2015–2020 Audi A3, 2016–2018 Audi A3 Sportback E-Tron, 2017–2020 Audi RS 3 and 1 other model Recall: Passenger occupant detection system (PODS) may malfunction and switch off…
NHTSA campaign 21V198000 · Air Bags · filed Mar 22, 2021 · verified Jul 30, 2026
The defect
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.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →The fix — what to do
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.
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.
Affected vehicles
Related recalls
More Audi A3 recalls
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Other campaigns involving Audi vehicles
Source: NHTSA recall database, campaign 21V198000 (manufacturer number 69BY). Data last verified Jul 30, 2026.