Campaign 16V-079

Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture

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Defect summary

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file, campaign 16V079000. Text as published by NHTSA.
Vehicles covered

3 product lines are covered

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA about airbags on these vehicles: 413, of which 14 involved a crash, fire, injury or death. Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Vehicles covered by campaign 16V-079
MakeModelModel yearsComplaints on this component
AudiA32005 to 2013208
AudiA4 Cabriolet2006 to 200957
VolkswagenPassat2006148
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls and complaints files. Equipment, tire and child-seat campaigns list products, not vehicles.