Volkswagen recalls Audi sedans over defective passenger airbags

Auburn Hills, MI – October 21, 2022 – Volkswagen (OTCMKTS:VWAGY), which owns the Audi brand, has issued a recall for 4,117 vehicles on account of incorrectly installed airbags on the front passenger side. The airbag may fail to deploy properly in the event of a collision, upping the risk of injury.

The recall covers the following models: 

  • 2022 Audi S3 sedan
  • 2022 Audi RS3 sedan
  • 2022 Audi A3 sedan 

Recall summary

When the vehicle experiences a frontal collision with sufficient force, the front passenger airbag is designed to inflate, preventing the passenger from hitting the windshield.  

In the affected vehicles, the airbag may not have been correctly folded before being placed into the airbag housing on the dashboard. Consequently, the airbag could tear when it deploys, preventing it from inflating properly.

Recall risks

If the airbag tears when it deploys, it may not inflate properly, augmenting the risk of injury to the passenger. 

Other Audi recalls

In April 2022, Volkswagen issued a recall for 26,053 Audi vehicles over an engine issue. The turbocharger on the affected vehicles could be clogged by contaminants and eventually break, causing the engine to lose power and increasing the risk of a crash.   

In December 2021, Audi and Volkswagen agreed to pay $42 million as a settlement to owners whose vehicles were outfitted with defective airbags from Takata. This resulted from a class action lawsuit filed in 2014 against the two automakers, and all vehicles involved were part of the massive Takata airbag recall spanning about 100 million airbags worldwide. 

Repair

Dealers will replace the front-passenger airbag module with one that contains a properly folded airbag. There will be no charge for this replacement. Affected owners will be notified on or around October 28, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 4,000 vehicles are included in this Audi airbag recall. To see if your vehicle is affected, run an Audi recall check using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.  

Joseph EstabilloVolkswagen recalls Audi sedans over defective passenger airbags

Volkswagen recalls hatchbacks that may overheat and catch fire

Auburn Hills, MI – October 2, 2022 – Volkswagen (OTCMKTS:VWAGY) is recalling 8,038 cars that may develop a coolant leak. This could cause the engine to overheat and, in some cases, even lead to a fire. This increases the risk of injury and even death for the car occupants.

Models affected by this recall include: 

  • 2022 –2023 Volkswagen Golf R A8
  • 2022 –2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI

Recall summary  

Coolant, also known as antifreeze, is a liquid which helps regulate the temperature of the engine.

At the same time, the radiator is a “heat exchanger” which disperses the coolant and helps protect the engine from overheating.

In affected cars, the radiator might have been installed incorrectly during assembly and may become loose. If this happens, the coolant hose that connects it to the engine might come in contact with the engine’s auxiliary belt, which rotates at a speed. This may rupture the hose, causing a coolant leak.  

Recall risks

A loss of coolant, when severe enough, will cause the engine to overheat. If the driver ignores the increase in the engine temperature, the vehicle may stall or even catch fire. Read about the risks of an engine fire here.

The coolant is also slippery and when spilled on the road in large quantities, can up the risk of an accident for surrounding motorists.

Warning signs

A red warning light will pop up on the dashboard if the coolant drops below a certain level.  

Other Volkswagen recalls

Earlier this month, Volkswagen recalled Audi vehicles due to fuel spill risk, as reported.

There was a Volkswagen Golf recall in March over loose engine covers which could lead to a fire, also as reported.

Repair

Dealers will check how the radiator is mounted and secure it into place if needed. If the radiator is loose, they will also check the coolant hose and auxiliary belt and replace them if any damage is found. This repair is free of charge. 

Owners will receive letters with more information about the recall on November 18, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 8,000 hot hatches are being recalled over these Volkswagen Golf radiator issues. To do a Volkswagen recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool

Bojan PopicVolkswagen recalls hatchbacks that may overheat and catch fire

Volkswagen recalls Audi SUVs over fuel spill risk

Auburn Hills, MI – September 24, 2022 – Volkswagen (OTCMKTS:VWAGY) has issued a recall for 13,004 2021-2022 Audi Q3 SUVs due to a problem with the fuel tank vent pipe. A damaged vent pipe could lead to fuel spills and make it difficult to refuel the car.

