Recall 21V-198
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. recalled the 2015 to 2020 Audi A3 and 3 other models: Air bags (sensor, occupant classification, front passenger); Air bags (on-off switch assembly).
At a glance
- Campaign number
- 21V-198
- Reported
- March 22, 2021
- Vehicles affected
- 153,152 estimated by the manufacturer
Source: NHTSA recall records
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.
The 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-[removed]. Audi's number for this recall is 69BY.
Notes from the manufacturer
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-[removed] (TTY 1-[removed]), or go to [link removed]
Affected vehicles
- Audi A3 2015 to 2020
- Audi A3 Sportback E-Tron 2016 to 2018
- Audi RS 3 2017 to 2020
- Audi S3 2015 to 2020