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Audi A4 airbag light comes on

50 of the 2,899 owner complaints about the Audi A4 describe airbag warning light, most of them for the 2005 model year.

owner complaints
50
worst model year
2005
typical mileage
71,000
Is there a fix? There are 9 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2022
    1
  • 2019
    1
  • 2018
    2
  • 2017
    2
  • 2009
    1
  • 2008
    3
  • 2007
    4
  • 2006
    3
  • 2005
    11
  • 2004
    10
  • 2003
    2
  • 2001
    3
  • 2000
    1
  • 1999
    2
  • 1998
    2
  • 1996
    2

What owners say

Filed Jul 1, 2026 · Body, Electrical · CA

Visible wiring has become exposed in the windshield/A-pillar area. There is no airbag/SRS warning light at this time, and I am not able to determine from visual inspection whether the exposed wiring is related to the restraint system. However, this is a safety-sensitive area because it can contain or route electrical wiring near trim, sensors, and safety-system areas. Exposed or unsecured wiring in this area may create a risk of electrical short, damaged wiring, impaired signal integrity, loose trim, moisture intrusion, or safety-system malfunction. The concern was reported as part of broader electrical and safety-related issues. No crash, fire, injury, or fatality occurred. This complaint is being submitted because exposed wiring in the A-pillar/windshield-pillar area is not normal and should be inspected to determine whether the wiring, trim, connector routing, or related electrical/safety components are compromised. The vehicle/component is available for inspection, and photo evidence and service communications are available.

Filed Jun 12, 2026 · Airbags · 32,400 miles · MN

The contact owns a 2022 Audi A4. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle while the front passenger seat was occupied, the air bag warning light illuminated and a chime sounded. A dealer was contacted. Â The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was being diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 32,400.

Filed Mar 13, 2023 · Airbags · WA

After dealership did the second repair to the airbag recall, the airbag light came on and has been on solid . When taking the car back to The dealership to have it fixed ,We were clear about the whole thing over the phone .the dealership proceeded to charge me for a diagnostic test as well as claiming to not have seen any recalls on the car .dealership claimed the whole airbag needed to be replaced yet the car has never been in an accident. Bottom line The initial recall isn’t finished . Dealership explained car would be safe to drive , even tho the safety system is currently malfunctioning .

Filed May 27, 2022 · Airbags · TX

The front passenger airbag light goes on and off randomly whenever if there is someone sits at the front passenger seat. The problem is exactly same as described in Recall 21V874000. Audi A4 2019 is on the list of recall, but my car wasn't been recalled for no reason.

Filed Sep 24, 2021 · Airbags, Seats · CA

The passenger side air bag warning light and/or passenger seat sensor mat has failed 3 times (twice since we've owned the car and once before). We purchased a used 2017 A4 Audi Sedan in October 2019. In early November 2020 the passenger side airbag warning light came on. After adjusting the front passenger seat, the light went off. Thereafter, the light would intermittently go on and off. We took the car to the dealer from whom we bought it - Royal Automotive Group in San Francisco. Their technician tested the car and confirmed a fault code #DTC B1225F1. They found "tsb #2051242/5 for issue and fault" and installed "cable tie per tsb." We continued to drive the car without incident until September 2021when the problem happened again. The passenger side airbag warning light began going on and off intermittently both when the front passenger seat was occupied and when it was not. Since we had moved from San Francisco to Novato, we took the car to Audi Marin. They verified the concern and found fault code P122F51. They confirmed the tsb recommended repair had already been done and told us it was first repaired on August 2, 2019 (before we bought the car) and again in November 2020 when we reported the problem to Royal Automotive Group in San Francisco. Audi Marin's recommended repair is to replace the passenger side seat POD which would cost approximately $2,000. We have been advised that the defective passenger side air bag and/or seat sensor pad constitutes a safety hazard because the airbag system may not work. We have since learned that several Audi models have been recalled for defects in the passenger occupant detection system (PODS). In March of 2021, it was announced Audi is recalling virtually all A3, RS3 and S3 cars built from 2015 to 2020 to address the risk that the PODS may malfunction and turn off the airbag when someone is in the front passenger seat.

