Recall 18V420 affects 2 2018 Bugatti Chiron vehicles for a side-air-bag heat-shield installation defect. Repair is free at any franchised Bugatti dealer.
Bugatti is recalling 2 2018 Chiron vehicles under recall 18V420 because an incorrectly installed heat shield for the side air bag gas generator can reduce air bag performance. Reduced deployment performance can increase injury risk in a side impact, and Bugatti dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The side air bag in the 2018 Bugatti Chiron is built into the seat area to cushion an occupant in a side-impact crash. Its gas generator is the inflator: it releases hot gas that fills the air bag in a controlled burst. A heat shield sits by that generator so the heat does not damage the air bag fabric during deployment.
The defect involves that heat shield being installed in the wrong position during air bag manufacturing. In high-temperature deployment testing, Bugatti found burn traces near the gas generator even though the air bag filled on schedule. Further inspection showed that the misplaced shield left part of the air bag exposed to heat, which can leave a burn hole after deployment and reduce side air bag performance.
There is no warning sign before failure. The problem is hidden inside the side air bag module, so an owner would not feel it while driving or see it from normal use.
Who's affected?
| 2018 Bugatti Chiron | side air bag |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 2 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2018 Bugatti Chiron is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific coupe is included.
What's the safety risk?
Reduced air bag deployment performance can increase injury risk in a crash. There is no warning sign before this seat problem affects deployment, so if your VIN is included, schedule the repair soon and drive cautiously until it is complete. Repair is free at any franchised Bugatti dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018 Bugatti Chiron is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Bugatti dealer to schedule the free seat repair or replacement for the side air bag heat-shield issue.
- Bring the recall notice if Bugatti mailed one. If not, reference recall number 18V420 when you call.
- Keep all occupants properly belted until the repair is complete; the recall concerns reduced side air bag performance.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Bugatti technician removes the affected seats and repairs or replaces them so the side air bag assembly has the correct gas generator heat shield protection. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. Bugatti's reimbursement plan on file covers documented qualifying out-of-pocket repairs paid before the recall notice. Keep prior invoices or repair paperwork and ask Bugatti customer service or the service desk how to submit documentation.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| June 20, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 20, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| June 20, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| July 20, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| July 26, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V420?
Recall 18V420 covers 2 2018 Bugatti Chiron vehicles with a side air bag heat-shield installation problem. The issue can reduce side air bag deployment performance and increase injury risk. Bugatti dealers will remove the affected seats and repair or replace them for free.
What should I do if my 2018 Bugatti Chiron is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Chiron is included in recall 18V420. If it is, contact a franchised Bugatti dealer and reference recall 18V420. The dealer will remove the affected seats and repair or replace them at no charge.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to complete recall repairs at no cost to owners. For recall 18V420, Bugatti dealers remove the affected seats and repair or replace them free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced side air bag performance in a crash. If the side air bag does not deploy as designed, the risk of injury increases. Bugatti's repair path is to remove the affected seats and repair or replace them for free.
When did Bugatti begin this recall repair?
Bugatti began the recall repair on July 26, 2018. Owners with an included VIN can contact a franchised Bugatti dealer or Bugatti customer service at 1-805-557-1050 and reference recall 18V420 when asking about the seat repair or replacement.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V420000 |
|---|---|
| Bugatti customer service | 1-805-557-1050 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V420 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V420000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →