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

Volkswagen recalls Atlas SUVs with faulty airbags

Auburn Hills, MI – March 27, 2022 – Volkswagen (OTCMKTS:VWAGY) is recalling 222,892 midsize SUVs, whose airbags may deploy with a delay during a crash, increasing the risk of an injury. This recall affects the following vehicles:  

  • 2019 – 2020 Volkswagen Atlas 
  • 2021 – 2023 Volkswagen Atlas FL
  • 2021 – 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport 

Recall summary  

The recalled vehicles have a wiring harness that goes from the vehicle’s body to its front doors and connects to a variety of components, including  side airbags. 

Due to a supplier error, the harness was not fitted properly, causing it to move slightly under vibration. Over time, this can lead to corrosion, which cause a delay in the deployment of the front side airbags in the event of a “side impact crash.

Recall risks

Delayed airbag deployment ups the risk of an injury. 

Warning signs

The airbag warning light may come on in the event of a malfunction.

Since the corrosion of the harness may also affect other components that are “plugged into” it, the driver may also see “inadvertent rolling down windows, inadvertent park brake engagement” and receive a warning about a “faulty door sensor.”

Other Volkswagen recalls

Some of the model-years involved in this recall may also have been affected by another airbag recall in December, as reported. The recalled vehicles’ airbags were at risk of the airbags accidentally deploying due to a water leak.

Over 45,000 Audi sedans were just recalled due to a manufacturing defect which causes their fuel level indicators to display an inaccurate reading. This may lead to a stall while in traffic, as reported.

The repair

The remedy is currently under development. Notifications to vehicle owners will be sent by May 10, 2022. All repairs will be free of charge.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

These Volkswagen electrical issues are affecting more than 200,000 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 Atlas SUVs with faulty airbags

Volkswagen recalls Audi sedans with inaccurate fuel gauges

Auburn Hills, MI – March 27, 2022 – Volkswagen (OTCMKTS:VWAGY), which owns the Audi brand, is recalling 45,789 sedans whose fuel gauges may show incorrect fuel levels. This may lead to the vehicles stalling as a result of fuel starvation, increasing the risk of a crash and injury.

Vehicles affected by this recall include:  

  • 2019 – 2021 Audi A6
  • 2019 – 2021 Audi A7
  • 2020 – 2021 Audi S6
  • 2020 – 2021 Audi S7
  • 2021 Audi RS6
  • 2021 Audi RS7

Recall summary  

Vehicles that are a part of this Audi recall have the so-called fuel level sender units inside their gasoline tanks, which float on the gasoline to measure its level. Due to a supplier error, the senders may have been fitted incorrectly, causing them to get stuck in a certain position. If that happens, the cars’ fuel level indicator will show an incorrect reading.

As the driver will not be aware of the actual amount of fuel in the tank, the car may run out of gas. 

The affected component is the fuel level sender with part number 4K0 919 047. 

Recall risks

The vehicle will stall once it runs out of fuel, which can be dangerous when it happens while driving. The danger is even greater if it happens in high-speed traffic, as a stalled car could get hit by faster-moving vehicles. 

Warning signs

During longer trips, drivers may notice that fuel levels and predicted range remain unchanged, despite covering multiple miles. 

Other Volkswagen recalls

Owners should be aware of the most recent Audi A6 recall from February this year, due to a potential loss of control because of premature tire wear. The recall also included A4, A5 and Q5 vehicles, as reported.

Apart from that, there was an Audi RS6 recall in May 2021 caused by broken suspension. The recall included over 40,000 of other vehicles, as reported.

The repair

Dealers will fix this problem by replacing the fuel level sender with a redesigned one free of charge. Notifications to vehicle owners will be sent on May 13, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Audi fuel gauge issue is affecting more than 40,000 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 Audi sedans with inaccurate fuel gauges

Porsche recalls vehicles with inaccessible child seat anchors

Atlanta, GA  – March 6, 2022 – Porsche (OTCMKTS:POAHY) has recalled 5,305 luxury electric cars with a wiring issue that may prevent rear child seats from being adequately restrained. This increases the risk of an injury to the child in that seat in the event of an accident.

Vehicles affected by this recall include: 

  • 2020 Porsche Taycan
  • 2021 Porsche Taycan

Recall summary  

All vehicles affected by this recall are equipped with an optional rear center seat. Due to a supplier error, the wiring that goes underneath the seat may interfere with the anchoring point for the child seat, preventing it from locking properly.  

Recall risks

The seat may snap out of its anchoring points during a crash. If that happens, the child in the seat may get injured. 

Warning signs

If the wiring is blocking the anchoring point on the rear seat, the person fitting the child seat into the vehicle may notice it does not lock into position.  

Different ways of securing the child seat

There are two ways of securing a child seat. The one that is affected by this recall is known as the so-called  lower anchors and tethers for children system (LATCH) system. Even though the manufacturer does not specify it, parents should still be able to secure the seat using seatbelts.

