AutoStatsIQ
Data through Oct 2026
Campaign 21V-198

Passenger occupant detection system (PODS) may malfunction and switch off the passenger air bag even when the seat is occupied

View NHTSA filingAll Volkswagen campaigns
Defect summary

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.

Consequence

A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy

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.

Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file, campaign 21V198000. Text as published by NHTSA.
Vehicles covered

4 product lines are covered

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA about airbags on these vehicles: 180, of which 2 involved a crash, fire, injury or death. Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Vehicles covered by campaign 21V-198
MakeModelModel yearsComplaints on this component
AudiA32015 to 2020126
AudiA3 Sportback E-Tron2016 to 20180
AudiRS 32017 to 20206
AudiS32015 to 202048
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls and complaints files. Equipment, tire and child-seat campaigns list products, not vehicles.