Audi A8 Recall R/2003/160: Replace Drivers Airbag, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Urgent
- How serious
- 5 Nov 2003
- Launched
- 235
- vehicles in the UK
- R/2003/160
- DVSA reference
Audi recalled A8 vehicles built between 1 August 2002 and 31 March 2003. In the affected range there is a possibility that the cover of the driver's airbag can come into contact with the driver if the airbag is triggered. The dealer will replace the driver's airbag. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
In the affected range there is a possibility that the cover of the driver's airbag can come into contact with the driver if the airbag is triggered.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: REPLACE DRIVERS AIRBAG Defect: On vehicles in the affected range there is a possibility that the cover of the driver's airbag can come into contact with the driver if the airbag is triggered. Remedy: Recall affected vehicles to replace the driver's airbag
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
The notice doesn’t describe a separate risk beyond the defect above. Book the repair even if the car seems fine.
The Fix
The dealer will replace the driver's airbag.
Are You Affected?
A8 built between 1 August 2002 and 31 March 2003 may be included. Audi estimates 235 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 DVSA reference R/2003/160. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| A8, Q7, Q8Software update for battery control unit | Urgent | R/2025/441 | |
| A8Replacing front suspension link | Book soon | R/2024/310 | |
| A6, A7, A8The mesh size of the oil strainer in the oil supply for both turbochargers is too small | Low | R/2022/132 | |
| A4, A5, A6, A8 and 4 moreFollowing a previous campaign the toe and/or camber values on the rear axle may in certain circumstances incorrectly be changed without this being noticed | Book soon | R/2022/036 | |
| A4, A6, A8, TTFunction of the driver airbag might be restricted due to its age | Urgent | R/2021/330 |
This is one of 158 Audi recalls in DVSA’s data. The Audi recall launched before it was R/2003/128 on 29 Sep 2003, for shatter cracks may occur on a vacuum pipe to brake servo. The one launched after it was R/2004/041 on 17 Mar 2004, for rear left brake pipe may become damaged. You can also see every Audi recall, all recalls launched in 2003 and airbag recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/2003/160, launched 5 November 2003. 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.