Recall 18V836 covers 12 Audi A5 and A4 Allroad vehicles with a loose passenger air bag mounting screw. Repair is free at franchised Audi dealers.
Audi is recalling 12 2017-2018 A5 and A4 Allroad vehicles because a passenger air bag module mounting screw was not tightened enough. In a crash, that loose mounting screw can affect air bag deployment and increase injury risk; Audi dealers will inspect and tighten the screw free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The passenger air bag module in the 2017-2018 Audi A5 and A4 Allroad sits behind the dashboard on the passenger side. Its job is to stay fixed in the correct position so the air bag deploys toward the passenger as designed during a crash. The mounting screws hold that module in place under the force of deployment.
In recall 18V836, a passenger air bag module mounting screw was not tightened to the correct torque during assembly. The part itself is not different from the remedy setup; the problem is the screw connection. Audi traced the issue to human error during air bag assembly and identified the vehicles through screw data logs and sample testing.
There is no warning sign before failure. The vehicle will not give the owner a light, sound, or change in driving feel that confirms this screw was tightened incorrectly. The concern appears only if the passenger air bag needs to deploy in a crash.
Who's affected?
The A5 appears for 2018 only, while the A4 Allroad appears for both 2017 and 2018; each listed model points to the front air bag.
| 2018 Audi A5 | front air bag |
|---|---|
| 2017 Audi A4 Allroad | front air bag |
| 2018 Audi A4 Allroad | front air bag |
| Units affected | 12 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
NHTSA campaign 18V836 says an air bag that deploys incorrectly in a crash increases injury risk. There is no warning sign that tells you the mounting screw needs attention, so schedule the inspection and repair soon and use normal caution until it is complete. Repair is free at any franchised Audi dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017-2018 Audi A5 or A4 Allroad is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Audi dealer to schedule the free passenger air bag mounting-screw inspection and repair, which fixes the loose screw that can affect air bag deployment.
- Bring the recall notice if Audi mailed one. If not, reference recall number 18V836 and Audi recall 69Y4 when you call.
- Call Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834 with questions about the repair or dealer scheduling.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Audi technician inspects the passenger air bag module mounting screw, then tightens it or replaces it if needed. The inspection, any screw replacement, and labor are free under the recall. Audi is not offering reimbursement for this campaign, so prior out-of-pocket repairs are not handled through a separate recall reimbursement program. Ask the service desk to confirm completion on your repair order before you leave.
| Reimbursement | No separate reimbursement |
|---|
Timeline
| November 27, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 19, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
| January 26, 2019 | Dealer notification began |
| January 26, 2019 | Dealer notification ended |
| January 26, 2019 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V836?
Recall 18V836 covers 12 Audi vehicles, including 2018 A5 Sportback and 2017-2018 A4 Allroad models. The passenger air bag module mounting screw was not tightened enough, affecting proper air bag deployment in a crash. Audi dealers inspect, tighten, or replace the screw for free.
What should I do if my 2017-2018 Audi A5 or A4 Allroad is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Audi is included in recall 18V836. If it is, contact a franchised Audi dealer to schedule the passenger air bag mounting screw inspection. Reference recall 18V836 or Audi recall number 69Y4 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Audi dealers will inspect the passenger air bag mounting screw and tighten or replace it as necessary, free of charge.
What is the safety risk in recall 18V836?
The safety risk is increased injury risk in a crash. If the passenger air bag does not deploy correctly during a crash, the front passenger has less protection than intended. The dealer repair addresses the mounting screw so the air bag module is secured correctly.
What if I bought my Audi A5 or A4 Allroad used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Audi is included, then contact a franchised Audi dealer and reference recall 18V836 or Audi recall number 69Y4.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V836000 |
|---|---|
| Audi customer service | 1-800-253-2834 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V836 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V836000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (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 →