This worryingly low uptake has hence prompted Audi Malaysia to issue an urgent airbag recall reminder.
Local Audi distributors PHS Automotive Malaysia (PHSAM) has issued a reminder to owners of the four-ringed models regarding its ongoing Takata airbag recall, to immediately check to see if their vehicles are affected.
A recall that was announced some 11 months ago already back in April last year, Audi has however claimed that only 569 vehicles out of the 2,297 cars it counted to be affected over here have had this fault fixed. This in turn translates to a dismally low take up rate of only 25%, and hence likely prompted this particular reminder.
This recall covers 2,297 vehicles including the Audi Q5, A5 Cabriolet and A5 Sportback models manufactured between 2009 and 2012 and Audi TT and R8 models manufactured between 2014 and 2017 which have Takata airbags installed on the driver’s side. It also covers Takata airbags for the passenger side for the Audi A4, A4 Cabriolet and A6 vehicles manufactured between 2005 and 2011.
According to information provided by the manufacturer Takata, the gas generator of the affected front airbags may rupture when the airbag is triggered during an accident if the propellant inside it displays signs of ageing due to extreme ambient influences. As a result, metal pieces of the gas generator can eject through the passenger compartment and severely injure the occupants.
Owners are advised to inspect and replace the airbag as soon as possible at an Audi Service Centre, to ensure the vehicle continues to function at a high safety standard. Depending on the Takata airbag fitting and car model, a component propellant or complete drive airbag module will need to be replaced at no cost.
As a token of appreciation, owners will also receive a complimentary 20-point check on their vehicle after the inspection.
Owners may check this if their car is affected at the Audi website, by entering the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) found at the bottom left of the front windscreen. Alternatively, owners may also contact Audi Customer Service at 1-800-22-2834 or email [email protected] or reach out to their nearest Audi Centre and schedule a complimentary inspection and replacement if necessary.
