Volkswagen recalled more than 44,000 2021 vehicles of various models due to potential for instrument panel failure that presents crash risk.
A software error can lead to failure of the vehicles’ “virtual cockpit” when the technology notes an internal flaw and shuts down to protect it, Volkswagen says in a recall report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
When the panel goes dark, the driver won’t see vehicle gear or speed, in addition to other indicators.
Audi had gotten about 2,300 consumer complaints about the issue but said it was unaware of any accidents involving it.
The automaker estimates 2% of the vehicle population is affected by the software flaw. The following models are recalled:
SQ8
A6 SEDAN
A7
A8
Q7
Q8
RS6 Avant
RS7
RSQ8
S6 SEDAN
S7
S8
A6 Allroad
SQ7
Dealers will update the vehicles’ instrument panel module software. Audi is scheduled to mail notices to owners on May 30.
