Audi Recalls Several Models, Citing Faulty Passenger Airbags

Audi is the latest major automaker to call back cars over malfunctioning airbags. 

A defect in the passenger seat occupant detection system may prevent passenger-side airbags from deploying, Audi recently told federal vehicle safety regulators. A manufacturing mistake is to blame for the problem, according to the company.

“Pins inside the passenger seat occupant detection system control module were not soldered to the circuit board correctly,” Audi said in a defect notice filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. “This can lead to an interruption in communication between the passenger seat occupant detection system control module and the airbag control module.” 

That could cause passenger-side airbags to shut off, according to Audi.

“If the airbag control unit detects the fault, it switches into fail-safe mode and deactivates the passenger airbag,” Audi said. “In a crash, there would be an increased risk of injury to the occupant seated in the front passenger seat if the passenger frontal airbag is switched off or not working.”

Audi said the recall covers fewer than 100 cars, including models such as the S5 Cabriolet, Q3, Q5, A3 sedan, and TT coupe.

Several other car manufacturers have recently called back slews of vehicles over faulty and malfunctioning airbags.

Earlier this year, for example, Volkswagen - Audi’s parent company - announced that it was recalling some 40,000 VW Beetle vehicles. The company said faulty inflators in the cars’ driver-side airbags could cause the devices to explode unexpectedly.

Stellantis around the same time announced it is recalling some 280,000 Dodge and Chrysler vehicles over a similar defect. The company said exploding airbags could send harmful shrapnel hurtling through the interior of the cars.

How California's Lemon Law Works 

There is some good news for Stellantis, Audi, VW and other car owners in California: You do not need to wait around for recalls to get defective vehicles fixed. The state’s lemon law gives you some important rights and protections.

The lemon law, known formally as the Song Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, generally requires automakers to do a variety of repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. It also forces the companies to buy back vehicles that they are unable or simply refuse to fix. That means compensating the owner for the vehicle’s purchase price, along with financing charges, rental car costs and other related expenses.

There is no specific number of repair requests or attempts that must occur before the buyback requirement kicks in. An experienced California lemon law attorney can help you understand your rights and take action.

Let a California Lemon Law Attorney Help

California car owners and lessors have some important rights and protections under the state’s lemon law. You do not need to wait for a recall to get a defective vehicle fixed.

If you have been stuck with a defective or malfunctioning vehicle, a California lemon law attorney at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help you fight back.  

Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a California lemon law attorney.