Audi Announces Voluntary Safety Recalls
10 October 1997
Audi Announces Voluntary RecallsAUBURN HILLS, Mich., Oct. 10 -- Audi of America, Inc. today announced the following two voluntary recalls: * Approximately 54,800 U.S. and l,350 Canadian l989-1993 model year Audi vehicles that are equipped with a driver's side airbag only. * Approximately 39,300 U.S. and 2,000 Canadian 1995-1996 and some early 1997 model year Audi vehicles. Audi has determined, in the first recall, that some of its 1989-1993 models including the 1989-1993 Audi 80/90, Coupe, 100/200, the 1992 S4, as well as the 1990-1991 model year Audi V8s, contain airbag sensors that may not comply with Audi's durability standards over the lifetime of the vehicle. In the event the sensor should malfunction, the airbag supplemental restraint could be deployed in the absence of an impact or accident. The second recall affects certain 1995-1996 and some early 1997 model year vehicles, including 1995 Audi 90s, 1995-1996 Cabriolets, 1996 through early 1997 A4s, 1995-1996 A6s, and early 1997 A8 models. Audi has determined, in rare instances, that the discharge of static electricity under low humidity conditions could activate the driver's side airbag when the vehicle is parked as the driver enters or exits the vehicle and inadvertently helps form an electrical circuit by touching certain areas of the steering wheel. Activation of the airbag under these conditions could cause injury. The airbag restraint system for the affected vehicles involved in both of these recalls is fully functional and would deploy in the event of an impact or collision. Owners of affected vehicles are being notified by first-class mail and requested to take their vehicles to their dealer for the appropriate repair procedures. The work will be completed free of charge. Parts for the completion of these repairs should be available at dealerships the week of October 13th. Customers with questions can call Audi Customer Relations at 800-822-AUDI (2834) for additional information. These voluntary recalls are part of two worldwide recall actions initiated by Audi AG. 1994 and 1998 model year Audi vehicles are not included in these actions. SOURCE Audi of American, Inc.