NHTSA Recall 18V427000: Inflator module (air bags)
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. reported this safety recall to NHTSA on , covering an estimated 237,947 vehicles. It affects 7 models including the Audi A4.
| NHTSA campaign | 18V427000 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer campaign | 69R7 |
| Component | AIR BAGS › FRONTAL › PASSENGER SIDE › INFLATOR MODULE |
| Report received | June 22, 2018 |
| Owner notification | June 29, 2018 |
| Initiated by | NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation |
Defect
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2005-2008 Audi A4 Sedan, A4 Avant, S4 Avant and S4 Sedan, 2007-2008 RS4 Sedan, 2004 RS4 Cabriolet, 2007-2009 A4 Cabriolet and S4 Cabriolet, 2005-2011 A6 Sedan, 2006-2011 A6 Avant, and 2007-2011 S6 Sedan vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Safety risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Audi has notified owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag with an alternate remedy part, free of charge. The recall began June 29, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69R7. Note: This recall supersedes recalls 16V382, 17V032 and 18V004 and includes vehicles that may have had their air bag previously replaced under one of those campaigns.
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 18V427000
| Make and model | Model years |
|---|---|
| Audi A4 | 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 |
| Audi A4 Cabriolet | 2007, 2008, 2009 |
| Audi A6 | 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 |
| Audi RS 4 | 2007, 2008 |
| Audi RS4 | 2004 |
| Audi S4 | 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 |
| Audi S6 | 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 |
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.