Volkswagen announces airbag recall
The Associated Free Press has reported that Volkswagen will recall nearly 600,000 vehicles, mostly Audis, in the US over defects that could results in fires or airbag malfunctions. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, no fatalities have yet occurred in the US. The recall follows numerous incidents in China and Israel in 2016. A Volkswagen spokesman said dealerships will repair and replace parts free of charge. A corrosion problem that could prevent airbags from deploying affects more than 234,000 Audi 2011 to 2017 A5 models. Faulty coolant pumps that can overheat and cause fires have affected 342,800 Audi A4s, A5s, A6s and Q5s produced in or after 2012. Another 5,901 Audi A4, A6, Q7 and Q5 2017 and 2018 models risk faulty airbag deployment and seat belt problems. Among the Volkswagen brand, the 2017 Golf, the 2016 e-Golf, and the 2017 Tiguan have been recalled with the same potential defects. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration did not specify whether the defective airbags were manufactured by Japanese firm Takata, currently embroiled in the largest car product recall in history. Over 850,000 Audi and VW vehicles were recalled due to faulty Takata airbags in October 2016.