The problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2017-2020 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, 2018-2019 RS5 Coupe, 2019 RS5 Sportback, 2018-2020 A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, S4 Sedan, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, and Audi S5 Sportback vehicles. The cable connecting the seat heater to the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) may have a contact fault, causing the software to misdiagnose a malfunction and disable the passenger air bag.
The risk
A disabled passenger air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The fix
Dealers will replace the connecting cable and either the heating mat or entire seat cover, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 7, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 74E3. This recall is an expansion of Recall 19V-547 (74D9). Vehicles previously repaired under 19V-547 will need to return for the new remedy.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 21V-874 (21V874000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | 74E3 |
| Manufacturer | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. |
| Component | Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classification › Front passenger |
| Report date | November 10, 2021 |
| Owners notified | January 7, 2022 |
| Vehicles affected | 208,332 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
- 2017 Audi A4
- 2018 Audi A4
- 2019 Audi A4
- 2020 Audi A4
- 2018 Audi A5
- 2019 Audi A5
- 2020 Audi A5
- 2018 Audi RS 5
- 2019 Audi RS 5
- 2018 Audi S4
- 2020 Audi S4
- 2018 Audi S5
- 2019 Audi S5
- 2020 Audi S5
Plus 1 other model/year combinations not covered on this site.
Owner complaints about the air bags
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 21V-874 repair free?
Yes. Audi dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will replace the connecting cable and either the heating mat or entire seat cover, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 7, 2022. 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 208,332 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.