NHTSA recall · Reported March 22, 2021
AUDI 2015-2020: AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
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…
Audi recalled Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Audi S3 Sedan, A3….
AUDI 2015-2020: AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER was recalled by Audi in March 22, 2021. Reason: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Audi S3 Sedan, A3 Sedan, 2016-2018 A3…. Remedy: Dealers will replace the PODS sensor mat and update the PODS control module, free of char…. Verify recall #21V198000 with the NHTSA before acting.
The recall
Audi issued this NHTSA recall-Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Audi S3 Sedan, A3 Sedan, 2016-2018 A3….
- None
- agency class
- March 22, 2021
- reported
Sourced from official NHTSA enforcement records. Verify recall #21V198000 with the agency before acting. Full product description, hazard, remedy, and related recalls are below.
Recall Insight
The number of affected units is not disclosed in the agency filing, which is common for drug and food recalls where lot-level tracking supersedes unit counts. Distribution scope (see Distribution below) directly affects the consumer exposure window and determines whether a recall remains regional or escalates into a nationwide advisory. Consumers holding this product should act on the agency's documented remedy above rather than relying on general guidance.
Within the same product category the archive holds 6 closely related recalls, 3 from NHTSA - clustering in a narrow category often points to a systemic quality-control or supplier issue rather than a one-off defect. Always verify the recall number against the official agency record before acting.
Vehicles recalls over time
Where this recall sits in its category - 7,783 vehicles recalls on record
Product description
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.
Reason for recall
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.
Hazard
A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy, 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.
Recall Profile
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | National Highway Traffic Safety Administration |
| Severity class | Not classified by agency |
| Status | Active |
| Recall number | 21V198000 |
| Date reported | March 22, 2021 |
| Date initiated | March 22, 2021 |
| Recalling firm | Audi |
| Affected scope | Not disclosed |
| Distribution | United States |
| Official source | NHTSA notice → |
Profile values are sourced directly from the official NHTSA enforcement record. Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
What to do with this recall
Dealers will replace the PODS sensor mat and update the PODS control module, free of charge. Owners letters were mailed December…
- Check the recall number (21V198000) and product description against the item you own. Search the archive
- Confirm the current status and remedy on the official NHTSA notice before acting. NHTSA notice
- Follow the documented remedy (refund, replacement, repair, or disposal) rather than general advice. What to do next
This page summarizes the official NHTSA record for research and awareness; it is not legal, medical, or safety advice. Verify with the issuing agency before acting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What product was recalled? ▼
Why was this product recalled? ▼
What should consumers do? ▼
Which agency issued this recall? ▼
Where was the recalled product distributed? ▼
How do I report an injury from a recalled product? ▼
Nationwide recalls with similar severity or category timing
Vehicle and equipment notices outside this manufacturer and filing state, matched by archive severity grade and report timing.
Similar severity · nearest report date
Same archive severity grade, closest by report date among other firms and states.
Similar Vehicles · nearest report date
Same product category, closest by report date among other firms and states (deduped against the severity set).
Compare this recall with KTM North America Recalls Off-Road Motorcycles Due to Risk … → · All Vehicles recalls
Methodology · Corrections · Archive as of August 2026