Audi A3 Sportback E-Tron Recalls

The Audi A3 Sportback E-Tron has been recalled 3 times across the 2016–2018 model years. The most recent recall, from July 27, 2022, covers the inflator module. Recall repairs are free at any authorized Audi dealer.

3recalls
0do not drive / park outside
3model years affected

2018 Audi A3 Sportback E-Tron recalls (2)

Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classification › Front passenger

NHTSA recall 21V-198 · Mar 22, 2021 · 153,152 vehicles

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.

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.

Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classification

NHTSA recall 19V-474 · Jun 19, 2019 · 138,896 vehicles

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Audi S3 Sedan, 2015-2019 A3 Sedan and A3 Cabriolet, 2016-2018 A3 e-tron, and 2017-2019 RS3 vehicles. An improper electrical contact may cause the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) to falsely detect a malfunction and deactivate the passenger air bag.

Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the connector and reroute the cable, free of charge. The recall began September 12, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-253-2834.

2017 Audi A3 Sportback E-Tron recalls (2)

Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classification › Front passenger

NHTSA recall 21V-198 · Mar 22, 2021 · 153,152 vehicles

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.

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.

Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classification

NHTSA recall 19V-474 · Jun 19, 2019 · 138,896 vehicles

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Audi S3 Sedan, 2015-2019 A3 Sedan and A3 Cabriolet, 2016-2018 A3 e-tron, and 2017-2019 RS3 vehicles. An improper electrical contact may cause the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) to falsely detect a malfunction and deactivate the passenger air bag.

Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the connector and reroute the cable, free of charge. The recall began September 12, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-253-2834.

2016 Audi A3 Sportback E-Tron recalls (3)

Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module

NHTSA recall 22V-543 · Jul 27, 2022 · 1,216 vehicles

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2016 Audi TT Roadster, TT Coupe, S3 Sedan, R8 Coupe, A3 Sedan, A3 Etron, A3 Cabriolet, 2016 Golf Sportwagen, Golf R, Golf GTI, Golf A7, and E Golf vehicles. During air bag deployment, the front passenger air bag may explode or deploy improperly.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the front-passenger air bag module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 16, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298.

Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classification › Front passenger

NHTSA recall 21V-198 · Mar 22, 2021 · 153,152 vehicles

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.

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.

Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classification

NHTSA recall 19V-474 · Jun 19, 2019 · 138,896 vehicles

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Audi S3 Sedan, 2015-2019 A3 Sedan and A3 Cabriolet, 2016-2018 A3 e-tron, and 2017-2019 RS3 vehicles. An improper electrical contact may cause the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) to falsely detect a malfunction and deactivate the passenger air bag.

Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the connector and reroute the cable, free of charge. The recall began September 12, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-253-2834.

Frequently asked questions

How many recalls does the Audi A3 Sportback E-Tron have?

NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the Audi A3 Sportback E-Tron across 3 model years.

How do I know if my Audi A3 Sportback E-Tron has an open recall?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN decoder & recall check or on nhtsa.gov/recalls. Dealers fix recalls for free, even if you are not the original owner.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.