The affected vehicles have been fitted with driver and or front passenger airbags that utilise non desiccated ammonium nitrate propellant contained in the inflator, produced by Takata.
A mandatory safety recall has been issued by the Australian Government for all vehicles installed with affected frontal Takata airbag inflators due to concerns that, if a faulty Takata airbag needs to be deployed in the event of an accident, the airbag can go off with too much explosive force, rupturing the airbag inflator housing, causing sharp metal fragments to shoot out and kill or seriously injure people in the vehicle.
What is the cause of the fault?
The ACCC’s investigation concluded that Takata PSAN airbags without a desiccant (or drying agent) or with a calcium sulphate desiccant have a design defect. The Minister decided to issue a compulsory recall because, based on extensive evidence provided by the ACCC, as the airbag ages and is exposed to high temperatures and humidity, the PSAN propellant is exposed to moisture and degrades. If this happens, when the airbag is triggered and deploys (in a collision), it can deploy with too much explosive force, rupturing the airbag inflator housing so that sharp metal fragments shoot out and hit vehicle occupants, injuring or killing them. A subset of Takata airbags called ‘alpha’ have been identified as posing the highest safety risk of all the recalled Takata airbags. Audi vehicles imported to Australia are not equipped with the Alpha airbag. According to the Australian Government, for non-alpha airbags in vehicles manufactured less than 6 years previously, there is no immediate known risk with the airbag, but there will be in the future. For vehicles fitted with a frontal Takata airbag more than 6 years old, the Australian Government has stated that there is a risk of injury or death in the event of rupture of the airbag inflator.
What repercussions does the damage have?
According to the Australian Government, if a faulty Takata airbag needs to be deployed in the event of an accident, the airbag can go off with too much explosive force, rupturing the airbag inflator housing, causing sharp metal fragments to shoot out and kill or seriously injure people in the vehicle.
For vehicles fitted with a frontal Takata airbag more than 6 years old, the Australian Government has stated that there is a risk of injury or death in the event that the airbag inflator housing ruptures when the vehicle is involved in a collision. For non-alpha frontal Takata airbags in vehicles manufactured less than 6 years, there is no immediate known risk with the airbag, but there will be in the future. The Australian Government has stated that there is a risk of death or serious injury to people in the vehicle from when it reaches 6 years after its year of manufacture. The airbag inflator in these vehicles will need to be replaced before the airbag reaches 6 years old. The replacement will be carried out at no cost to you and will take approximately 1-2 hours to complete.
Which vehicles are affected by the fault/damage?
Certain Audi models produced between July 2004 - February 2017, please refer to the table below.
Model
Airbag
Year of Manufacture
Number of Affected Vehicles
Audi A4 Cabriolet B7
Driver
2005-2008
473
Audi A3 8P
Driver
2005-2013
13119
Audi A5 Cabriolet B8
Driver
2009-2011
1143
Audi Q5 8R
Driver
2008-2012
9244
Audi A5 B8
Driver
2009-2011
2172
Audi TT
Driver
2014-2017
1305
Audi R8
Driver
2016-2017
128
Audi A4 B7
Driver
2004-2009
8345
Audi A6 C6
Driver
2004-2011
4177
Why is the Australian Government implementing this recall?
A mandatory safety recall has been issued by the Australian Government for all vehicles installed with affected frontal Takata airbag inflators due to concerns that, if a faulty Takata airbag needs to be deployed in the event of an accident, the airbag can go off with too much explosive force, rupturing the airbag inflator housing, causing sharp metal fragments to shoot out and kill or seriously injure people in the vehicle.
Please refer to the Product Safety Australia website for more information (https://www.productsafety.gov.au/recalls/compulsory-takata-airbag-recall).
Can I use the vehicle until it is checked/repaired?
Yes, the vehicle can be used until it is checked and/or repaired. According to the ACCC, 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. This is why, for vehicles such as the affected Audi vehicles that do not have Alpha airbags, the recall can be conducted in a staged process between now and the end of 2020.
Is there a danger for the consumers?
The Australian Government has concluded that under certain conditions there is a risk of death or serious injury.
For vehicles fitted with a frontal Takata airbag more than 6 years old, the Australian Government has stated that there is a risk of injury or death in the event that the airbag inflator housing ruptures when the vehicle is involved in a collision. For non-alpha frontal Takata airbags in vehicles manufactured less than 6 years, there is no immediate known risk with the airbag, but there will be in the future. The Australian Government has stated that there is a risk of death or serious injury to people in the vehicle from when it reaches 6 years after its year of manufacture. The airbag inflator in these vehicles will need to be replaced before the airbag reaches 6 years old.
When can I have my car repaired?
Parts availability is currently being assessed and customers will be notified accordingly. Customer notifications will be prioritised based on vehicle age (oldest first) and location (areas with high humidity will be given priority). Audi will contact you when your airbag inflator is to be replaced. When Audi contacts you to inform you that the recall of your vehicle has been initiated, it is important that you follow the instructions contained in that communication to have the airbag replaced.
How long does the repair take and what precisely does the repair involve?
Upon bringing a vehicle in, if the parts are available, rectification will be carried out at no cost to you and only take between 1-2 hours. Affected inflators will be replaced with new inflators using an alternative propellant.
Can I have the check/repair carried out all over Australia?
Yes, all Audi Dealers in Australia have been informed. Audi has been taking steps to supply replacement parts as soon as possible. We request that customers await official communication from Audi advising you to bring your vehicle in to have the airbag inflator replaced.
Do I have to make an appointment?
Yes, that's important. Your Audi Dealer wants to ensure that your airbag inflator is replaced and that you are back on the road as soon as possible.
If I have further queries, who can I contact?
You can contact our toll-free Audi Recall Campaign Hotline on 1800 856 770, between 8.00am and 6.00pm Monday to Friday (AEST) or visit our website: http://www.audi.com.au/au/web/en/owners/Takata-Airbag-Safety-Recall.html
What if I require translators or interpreters?
You can contact the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) on (02) 6260 3035 for free of charge translators and interpreters, between 9:00am and 5:00pm Monday to Friday.
I have a hearing or speech impairment, how do I obtain assistance?
Please visit the National Relay Service website at www.relayservice.gov.au/business/becoming-relay-service-friendly/.
What if I am no longer the owner?
If you are no longer the owner of this vehicle please contact us directly so we can make contact with the new owner via:
Email: customerassistance@audi-info.com.au Website: https://forms.myaudi.com.au/contact-us?ui=audi&utm_source=audi.com.au&utm_medium=referral Telephone: Toll-free Audi Takata Information Line - 1800 856 770