Audi Recalling Almost 580,000 Cars Over Fire Risks, Exploding Airbags

Volkswagen Group, the the parent company of Audi, is recalling a total of 576,321 vehicles. Apparently, a model they released could pose a fire hazard, while another model has airbag issues.

Fortune reports that 342,867 units of the Audi A5 and the A5 Cabriolet, with the year model 2013-2017 sold in the United States are being recalled by the parent company Volkswagen. The reason is because the engines tend to overheat and cause a fire hazard when the coolant pump of the turbocharged engines gets clogged with debris.

234,054 units of the Audi Q5 SUVs, models 2013 through 2017 are also being recalled. The SUVs are being recalled because of the possibility of the water being drained from the sunroof to soak towards the foam that envelops the inflators of the side airbags - making them possibly explode.

The wet from the foam could then flow to the airbag inflator, corroding the said apparatus. This could then possibly deploy the airbag accidentally that could send vehicle fragments flying towards passengers, causing possible injuries.

This, however, is not related to the Takata airbag recalls that caused over 16 victims all over the world. The Japanese manufacturer was fined $1 billion.

But how will Audi fix the issues? According to Tech Times, Audi will be fixing the fire hazard issue by applying a software update that will automatically shut off the power supply being fed towards the coolant pumps when the sensors detect the engine overheating.

For the airbag issue, Audi will be dismantling and inspecting the sunroof's water drainage system and the airbag canisters. The airbag canisters will then be replaced and sealed with wax, assuming corrosion is present.

Additionally, these units are also being recalled: Audi A4 (2013-2016), A5 coupes (2013-2017), Audi A6 sedans (2012-2015), and the Audi A4 Allroad Wagons (2013-2016).