The problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2006 Volkswagen Passat sedans and wagons, 2005-2013 Audi A3, and 2006-2009 Audi A4 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
The risk
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began March 2017. Volkswagen owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Audi owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 16V-079 (16V079000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. |
| Component | Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module |
| Report date | February 10, 2016 |
| Owners notified | March 10, 2017 |
| Vehicles affected | 151,767 |
| Initiated by | NHTSA investigation |
Vehicles covered
- 2006 Audi A3
- 2007 Audi A3
- 2008 Audi A3
- 2009 Audi A3
- 2010 Audi A3
- 2011 Audi A3
- 2012 Audi A3
- 2013 Audi A3
- 2007 Audi A4 Cabriolet
- 2008 Audi A4 Cabriolet
- 2009 Audi A4 Cabriolet
- 2006 Volkswagen Passat
Plus 2 other model/year combinations not covered on this site.
Owner complaints about the air bags
- 2006 Audi A3 airbag problems 56
- 2007 Audi A3 airbag problems 32
- 2008 Audi A3 airbag problems 24
- 2009 Audi A3 airbag problems 22
- 2010 Audi A3 airbag problems 13
- 2011 Audi A3 airbag problems 20
- 2012 Audi A3 airbag problems 31
- 2013 Audi A3 airbag problems 10
- 2007 Audi A4 Cabriolet airbag problems 23
- 2008 Audi A4 Cabriolet airbag problems 15
- 2009 Audi A4 Cabriolet airbag problems 18
- 2006 Volkswagen Passat airbag problems 148
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 16V-079 repair free?
Yes. Audi dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began March 2017. Volkswagen owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 151,767 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.