1995-1997 Audi A6/A8 Airbag Accidental Deployment Recall

Why This Matters: Safety Risk

This recall addresses a significant safety concern involving the driver's side airbag. The discharge of static electricity, particularly in low humidity conditions, can cause the airbag to activate unexpectedly. This can happen when a driver enters or exits the vehicle and touches certain areas of the steering wheel, completing an electrical circuit.

Accidental activation of the airbag under these circumstances poses a serious risk of personal injury to the driver.

What's Being Recalled

This recall, identified by NHTSA ID 97V175000, affects certain 1995-1997 Audi A6 and 1997 Audi A8 passenger vehicles. The issue specifically concerns the driver's side frontal airbag system.

Manufacturer's Remedy

To resolve this safety concern, authorized Audi dealers will install a ground wire on the driver's side airbag. This repair is designed to prevent the accidental deployment caused by static electricity and will be performed free of charge to the owner.

Owner notification for this recall began on October 13, 1997. If you own an affected vehicle and have not had this repair completed, you should schedule an appointment with your Audi dealer.

Important Warnings for Owners

Owners should be aware of the following: "Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Audi at 1-800-822-2834. Also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Auto Safety Hotline at 1-800-424-9393."

How to Check if Your Vehicle is Affected

If you own a 1995-1997 Audi A6 or a 1997 Audi A8, you should verify if your vehicle is included in this 1997 Audi A6 recall. You can do this by contacting your local Audi dealership with your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). They can confirm if your specific vehicle requires the recall repair.

Owner Action

If your vehicle is affected by this 1997 Audi A6 recall, you should contact your authorized Audi dealer to schedule the necessary repair. The installation of the ground wire on the driver's side airbag will be completed at no cost to you.

If you experience any difficulties in getting the remedy performed in a timely manner, you are encouraged to contact Audi directly at 1-800-822-2834 or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Auto Safety Hotline at 1-800-424-9393.

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Source: NHTSA ID: 97V175000