Audi recalls many cars in Vietnam to fix safety errors

(Dan Tri) - Audi Vietnam's recall program includes some electric car models that are being distributed, the rest are old car models with problems related to Takata airbags.

Recently, Audi Vietnam has launched two recall programs, both under a joint campaign from parent company Audi AG. One recall involves eight e-tron GT and GTRS electric vehicles, manufactured between January 9, 2020 and June 12, 2024.

Accordingly, during the operation of the two electric vehicles above, the front brake oil pipe may be cracked and damaged, due to the steering force acting on the brake oil pipe creating significant tension. This phenomenon causes loss of brake oil, reduces braking performance, the vehicle can still decelerate with the rear brake force but does not ensure safety.

The Audi e-tron GT has a standard retail price of VND3.95 billion. Meanwhile, the RS sports version costs up to VND4.99 billion (Photo: Audi).

Audi Vietnam’s second recall program covers 316 Q5s manufactured from 2009 to 2012, which have a defect related to the Takata airbag inflator on the steering wheel. This inflator contains solid fuel and is burned when the airbag is activated, releasing an inert gas to inflate the airbag.

According to information provided by Takata, the airbag inflator on the steering wheel can be damaged by moisture penetration over time, especially in weather conditions with high temperatures and humidity like in Vietnam.

In the event of a collision with a vehicle subject to the recall, the release of inert gas may create excessive pressure, causing the inflator to rupture. This could result in fragments of the inflator being ejected, causing injury to the occupants.

Audi AG said that the company has not recorded any cases of unsafe conditions on the two recalled models. Owners of the affected Audi e-tron GT and GTRS and Q5 can proactively bring their cars to authorized dealers for repair, all costs will be covered by the company.

The time to inspect and replace the front brake fluid hose for the Audi e-tron GT and GTRS is 2 hours/car. The Q5 only needs 1 hour/car to replace the Takata airbag inflator on the steering wheel.

For vehicles that are not officially imported but are subject to recall, Audi Vietnam will assist in contacting the parent company Audi AG to review and perform inspection and repair upon approval. Note, this only applies to vehicles of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or imported in the form of asset transfer.

Audi Q5 is in the small luxury SUV segment, with a starting price of 1.844 billion VND in 2010 (Photo: Lan Huong).

In mid-October, the Audi e-tron GT and GTRS were also recalled in Vietnam due to issues related to the high-voltage battery pack. A total of 6 vehicles sold on the market are affected, manufactured between January 9, 2020 and February 26, 2024.

Thus, these 6 vehicles continue to have a front brake fluid pipe defect, according to the content of the new recall program. Regarding the previously recalled defect, Audi AG said that the affected vehicles possess high-voltage battery modules that may not ensure safety.

According to the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), this faulty part can cause a short circuit, leading to overheating and even the risk of fire or explosion.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/o-to-xe-may/audi-trieu-hoi-nhieu-xe-tai-viet-nam-de-khac-phuc-loi-gay-mat-an-toan-20241203123258697.htm