Recall 20V749 covers 166 2021 Audi A6, Q7, RS 6 Avant, and RS 7 vehicles. Audi dealers replace front-door crash sensors free.
Audi is recalling 166 2021 RS 6 Avant, RS 7, A6, and Q7 vehicles because an electrical connector can detach from a front-door crash sensor. If that connector comes loose, side-impact restraints can activate late during a crash, and Audi dealers will secure the connector free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The door crash sensor in the 2021 Audi RS 6 Avant, RS 7, A6, and Q7 is part of the side-impact airbag system. It sits in the front door area and helps detect a side crash, then sends that crash signal through an electrical connector to the airbag control system. The connector has to stay locked to the sensor for the system to read the door impact correctly.
On affected vehicles, the sensor housing was not fully molded during a temporary die-cast process fault at a sub-supplier. That left an imperfection in the locking shape that holds the electrical connector in place. If the connector detaches from the door crash sensor, the airbag system loses that sensor input from the front door.
The warning sign is the airbag indicator lamp. If the connector becomes detached while driving, Audi says the airbag light will turn on.
Who's affected?
The shared part is the door crash sensor, listed under side air bag and electrical system components.
| 2021 Audi RS 6 Avant | side air bag |
|---|---|
| 2021 Audi RS 6 Avant | electrical system |
| 2021 Audi RS 7 | side air bag |
| 2021 Audi RS 7 | electrical system |
| 2021 Audi A6 | side air bag |
| 2021 Audi A6 | electrical system |
| 2021 Audi Q7 | side air bag |
| 2021 Audi Q7 | electrical system |
| Units affected | 166 |
| 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 this recall applies to your specific vehicle.
What's the safety risk?
A detached crash sensor connector can delay side air bag, curtain air bag, and seat belt pretensioner activation in a side impact crash, increasing injury risk. If the connector detaches while driving, the airbag warning lamp turns on. Schedule the inspection soon. Repair is free at any franchised Audi dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2021 Audi RS 6 Avant, RS 7, A6, or Q7 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Audi dealer to schedule the free front-door crash-sensor inspection and, if needed, replacement for the connector that can detach.
- Reference recall number 20V749 and Audi recall 69BM when you call the dealer.
- Bring the owner letter if Audi sent one, or ask the dealer to confirm the recall by VIN.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Audi technician inspects the crash sensors in the front doors and replaces the crash sensors where needed. The inspection, replacement parts, and labor are free under the recall. This repair addresses the door crash sensor connector that can detach in the affected 2021 RS 6 Avant, RS 7, A6, and Q7 vehicles. Audi states that it will not offer reimbursement under this campaign.
| Reimbursement | No separate reimbursement |
|---|
Timeline
| December 2, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 23, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
| January 31, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| January 31, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| January 31, 2021 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| January 31, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V749?
Recall 20V749 covers 166 2021 Audi RS 6 Avant, RS 7, A6, and Q7 vehicles with a front-door crash-sensor connector that can detach. Audi dealers will inspect both front-door crash sensors and replace them when needed for free.
What should I do if my 2021 Audi RS 6 Avant, RS 7, A6, or Q7 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Audi is included in recall 20V749. If it is, contact a franchised Audi dealer to schedule the front-door crash-sensor inspection. Reference Audi recall number 69BM when you call. The dealer 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 crash sensors in both front doors and replace the sensors when needed free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
A detached connector can delay restraint-system activation during a side impact crash. That includes the side air bag, curtain air bag, and seat-belt pretensioners. Delayed activation increases the risk of injury, so confirm your VIN and arrange the dealer inspection if your vehicle is included.
When did Audi start this recall repair?
Audi began the recall repair on December 23, 2020. Owners with included VINs can contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834 or a franchised Audi dealer and reference recall number 69BM.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V749000 |
|---|---|
| Audi customer service | 1-800-253-2834 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V749 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V749000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →