Volkswagen Group of America is recalling 226 model year 2012-2015 Passats, model year 2011-2014 Golf A6s and model year 2011-2013 Audi A3 diesels, thought to have been previously repaired under one of the Takata airbag recalls.
The driver's side airbag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
What to do
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's side airbag inflators free of charge.
The recall was expected to begin in December 2019.
Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at (800) 893-5298 or Audi customer service at (800) 253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69R6, 69Q8, 69Q9, and 69Y5.