Driver side: inflator moduleRecall 16V-079 · Audi and Volkswagen vehicles
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. recall 16V-079 covers 151,767 Audi and Volkswagen vehicles for a driver side: inflator module problem, reported to NHTSA on February 10, 2016. The manufacturer's latest report (2018 Q2) shows 40% of affected vehicles repaired.
Source: NHTSA recall 16V079000 and manufacturer quarterly reports. Started by an NHTSA defect investigation.
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.
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.
Recall repairs are free. Confirm whether this recall is open on your vehicle by entering its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How fast cars are being fixed
40%repaired
Share of affected vehicles repaired in each quarterly report the manufacturer filed with NHTSA. 3,950 vehicles were listed as unreachable.
The investigation behind this recall
- Air Bag Inflator RuptureNHTSA