2016-2020 Audi A3 Passenger Airbag Recall 21V198000

Why This Matters: Safety Risk

The primary concern with the passenger occupant detection system (PODS) malfunction in affected Audi vehicles is a significantly increased risk of injury during a crash. If the PODS system fails, it may incorrectly detect that the passenger seat is empty, even when it is occupied. This can lead to the passenger airbag being deactivated.

A deactivated passenger airbag means that in the event of a collision, the front passenger will not receive the intended protection from the airbag. This critical safety failure can result in severe injuries.

What's Being Recalled

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 specific component under recall is the AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER. The issue stems from the passenger occupant detection system (PODS) which may malfunction and switch off the passenger air bag even when the seat is occupied. This recall, often searched as the 2020 Audi A3 recall, is identified by NHTSA ID 21V198000 and Audi's internal number 69BY.

Manufacturer's Remedy

Audi dealers will address the issue by replacing the PODS sensor mat and updating the PODS control module. This repair will be performed free of charge to the owner. This comprehensive fix aims to restore the proper function of the passenger airbag system, ensuring it deploys correctly when a passenger is present.

Important Owner Information

Owners of affected vehicles, including those impacted by the 2020 Audi A3 recall, should have received notification letters from Audi. These letters were mailed on December 23, 2021. If you own one of the affected models and have not received a letter, or if you have any questions, you can contact Audi customer service.

You can reach Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. For additional information or to report a safety concern, you may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or visit their website at www.safercar.gov.

Source: NHTSA Recall 21V198000