Audi is recalling 102,000 luxury sedans and station wagons to fix a software problem that prevents the front airbag from functioning normally.
Audi, the renowned luxury car maker, issued a voluntary recall in order to fix a software glitch related to the front airbag in select cars. The problem involves nearly 102,000 luxury sedans and station wagons in the U.S. According to the documents posted on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's official website , Wednesday, Audi's new recall covers A4 and S4 sedans from model years 2013 through 2015 and the Allroad station wagons of the same years.
As a part of the fix, dealers will update an improperly programmed air bag control module. The latest recall is an expansion of a global recall that was issued last week to fix a similar problem in 850,000 vehicles from 2013-2015 model years, ABC News reported.
"In rare cases, it is possible that the front airbags in the affected vehicles may not deploy in a crash as designed, due to an improper algorithm/coding within the airbag control module," according to Audi's description of the problem in NHTSA's report. "Front seat occupants may not have the intended protection from the frontal airbag system in a secondary impact, putting them at risk for injury."
Audi discovered the problem in the vehicles' airbag systems in August while conducting a routine test and from field observations. The car maker has not received any reports of injuries or fatalities related to the problem. The owners of the affected cars will be notified and the repair process will be carried out this month.
Car makers are taking strict actions against any safety risks to consumers after a major fiasco with GM's faulty ignition switches. The car maker delayed the recall for almost a decade and the faulty switches, which turned off the engine, disabled brakes and air bags and reportedly caused at least 29 deaths. General Motors is taking new methods to approach the audience in reminding about the fixture for their affected vehicles. It is now offering $25 gift cards to those who bring in their cars with faulty switches into the dealership before Dec. 1.
