NHTSA recall 21V-198 (21V198000)
air bags recall reported March 22, 2021 - about 153,152 vehicles affected.
- NHTSA campaign number
- 21V198000
- Also written as
- 21V-198
- Manufacturer number
- 69BY
- Reported
- March 22, 2021
- Vehicles affected
- ~153,152
- Component
- air bags
What is 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 passenger occupant detection system (PODS) may malfunction and switch off the passenger air bag even when the seat is occupied.
Why it is dangerous
A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix (free at any franchised dealer)
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 repairs are always free, regardless of vehicle age or where you bought the car. Quote the campaign number 21V-198 when calling a dealer.
Affected 4 models
Each year links to that car's full history: every recall, owner complaints and common problems.
Source: NHTSA recall campaign data (public domain), refreshed weekly. See also the latest recall campaigns.