Audi A2, A3, A4 And 2 More Recall R/2002/143: Airbag May Not Deploy, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Urgent
- How serious
- 26 Oct 2002
- Launched
- 541
- vehicles in the UK
- 69E1
- Manufacturer’s campaign code
Audi recalled A2, A3, A4 and 2 more vehicles. On 79 vehicles within the VIN ranges affected (with 3-spoke sports steering wheel) it is possible that in the event of a collision impact above the triggering threshold of the airbags the driver's airbag may not be deployed. The dealer will replace the drivers airbag unit on all affected vehicles with 3-spoke sports steering wheel. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
On 79 vehicles within the VIN ranges affected (with 3-spoke sports steering wheel) it is possible that in the event of a collision impact above the triggering threshold of the airbags the driver's airbag may not be deployed.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: AIRBAG MAY NOT DEPLOY Defect: On 79 vehicles within the VIN ranges affected (with 3-spoke sports steering wheel) it is possible that in the event of a collision impact above the triggering threshold of the airbags the driver's airbag may not be deployed. Remedy: The drivers airbag unit will be replaced on all affected vehicles with 3-spoke sports steering wheel.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
The recall notice describes the concern as: airbag may not deploy.
The Fix
The dealer will replace the drivers airbag unit on all affected vehicles with 3-spoke sports steering wheel.
Are You Affected?
A2, A3, A4 and 2 more may be included. Audi estimates 541 vehicles in the UK. Enter your registration to check, then confirm by VIN with Audi, because not every car in the date range may be included.
Which Car Is It?
Choose the make and model so we can match recalls to your car.
What To Do Now
- Check your car by registration above, then by VIN with Audi.
- Book with any franchised Audi dealer, quoting the campaign code 69E1 or the DVSA reference R/2002/143. See how to get a Audi recall fixed.
- Follow the letter's instructions until the repair is done. See can you drive a car with a recall?.
Related Recalls
| Launched | Vehicle and fault | Severity | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| R8, TT, TtrsReplacing Takata driver airbag | Urgent | R/2026/089 | |
| A6, Q8Belt buckle rivet missing | Urgent | R/2025/508 | |
| A6, A7, Q5Software update for battery control unit | Urgent | R/2025/463 | |
| A3, A4, A4 Cabrio, A5 and 3 moreStop-drive TAKATA PSAN | Stop driving | R/2025/387 | |
| A6, Q5Servicing high-voltage battery | Stop driving | R/2024/495 |
This is one of 158 Audi recalls in DVSA’s data. The Audi recall launched before it was R/2002/112 on 1 Aug 2002, for brake pedal bracket may crack. The one launched after it was R/2003/088 on 11 Aug 2003, for possible fitment of incorrect brake disc. You can also see every Audi recall, the Audi A4 recall history, all recalls launched in 2002 and airbag recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/2002/143, launched 26 October 2002. Data updated 15 October 2026. How we grade urgency.
Sources
- The Code does not itself say repairs are free. GOV.UK guidance says "You will not usually have to pay for any repairs or parts under a safety recall." gov.uk Checked 15 Oct 2026.