2004-11 Audi A4, A6 added to Takata recall
12,523 vehicles across older-generation model lines asked back for potentially-deadly airbags.
Audi Australia has expanded its Takata airbag recall, adding the '8E' A4 and '4F' A6 model lines sold between July 2004 and April 2011.
This particular notice affects vehicles with potentially-faulty passenger-side airbags. As with all Takata-related recalls, the airbag's inflator propellant could degrade over time as it gets exposed to high temperatures and humidity.
If the vehicle is involved in a collision where the airbags are triggered, the metal inflator housing could rupture when deployed, shooting metal fragments into the cabin.
This condition poses a serious risk of injury, even death, to the vehicle's occupants.
A total of 12,523 units across the older-generation Audi A4 and A6 lines are affected, with the former available for sale from 1 December through 1 February 2009, and the latter 1 July 2004 through 1 April 2011 – a VIN list is available here.
Owners of the recalled Audi models are urged to contact their local dealer, or the company's local head office via this website to arrange for a replacement airbag, free of charge.
Note: Overseas model (Audi A4) pictured
The Takata airbag recall affects more than 100 million vehicles and nearly 20 automotive brands around the world. Among those are more than five million vehicles in Australia, the equivalent of four years of nationwide sales.
Globally, there have been 20 deaths linked to the scandal, and 230 serious injuries. One Australian motorist lost their life to a faulty Takata airbag in July 2017, one month after another Australian driver was seriously injured.
In February 2018, the recall of vehicles affected by the faulty Takata airbags was made compulsory under law, with affected manufacturers required to replace all defective airbags by the end of 2020. The ACCC earlier this year added some 1.1 million vehicles to the compulsory recall.
According to the Australian Government, the risk of a defective Takata airbag rupturing may arise between 6 and 25 years after it is installed in a vehicle. In areas of high heat and humidity, the risk of rupture may arise between 6 and 9 years.
Concerned owners can check if their vehicle needs a new inflator at www.IsMyAirbagSafe.com.au.
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