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Campaign 21V606 Posted August 5, 2021 45,496 units

2021-2022 Audi Multi-Model Recall 21V606: Seat Belt

RN
Reviewed by the RecallNotify editorial team
Published May 20, 2026

Recall 21V606 affects 45,496 2021-2022 Audi vehicles because rear seat belt retractors deactivate early. Repair is free at any franchised Audi dealer.

Audi is recalling 45,496 2021-2022 vehicles, including Q3, S3, and Q5 models, under recall 21V606 because rear seat belt automatic locking retractors can deactivate early and leave a child restraint unsecured. An unsecured child restraint system can increase injury risk in a crash, and Audi dealers will repair the seat belt issue free of charge.

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What's wrong?

The rear seat belt automatic locking retractor in affected 2021-2022 Audi vehicles is the locking part inside the seat belt assembly. When a child seat is installed with the belt instead of LATCH, the retractor is supposed to lock the belt webbing as it retracts. That locked belt helps hold the child restraint firmly against the seat.

In this recall, a small lever inside the retractor was made outside the required dimensions. Because that lever is not the right size, the automatic locking function can shut off before the belt has fully retracted. The belt then remains unlocked, so a child restraint secured with the seat belt is not held as intended.

Owners using the seat belt to secure a child restraint will notice the belt does not stay locked. The clicking sound that normally continues while the belt retracts stops well before the webbing is fully pulled back.

Who's affected?

Spans sedans, SUVs, wagons, coupes, cabriolets, and the Volkswagen ID.4 across 2021-2022, centered on seat belt assemblies and rear retractors.

2021 Audi Q3 seat belt
2021 Audi E-Tron seat belt
2021 Audi RS Q8 seat belt
2021 Audi RS 6 Avant seat belt
2021 Audi RS 6 Avant seat belt
Units affected45,496
Field incidentsNHTSA has logged no field incidents to date.

A matching year and model does not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.

What's the safety risk?

An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash. If you use the seat belt instead of LATCH, the belt will not lock and the clicking sound stops before the webbing fully retracts. Use LATCH or another seating position that secures the child restraint correctly until the inspection is complete. Repair is free at any franchised Audi dealer.

What should I do?

  1. Check your VIN to confirm your 2021-2022 Audi vehicle is included in this recall.
  2. Contact a franchised Audi dealer to schedule the free middle-rear seat belt inspection and replacement that fixes the early retractor deactivation.
  3. Bring the recall notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 21V606 when you call.
  4. Avoid using a child restraint in the affected middle-rear seating position until the seat belt assembly has been inspected and repaired.

What happens at the repair

At the dealer, an Audi technician inspects the middle rear seat belt assemblies at the seating positions covered by the recall. If an affected assembly is found, the technician replaces that seat belt assembly. The inspection, parts, and labor are free under the recall. Repairs already paid by an owner are handled through the New Vehicle Limited Warranty, not through a separate reimbursement plan, because Audi states the affected vehicles are within that warranty. Ask the Audi service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.

ReimbursementWarranty coverage applies

Timeline

August 5, 2021 NHTSA published the recall
August 27, 2021 Owner notification mailed
October 1, 2021 Dealer notification began
October 1, 2021 Dealer notification ended
October 1, 2021 VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.
October 1, 2021 Interim owner notification (was planned for this date)

Frequently asked questions

What is recall 21V606?

Recall 21V606 covers 45,496 2021-2022 Audi and Volkswagen vehicles with rear seat belt automatic locking retractors that deactivate early. That defect prevents a child restraint system from securing properly. Dealers will inspect and replace the middle-rear seat belt assemblies for free when needed.

What should I do if my 2021-2022 Audi Q3, E-Tron, RS Q8, RS 6 Avant, RS 7, S5 Cabriolet, S8, S5, A6, Q8, A4, A5, Q7, S6, S4, RS 5, ID.4, S7, A7, SQ7, Q5, S3, SQ8, SQ5, A8, A6 Allroad, or A5 Cabriolet is on this recall?

Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 21V606. If it is, contact a franchised Audi dealer to schedule the seat belt inspection. The dealer will replace the middle-rear seat belt assemblies for free if replacement is needed.

Is the recall repair free?

Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 21V606, the dealer will inspect the middle-rear seat belt assemblies and replace them as needed free of charge.

What is the safety risk in recall 21V606?

The risk is an unsecured child restraint system during a crash. The rear seat belt automatic locking retractors deactivate early, which prevents the child seat from being held properly. That increases the risk of injury for a child passenger.

What if I bought my Audi used?

The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the current owner. Check your VIN, then reference recall 21V606 when you contact a franchised Audi dealer for the seat belt inspection and any needed replacement.

More information

NHTSA campaign pagenhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V606000
Audi customer service1-800-893-5298
NHTSA recall #21V606
NHTSA recall # (full)21V606000

Source documents

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 →