While Audi also uses an airbag component sourced from Japan’s Takata Corporation, the problem in this case is due to faulty software in A4 sedan, Avant and allroad models built after 2012 and could prevent front airbags from deploying. A company spokesman has confirmed that the problem was solved the problem and adjusted A4 production in Neckarsulm and Ingolstadt last week.
At least half of the cars effected are in Audi’s two biggest markets Germany and China. 250,000 of the cars effected are from China and 150,000 are from Germany. Audi offered no further geographic breakdown for the remaining 450,000 cars.
While not related to the massive hardware-based recall of Takata-sourced airbags in Acura, BMW, Chrysler, Dodge/Ram, Ford, Honda, Infiniti, Lexus, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Pontiac, Saab, Subaru and Toyota. That said, Reuters reports that U.S. safety regulators expanded the number of recalled Takata-equipped cars to 7.8 million from 10 car manufacturers.
Neither Audi AG nor Audi Malaysia have issued any formal press release yet on this subject, so we’ll publish more information as it becomes available.
