Recall 22V543 covers 1,216 2016 Audi and Volkswagen vehicles for front-passenger air bag module failure. Repair is free at any franchised Audi dealer.
Audi is recalling 1,216 2016 vehicles, including the S3, A3 Sportback E-Tron, GTI, and Golf R, because the front passenger air bag can explode or deploy improperly during a crash. Metal fragments can strike occupants, or the air bag can fail to restrain the passenger correctly, and Audi dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The front passenger air bag module is the part inside the dashboard that cushions the passenger in a crash. It includes an inflator, which creates gas fast enough to fill the air bag when the crash sensors call for deployment. On affected 2016 vehicles in this recall, that inflator is the part under review.
During deployment, the inflator can rupture, causing the front passenger air bag to explode, or it can deploy incorrectly. Audi traced the affected vehicles to front passenger air bag inflators from the same supplier production batch as a confirmed rupture. The exact root cause was still unknown in the filing because only a visual inspection had been completed.
There is no warning sign before failure. The issue appears only when the air bag deploys in a crash, so a normal dashboard light or normal driving feel does not rule out this recall.
Who's affected?
Covers 10 distinct model nameplates from the same model year, all tied to the front-passenger air bag module.
| 2016 Audi S3 | front air bag |
|---|---|
| 2016 Audi A3 Sportback E-Tron | front air bag |
| 2016 Volkswagen GTI | front air bag |
| 2016 Volkswagen Golf R | front air bag |
| 2016 Audi A3 | front air bag |
| 2016 Volkswagen E-Golf | front air bag |
| 2016 Audi R8 | front air bag |
| 2016 Volkswagen Golf | front air bag |
| 2016 Audi Tt | front air bag |
| 2016 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen | front air bag |
| Units affected | 1,216 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 1 field incident 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?
If the front-passenger air bag inflator explodes, sharp metal fragments can strike occupants, causing serious injury or death. The air bag also can deploy improperly and fail to restrain the passenger in a crash. There is no warning sign before failure, so confirm your VIN and schedule the repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Audi dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016 Audi or Volkswagen model is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Audi dealer to schedule the free front-passenger air bag module replacement that fixes the explosion or improper-deployment risk.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 22V543 when you call.
- Call Audi customer service at 1-800-893-5298 with questions before your dealer visit.
- Limit front-passenger use until the repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Audi technician replaces the front-passenger air bag module covered by recall 22V543. The replacement parts and labor are free under the recall. This repair addresses the module that can explode or deploy improperly during air bag deployment. Volkswagen and Audi are not offering reimbursement for this campaign, so prior out-of-pocket repairs are not covered through a separate recall reimbursement plan.
| Reimbursement | No separate reimbursement |
|---|
Timeline
| July 27, 2022 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 23, 2022 | Dealer notification began |
| September 23, 2022 | Dealer notification ended |
| September 23, 2022 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| December 16, 2022 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 22V543?
Recall 22V543 covers 1,216 2016 Audi and Volkswagen vehicles with a front passenger air bag module defect. During deployment, the air bag can explode or deploy improperly, sending sharp metal fragments toward occupants or failing to restrain the passenger. Dealers will replace the module for free.
What should I do if my 2016 Audi or Volkswagen vehicle is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 22V543. If it is, contact a franchised Audi dealer to schedule the front passenger air bag module replacement. Reference recall number 22V543, plus Volkswagen recall numbers 69DY and 61C1, when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and the remedy says dealers will replace the front passenger air bag module free of charge. Parts and labor are covered at a franchised Audi dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is serious injury or death from the passenger air bag during a crash. An inflator explosion can send sharp metal fragments into the cabin, and an improper deployment can fail to restrain the passenger, increasing injury risk in a crash.
When were owners notified about recall 22V543?
Owner notification letters were mailed December 16, 2022. If you bought the vehicle used or never received a letter, the VIN still decides whether the recall applies. Check your VIN, then contact an Audi dealer if your vehicle is included.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/22V543000 |
|---|---|
| Audi customer service | 1-800-893-5298 |
| NHTSA recall # | 22V543 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 22V543000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (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 →