Multiple VW and Audi cars recalled for exploding airbags

Potentially dangerous airbags are once again being recalled, though this time, they don't appear to be related to the infamous Takata airbags. The recall is for a variety of 2016 model year VW and Audi products. They include all versions of the 2016 VW Golf, as well as 2016 Audi A3, TT and R8 models. Just over 1,200 cars are included in this recall.

While the airbags don't seem to be Takata units, they're being recalled for a similar issue. When activated, the airbag inflators may activate in such a way as to blast apart the airbag's housing, sending shards of metal and plastic toward the occupant. This could cause injuries rather than protecting passengers.

One person has been injured from a faulty airbag, and that incident is what triggered the recall. VW hasn't determined the exact issue, but has tracked down the airbags that are likely at fault. The recall is also only for passenger-side frontal airbags. Documentation for the recall seems to show the affected parts came from Joyson Safety Systems and ARC, the latter of which has had much larger and wider airbag recalls for similar issues.