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severe 51 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $1,100 · see airbags across all vehicles →
Airbags accounts for 36% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 9 categories tracked.
Among the 9 model years of Audi A4 in our records for airbags problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
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.
Buyer takeaway: 2009 Audi A4 owners face a critical issue: multiple Takata airbag recalls have dragged on for years with no parts available and no repair timeline from Audi, leaving owners in an unsafe vehicle they cannot drive. One collision report also raises concern about airbag deployment anomalies (non-deployment and over-force). Before buying, verify recall status and parts availability directly with an Audi dealer.
The overwhelming majority of complaints center on the Takata airbag recall supply crisis. Starting in 2016, owners received NHTSA notices (campaigns 16V079000, 16V382000, 17V032000, 18V082000, 18V427000, 18V247000) for Takata inflator replacement but cannot get the work done. Dealers and Audi corporate both claim parts are unavailable; Audi tells owners to contact dealers, dealers redirect to Audi. Many owners waited one to three years or longer with no repair date in sight, some receiving multiple recall notices for driver and passenger sides separately. Audi offered no loaner vehicles despite the safety hazard.
One owner reported a driver-side airbag failed to deploy during a rear-end collision while the passenger-side deployed normally. Another reported airbags deployed with such force that they damaged the windshield and caused severe injuries (face, neck trauma requiring multiple surgeries).
The recall parts shortage appears to stem from Takata's inability to supply replacement inflators fast enough to meet demand across all affected manufacturers. Florida and humid-region vehicles were designated priority but saw no faster resolution.
Same Audi A4 airbags reports on nearby years: 2006 · 2008
Owners report receiving multiple NHTSA recall notices (campaigns 16V079000, 16V382000, 17V032000, 18V082000, 18V427000, 18V247000) for Takata airbag inflators but cannot get repairs completed because replacement parts are chronically unavailable. Some owners waited a year or more; dealers and Audi corporate cite parts distribution disconnects and cannot provide timelines for repair availability. Audi and dealers point fingers at each other, leaving owners with unsafe vehicles they fear to drive.
When: Recalls issued 2016–2018; owners report waits of 1–3+ years without remedy
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag warning light illuminated; Unable to schedule repair appointment (parts unavailable); Manufacturer and dealers unable to provide repair timeline; Multiple recall notices for same vehicle (driver and passenger sides)
Codes mentioned: 16V079000 (AIR BAGS), 16V382000 (AIR BAGS), 17V032000 (AIR BAGS), 18V082000 (AIR BAGS), 18V427000 (AIR BAGS), 18V247000 (AIR BAGS)
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report dealers stating parts are not available and no estimated arrival date can be provided. One owner reports dealer offered only a few thousand dollars credit toward new Audi as alternative remedy.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Takata recalls (16V079000, 16V382000, 17V032000, 18V082000, 18V427000, 18V247000); parts distribution disconnect documented by VIN tool; no loaner vehicles offered by Audi despite safety concern.
Owner reported rear-end collision where passenger-side airbag deployed but driver-side airbag did not, despite direct impact with significant front-end damage (radiator pushed into engine). Owner was wearing seatbelt correctly and sustained only minor bruising. This is a single complaint (#3) and differs from the Takata recall timeline issue; it suggests a potential deployment logic or sensor failure independent of the inflator recall.
When: Occurred during rear-end collision; no mileage specified
Symptoms owners cite: Driver airbag failed to deploy on direct front-end collision; Passenger airbag deployed normally; Other safety systems functioned (rear seat rollover protection, emergency flashers, auto engine cutoff)
Owner reported airbags deployed so forcefully during collision that they damaged the windshield and caused serious injuries to vehicle occupants, including face and neck trauma. Owner reports multiple surgeries required post-accident (2 eye operations with 2 more needed, dental surgeries, 3 neck surgeries) and unpaid medical expenses. Vehicle was totaled. This is alleged defective deployment force, separate from the Takata inflator rupture issue.
When: During traffic collision (date not specified)
Symptoms owners cite: Airbags deployed with excessive force; Windshield damaged by airbag deployment; Owner facial and neck injuries from airbag impact; Serious injuries requiring multiple surgeries
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle totaled; owner reports unpaid medical expenses from airbag-related injuries
Synthesized from 51 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
Takata recall. I have contacted classic Audi dealer in eastchester, ny several times by phone, email, and chat. They have been unresponsive. To date I have not been offered an appointment to replace both airbags. I called the Audi advocate in michigan, and she promised to help by contacting classic Audi and provide me with information about when classic Audi will schedule an appointment. This is…
I have called jacksonville fl Audi dealership several times because I received a notice that my air bags are bad. They keep telling me they don't have a replacement for it? I don't like the idea of driving the car with faulty air bags. Can you assist in getting me the airbags replaced asap? *tr
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2009 Audi a4 cabriolet. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16v079000 (air bags) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool…
Takata recall. Why is it taking takata so long to get an airbag to Audi? My car is 7 years old and drivers side airbag is part of this recall. Takata should be working with other manufacturers involved to meet demand. This is a critical item that you expect to save your life, not take it. Seriously they need to get on the ball here.
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2009 Audi a4. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 17v032000 (air bags). The part needed for the repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The vehicle was taken to Audi warrington (1607 s easton rd, warrington, pa 18976, phone: (215) 343-1600), but the…
Takata recall I have been informed by mail, for several years now, that the airbags in my car needs to be replaced due to the recall. The passenger side has been replaced, yet the driver side airbag has not. I am constantly after my dealership to inform me as to the time frame for replacement, but they never have any information. This has been ongoing now for several years. Can anything be done…
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2009 Audi a4. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 16v079000 (air bags) and 16v382000 (air bags); however, the parts needed to repair the vehicle were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified. The contact had not experienced a…
Takata recall
Takata recall--no remedy available yet to replace inflator.
Takata recall - after lengthy time there is still not a remedy yet available!
It's a meaningful issue. 51 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $1,100.
Based on the 51 complaints filed, airbags issues most often appear around 60,600 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
Independent shops typically charge around $1,100 for airbags repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Yes — 2 active recall(s) cover airbags issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.