2016 Audi A3 Airbags Problems
Airbag complaints make up 44% of all 2016 Audi A3 complaints (36 of 81), with a median failure mileage of 44,000 miles. Two related recalls exist, covering the passenger airbag module and the PODS sensor mat/control module.
- Airbags complaints
- 36
- 44% of 81
- Crashes reported
- 0
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 44,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 2
Typical airbag symptoms owners report
- Owners report the passenger occupant detection system (PODS) intermittently disabling the front-passenger airbag even when someone is seated in the seat.
- The dashboard displays an "Audi pre-sense: system fault" or "safety system: system fault" warning along with an illuminated airbag light and seatbelt warning chime.
- The seatbelt indicator repeatedly signals to fasten the passenger seatbelt even when no one is in that seat.
- Several owners state the problem returned shortly after dealers performed the PODS connector or seat-weight-sensor recall repair.
- Some owners report dealers telling them no open recall applies to their vehicle or that the issue is a separate, non-covered part such as a sensor.
When 2016 Audi A3 airbag complaints were filed
First complaint Feb 23, 2020, latest Jul 21, 2026.
Airbags recalls for the 2016 Audi A3
- NHTSA 22V543000Jul 27, 2022Airbags1,216 vehicles
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.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in serious injury or death. An improper air bag deployment may not properly restrain the occupant, increasing their risk of injury in a crash.
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. Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69DY and 61C1.
- NHTSA 21V198000Mar 22, 2021Airbags153,152 vehicles
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.
Risk: A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
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. Audi's number for this recall is 69BY.
Airbags complaints by A3 model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How common are airbag complaints on the 2016 Audi A3?
- Airbag complaints account for 36 of the 81 total complaints filed for the 2016 Audi A3, or 44% of all complaints for that year.
- Is there a recall for the 2016 Audi A3 airbag problem?
- Yes. NHTSA lists two related airbag recalls: campaign 22V543000, which covers replacement of the front-passenger airbag module, and campaign 21V198000, which covers replacement of the PODS sensor mat and a control module update.
- At what mileage do airbag issues typically show up?
- The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this airbag complaint area is 44,000 miles.
- Did the airbag issue cause any crashes or injuries?
- NHTSA data for this airbag complaint area on the 2016 Audi A3 lists zero crashes, zero fires, and zero injuries.
- Does the recall repair actually fix the airbag fault?
- Multiple owner complaints describe the PODS-related warning and airbag deactivation returning after the recall repair was performed, according to NHTSA complaint narratives.