1998-2001 Audi Airbag Inflator Recall 20V056000

Why This Matters: Safety Risk

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VW) has issued a recall concerning a critical safety component. The Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) in affected vehicles may absorb moisture due to a manufacturing issue. This defect can cause the airbag to deploy improperly during a crash.

In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, the "air bag may not properly protect the occupant, increasing the risk of serious injury or death."

What's Being Recalled

This recall, NHTSA ID 20V056000, affects certain Audi vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI). The specific models and model years included are:

• 1998-2000 Audi A6
• 1999 Audi A8
• 2000-2001 Audi TT

The issue stems from the inflators not containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant, combined with a manufacturing flaw that allows moisture absorption.

Manufacturer's Remedy

Audi dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator. This repair will be performed free of charge to the owner once parts become available. The manufacturer's number for this recall is 69BT.

Owner Action

Owners of affected vehicles, including those subject to the 1999 Audi A6 recall, should wait for notification from Audi. Owner notifications were mailed on September 21, 2021. If you believe your vehicle is affected and have not received a notification, you may contact Audi customer service directly at 1-800-253-2834.

For additional information, you can also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or visit www.safercar.gov.

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Source: NHTSA Recall ID: 20V056000