Audi kicks off Takata airbag recall
BY TUNG NGUYEN | 13th Jul 2018
AUDI Australia has begun its first faulty Takata airbag recall under the mandatory campaign initiated by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), with 9244 examples of its 2009-2012 Q5 mid-size SUV the first to be called in to replace the driver-side inflator.
By the end of the month, Audi will also issue recall notices for 2172 A5 Sportbacks (2009-2012), 1143 A5 Cabriolets (2010-2011) and 13,119 A3 small cars (2006-2013), with all affected models fitted with driver-side Takata airbag inflators.
The remaining Audi models fitted with compromised inflator units – including 473 A4 Cabriolets (2005-2008), 1305 TT sportscars (2014-2017), 128 R8 supercars (2016-2017), 8345 A4 mid-sizers (2004-2009) and 4177 A6 large cars (2004-2011) – are expected be called back by the end of 2018, according to the German premium brand.
In total, over 40,000 Audi vehicles will be recalled.
Under the ACCC’s compulsory safety recall of compromised Takata airbags introduced in February, all faulty inflator units must be fixed by the end of 2020.
Takata’s faulty airbag inflators are fitted with a chemical compound that can degrade over time – usually after six years – or in areas of high temperatures and humidity, resulting in the possibility of metallic shrapnel flying into the cabin if deployed.
No Audi vehicles are fitted with higher-risk Alpha inflator units, which the ACCC recommends not driving until amended.
Audi Australia said it will prioritise vehicles and areas that have a higher chance of compromised airbags in the call back campaign.
“The recall will be conducted in a staged process between now and the end of 2020 having regard to the location (areas with high humidity will be given priority) and the age of the vehicle (oldest first),” it said in a statement.
Audi Australia will contact affected owners individually, where they can bring their vehicles into the nearest authorised dealership for a free-of-charge fix.
Otherwise, owners can head to the brand’s website to check their vehicle identification number to see if they are affected, or call Audi’s Takata information line on 1800 856 770 between 8:00am and 6:00pm Monday to Friday.
Globally, the Takata airbag saga has ensnared over 100 million vehicles, with 2.7 million cars affected in Australia.
The fault has resulted in the deaths of 23 people worldwide, one in Australia, and 230 injuries.
