Audi, Ferrari, Maserati Recalling Defective Airbags

Audi, Ferrari and Maserati are recalling more than 140,000 vehicles from 2015 to 2019 model years because the airbags are unsafe with either sudden deployment or no deployment during operation.

The Audi defect (19V415) is caused a loose contact. The passenger occupant detection system (PODS) may detect an error and switch off the passenger airbag even though the seat may be occupied.

Ferrari (19V411) and Maserati (19V461) airbag defects result from a bad solder joint in an Electronic Control Unit (ECU) possibly causing the non-deployment or improper deployment of the air bags and/or seat belt pretensioners. ZF Friedrichshafen is the German supplier responsible for this potentially deadly problem.

If your vehicle is included in these recalls, it is important it is fixed as soon as possible given the potential danger to a driver and  passengers if it is not addressed. Owners of record should receive a separate letter in the mail from the vehicle manufacturer on the recall and explaining when the remedy will be available, whom to contact to repair a vehicle, and to state that the repair will be done at no charge.

If you believe your vehicle is included in the recall, but you do not receive a letter in the mail from the vehicle manufacturer, call NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236, or contact your vehicle manufacturer or dealership. 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.safercar.gov.