Approximately 106,000 Audi A4, A6, and A8 sedans and Audi TT coupes and convertibles from the 1998 through 2001 model years have been recalled to replace dangerous Takata driver’s-side airbags that can cause serious or fatal injuries to vehicle occupants.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, these airbags may allow too much moisture in, which could cause the airbags to deploy without enough force or with too much force to protect occupants in a crash. Both situations could cause serious injuries and death.
The Takata airbags in this recall are of a different design from those included in a
larger recall of Takata airbags made between 2002 and 2015.
The airbags in these Audis have what are called non-azide driver frontal airbag inflators (NADI). They were produced until Aug. 21, 1999.
NHTSA also says the inflators used in the recalled Audi vehicles are of a different type from those installed in recently recalled vehicles from
Acura,
BMW,
Honda,
Isuzu,
Mitsubishi, and
Toyota, and it “does not have any indication of inflator ruptures in the field or in test environments” for the NADI inflators used specifically in Audi vehicles.
BMW has already issued a recall for certain older vehicles with NADI inflators, including some that should not be driven.
Acura, Honda, Isuzu, Mitsubishi, and Toyota have also issued recalls for vehicles with these inflators.
In a written statement, NHTSA said that Audi is unable to trace cars with the problem part, so the automaker is recalling all vehicles that may have had these faulty inflators installed.
Dealers will check the recalled cars to determine whether they need their driver’s-side airbag inflators replaced.
Replacement parts are not immediately available, according to NHTSA. The agency says it is unclear when owners will be able to get their vehicles repaired.
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