15:39 07-01-2026

Audi recall in U.S.: rear seatbelt ALR defect risks child safety

Audi is recalling 27,768 U.S. A5, A6 and Q6 e-tron models over a rear seatbelt ALR defect that may fail to lock child seats. Dealers will inspect and replace.

Audi has identified a safety issue in the U.S. market and is recalling 27,768 vehicles. The concern involves rear seatbelts with an automatic locking retractor (ALR): when the belt is locked to secure a child seat, the mechanism may not perform as intended, allowing the webbing to extend beyond the permissible length. In a crash, that could increase the risk of injury to a child in the restraint. It’s a small-sounding fault with high stakes for families.

According to the defect description, components inside the supplier-built assembly may have been damaged, and a specific pin could at times be loose or installed out of position. As a result, the housing may deform, preventing the locking pawl from engaging even though the belt should already be secured. A tiny tolerance slip, but exactly the kind that can undermine a safety system.

The recall covers the A5, S5, A6, A6 e-tron, S6 e-tron, as well as the Q6 e-tron and SQ6 e-tron (including Sportback versions). These vehicles are from the 2025–2026 model years and were built between July 19, 2024, and November 5, 2025. The roster sweeps across several parts of the lineup.

Dealers are instructed to inspect the left and right rear belt mechanisms and, if necessary, replace the assemblies at no charge. Owner notification letters are scheduled to begin on February 17, 2026—importantly, 2026, not 2025. The timing stands out, so households using child seats will want to watch for the notice and plan their visit promptly once contacted.