Filed Aug 11, 2021 · Airbags · CA

Our 2017 A4 suddenly had the passenger airbag warning light illuminate while driving. In addition a different warning stated "safety system malfunction." We took the car to the dealer. They saw that there was a code in the computer but said that this could be "because a wire moved." They claimed it was "fixed" by "restarting" the car.They did no repair despite our protests, and told us to bring it back if it happened again. The next time we drove the car it happened again. We returned to the dealer. They stated the following (1) there is nothing wrong with the car and we should ignore the random intermittent safety light and continue driving; (2) that "probably you won't have a crash during the malfunction, so it should be OK" and "Audi engineering won't pay to fix this under your warranty because "sometimes your seat heater can trigger this warning for no reason if you don't use the seat heater." Audi is refusing to fix this obvious safety error impacting the airbag system.

Filed Nov 5, 2020 · Airbags · MA

Received airbag recall the federal safety agency 16v079 on april 2016. After almost 3 years of waiting for parts due to shortage the airbag was replaced on february 2019. On april 2019 airbag light came on. Dealer scanned vehicle and said was unrelated to the airbag which it was just replaced and wanted to charge me over $800 for a rear seatbelt tensioner. I didn't think they were being honest so I took the car to another non-audi dealer and they confirmed the airbag codes were related to actual airbag which was replaced. After a lot of back and forth and aggravation with audi, they decided to replace the airbag a second time on may of 2020 and airbag light went away. However, 5 months later on october of 2020 airbag light came back on. Dealer now says the airbag control module is not good and wants to charge me $2,800 plus taxes to replace it. I feel they don't know what is causing the problem and are presenting me with a fat bill with the hopes I will walk away without repairing, this way they are off the hook from any obligations to repair the car or potential law suits in case of an accident. I am running out of options at this point. I feel the dealer and manufacture are not taking responsibility to repair an issue which started after the airbag recall replacement and now they want to charge me $3,000 for something I am not even sure it will work. Is there a law that would protect the consumer from this type of situation? After all this was a recall..... What is my right at this point?

Filed Aug 29, 2020 · Airbags · VT

Air bag light is on

Filed Aug 14, 2020 · Airbags · 71,000 miles · OH

Air bag light on,ran code, states bad igniter ran google search says 2005 a4 qualifies for recall audi dealer states not on list for airbag recall this is a safety issue and should be repaired at no cost to me

Filed Aug 10, 2020 · Airbags, Engine · 175,000 miles · TX

Noticed air bag lights on didnt think quick , also I notuced electrical issue here & there. Engine runs & sounds louder when using A/C. When you go to shut off vehicle theres a loud thump thump noise at the end fir about 3 mins or so , problems starting the engine , back windshield wiper turns on by its self , a week ago the light in the bavk turns on by it self. Other engine problems not sure if all tied in together I just started my purchase on 7/21/2020 from a car dealer. Had it checked by 2 people & one said air leak showing from diagnostic machine . My dealer put on machine & said didnt see nothing wrong. Power steering goes out have to fill almost every 2-3 days. My dealer said dont put more cause it could mess up engine. So I didnt & 2 days later driving 15 -20 MPH on residential street it starts sounding like its going to stop so I presumed to shut off engine . Chevk under the hood & the power steering fluid was bone dey smoking slightly , & belt was pulled out a& shredded & it wouldnt even turm on enough to get a full start & dealer came & towed it back. Now he saying I need a new engine

Related recalls

Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator moduleReported July 1, 2022 · 28,624 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 1998 Audi A8 and 1997-1998 Audi A4 vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) that do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflator may absorb moisture, causing the inflator to explode or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
Risk
The inflator could explode during air bag deployment, resulting in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the driver's air bag inflator with an alternative inflator of a different design, free of charge. Owner notification letters were sent September 21, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1‑800‑253‑2834. Audi's number for this recall is 69BT. The vehicles in this recall were mistakenly omitted from recall 20V‑056. All vehicle owners have already been notified by mail and informed that the remedy is available.

Recall number 22V471000 · Recall details

Air bags: sensor: occupant classification: front passengerReported November 10, 2021 · 208,332 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2017-2020 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, 2018-2019 RS5 Coupe, 2019 RS5 Sportback, 2018-2020 A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, S4 Sedan, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, and Audi S5 Sportback vehicles. The cable connecting the seat heater to the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) may have a contact fault, causing the software to misdiagnose a malfunction and disable the passenger air bag.
Risk
A disabled passenger air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the connecting cable and either the heating mat or entire seat cover, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 7, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1‑800‑253‑2834. Audi's number for this recall is 74E3. This recall is an expansion of Recall 19V‑547 (74D9). Vehicles previously repaired under 19V‑547 will need to return for the new remedy.

