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NHTSA model-year recall report

2016 Audi S3 Recalls

3 campaigns in our verified NHTSA snapshot, with source consequences, remedies, and VIN-specific next steps.

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3

NHTSA campaigns

3

Affected systems

0

Urgent advisories

Jul 27, 2022

Latest campaign date

At a glance

What the record says

This model year's count is above the Audi S3 average of 1.7 campaigns per listed year. That is context only—not proof that this year is safer or less safe.

The most frequent affected category is Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification, appearing in 1 campaign.

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  2. 2

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  3. 3

    Repair

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Source campaign records

All 2016 Audi S3 recall campaigns

Shown newest first. NHTSA summary, consequence, and remedy text is preserved without truncation.

NHTSA campaign 22V543000

Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module

Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Reported Jul 27, 2022

What is recalled

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.

Safety consequence

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.

Manufacturer 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.

Campaign history does not confirm applicability or repair status for one VIN.

Campaign details

NHTSA campaign 21V198000

Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger

Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Reported Mar 22, 2021

What is recalled

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.

Manufacturer 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.

Campaign history does not confirm applicability or repair status for one VIN.

Campaign details

NHTSA campaign 19V474000

Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification

Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Reported Jun 19, 2019

What is recalled

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Audi S3 Sedan, 2015-2019 A3 Sedan and A3 Cabriolet, 2016-2018 A3 e-tron, and 2017-2019 RS3 vehicles. An improper electrical contact may cause the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) to falsely detect a malfunction and deactivate the passenger air bag.

Safety consequence

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

Manufacturer remedy

Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the connector and reroute the cable, free of charge. The recall began September 12, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 69Z4.

Campaign history does not confirm applicability or repair status for one VIN.

Campaign details

Other Audi S3 model years

Compare campaign histories within the same model. Counts are descriptive, not a safety grade.

20201 campaign20191 campaign20181 campaign20172 campaigns20163 campaigns20152 campaigns
View all model years

Other 2016 Audi recall reports

2016 Audi Q55 campaigns2016 Audi A33 campaigns2016 Audi A53 campaigns2016 Audi A63 campaigns2016 Audi A73 campaigns2016 Audi Q33 campaigns

2016 Audi S3 recall questions

How many recalls does the 2016 Audi S3 have?

This verified dataset contains 3 NHTSA campaigns associated with the 2016 Audi S3. A campaign can apply to some, not all, vehicles of the same model year.

Does this confirm an open recall for my 2016 Audi S3?

No. This page is a model-year campaign history. Use NHTSA's official lookup or an authorized dealer to confirm whether a campaign applies to your exact VIN and whether the repair remains open.

Are vehicle recall repairs free?

When a safety recall campaign applies to your VIN, the manufacturer remedy is generally provided at no charge through an authorized dealer. Confirm eligibility and scheduling with the manufacturer or dealer.

Source: NHTSA. Dataset includes campaigns through Jul 30, 2026. Last processed Aug 8, 2026. Methodology