The recall comes on the back of 192 warranty claims.

Recall summary

The vent pipe serves to relieve the internal pressure in the fuel tank when it is full.

In the affected vehicles, the vent pipe may have been damaged during assembly, allowing fuel to enter it. When pressure builds within the tank, this fuel could rise toward the fuel tank opening on the outside of the vehicle.

The component involved in this recall is the fuel tank, with part number 5QF 201 021 MD.

Recall risks

When the filler cap is opened, fuel might spill out, increasing the risk of injury. Fuel getting into the vent pipe could also cause the fuel pump to click off too early during refueling, which means the tank will not be completely filled.

 Other Volkswagen Audi recalls 

Previous Audi Q3 recalls for the 2022 model year addressed issues with the rearview camera image.

In April 2022, Volkswagen recalled 26,053 Audi vehicles over potential loss of engine power, as reported.

In August 2022, Volkswagen also recalled 49,443 Audi Q7 and Q8 SUVs over malfunctioning fuel pumps that could lead to incorrect fuel pressure, rough engine operation or fuel pump failure and stalling.  

Repair

Dealers will inspect the fuel system on the affected vehicles and, if necessary, replace the fuel tank and charcoal canister free of charge. Affected owners will be notified on or around November 4, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 13,000 Audi vehicles are affected by this Audi fuel tank recall. To see if your vehicle is included, run an Audi recall check using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloVolkswagen recalls Audi SUVs over fuel spill risk

Volkswagen recalls SUVs that may stall while driving

Auburn Hills, MI August 7, 2022 – Volkswagen (OTCMKTS:VWAGY), which owns the Audi brand, is recalling 49,443 SUVs whose fuel pumps may malfunction. This causes various running issues, including engine stalling, which increases the risk of an injury in the event of an accident.

Vehicles affected by this recall include: 

  • 2020 – 2021 Audi Q7
  • 2029 – 2021 Audi Q8

Recall Summary  

Listed SUVs have a fuel delivery module within the tank that transfers the gasoline towards the engine. In affected vehicles, a component inside this module may fall apart and damage the pressure sensor within the module. This results in incorrect fuel pressure, causing the engine to run rough or even preventing it from starting. In some cases, the fuel pump may fail resulting in the vehicle stall.

The component causing this recall is the fuel delivery module made by Vitesco Technologies, with part numbers 4M0919087F or 4M0919087G.   

Warning signs

Apart from the engine running issues, drivers may notice an “Emission control system” warning on the dashboard. 

Recall risks

A stalled car could get hit by faster-moving traffic, increasing the risk of an injury. 

Other Audi recalls

Some of these vehicles may have been affected by one of the Audi A8 recalls from May 2021, caused by a collapsing rear suspension.  

In addition, Audi is one of the car makers that has been facing a number of issues and consequent recalls caused by Takata airbags

Repair

Dealers will replace the fuel delivery module on affected vehicles with an improved version, whose design makes it resilient to pressure variations. This repair is free of charge. 

Notifications to vehicle owners will be sent on September 16, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Audi fuel pump recall affects almost 50,000 SUVs. To do a Volkswagen or Audi recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicVolkswagen recalls SUVs that may stall while driving

Volkswagen issues recall over rearview camera malfunction

Auburn Hills, MI – July 30, 2022 – Volkswagen (OTCMKTS:VWAGY) is recalling 43,091 vehicles with an infotainment system that may not display the rearview camera image. This reduces rear visibility for the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.

The vehicles included in this Volkswagen rearview camera recall are:

  • 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI
  • 2021 Volkswagen Jetta GLI
  • 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan PA
  • 2021 Volkswagen Jetta NF
  • 2022 Volkswagen Jetta PA
  • 2021 Volkswagen Arteon FL
  • 2022 Volkswagen Taos
  • 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan LWB
  • 2021 – 2022 Volkswagen Atlas FL
  • 2021 – 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

Recall summary

The infotainment system in the subject vehicles may fail to display the rearview image. The failure is caused by a problem in the manufacturing process involving the installation of a memory chip.

