Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2016 Audi A3 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3. The contact received recall notifications for NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V474000 (Air Bags) and 21V198000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and a case was filed. The manufacturer referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the hood ajar warning light was illuminated. The contact inspected the hood and became aware that the hood was securely closed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a faulty hood switch. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 31,300. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3. The contact stated that the front passenger's side air bag occupant sensor failed to identify a passenger seat in the seat. A dealer was contacted. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that PODS had failed and needed to be replaced. Additionally, the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V474000 (AIR BAGS); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 44,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the front passenger's seat air bag sensor had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V198000 (Air Bags). The air bag warning was illuminated approximately one and a half years later. The vehicle was returned to the dealer who informed the contact that the repair was no longer covered under warranty. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a claim was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.
I purchased my 2016 Audi A3 in April of 2020 from Audi San Diego. Less than a year later, I was getting airbag warning lights on my dash, as well as constant warning sounds when driving. I brought my vehicle into Audi San Diego, and they "fixed" the issue free of charge. A few months later, I started getting the same warning lights/sounds - this time, the passenger airbag was turning on and off even while somebody was sitting in the passenger seat. I received a recall letter in the mail shortly thereafter. When I called in the summer of 2021 to schedule a service appointment, I was told there was not yet a remedy to this recall and that in the next few months I should receive a phone call to schedule service. Over a year later, I called Audi San Diego to get an update (since I did receive a phone call as promised), and I am still told that there is no solution. …
I was recently made aware of a nationwide safety recall for all Audi A3's 2016 to present. I received a mailer with safety concern and warning for this recall. Audi has not been able to identify the root cause and believe it is more than just the initial air bags/PODS system in the vehicle. This has been in place for some time after I researched the site checking for updates to repair. I am very concerned for my safety along with my families safety when driving my car. My car is the primary vehicle. I use my car for work daily and do not feel comfortable. I am not 100% sure on initial date Audi identified this problem, but it appears earlier this year and it was the second recall for the same issue. They have no fix at this time. I did run my VIN to determine mine being affected and it is. The campaign number on site for this is: NHTSA's campaign number: 19V474
It has been over a year that I have tried to get Audi to repair my recall. The dealer Rockville Audi in Maryland will not assist me in when the repair will be completed. My indicator lite is on and the seat belt alarm activates when no one is in the passenger seat. Is there anyone that can help me with this very important issue? My cell number is [redacted] if you want to contact me directly.
the light on the passenger side airbag is on all the time and a letter explaining my car had a recall to fix the issue was received back in 2020. I've been informed and also researched myself that the passenger side should not be used due to the airbag malfunctioning and being dangerous and possibly fatal. For those reasons I don't have anyone sitting in that sear and actually I don't feels safe having anyone in the back of the car. The dealerships say they do not have the parts
I have been trying to get this recall fixed since December 2019. This recall are pods needed to be replaced on the passenger seat. As of today, October 21, 2022, my passenger airbag is off at all times and is unable to provide safety for my passenger. This is due to the recall. I have contacted Audi multiple times and they are unable to help. I have documentation proof for everything. This is a safety hazard for my passenger. I am too afraid to drive my car.
Audi USA is incapable of repairing this defect in a timely fashion. I was informed today, after being told the parts to remedy "are on their way" for more than a month, that the parts to repair this recall are no longer produced. I want to go on record how disappointed I am with Audi USA now that I have a car that is unsafe to drive with passengers and look for avenues of recourse from a consumer's perspective.
Audi has not responded to this Recall in a prompt manner. I was in the process of selling my Audi A3 but I cannot due to this. I took my car in to have this issue addressed in December 2019 and now I am learning that there is still a problem with the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) and Audi has no solution. They have known about this issue since March 2021.
Related recalls
Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module
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
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.
Airbag complaints in other A3 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are airbag problems on the 2016 Audi A3?
NHTSA has 37 complaints about the air bags of the 2016 Audi A3, 45% of the model year's 83 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2016 Audi A3 airbag problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 22V-543 (inflator module, Jul 27, 2022); NHTSA recall 21V-198 (front passenger, Mar 22, 2021). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2016 Audi A3 airbag problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 44,000 miles.
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.