Vehicle recall 16V079000 · February 10, 2016

Audi A3, Audi A4 Cabriolet and 1 more model

Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.

Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2006 Volkswagen Passat sedans and wagons, 2005-2013 Audi A3, and 2006-2009 Audi A4 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began March 2017. Volkswagen owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Audi owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Recall details

NHTSA campaign: 16V079000
Reported to NHTSA: February 10, 2016
Filed by: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Owner notification: March 10, 2017
Vehicles potentially affected: 151,767
Initiated by: NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation
Components: Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module

Recall 16V079000 on nhtsa.gov, with the manufacturer’s documents

Vehicles covered

As listed by NHTSA. A recall usually covers only some vehicles of each model and year, often a production date range.

Audi A3 (2005-2013): 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005
Audi A4 Cabriolet (2006-2009): 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006
Volkswagen Passat (2006): 2006

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