How common are airbag complaints for the 2017 Audi A3?

NHTSA lists 16 airbag complaints for the 2017 Audi A3, which is 36% of the 44 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2017 Audi A3 airbag problem?

Yes. Recall 21V198000 covers the passenger occupant detection system (PODS) sensor mat and control module on the 2017 Audi A3, with dealers replacing the sensor mat and updating the module free of charge.

At what mileage do 2017 Audi A3 airbag problems typically show up?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this issue is 47,500 miles.

Did the 2017 Audi A3 airbag issue cause any crashes or injuries?

No. NHTSA data shows 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries linked to these airbag complaints.

2017 Audi A3 Airbags Problems

Owners filed 16 airbag complaints for the 2017 Audi A3, 36% of that year's 44 total complaints. No crashes, fires, or injuries were reported. A related recall (21V198000) covers the passenger occupant detection sensor, with median failure mileage at 47,500 miles.

Airbags complaints: 16; 36% of 44
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 47,500 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical airbag symptoms owners report

The passenger airbag off warning illuminates intermittently even when a passenger is seated in the seat.
The seatbelt-unbuckled alarm sounds continuously alongside airbag warnings, regardless of whether the seat is occupied.
The Audi pre-sense/forward collision assistance feature disables at the same time the passenger airbag warning appears.
Owners report the warning appears, then clears, then reappears repeatedly while driving or parked.
Some owners state the PODS sensor mat issue persisted or returned even after the recall repair (campaign 21V198000) was performed.
Dealers reportedly told some owners no fix was available or that replacement parts were on backorder.

When 2017 Audi A3 airbag complaints were filed

First complaint Jul 30, 2020, latest Dec 19, 2024.

16 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jul 2020 to Dec 2024; peak Apr 2021 (2).

Airbags recalls for the 2017 Audi A3

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.

201013 (26%)
201120 (47%)
201231 (72%)
201310 (50%)
201545 (49%)
201636 (44%)
201716 (36%)
201817 (52%)
20193 (30%)
20209 (56%)
20223 (33%)
20230 (0%)
20240 (0%)
20250 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are airbag complaints for the 2017 Audi A3?: NHTSA lists 16 airbag complaints for the 2017 Audi A3, which is 36% of the 44 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2017 Audi A3 airbag problem?: Yes. Recall 21V198000 covers the passenger occupant detection system (PODS) sensor mat and control module on the 2017 Audi A3, with dealers replacing the sensor mat and updating the module free of charge.
At what mileage do 2017 Audi A3 airbag problems typically show up?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this issue is 47,500 miles.
Did the 2017 Audi A3 airbag issue cause any crashes or injuries?: No. NHTSA data shows 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries linked to these airbag complaints.