The component in question is the MIB3 Radio, with part numbers 3G5035842 and 3G5035842A.

Recall risks

The issue increases the risk of a crash, as reported.

Other recent Volkswagen recalls

The current recall follows one from late 2020 that affected many of the same vehicles. That recall also involved rearview cameras failing to display on the infotainment system but appeared to be caused by a different issue.

In mid-July, Volkswagen recalled nearly 30,000 vehicles with exploding airbags. The airbag inflator can absorb moisture and lead to either a slow deploy or rupture during a crash. The issue was attributed to a manufacturing fault.

One of the most notable Volkswagen recalls this year was in early April. It included the 2021 – 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan and 2022 Volkswagen Taos SUVs over suspension that may break and reduce steering control.

Repair

To address this Volkswagen software issue, dealers will update the infotainment software of the affected vehicles at no cost to the owners. Notifications will be sent to owners by September 17, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 40,000 vehicles are included in this Volkswagen recall. To perform a Volkswagen Jetta recall check or a check on any other vehicle, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Senamile NkosiVolkswagen issues recall over rearview camera malfunction

Volkswagen recalls vehicles with exploding airbags

Auburn Hills, MI  – July 17, 2022 – Volkswagen (OTCMKTS:VWAGY), which owns the Audi brand, is recalling 28,624 sedans over an issue with airbags made by Takata. These airbags may either explode and propel metal fragments toward passengers or fail to inflate as intended. Both situations increase the risk of an injury during a crash.

This recall comes on the heels of an ongoing U.S government investigation, which has seen over 2.5 million vehicles being recalled so far. It is, however, different from the much larger Takata airbag recalls which are caused by a different type of inflator.

This latest recall covers the following models:

  • 1998 Audi A8
  • 1997 – 1998 Audi A4

Recall summary

Because of a manufacturing issue, the airbag inflator can absorb moisture. This can cause it to either deploy slowly during a crash or rupture and send metal shards flying toward vehicle occupants. 

The component behind this recall is the “the driver airbag inflator” with part numbers 4B0.951.403 and 4B0.951.403 A. 

Different Takata issues, same risks

Even though this recall is technically different from the “much larger and ongoing Takata airbag recall” – which has resulted in at least 28 deaths and 400 injuries – it presents the same risks.

The difference stems from the type of inflator which is used in these airbags. The inflator which is responsible for deploying this particular type of bag is called the Non-Azide Driver Airbag Inflator (NADI). Unlike the Phase Stabilized Ammonium Nitrate (PSAN) – which is considered a “highly combustible and unstable chemical”  – NADI inflators were deemed generally safe until 2019.

However, that year, Takata issued a recall for NADI inflators saying that they too had the potential to rupture and hurt car occupants with metal shrapnel. 

So far, the issue has resulted in at least two deaths and several serious injuries and has caused nine recalls across five different manufactures, including this one. 

It is also subject to an ongoing National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) investigation. 

Recall risks

Improperly inflating airbags can provide insufficient cushioning during a crash, and exploding airbags may send shrapnel into the cabin. Either problem could result in injury or death.

Background of this recall

The Audi A8 and Audi A4 recalled cars should have been included in a larger 2020 recall, but were omitted due to a “clerical error.”

Other Volkswagen and Audi recalls

This recall is similar to previous Volkswagen Takata airbag recalls. Some newer Audi models have also suffered from airbag failures, although this issue has a different cause.

The repair

Dealers will replace suspected airbag inflators with updated ones. This repair will be free of charge. Audi has already notified affected owners of the recall. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Audi airbag recall affects more than 20,000 vehicles. To do a Volkswagen recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicVolkswagen recalls vehicles with exploding airbags

Volkswagen recalls SUVs with fly-away spoilers

Auburn Hills, MI – April 16, 2022 – Volkswagen (OTCMKTS:VWAGY) is recalling 6,553 SUVs whose tailgate spoilers may separate and fly off the car while driving. This creates a road hazard for other motorists, increasing the risk of injury.  

