The cable connecting the seat heater to the Passenger Occupant Detection System (“PODS”) may have a contact fault, causing the software to misdiagnose a malfunction and disable the passenger air bag. A disabled passenger air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Dealers will replace the connecting cable and either the heating mat or entire seat cover, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed January 7, 2022.
Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi’s number for this recall is 74E3.
This recall is an expansion of Recall 19V-547 (74D9). Vehicles previously repaired under 19V-547 will need to return for the new remedy.
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or visit nhtsa.gov.
How Can I Check If My Vehicle Was Recalled?
To find out if your vehicle is included in the recall, click Check for Recalls.
What Is A Vehicle Recall?
When a manufacturer or the NHTSA determines that a vehicle creates an unreasonable risk to safety or fails to meet minimum safety standards, the manufacturer is required to fix that vehicle at no cost to the owner. The fix, or repair, can be accomplished by repairing, replacing, offering a refund (for equipment) or, in rare cases, repurchasing the car/vehicle.
What Should I do If My Vehicle Has Been Recalled?
If your vehicle is included in a specific recall, it is very important that you get it fixed as soon as possible given the potential danger to you and your passengers if it is not addressed. You should receive a separate letter in the mail from the vehicle manufacturer, notifying you of the recall and explaining when the remedy will be available, whom to contact to repair your vehicle, and to remind you that the repair will be done at no charge to you.
If you believe your vehicle is included in the recall, but you do not receive a letter in the mail from the vehicle manufacturer, please call NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236, or contact your vehicle manufacturer or dealership.