Passenger air bag may deactivate
Defect Summary
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.
Safety Consequence
A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Corrective Action
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.
Similar Recalls
Other recalls from Volkswagen Group Of America, Inc. or involving Air Bags.
FAQ: Recall 21V198000
Your rights, the repair process, and what each field on this page means.
What is recall 21V198000?
NHTSA recall 21V198000 was issued by Volkswagen Group Of America, Inc. on March 22, 2021. It addresses: Passenger air bag may deactivate. The recall affects approximately 153,152 vehicles, with the defect involving the Air Bags component.
How do I get this recall repaired?
Contact any authorized Volkswagen Group Of America, Inc. dealer and reference NHTSA recall ID 21V198000 or the manufacturer campaign number 69BY. Under federal law, the repair is completely free regardless of vehicle age or owner history.
Is my vehicle included in this recall?
The only way to confirm is to look up your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's tool will tell you if VIN-by-VIN this exact recall applies.
How long do I have to get a recall repair done?
There is no expiration on most federal safety recalls. Even if your vehicle is years old and you bought it used, the manufacturer is required to perform the repair at no cost.
Where does the data on this page come from?
All information on this page is sourced directly from the U.S. Department of Transportation public dataset for NHTSA recalls. Last refreshed: 2026-05-22. For the most current official notice, visit nhtsa.gov/recalls.