The recall includes the following cars:

  • 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan
  • 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan
  • 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan
  • 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan
  • 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan

Recall summary  

SUVs from this Volkswagen recall have spoilers on their tailgate hatches, held in place with adhesive strips. These external plastic trim pieces improve the appearance of the car by giving them a slicker look, as reported.

On affected vehicles, the adhesive may not be strong enough, causing the spoiler to detach while driving at higher speeds.  

The component in question is the rear hatch spoiler, with part numbers 5NA-071-644–C9A and 5NA-071-644–C9X.

Warning signs   

Drivers may notice that the spoiler is loose or out of place if the adhesive strip starts to let go.  

Recall risks

If the spoiler detaches from the vehicle at speed, it can hit other vehicles or nearby pedestrians as it flies through the air.  Furthermore, this fly-away object may land on the road and become an obstacle for other vehicles, forcing them to avoid it with quick maneuvers. 

Other Volkswagen recalls

Owners should be aware of a recent recall that could affect some of these 2021–2022 Volkswagen Tiguans. The cause is the rear suspension that may break and lead to a crash

The repair

As there is no reliable way to inspect if spoilers are attached adequately, dealers will replace them on all affected vehicles free of charge. Notifications to vehicle owners will be sent on June 3, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Volkswagen Tiguan recall affects more than 5,000 vehicles. To do a Tiguan spoiler check and see if your SUV is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicVolkswagen recalls SUVs with fly-away spoilers

Volkswagen recalls Audis for loss of engine power

Auburn Hills, MI – April 1, 2022 – Volkswagen  (OTCMKTS:VWAGY) has issued a recall for 26,053 vehicles due to the loss of power because of an engine issue. 

This recall comes on the heels of a U.S. government investigation and covers the following models:

  • 2013 Audi A8
  • 2014 Audi A8
  • 2015 Audi A8
  • 2016 Audi A8
  • 2017 Audi A8
  • 2013 Audi S6 
  • 2014 Audi S6 
  • 2015 Audi S6 
  • 2016 Audi S6 
  • 2017 Audi S6 
  • 2013 – 2017 Audi S6 
  • 2013 – 2017 Audi S7 
  • 2013 – 2017 Audi S8
  • 2014 – 2017 Audi RS7

Recall summary

Turbocharger is a device that is fitted on the engine to improve its performance and fuel efficiency. There are bearings inside the turbocharger that are essential to its operation as they allow the charger to spin at high speeds, increasing the vehicle’s power output. The bearings must be sufficiently lubricated by an oil supply system so they can withstand extremely high temperatures and pressures produced as a result of the turbocharger operation. 

The strainer used by the supply system to keep impurities can become clogged by “carbon deposits” and other contaminants present in the oil. When this happens, it can deprive bearings of lubrication, causing them to wear out faster than usual. It is not clear why this is occurring.

Recall risks


This defect can cause the turbocharger to break. This can cut off power to the engine and result in the vehicle stalling, which increases the risk of a crash. 

Warning signs

Warning messages such as the malfunction indicator light (MIL), low oil warning light or electronic power control (EPC) may flash on the dashboard. Customers may also notice “extended cranking or rough idling.”  

Background of the recall

This recall is a result of an investigation by the U.S. auto safety regulator, the National Transportation Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA), launched a year ago on the back of 58 complaints and a number of field reports alleging a sudden stall while driving. Some of the complaints allege that the car was not able to be restarted after losing power. Several drivers mentioned that repairs ran them in tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars.

The repair

Volkswagen will reimburse owners who have already incurred repair expenses arising from the defect while dealers will replace the defective oil strainer for the turbocharger and perform an oil change. All repairs will be done free of charge.

Affected owners will be notified by May 20, 2022. 

