Passenger frontal air bag inflator may explode
Defect Summary
Volkswagen group of america, inc. (volkswagen) is recalling certain 2005-2008 audi a4 sedan, a4 avant, s4 avant and s4 sedan, 2007-2008 rs4 sedan, 2004 rs4 cabriolet, 2007-2009 a4 cabriolet and s4 cabriolet, 2005-2011 a6 sedan, 2006-2011 a6 avant, and 2007-2011 s6 sedan vehicles. these vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Safety Consequence
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Corrective Action
Audi has notified owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag with an alternate remedy part, free of charge. the recall began june 29, 2018. owners may contact audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. volkswagen's number for this recall is 69r7. note: this recall supersedes recalls 16v382, 17v032 and 18v004 and includes vehicles that may have had their air bag previously replaced under one of those campaigns.
Similar Recalls
Other recalls from Volkswagen Group Of America, Inc. or involving Air Bags.
FAQ: Recall 18V427000
Your rights, the repair process, and what each field on this page means.
What is recall 18V427000?
NHTSA recall 18V427000 was issued by Volkswagen Group Of America, Inc. on June 22, 2018. It addresses: Passenger frontal air bag inflator may explode. The recall affects approximately 237,947 vehicles, with the defect involving the Air Bags component.
How do I get this recall repaired?
Contact any authorized Volkswagen Group Of America, Inc. dealer and reference NHTSA recall ID 18V427000 or the manufacturer campaign number 69R7. Under federal law, the repair is completely free regardless of vehicle age or owner history.
Is my vehicle included in this recall?
The only way to confirm is to look up your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's tool will tell you if VIN-by-VIN this exact recall applies.
How long do I have to get a recall repair done?
There is no expiration on most federal safety recalls. Even if your vehicle is years old and you bought it used, the manufacturer is required to perform the repair at no cost.
Where does the data on this page come from?
All information on this page is sourced directly from the U.S. Department of Transportation public dataset for NHTSA recalls. Last refreshed: 2026-05-22. For the most current official notice, visit nhtsa.gov/recalls.