The 2008 Audi A4 Cabriolet has 3 recalls, all involving frontal airbag inflators on both the driver and passenger sides that can rupture or explode during deployment, sending metal fragments into the cabin.
All three recalls center on the same life-safety risk: faulty airbag inflators that, instead of cushioning occupants in a crash, can burst and scatter sharp metal shards toward the driver and passengers. The driver-side inflator is covered by two separate recall campaigns where excessive internal pressure during deployment can cause the unit to rupture or explode violently. The passenger-side inflator carries the same consequence, with an inflator explosion capable of propelling metal fragments across the front cabin. In each case, the part that is meant to protect occupants in a crash becomes a source of serious injury or death when it fires.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may explode during a crash. The inflator's propellant can degrade after prolonged exposure to humidity and temperature changes, causing it to rupture.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger front air bag module with a new one at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
The driver's front air bag inflator may build up excessive internal pressure and explode when the air bag deploys.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the driver's front air bag inflator with a new one at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver's front air bag inflator may rupture due to excessive internal pressure when the air bag deploys.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the driver's front air bag inflator at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
