Recall 24V251 covers 91 2023-2024 Audi vehicles with loose passenger-seat ODS connections. Repair is free at any franchised Audi dealer.
Audi is recalling 91 2023-2024 Audi Q5, Q8, Q7, and other models under recall 24V251 because an electrical connection in the front passenger seat occupant detection system can loosen and deactivate the front passenger air bag. A deactivated air bag will not deploy during a crash, increasing injury risk, and Audi dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The front passenger seat recognition control unit is the small electronic module that helps the occupant detection system read whether someone is sitting in the front passenger seat. That reading tells the airbag system whether the front passenger frontal airbag should be ready for a crash.
On affected 2023-2024 Audi vehicles, the problem traces to the way the control unit was soldered at the supplier. When the production line switched soldering programs, Audi control units remained on the line, and 3 pins on those units were not soldered. That faulty connection can loosen and cause the system to deactivate the passenger frontal airbag.
The warning sign is a yellow airbag warning light. If that light appears, the airbag control module has switched to fail-safe mode, and the passenger frontal airbag is off until the vehicle is diagnosed.
Who's affected?
Spans Audi cars and SUVs from the 2023 and 2024 model years, all tied to the same front passenger air bag occupant classification control unit.
| 2024 Audi Q8 | front air bag |
|---|---|
| 2024 Audi RS Q8 | front air bag |
| 2023 Audi Q5 | front air bag |
| 2023 Audi S5 Cabriolet | front air bag |
| 2024 Audi E-Tron | front air bag |
| 2023 Audi RS 5 | front air bag |
| 2023 Audi SQ7 | front air bag |
| 2023 Audi S5 | front air bag |
| 2024 Audi Q5 | front air bag |
| 2023 Audi A4 Allroad | front air bag |
| 2023 Audi A3 | front air bag |
| 2023 Audi Tt | front air bag |
| 2024 Audi A8 | front air bag |
| 2024 Audi Q3 | front air bag |
| 2024 Audi Q7 | front air bag |
| 2023 Audi Q7 | front air bag |
| 2023 Audi Q3 | front air bag |
| Units affected | 91 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 2 field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
If this defect occurs, the front passenger air bag is deactivated and will not deploy in a crash, increasing the risk of injury for the passenger. The yellow airbag warning light turns on when the system enters fail-safe mode. Contact an authorized Audi dealer for diagnosis when that light appears. Repair is free at any franchised Audi dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2023-2024 Audi Q8, RS Q8, Q5, S5 Cabriolet, E-Tron, RS 5, SQ7, S5, A4 Allroad, A3, Tt, A8, Q3, or Q7 is included.
- Contact your nearest franchised Audi dealer to schedule the free front-passenger occupant-detection control-module replacement, which fixes the loose connection that can deactivate the passenger air bag.
- Bring the recall notice if Audi mailed one. If not, reference recall number 24V251 and Audi recall 69GU when you call.
- Ask the dealer whether the front passenger seat should stay empty until the repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Audi technician replaces the passenger seat occupant detection system control module, then checks the related front passenger seat electrical connection so the system communicates correctly with the air bag. The recall covers parts and labor. Audi is not offering a separate reimbursement program because affected vehicles are covered by the new vehicle limited warranty. If you have prior repair paperwork, ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| April 3, 2024 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 5, 2024 | Dealer notification began |
| April 5, 2024 | Dealer notification ended |
| May 8, 2024 | Owner notification mailed |
| May 31, 2024 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 24V251?
Recall 24V251 covers 91 2023-2024 Audi vehicles with a front passenger seat occupant detection system connection that can loosen and deactivate the front passenger air bag. Audi dealers will replace the passenger seat occupant detection system control module for free.
What should I do if my 2023-2024 Audi Q8, RS Q8, Q5, S5 Cabriolet, E-Tron, RS 5, SQ7, S5, A4 Allroad, A3, Tt, A8, Q3, or Q7 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Audi is included in recall 24V251. If it is, contact a franchised Audi dealer to schedule replacement of the passenger seat occupant detection system control module. Reference Audi recall 69GU 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 passenger seat occupant detection system control module free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is that the front passenger air bag can deactivate and fail to deploy during a crash, increasing the risk of injury for the front passenger. The recall repair replaces the affected control module so the occupant detection system works as intended.
When were owners notified about recall 24V251?
Audi mailed owner notification letters on May 8, 2024. If you bought the vehicle used or never received a letter, check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included, then call a franchised Audi dealer with recall number 69GU.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/24V251000 |
|---|---|
| Audi customer service | 1-800-253-2834 |
| NHTSA recall # | 24V251 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 24V251000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (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 →