Two separate issues found in Audi vehicles have sparked recalls which affect a total of 576,921 vehicles sold in the United States. The first issue concerns six Audi models and involves a coolant pump defect which poses a fire hazard. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), reports were received in 2015 and 2016 of instances of overheating and smoldering the in the vehicles’ engine compartments caused by an obstruction near the coolant pump.
A total of 342,876 vehicles have been recalled due to the issue, including:
- 2013-2016 Audi A4 sedans manufactured from 2/20/12 to 12/8/15
- 2013-2017 Audi A5 cabriolets manufactured from 3/9/12 to 12/16/16
- 2013-2017 Audi A5 coupes manufactured from 3/8/12 to 11/19/16
- 2012-2015 Audi A6 sedans manufactured from 4/4/11 to 12/22/14
- 2013-2017 Audi Q5 SUVs manufactured from 7/4/13 to 12/20/16
- 2013-2016 Audi A4 Allroad wagons manufactured from 3/12/12 to 4/1/16
Audi plans to fix the issue in the affected vehicles via a software update which will cut off power to the coolant pump in the event that it should overheat, with the driver being notified of the issue by an illuminated icon on the instrument panel.
The second recall revolves around the risk of airbag ruptures found in a total of 234,054 Audi Q5 SUVs manufactured from 5/28/10 to 8/13/16. If the vehicles’ water drainage system of the panoramic sunroof should become damaged or otherwise impaired, water could enter the side head curtain airbag canister and cause corrosion on the airbag inflator over time, leading to unexpected deployments. The issue does not involve the now-infamous Takata airbags which were at the center of last year’s industry-shaking recall which affected vehicles produced by more than 20 different manufacturers.
The planned recall will include a full disassembly and inspection of the water drainage system of the sunroof and the side curtain airbag canisters, with canisters either being replaced or sealed with wax. For more information on this recall or to find out if your vehicle is affected, click here.
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