What the source says
The documented condition
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Audi S6 and S7, 2012-2018 A7 and A6 Sedan, and 2014-2018 RS7 vehicles equipped with basic seats (with or without heating). Stress or wear of the body-sensing mat within the front passenger seat may cause the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) control module to malfunction.
Consequence identified by NHTSA
If the PODS module malfunctions, the front passenger air bag may not deploy properly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Campaign 18V370000; report received 2018-06-04. Source checked 2026-10-18.
Source component: AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
Compare the pattern
Symptoms and vehicle scope
Condition described by NHTSA
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Audi S6 and S7, 2012-2018 A7 and A6 Sedan, and 2014-2018 RS7 vehicles equipped with basic seats (with or without heating). Stress or wear of the body-sensing mat within the front passenger seat may cause the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) control module to malfunction.
Vehicles and limits
- NHTSA model names: A6. Model years: 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018.
- NHTSA campaign 18V370000
- The complete campaign lists 139,249 potentially affected units across all listed vehicles.
- A make, model and year match does not establish VIN eligibility.
Manufacturer position
What the official procedure directs
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a PODS system repair kit, free of charge. The recall began November 29, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 74D5.
Mileage context
Safety recall eligibility is based on the VIN and campaign scope, not ordinary warranty mileage. Check the complete VIN even when the vehicle is outside its original warranty.
Original evidence
Open the documents behind this record.
NHTSA safety recall · 18V370000 · 2018-06-04
NHTSA campaign 18V370000
Official component, defect, consequence and remedy; checked 2026-10-18.
Repair paths and safe checks
Match the action to the evidence.
Official recall remedy
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a PODS system repair kit, free of charge. The recall began November 29, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 74D5.
Confirm VIN eligibility and current remedy instructions with the manufacturer.
Check the complete VIN
Check the 17-character VIN at NHTSA.gov/recalls and ask the manufacturer whether this campaign remains open for the vehicle.
The model-year list is not proof that an individual vehicle is affected.
Record reviewed in the source on 2026-10-18. Confirm the current document and VIN instructions before arranging work.