Air Bag Recall 2014 List Update: 100K Audi Cars Affected; Takata Aware of Malfunction in 2004?

Audi is pulling back over 100,000 vehicles. The problem lies in an airbag defect, according to The New York Times. Nearly 102,000 A4 and S4 sedans, as well as Allroad station wagons are affected by the software issue.

As reported by FOX2now, affected models will include those from 2013 to 2015. 

Audi's announcement is posted in the official National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) site. According to the report, "In rare cases, it is possible that the front airbags in the affected vehicles may not deploy in a crash as designed, due to an improper algorithm/coding within the airbag control module. Front seat occupants may not have the intended protection from the frontal airbag system in a secondary impact, putting them at risk for injury.There have been no reports of accidents or injuries as a result of this concern in the United States."

What does this imply to drivers and car passengers in the affected models?

Regulators are concerned about such models in the unfortunate event of a side-crash. Apparently, the side airbags will function properly in such instance -- but if the vehicle continues to move and incurs a secondary front-end collision, the front airbags may fail to function. Ultimately, those occupying the front seats become at risk for injury.

Audi discovered the problem in Aug. 2014, during routine testing and field observation. Prompt investigation commenced in response to reports of incidents and crashes in Europe, where deployment of the airbag system was cited.

Following investigation and analysis, the situation was presented to Audi AG's product safety committee -- and the decision for recall was made.

Back in October, Road & Track reported that the NHTSA has urged more than 4.7 million vehicle-owners to check whether or not they were affected by recalls stemming from defective airbags.

Accordingly, over 14 car brands sold in the U.S. from 2000 to 2011 were covered by the recall. The affected vehicles were noted by the outlet to be manufactured by OEM supplier, Takata Corporation.

The New York Times revealed in another report that Takata has been aware of such problem since 2004. The Japanese supplier claimed the situation an "anomaly," following the explosion of an airbag equipped in a Honda Accord. The source also mentioned that Takata is the subject of blame for at least 139 injuries.

Another Honda Accord exploded in 2009 when driver Gurjit Rathore hit a mail truck. The airbag went crazy, propelling shrapnel into her neck and chest. She was said to bleed and die in front of her children.

In the meantime, Audi is set to address the problem by performing an adjustment to the airbag control unit deployment parameter. The car company noted that the remedy will not cost customers a price. The recall schedule for car owners is set this month.

Visit Audi's official Recall / Service Campaign Lookup site here.