The 2008 Audi RS 4 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 with the potential to cause serious injury or death.
Both the driver-side and passenger-side frontal airbag inflators are affected. When either airbag deploys in a crash, excessive internal pressure can cause the inflator to burst apart rather than inflate the bag properly. Instead of cushioning occupants, the inflator can scatter sharp metal fragments through the cabin, striking the driver or passengers. These are part of a broader Takata inflator issue that has affected a wide range of vehicles across multiple manufacturers. All three recalls carry the highest severity rating, reflecting the potential for fatal injury when the airbags are triggered in an actual crash.
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 passenger front air bag inflator may rupture during a crash due to propellant breakdown from long-term exposure to humidity and temperature changes.
What the fix does
The dealer will replace the passenger front air bag inflator at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
