Volkswagen and Audi Issue Recalls for Tire Pressure Monitoring System Problem

These vehicles will need a software update to fix the problem

Keith Barry, Consumer Reports Senior Autos Reporter.

By Keith Barry
Senior Autos Reporter

Published November 4, 2022·Updated December 7, 2022

Volkswagen and Audi are recalling nearly 225,000 cars and SUVs to fix a faulty tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) that may take too long to detect a loss of tire pressure if all four tires lose pressure at the same time and at the same rate.

As a result, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 138, which relates to tire pressure monitoring systems. In documents provided to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Volkswagen says that the TPMS system will still warn drivers of unsafe tire pressure, even if the timing of the warning does not comply with federal safety standards. (Audi is owned by the Volkswagen Group.)

2019 Volkswagen Golf driving — 2019 Volkswagen Golf

The Details

Vehicles Recalled
• Audi A3 sedans manufactured between Nov. 26, 2018, and Jan. 24, 2020
• Audi A3 convertibles manufactured between Nov. 26, 2018, and July 12, 2019
• Audi Q3 SUVs manufactured between May 21, 2019, and July 30, 2019
• Volkswagen Atlas SUVs manufactured between Nov. 27, 2018, and Jan. 17, 2020
• Volkswagen Atlas SUVs manufactured on Apr. 28, 2021
• Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport SUVs manufactured between Apr. 19, 2019, and Feb. 25, 2021
• Volkswagen Golf hatchbacks and Golf Alltrack station wagons manufactured between Nov. 26, 2018, and Oct. 25, 2019
• Volkswagen Golf R hatchbacks manufactured between Jan. 25, 2019, and Aug. 19, 2019
• Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen station wagons manufactured between Nov. 26, 2018, and Aug. 27, 2019
• Volkswagen Jetta sedans manufactured between Nov. 26, 2018, and Oct. 23, 2019
• Volkswagen Tiguan SUVs manufactured between Nov. 28, 2018, and Aug. 17, 2019

The problem: Due to a software error, if all four tires deflate at the same time and at the same rate, the TPMS warning may not illuminate in time to meet federal motor vehicle safety standards.

The fix: Volkswagen and Audi dealerships will perform a free software update that resolves the problem.

How to contact the manufacturer: The automakers will contact owners of affected vehicles by mail starting Dec. 30, 2022. Owners may also contact Volkswagen at 800-893-5298 or Audi at 800-253-2834.

NHTSA campaign number: 22V815. Audi’s own number for this recall is 45J7, and Volkswagen’s numbers are 45J6 and 45J8.

Check to see whether your vehicle has an open recall: NHTSA’s website will tell you whether your vehicle has any open recalls that need to be addressed.

If you plug your car’s 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN) into NHTSA’s website and a recall doesn’t appear, it means your vehicle doesn’t currently have any open recalls. Because automakers issue recalls often, and for many older vehicles, we recommend checking back regularly to see whether your vehicle has had a recall issued.

Stay informed about recalls that might affect your vehicle using our Car Recall Tracker. Create a free account now to become a CR member.

Keith Barry

Keith Barry has been an auto reporter at Consumer Reports since 2018. He focuses on safety, technology, and the environmental impact of cars. Previously, he led home and appliance coverage at Reviewed; reported on cars for USA Today, Wired, and Car & Driver; and wrote for other publications as well. Keith earned a master’s degree in public health from Tufts University. Follow him on BlueSky @itskeithbarry.bsky.social.