The problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2005-2008 Audi A4 Sedan, A4 Avant, S4 Avant and S4 Sedan, 2007-2008 RS4 Sedan, 2004 RS4 Cabriolet, 2007-2009 A4 Cabriolet and S4 Cabriolet, 2005-2011 A6 Sedan, 2006-2011 A6 Avant, and 2007-2011 S6 Sedan vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
The risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix
Audi has notified owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag with an alternate remedy part, free of charge. The recall began June 29, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69R7. Note: This recall supersedes recalls 16V382, 17V032 and 18V004 and includes vehicles that may have had their air bag previously replaced under one of those campaigns.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 18V-427 (18V427000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | 69R7 |
| Manufacturer | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. |
| Component | Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module |
| Report date | June 22, 2018 |
| Owners notified | June 29, 2018 |
| Vehicles affected | 237,947 |
| Initiated by | NHTSA investigation |
Vehicles covered
- 2005 Audi A4
- 2006 Audi A4
- 2007 Audi A4
- 2008 Audi A4
- 2007 Audi A4 Cabriolet
- 2008 Audi A4 Cabriolet
- 2009 Audi A4 Cabriolet
- 2005 Audi A6
- 2006 Audi A6
- 2007 Audi A6
- 2008 Audi A6
- 2009 Audi A6
- 2010 Audi A6
- 2011 Audi A6
- 2007 Audi RS 4
- 2008 Audi RS 4
- 2005 Audi S4
- 2006 Audi S4
- 2007 Audi S4
- 2008 Audi S4
- 2009 Audi S4
- 2007 Audi S6
- 2008 Audi S6
- 2009 Audi S6
- 2010 Audi S6
- 2011 Audi S6
Plus 1 other model/year combinations not covered on this site.
Owner complaints about the air bags
- 2005 Audi A4 airbag problems 54
- 2006 Audi A4 airbag problems 73
- 2007 Audi A4 airbag problems 119
- 2008 Audi A4 airbag problems 116
- 2007 Audi A4 Cabriolet airbag problems 23
- 2008 Audi A4 Cabriolet airbag problems 15
- 2009 Audi A4 Cabriolet airbag problems 18
- 2005 Audi A6 airbag problems 43
- 2006 Audi A6 airbag problems 40
- 2007 Audi A6 airbag problems 32
- 2008 Audi A6 airbag problems 49
- 2009 Audi A6 airbag problems 17
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 18V-427 repair free?
Yes. Audi dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Audi has notified owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag with an alternate remedy part, free of charge. The recall began June 29, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 237,947 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.