Calculus VW and Audi: Levit to faulty Takata airbags

Traffic accidents can happen quickly. Last year, the police registered around 2.5 million of them – that is 1 percent less than 2023. Airbags are supposed to give security in car accidents if they are functional and optimally installed. This cannot currently be guaranteed for certain models from Volkswagen and Audi. The recall of faulty airbags could be part of one of the largest security risk in automotive history: more than 100 million vehicles are affected.

The two large car manufacturers are calling back several vehicle models worldwide. The reason for this is incorrect airbags by the Japanese supplier Takata. VW and Audi warn of life danger because the built -in airbags are a significant security risk. This emphasizes: “It may therefore be that an incorrect airbag in an accident is also a serious security risk for you and your passengers in your vehicle.” Audi is also at risk of life and a security risk for drivers and passengers.

Airbags usually belong to the safety system of a vehicle. They reduce the risk of serious injuries to an impact – it dissolves within 30 milliseconds. With a impact speed of only 25 kilometers per hour, it opens, because even at slow speed, serious injuries can occur on the upper body or head.

According to VW, the danger is very great. “If the airbag is triggered in an accident, a significantly too high pressure may arise when the gas generator is ignited,” it says. Metal pieces would be thrown into the vehicle interior – the consequences can cause serious injuries and, in the worst case, lead to death.

Takata is an international company for occupant protection systems for vehicles. Since they supply worldwide, many other vehicles are affected by the recall. In Germany, Volkswagen in particular would focus on commercial vehicles. According to the VW, the Takata company is said to have delivered airbags with faulty gas generators for years, “which change due to certain climate influences (heat and moisture) due to aging.” These airbags are installed in models from the years of construction 2005 to 2018.

Based on the vehicle identification number (FIN), vehicle owners can find out whether your vehicle is affected. It is a clear, internationally standardized 17-digit number that can be found in the vehicle documents and in the lower area of ​​the windshield.

to be able to check the FIN quickly, whether it is an affected vehicle model. . Since the lists are gradually updating, the car manufacturers recommend regularly look at whether a vehicle is affected. If there is no FIN, you should contact a Volkswagen commercial vehicle service partner.

“If your vehicle is affected, please contact a Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Service Partner immediately in order to have the components in question replaced immediately,” says Volkswagen. The exchange takes about an hour and is free.