Audi Recall of 150,000+ Vehicles Over Passenger Airbag Problems

Certain 2015-2020 Audi A3 and S3 vehicles have been recalled due to a problem with the passenger airbag system; the system may not always recognize a seated passenger and therefore may not deploy in the event of a collision. Although no injuries have been reported, the vehicle manufacturer is still unsure what is causing the airbags to shut off.

Airbags are a common issue in product liability cases.

Airbag recalls make up some of the biggest and most well-known product recalls out there. In the event of a car accident or collision, the front seat airbags make up one of the most vital safety systems in the vehicle. When an airbag fails to deploy on time or at all, it puts the driver and passengers at increased risk of severe or even fatal injuries. The problem with the Audi A3 and S3 airbag system affects only the passenger side airbag, reportedly because the system does not always recognize when there is an occupant in the front passenger seat.

The Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) seems to be the cause of the problem.

Many newer vehicles have a detection system attached to the front passenger seat, in which the airbag system is only active when a passenger is seated. However, if the PODS does not register an occupant in the seat, the airbag system is effectively useless. When this happens, the “passenger airbag off” warning light should be illuminated somewhere on the dash of the vehicle.

For owners of vehicles affected by the recall, Audi recommends taking the vehicle into a dealership as soon as possible, without anyone riding in the passenger seat. The manufacturer has theorized that the problem may be caused by a faulty electrical connector, but the exact cause of the defect is unknown.

Whenever injuries occur in an accident due to a faulty car part, the manufacturer may be liable.

Car accidents can occur for many reasons, but when an accident or the injuries sustained in an accident are caused or contributed to by a car part working improperly (such as a defective airbag), it may be possible to seek compensation from the manufacturer. However, identifying a defective car part can be difficult without the help of a vehicle safety expert. If you suspect a faulty or defective car part may have caused or contributed to an accident you were involved in or injuries sustained, reach out to a car accident attorney in your area to learn more about your options for investigation and recovery.