2015–2020 Audi S3, A3, A3 Sportback E-Tron and more recall: Air bags: sensor, occupant classification, front passenger
Recall at a glance
- Campaign number
- 21V198000
- Reported
- March 22, 2021
- Manufacturer
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Part
- Air bags: sensor, occupant classification, front passenger
- Vehicles affected
- About 153,152
What is wrong
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Audi S3 Sedan, A3 Sedan, 2016-2018 A3 Etron, 2017-2020 RS3 Sedan, and 2015-2019 A3 Cabriolet vehicles. The passenger occupant detection system (PODS) may malfunction and switch off the passenger air bag even when the seat is occupied.
Safety risk
A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix
Dealers will replace the PODS sensor mat and update the PODS control module, free of charge. Owners letters were mailed December 23, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 69BY.
Affected models
Model years listed by NHTSA for this campaign. Only vehicles within the build range in the notice are affected.
Notes from the notice
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Frequently asked questions
Which vehicles are affected by this recall?
Audi A3 (2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020); Audi A3 Sportback E-Tron (2016, 2017, 2018); Audi RS 3 (2017, 2018, 2019, 2020); Audi S3 (2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020). Check your VIN to confirm.
What is the safety risk?
A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
What is the fix?
Dealers will replace the PODS sensor mat and update the PODS control module, free of charge. Owners letters were mailed December 23, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 69BY.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recall data for passenger vehicles, recalls since 2013, shown as published. This site is independent and not affiliated with NHTSA or any manufacturer. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and follow your manufacturer’s notice. Terms and disclaimer.