Other Audi recalls 

There was an Audi RS6 recall earlier this month due to fuel gauges that could show an inaccurate fuel level, which could lead to the car running out of gas and a stall, as reported. The recall included more than 45,000 RS6 and other vehicles, such as RS7, also as reported.

A recall was issued for more than 280,000 Audi vehicles in December 2021 over due to the loss of control due to premature tire wear, as reported.

Volkswagen also recalled more than 40,000 Audi models in May 2021 over the suspension system which could potentially break, compromising the vehicle’s control.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 26,000 vehicles are included in this Audi turbocharger recall. To see if your vehicle is part of this Audi recall,  use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.  

Joseph EstabilloVolkswagen recalls Audis for loss of engine power

Volkswagen recalls SUVs over risk of steering loss

Auburn Hills, FL – April 1, 2022 – Volkswagen (OTCMKTS:VWAGY) has recalled 10,119 compact and subcompact SUVs, whose rear suspensions may break. This may reduce steering control, increasing the risk of a crash and injury.

Vehicles affected by this recall include:  

  • 2021 – 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan
  • 2022 Volkswagen Taos

Recall summary  

This Volkswagen recall concerns the suspension knuckle at the rear underside of the car, which holds the rear wheels straight. As a result of a manufacturing error, this metal linkage may corrode and subsequently snap under load.  If that happens, it would significantly offset the wheel alignment, affecting the driver’s ability to steer. 

The faulty component is the rear suspension knuckle, with part numbers 5QN 505 435A/436A for Tiguan and 5QM 505 435C/436C for Taos. 

Recall risks

A broken rear suspension knuckle affects the car’s behavior on the road and may result in a loss of steering. This increases the risk of a crash and injury for its occupants, other motorists and nearby pedestrians. 

Other Volkswagen recalls

Some of these vehicles may be affected by a Volkswagen Taos recall from September 2021 caused by the risk of stalling. The same month, over 16,000 of 2022 Taos vehicles were recalled due to the risk of fire.

The last major Volkswagen Tiguan recall took place in November 2020, when over 32,000 Tiguan, Jetta, Atlas and Arteon vehicles were recalled due to non-functional backup cameras.

The repair

Dealers will check both rear knuckles and replace them if needed. Notifications to vehicle owners will be sent on May 20, 2022. All repairs will be free of charge.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Volkswagen recall affects more than 10,000 SUVs. To do a Volkswagen recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicVolkswagen recalls SUVs over risk of steering loss

Volkswagen is recalling hatchbacks over fire risk

Auburn Hills, FL – March 31, 2022 – Volkswagen (OTCMKTS:VWAGY), has recalled 4,269 cars because the engine cover may become loose. This can cause a fire inside the engine bay, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. Vehicles that are a part of this recall include:  

  • 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI
  • 2022 Volkswagen Golf R

Recall summary  

Both these vehicles have a plastic cover design cover over their engines, whose purpose is to improve the engine compartment appearance and reduce noise. During harsh accelerations and similar high-speed maneuvers, this cover might become loose and come in contact with hot engine components

The component that is causing the recall is the Engine design cover with part number 06Q-103-925-K. 

Recall risks

The engine cover can melt if it comes in contact with hot engine components. This can cause a fire inside the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a crash and injury

Warning signs

With the hood up, drivers could notice the engine cover is out of its position. Additionally, the smell of burning plastic may be present if the cover touches hot components. 

Other Volkswagen Golf recalls

This is the only recall that is affecting these particular vehicles. Still, owners should keep an eye on airbag issues as these already caused several recalls

The repair

Volkswagen is designing an upgraded engine cover. To prevent any hazardous situations in the meanwhile, dealers will remove the current covers from affected vehicles. Notifications to vehicle owners will be sent on May 13, 2022.

Once the new engine cover is available, owners will be called back into the service to have them fitted to their vehicles.  All repairs will be free of charge.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Volkswagen Golf engine cover recall affects more than 4,000 vehicles. To do a Volkswagen recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicVolkswagen is recalling hatchbacks over fire risk