Recall 21V470 covers 62,812 2000-2002 Audi A4, S4, and Tt vehicles for defective driver airbag inflators. Repair is free at any franchised Audi dealer.
Audi is recalling 62,812 2000-2002 A4, S4, and Tt vehicles under recall 21V470 because certain driver air bag inflators can absorb moisture and deploy improperly in a crash. If the air bag does not protect the occupant as intended, the risk of serious injury or death increases; Audi dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The driver airbag inflator in the 2000-2002 Audi A4, S4, and Tt is the metal device inside the steering wheel airbag that produces gas during a crash. Its job is to fill the driver airbag fast enough to cushion the driver before contact with the steering wheel or dash.
On affected Audi vehicles, the Takata Non-Azide Driver Inflator can absorb moisture because of a manufacturing issue. Audi and the supplier have not isolated every factor behind the failure, but the investigation points to inflator subtype, manufacturing variation, climate, vibration, and vehicle application as factors. When inflator performance drops, the driver airbag can deploy improperly in a crash.
There is no warning sign before failure. The problem is inside the inflator, so the driver will not hear, smell, or feel a change before the airbag is needed.
Who's affected?
Spans the A4, S4, and Tt across the 2000, 2001, and 2002 model years, all tied to the driver-side front air bag inflator.
| 2001 Audi A4 | front air bag |
|---|---|
| 2000 Audi S4 | front air bag |
| 2001 Audi S4 | front air bag |
| 2000 Audi A4 | front air bag |
| 2000 Audi Tt | front air bag |
| 2001 Audi Tt | front air bag |
| 2002 Audi S4 | front air bag |
| 2002 Audi A4 | front air bag |
| Units affected | 62,812 |
| 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 car is included.
What's the safety risk?
In a crash that deploys the air bag, the driver frontal air bag inflator can prevent the air bag from protecting the occupant as intended, increasing the risk of serious injury or death. If your VIN is included, schedule the inflator replacement soon. Repair is free at any franchised Audi dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2000-2002 Audi A4, S4, or Tt is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Audi dealer to schedule the free driver-airbag-inflator replacement, which fixes the moisture-sensitive inflator tied to improper air bag deployment.
- Bring the owner letter if you have it, or reference recall number 21V470 and Audi recall 69CJ when you call.
- Drive with extra caution until the repair is complete, because the driver air bag can deploy improperly in a crash.
- Call Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834 with questions about the repair or appointment timing.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Audi technician replaces the driver frontal airbag inflator with an alternative inflator. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. This work addresses the inflator installed in the driver airbag, not the full airbag system unless the dealer finds related service needs during the recall appointment. Audi is not offering reimbursement for prior repairs under this campaign.
| Reimbursement | No separate reimbursement |
|---|
Timeline
| June 23, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 20, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| August 20, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| August 20, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| November 2, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V470?
Recall 21V470 covers 62,812 2000-2002 Audi A4, S4, and Tt vehicles with NADI driver air bag inflators. Moisture inside the inflator can cause improper deployment in a crash. Audi dealers will replace the driver frontal airbag inflator for free.
What should I do if my 2000-2002 Audi A4, S4, or Tt is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 21V470. If it is, contact a franchised Audi dealer to schedule the driver frontal airbag inflator replacement. Reference recall 21V470 or Audi recall number 69CJ when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Audi dealers will replace the driver frontal airbag inflator free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for vehicles included in recall 21V470.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced driver air bag protection in a crash that requires deployment. An inflator affected by moisture can deploy improperly, so the air bag does not properly protect the occupant. The free dealer repair replaces the affected inflator.
What if I bought my Audi A4, S4, or Tt used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. If you never received the owner letter Audi mailed on November 2, 2021, check your VIN and give the dealer recall number 21V470 or 69CJ.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V470000 |
|---|---|
| Audi customer service | 1-800-253-2834 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V470 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V470000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (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 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →