Audi and Volkswagen recall 582k cars in US

Audi and Volkswagen have issued three safety recall notices involving 582,822 vehicles sold exclusively in the United States.

The largest of the recalls – which totals 342,867 units – involves models fitted with the 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder TFSI petrol engine.

A fault with the electric coolant pump in these vehicles can cause them to become blocked with debris from the cooling system, which may increase the risk of fire if the pump begins to overheat.

Affected models include A4 and Allroads sold from 2012-2015, examples of the A6 from 2012-2015, and A5 and Q5 variants from 2013-2017.

A further 234,054 Q5s were also recalled for a different issue affecting the sunroof drainage system, which could result in water soaking into the foam that lines the side head airbag inflator canister and causing it to corrode.

If a defective side head airbag were to inflate during an accident, serious injury could occur if the inflator ruptures and causes shrapnel to be shot into the cabin.

Despite its similarities to the worldwide Tataka airbag recalls that have affected over 100 million vehicles since 2008, the airbag supplier involved in this recall is instead Austrian parts manufacturer iSi Automotive.

The third recall affects 5901 Audi and Volkswagen models and is based around the improper activation of seatbelt pre-tensioners and deployment of airbags.

Particular MY17 units of the Audi A4, A6 and A7, as well as the Volkswagen Tiguan and e-Golf, could suffer from the incorrect deployment of the head, driver or passenger frontal airbags.

The issue stems from the parts involved not satisfying manufacturing standards for the internal chemicals that cause the airbags to inflate.

The defective seatbelt pre-tensioner – which is manufactured by German company Autoliv – affects particular 2017 A4, A4 Allroad and Q7 models, as well as the recently launch second-generation Q5. 

Volkswagen Australia general manager of corporate communications Paul Pottinger said Australian Volkswagen models are not affected by the recalls.

Audi Australia has been contacted for clarification, but was yet to respond at the time of publication.

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