1997–1998 Audi A4 and 1 other Audi model: air bags recall
The inflator could explode during air bag deployment, resulting in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury
What was reported
Source: manufacturer filing, 49 CFR Part 573Reported to NHTSA Jul 1, 2022 by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc, owners notified Sep 21, 2021.
Which vehicles are covered
Source: NHTSA campaign 22V471000| Model year | On WhichTrim |
|---|---|
| 1997 Audi A4 | every Audi on this site |
| 1998 Audi A4 | every Audi on this site |
| 1998 Audi A8 | every Audi on this site |
None of the vehicles this campaign names has a page on WhichTrim: every model year it names is older than the catalogue, which begins at 2016. The campaign record above is complete as filed, and whether one specific vehicle is included is settled by its VIN. Other campaigns on vehicles without a page here →
The federal paperwork
Source: nhtsa.govFiled documents
- Defect report PDF — The manufacturer's own filing to NHTSA describing the defect, the risk and the affected build range.
Check one specific vehicle
A recall applies to a build range, so year, make and model cannot settle it. NHTSA checks a VIN against the manufacturer's own list and tells you whether the repair is still outstanding on that vehicle.
NHTSA VIN recall lookup →Campaign 22V471000 · the manufacturer calls it 69BT
Own one, or run a fleet? Recall Watch checks each VIN against every new NHTSA campaign and emails you when one lands, this one's expansions included. Or take a free one-line alert by model year.
Common questions
Source: NHTSA, 49 CFR Part 573Is 69BT the same recall as 22V471000?
Yes. 69BT is the number Volkswagen Group of America, Inc uses for this campaign in its own paperwork and in the letter it sends owners. 22V471000 is the number NHTSA files it under. One recall, two references — dealers and service departments generally quote the manufacturer's.
Does this recall repair cost anything?
No. Federal law requires the manufacturer to remedy a safety defect or a compliance failure at no charge, for vehicles up to 15 years old measured from the date of first sale. A dealer that asks you to pay for a recall repair is in the wrong.
How do I know whether my vehicle is included?
By VIN, not by model year. The manufacturer files a build range with NHTSA and only vehicles inside it are covered, so two identical-looking cars from the same year can differ. NHTSA's own lookup checks a VIN against the manufacturer's list.
What if the repair is not available yet?
It happens, and often. Manufacturers must notify owners when a defect is found even if the parts or the software are not ready, then notify them a second time once the remedy exists. The remedy filed for this campaign is described above.
What did the manufacturer say was wrong?
The problem, risk and fix quoted on this page are the manufacturer's own words as filed with NHTSA under 49 CFR Part 573. WhichTrim does not paraphrase them.
Who started this recall?
NHTSA's record credits NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. A recall can begin with the manufacturer's own testing, with a defect investigation, or with a compliance test against a Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard.