The problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Audi A6 vehicles manufactured March 28, 2011, to March 25, 2013, and 2012-2013 Audi A7 vehicles manufactured January 25, 2011, to March 19, 2013. In vehicles with heated and cooled seats, the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS), used to enable the front passenger air bags, may malfunction and prevent the passenger-side air bags from deploying in a crash.
The risk
An air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of occupant injury in a crash.
The fix
Volkswagen will notify owners, and Audi dealers will install a PODS system repair kit, free of charge. The recall began on February 5, 2016. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 74D1.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 15V-823 (15V823000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | 74D1 |
| Manufacturer | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. |
| Component | Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classification |
| Report date | December 8, 2015 |
| Owners notified | February 5, 2016 |
| Vehicles affected | 21,074 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the air bags
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 15V-823 repair free?
Yes. Audi dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Volkswagen will notify owners, and Audi dealers will install a PODS system repair kit, free of charge. The recall began on February 5, 2016. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 74D1.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 21,074 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.