Audi Occupant Classification Recall 18V370000 (139K Vehicles)

The problem

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Audi S6 and S7, 2012-2018 A7 and A6 Sedan, and 2014-2018 RS7 vehicles equipped with basic seats (with or without heating). Stress or wear of the body-sensing mat within the front passenger seat may cause the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) control module to malfunction.

The risk

If the PODS module malfunctions, the front passenger air bag may not deploy properly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

The fix

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a PODS system repair kit, free of charge. The recall began November 29, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 74D5.

Contacts

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.safercar.gov.

What to do

Check your VIN. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls - it shows whether this recall applies to your vehicle and whether the repair has been done.
Call a dealer. Any authorized Audi dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 18V370000.
Ask about parts and a loaner. If parts aren't available yet, ask what to do in the meantime.
Keep your paperwork. If you paid for this repair before the recall, you may be able to get reimbursed - here's how.

Vehicle	Complaints	Recalls	Grade
2012 Audi A6	60	8	D
2013 Audi A6	52	6	D
2014 Audi A6	41	4	C
2015 Audi A6	22	4	B
2016 Audi A6	51	3	C
2017 Audi A6	20	3	B
2018 Audi A6	2	2	A
2012 Audi A7	30	5	F
2013 Audi A7	19	5	D
2014 Audi A7	11	2	C
2015 Audi A7	5	3	B
2016 Audi A7	15	3	D
2017 Audi A7	1	4	B
2018 Audi A7	0	2	A
2014 Audi RS7	0	2	B
2015 Audi RS7	0	2	B
2016 Audi RS7	0	3	C
2017 Audi RS7	0	3	C
2018 Audi RS7	0	2	B
2013 Audi S6	0	3	D
2014 Audi S6	0	3	D
2015 Audi S6	0	2	C
2016 Audi S6	0	2	C
2017 Audi S6	0	2	C
2018 Audi S6	0	1	B
2013 Audi S7	0	3	C
2014 Audi S7	0	4	C
2015 Audi S7	0	3	C
2016 Audi S7	0	2	B
2017 Audi S7	0	2	B
2018 Audi S7	0	1	A

Vehicle

Complaints

Recalls

Grade

Questions

Is the 18V370000 recall repair free?

Yes. Federal law requires the manufacturer to fix safety recalls free of charge. Volkswagen Group of America's dealers do the work; the remedy is described above.

How do I know if my vehicle is part of recall 18V370000?

Not every vehicle of a listed model year is included. Enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or call a dealer with your VIN.

When was recall 18V370000 announced?

Volkswagen Group of America reported it to NHTSA on June 4, 2018. Owners are usually notified by mail within about two months.

Air bags: occupant classification Audi recall