NHTSA recall 97V-175 (97V175000)

air bags recall reported October 8, 1997 - about 39,300 vehicles affected.

NHTSA campaign number: 97V175000
Also written as: 97V-175
Reported: October 8, 1997
Vehicles affected: ~39,300
Component: air bags

What is being recalled

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE DISCHARGE OF STATIC ELECTRICITY UNDER LOW HUMIDITY CONDITIONS CAN ACTIVATE THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG WHEN THE DRIVER ENTERS OR EXITS THE VEHICLE AND FORMS AN ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT BY TOUCHING CERTAIN AREAS OF THE STEERING WHEEL.

Why it is dangerous

ACTIVATION OF THE AIR BAG UNDER THESE CONDITIONS CAN CAUSE PERSONAL INJURY.

The fix (free at any franchised dealer)

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A GROUND WIRE ON THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG.

Recall repairs are always free, regardless of vehicle age or where you bought the car. Quote the campaign number 97V-175 when calling a dealer.

Affected 5 models

Audi 90 - 1995

Audi A4 - 1996, 1997

Audi A6 - 1995, 1996, 1997

Audi A8 - 1997

Audi Cabriolet - 1995

Each year links to that car's full history: every recall, owner complaints and common problems.

Is YOUR car included? A campaign rarely covers every single vehicle of a model year. Check your exact car by its 17-character VIN with the free VIN decoder and recall check.

Source: NHTSA recall campaign data (public domain), refreshed weekly. See also the latest recall campaigns.