Audi is recalling 208,332 cars due to concerns that a seat heater cable problem can disable the front passenger airbag. This action includes certain 2017-2020 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, 2018-2019 RS5 Coupe, 2019 RS5 Sportback, and 2018-2020 A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, S4 Sedan, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, and Audi S5 Sportback vehicles. Models not included in this recall are already equipped with improved parts.

These cars feature a passenger occupant detection system in the front seats, as required by regulations in Canada and the U.S. The problem relates to a potential fault in the wiring that connects to the occupant detection system. It can cause the passenger airbag to be deactivated, even if there is a passenger present. Should this occur, an airbag indicator light will display “passenger airbag off.” There will also be an acoustic warning and an error message in the instrument cluster.

If the passenger airbag is disabled, it will not protect occupants in the event of a crash.

Audi advises that owners who experience this problem should take their vehicle to their local dealership as soon as possible.

This recall is an expansion of recall 19V-547 (74D9). Vehicles previously repaired under 19V-547 will need to return for the new remedy.

Owners will be notified in early January 2022.