Component
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
Manufacturer
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
What Happened
The passenger seat in your Audi has a special mat under the seat cushion that senses the weight and position of the person sitting there. In some 2012-2018 models, this mat can wear down or get damaged, causing a computer to misread the passenger's presence.
Risk if Unfixed
If the computer thinks the passenger seat is empty when it's not, the airbag may not deploy properly in a crash, which could lead to serious injury.
Free Fix
Your Audi dealer will install a repair kit that fixes the passenger airbag system, and it won't cost you a thing. They'll contact you with a schedule for the repair once the recall notice is sent out.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Audi S6 and S7, 2012-2018 A7 and A6 Sedan, and 2014-2018 RS7 vehicles equipped with basic seats (with or without heating). Stress or wear of the body-sensing mat within the front passenger seat may cause the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) control module to malfunction.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
If the PODS module malfunctions, the front passenger air bag may not deploy properly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Original — Remedy
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a PODS system repair kit, free of charge. The recall began November 29, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 74D5.
View full recall details →
Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →