Auburn Hills, MI – October 24, 2016 – A manufacturing error in the third row seat of certain Audi Q7s may result in an increased chance of injury during a collision, according to a memo from the National Traffic Safety Administration. The vehicles mentioned in the report from the manufacturer, Volkswagen, include Audi Q7 SUVs that were manufactured between August 17, 2015 to July 31, 2016. In the vehicles affected by the defect, the third row of seats is likely to move forward more than it should in the event of a collision.
The Defect
The Audi Q7s that are at risk for the defect were manufactured with the wrong dimensions in the transverse pipe used to support the third row of seating. The improper construction of such a piece results in a weaker support system for the third row of seats, and hence, the increased chance of injury for passengers seated there in the event of a crash. The defect in the seating prevents 19,205 vehicles from conforming to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard.
Timeline of Volkswagen’s Response
The Q7 crossover vehicle from Audi has had problems up to this point already. Before this latest recall, Audi announced the recall of some of their Q7 vehicles due to inadequate exterior lighting. This problem with the seat is another, separate issue with the same model of vehicle which could pose a risk to passenger safety. In May of 2016, periodic quality testing first identified the issue. Immediately, Audi (Volkswagen) immediately launched an investigation to determine if the test failure was a result of a defective part or an incorrect test procedure. On August 25, 2016, the issue was presented at the Product Safety Committee. A decision was reached to conduct a compliance recall right away. Since the quality testing, Volkswagen has adjusted its manufacturing protocol to ensure that every Audi Q7 made on or after August 1, 2016, would have third row seating made with the correct dimensions.
The Solution
Although the issue is present in vehicles already on the roads, Volkswagen announced that the recall for eligible vehicles will begin in October of 2016. Audi customers should expect to receive a letter in the mail stating the problem and how to most conveniently get it solved. That said, Audi should be notifying every individual driving one of the vehicles affected by the defect. To remedy the situation, dealerships should install additional back braces to support passengers in the case of a collision. If you’re worried that your vehicle may be at risk for the defect, don’t allow any passengers to sit in your third row of seating until you’ve taken it into a dealership for inspection. The adjustments to your faulty vehicle will be done free of charge, of course. If you have any more questions about the recall, don’t hesitate to reach out to your Volkswagen or Audi professional today.
