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Audi A4 Recall 22V471: Driver Air Bag Inflator May Explode or Underinflate

NHTSA campaign 22V471, reported July 1, 2022, 28,624 vehicles potentially affected.

What this recall means for you

The driver-side front air bag inflator in these vehicles can absorb moisture because of a manufacturing problem. Over time this can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment or cause the air bag to inflate with too little force.

An inflator explosion can send metal fragments toward the driver or other occupants, and an underinflated air bag may not properly protect the person it is meant to cushion. Either outcome raises the risk of serious injury or death in a crash.

Dealers will replace the driver's air bag inflator with an alternative design at no cost to the owner. Owners who have not yet had the repair can contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834, referencing recall number 69BT, and should check their vehicle identification number for any open recalls.

Check whether this recall is open on your vehicle

The repair is normally free at an authorized dealer.

Official recall notice

Safety recall 22V471Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Component
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 1998 Audi A8 and 1997-1998 Audi A4 vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) that do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflator may absorb moisture, causing the inflator to explode or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
Risk
The inflator could explode during air bag deployment, resulting in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the driver's air bag inflator with an alternative inflator of a different design, free of charge. Owner notification letters were sent September 21, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 69BT. The vehicles in this recall were mistakenly omitted from recall 20V-056. All vehicle owners have already been notified by mail and informed that the remedy is available.
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.nhtsa.gov.

Affected vehicles

Audi A419971998
Audi A81998