Recall number 21V874000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator moduleReported June 23, 2021 · 62,812 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2000-2001 Audi TT Coupe, TT Roadster, 2000-2002 A4, and S4 vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver Air Bag Inflators (NADI) that do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, possibly causing the air bag to deploy improperly in the event of a crash.
Risk
In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, the air bag may not properly protect the occupant, increasing the risk of serious injury or death.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the driver frontal airbag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 2, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1‑800‑253‑2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69CJ.

Recall number 21V470000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator moduleReported January 31, 2020 · 106,857 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VW) is recalling certain 2000-2001 TT Roadster, 2000 TT Coupe, 1999 Audi A8, 1998-2000 Audi A6, and 1999-2000 Audi A4 vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) that do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, possibly causing the air bag to deploy improperly in the event of a crash.
Risk
In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, the air bag may not properly protect the occupant, increasing the risk of serious injury or death.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator when the parts become available, free of charge. Owner notifications were mailed September 21, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1‑800‑253‑2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69BT.

Recall number 20V056000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator moduleReported June 22, 2018 · 237,947 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2005-2008 Audi A4 Sedan, A4 Avant, S4 Avant and S4 Sedan, 2007-2008 RS4 Sedan, 2004 RS4 Cabriolet, 2007-2009 A4 Cabriolet and S4 Cabriolet, 2005-2011 A6 Sedan, 2006-2011 A6 Avant, and 2007-2011 S6 Sedan vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Audi has notified owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag with an alternate remedy part, free of charge. The recall began June 29, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1‑800‑253‑2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69R7. Note: This recall supersedes recalls 16V382, 17V032 and 18V004 and includes vehicles that may have had their air bag previously replaced under one of those campaigns.

Recall number 18V427000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator moduleReported January 11, 2017 · 33,421 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2009 Audi A4 Cabriolet, S4 Cabriolet, A6 Avant, A6 Sedan and S6 Sedan vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, unless included in "Zone B" above, Volkswagen is recalling certain 2005-2008 Audi A4 Avant, A4 Sedan, A6 Sedan, S4 Avant and S4 Sedan vehicles, 2007-2008 A4 Cabriolet, RS4 Sedan, S4 Cabriolet and S6 Sedan vehicles, and 2006-2008 A6 Avant and 2008 RS4 Cabriolet vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 30, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1‑800‑253‑2834. Note: This recall has been superseded by recall number 18V427.

Recall number 17V032000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator moduleReported June 1, 2016 · 194,453 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 Audi A4, and 2005-2011 Audi A6 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Volkswagen is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 Audi A4, and 2005-2008 Audi A6 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Lastly, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Volkswagen is recalling model year 2004 Audi A4 vehicles originally sold, or registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 28, 2017. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1‑800‑822‑2834.

Recall number 16V382000 · Recall details

Air bagsReported May 27, 2016 · 8,381 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VW) is recalling certain model year 2008-2009 Audi A4, A5, and Q5 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the air bag control units may corrode and fail.
Risk
If the air bag control unit fails, the air bags may not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of occupant injury.
Remedy
Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag control unit, free of charge. The recall began October 2016. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1‑800‑253‑2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69O1.

Recall number 16V376000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontalReported October 8, 1997 · 39,300 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The discharge of static electricity under low humidity conditions can activate the driver side air bag when the driver enters or exits the vehicle and forms an electrical circuit by touching certain areas of the steering wheel.
Risk
Activation of the air bag under these conditions can cause personal injury.
Remedy
Dealers will install a ground wire on the driver side air bag.

Recall number 97V175000 · Recall details

Questions about the Audi A4 airbag light

Why does the airbag light come on in the Audi A4?

Owners who report it most often also describe airbags did not deploy in a crash, windshield wiper failure and water leaks into the cabin.

Which Audi A4 years have airbag warning light problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2005 (11 complaints), 2004 (10 complaints) and 2007 (4 complaints).

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