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 |
| Audi A7 | 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 |
| Audi RS 7 | 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 |
| Audi S6 | 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 |
| Audi S7 | 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 |
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.