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Audi passenger occupant detection system (pods) may malfunction and switch off the passenger air bag even when the seat is occupied.

NHTSA campaign 21V-198 · Reported March 22, 2021 · 153,152 vehicles affected

AFFECTED MODELS
Audi A3, RS 3 and S3
VEHICLES AFFECTED
153,152
REMEDY
Dealers will replace the PODS sensor mat and update the PODS control module, free of charge.
COST
Free

The short version

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. reported a problem with the occupant classification front passenger. Here is what owners need to know.

WHAT

The passenger occupant detection system (PODS) may malfunction and switch off the passenger air bag even when the seat is occupied.

WHY IT MATTERS

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

WHAT TO DO

Take it to a dealer — they will replace the PODS sensor mat and update the PODS control module, free of charge.

Affected vehicles

These model years are included in NHTSA campaign 21V-198.

YEAR RANGEMODEL
2015–2020Audi A3
2017–2020Audi RS 3
2015–2020Audi S3

What changed

Newest first. The record shows both when the recall began and what has changed since.

  1. Recall reported to NHTSA. LATEST

Drive one of these? Check your VIN to see if your specific vehicle is affected.

Check your VIN

What this record means

Data from the NHTSA recall database. A clean VIN check means no open federal recalls for that vehicle — not that it never had one.

Not affiliated

MyAutoRecalls is not affiliated with Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.