Audi Recall 19V-474: Air bags – occupant classification

Affected: 2015–2018 Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2016–2018 Audi A3 Sportback E-Tron, 2017–2019 Audi RS 3 and 1 more. Filed with NHTSA on June 19, 2019, covering about 138,896 vehicles.

The problem

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.

The risk

A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.

The fix

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. Audi's number for this recall is 69Z4.

Recall details

NHTSA campaign19V-474 (19V474000)
Manufacturer number69Z4
ManufacturerVolkswagen Group of America, Inc.
ComponentAir bags › Sensor › Occupant classification
Report dateJune 19, 2019
Owners notifiedSeptember 12, 2019
Vehicles affected138,896
Initiated byManufacturer

Vehicles covered

Plus 1 other model/year combinations not covered on this site.

Owner complaints about the air bags

Frequently asked questions

Is the recall 19V-474 repair free?

Yes. Audi dealers will fix the problem at no cost: 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. Audi's number for this recall is 69Z4.

How do I know if my car is included?

Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 138,896 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

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.