Audi Recall 21V-198: Air bags – front passenger

The problem

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.

The risk

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

The fix

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 details

NHTSA campaign	21V-198 (21V198000)
Manufacturer number	69BY
Manufacturer	Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Component	Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classification › Front passenger
Report date	March 22, 2021
Owners notified	December 23, 2021
Vehicles affected	153,152
Initiated by	Manufacturer

Vehicles covered

Plus 3 other model/year combinations not covered on this site.

Owner complaints about the air bags

Frequently asked questions

Is the recall 21V-198 repair free?

Yes. Audi dealers will fix the problem at no cost: 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.

How do I know if my car is included?

Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 153,152 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.