Recall 21V-198: 2015–2020 Audi A3, 2016–2018 Audi A3 Sportback E-Tron and 2 more
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. recall for air bags, reported to NHTSA on Mar 22, 2021, covering about 153,152 vehicles.
The problem
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 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 69BY.
Notes
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.
Recall details
| Manufacturer | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. |
|---|---|
| Component | Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger Air Bags › On-Off Switch Assembly |
| Recall started by | the manufacturer |
| NHTSA campaign number | 21V198000 |
Vehicles in this recall
| Vehicle | Model years | |
|---|---|---|
| Audi A3 | 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 | All years |
| Audi A3 Sportback E-Tron | 2016, 2017, 2018 | All years |
| Audi RS 3 | 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 | All years |
| Audi S3 | 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 | All years |
Not every vehicle of these model years is included. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls ↗ or ask a dealer.
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V-198?
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.
How is recall 21V-198 fixed?
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.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check whether your vehicle is included with its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.