Other Porsche recalls

There was a Porsche Taycan recall for the same model-years in October 2021 due to hazard lights that may come on on their own, confusing other drivers, as reported. These cars are also subject to a U.S. government investigation due to battery issues that may cause them to stall, also as reported.

As far as child seats go, there was a Volkswagen recall last September due to faulty child seat restraint systems, Volkswagen owns Porsche.

The repair

Dealers will check the positioning of the harness and replace it if necessary. Notifications to vehicle owners will be sent on April 22, 2022.  All repairs will be done free of charge.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

These Porsche child seatbelt issues are affecting more than 5,000 vehicles. To do a Porsche recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicPorsche recalls vehicles with inaccessible child seat anchors

Volkswagen recalls Audis due to loss of control

Auburn Hills, MI – February 13, 2022 – Volkswagen (OTCMKTS:VWAGY) is recalling 31,058 vehicles due to premature tire wear which could lead to a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash. This is a redo of a last year’s Audi recall.

The recall includes some the following models:

  • 2020 – 2021 Audi A4
  • 2020 – 2021 Audi A4 Allroad
  • 2019 – 2021 Audi A5 Sportback
  • 2020 – 2021 Audi A5 Cabriolet
  • 2020 – 2021 Audi A5 Coupe
  • 2020 – 2021 Audi A6
  • 2020 – 2021 Audi A6 Allroad
  • 2020 – 2021 Audi A7
  • 2020 – 2021 Audi A8
  • 2020 – 2021 Audi Q5
  • 2019 – 2021 Audi RS5
  • 2020 – 2021 Audi S4
  • 2019 – 2021 Audi S5
  • 2020 – 2021 Audi S6
  • 2020 – 2021 Audi S7 
  • 2020 – 2021 Audi S8
  • 2020 – 2021 Audi SQ5

Recall summary

Axles transmit power from the vehicle to the wheels in order to move the car forward. In this Volkswagen recall, the rear axles are misaligned. As a result, the wheels may have less grip on the surface of the road.

The full list of vehicles is available here.

Recall risks

The Audi rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear. When the tires are worn “to the carcass,” they may get punctured, which may lead to a loss of driver’s control of the vehicle.

Background of the recall

Some of the cars included in this recall were recalled in April of last year due to a broken nut in the rear axle, which could also cause a loss of control. Included in the recall were the 2021 Audi RS6 Avant and 2019 Audi S5 Sportback vehicles.  However, dealers did not check the wheel alignment when addressing the issue, leading to today’s recall.

Warning signs

The driver may not be able to keep the car straight, especially “when braking or accelerating.” The tires may also show signs of unexpected or premature wear and tear upon inspection.

Other Volkswagen recalls

In December 2021, the 2018-2022 Audi Q5 and 2018—´2022 Audi SQ5 models were recalled due to a defect that could cause reduced engine power.

Repair

The rear axles of the affected vehicles will be inspected and where necessary, be adjusted. Tires will also be checked for premature and uneven wear that may have resulted from the misalignment. All repairs will be done free of charge.

Owners can expect to receive further communication from Audi regarding the repair program by March 25, 2022.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 30,000 Audis included in this recall. To see if your vehicle is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Senamile NkosiVolkswagen recalls Audis due to loss of control

Volkswagen recalls Audis over reduced engine power

Auburn Hills, MI. – December 25, 2021 – Volkswagen (OTCMKTS:VWAGY) is issuing a recall for 288,991 vehicles over a defect that could cause reduced engine power while moving, increasing the risk of a crash.

The recall covers the following compact SUVs:

  • 2018 – 2022 Audi Q5
  • 2018 – 2022 Audi SQ5

Recall summary

The gateway control module is located in the back of the car and allows the vehicle’s various control units – such as those involving the engine, transmission and onboard infotainment– to communicate efficiently, As the component is vulnerable to water damage, it is programmed to shut down when water reaches it.

In the recalled vehicles, water can get into the module due to liquid spills on the rear seats or while driving “through heavy rain…or deep puddles due to an insufficient underbody seam.” This can short-circuit the component. While the vehicle’s steering and braking systems will continue to work when this happens, the engine will switch to emergency mode, resulting in reduced power.  

The component in question is the gateway control module, with part number 80A 907 577 C.

Recall risks

Reduced engine power increases the risk of accidents.

Warning signs

The driver will receive several warning messages as the gateway control module shuts down. These messages are caused by the “interrupted communication” between the networks that the control module manages. 

Other Volkswagen recalls 

The Volkswagen recall check comes less than a year after the Audi Q5 Sportback and SQ5 Sportback models were introduced in January 2021. The most recent Audi Q5 recall took place in May 2021 over potential suspension damage, spanning the 2020 and 2021 model years.  

The repair

Dealers will install a protective cover to keep water from reaching the gateway control module. In some units, a sealant will also be applied to secure the underbody seam and prevent water from entering underneath. The repairs will be done free of charge.  

Audi will contact dealers and owners with more detailed information by February 24, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 280,000 vehicles are included in this Volkswagen recall. To do an  Audi recall check,  use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.  

Aleksandra SnesarevaVolkswagen recalls Audis over reduced engine power