Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. is recalling certain 2023-2024 SQ8

Dec 20, 2023 — Recall Campaign #23V868000

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2023-2024 SQ8, RSQ8, Q8, Q7, and 2024 SQ7 vehicles. The driver's seat side air bag may have been improperly mounted to the seatback frame. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 214, "Side Impact Protection."

The recall was influenced by the manufacturer with about 1,001 units affected.

See recall notice

NHTSA Safety Recall Notice

23V868000

Manufacturer:	Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Recall date:	December 20, 2023
NHTSA Campaign #:	23V868000
Units affected:	1,001

Description:: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2023-2024 SQ8, RSQ8, Q8, Q7, and 2024 SQ7 vehicles. The driver's seat side air bag may have been improperly mounted to the seatback frame. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 214, "Side Impact Protection."
Consequeces:: An improperly mounted air bag may not restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Corrective action:: Dealers will inspect and reinstall the air bag as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 17, 2024. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 69GA.
Notes:: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Affects the following:

2024 AUDI Q8 Complaints
While traveling on a major freeway between 65mph and 70mph, vehicle alarms started sounding and numerous alarm / warning messages appeared on the dashboard display, while at the same time, the automatic door opening mechanism (e-latch system) unlatched and partially opened the driver’s side door. The partial opening of the door at high speed is hazardous, and could also cause a major distraction, resulting in a crash and/or danger to others in the vehicle and/or on the highway. The vehicle is currently being inspected at a dealership. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. The warning lamps, messages or other symptoms as described appeared during the incident as described.;
2024 AUDI SQ7 Complaints
USB-C ports found on the front center console and second row center console have a defective design that leads to frequent "push in" of the USB connector. This is leading to shorts, circuit boards overheating, and potential fire risk. It is a frequent issue reported in online forums affecting a wide range of Audi models that include the SQ7 and Q7 among many others. Dealers and Audi of America are infrequently taking responsibility for the poor design and are suggesting repair fees in the 1000s of dollars. One of the USB-C ports in my center console was pushed in before I purchased it, and the dealer is unwilling to help repair it. Their initial quote was $3000 to repair this defectively designed part.;
2024 AUDI SQ8 Complaints
I am reporting a serious safety defect involving the door locking and electrical systems in my 2024 Audi SQ8. On two separate occasions the vehicle experienced a complete electrical malfunction. During the first incident, I and my child were trapped inside the vehicle. The doors would not open from the inside and the vehicle would not start. After the first incident, the vehicle was taken to an Audi dealership for inspection and repair. I was informed that the issue had been identified and repaired. Despite those repairs, the same safety issue occurred again. During the second incident, which was captured on video, the vehicle would not start despite repeated attempts. The vehicle malfunctioned again after the dealership had already stated the problem was fixed. Dealership personnel acknowledged that they could not guarantee the problem would not happen again. I was also provided a video demonstrating a manual emergency exit procedure because the electronic door locking system could become inoperative again. The dealership showed how occupants would have to use a mechanical override to exit if the electronic system failed again. This defect creates a significant safety risk because occupants can become trapped inside the vehicle unable to exit during an emergency. The inability to start the vehicle combined with failure of the electronic door locking system could delay escape in the event of a fire, collision, medical emergency, or other hazardous situation. The vehicle has been inspected by an authorized Audi dealership multiple times. The problem was reproduced by the vehicle itself on multiple occasions, and I have video evidence documenting one of the incidents. Because of these repeated failures and the safety risk posed to me and everyone on the road I no longer feel it is safe to drive it.;