2020 Audi A3 Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 56%of 16 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 7,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the air bags of the 2020 Audi A3, 56% of the 16 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 7,000 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Supposedly the recall parts for the PODS system can’t be replaced because AUDI is not manufacturing the necessary part!! There is no schedule or estimated time for when the parts will become available. Now I am afraid to drive my car knowing my passenger is not safe! This requires immediate attention as I cannot risk my passengers’ lives every time they are in my car. We have been trying to resolve this for months and the service center says they cannot do anything until the parts somehow magically become available.”
NHTSA complaint #11468469, filed 2022-06“The passenger occupant detection system has permanently failed and causes my passenger airbag to be off at all times including when a passenger is seated in the vehicle. The seatbelt sensor also goes off when no one is in the seat. Audi dealership said this is an Audi issue and the parts are not in stock. This is a huge safety issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11482940, filed 2022-09“The contact owns a 2020 AUDI A3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V198000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated the air bag warning light was illuminated. The approximate failure mileage was 7,000. Parts distribution disconnect.”
NHTSA complaint #11447456, filed 2022-01, 7,000 miles“The contact owns a 2020 Audi A3. The contact stated that the front passenger’s side air bag alarm would chime intermittently. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and made the dealer aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V198000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer informed the contact to latch the front passenger’s seat belt latch at all times. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. …”
NHTSA complaint #11456945, filed 2022-03, 7,000 miles“The contact owns a 2020 Audi A3. The contact stated while driving approximately 65-70 MPH with a passenger seated in the passenger’s seat, the Air bag Off , Malfunction, air bag off warning light illuminated intermittently. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring while driving and the warning light remained illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V198000 (Air Bags). The dealer also informed the contact that the parts for the recall repair were not yet available. …”
NHTSA complaint #11443609, filed 2021-12, 9,500 milesRelated recalls
- 21V198000Mar 22, 2021Volkswagen 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…Covers: Audi A3 2015–2020, S3 2015–2020, RS 3 2017–2020 +1 more
Related service bulletins
- 11030980Mar 2, 2026The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued an urgent warning regarding counterfeit replacement airbag inflators that are being installed in used…
Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 3 | 33% |
| 2020 | 9 | 56% |
| 2019 | 3 | 30% |
| 2018 | 17 | 52% |
| 2017 | 16 | 36% |
| 2016 | 37 | 45% |
| 2015 | 45 | 48% |
| 2013 | 10 | 50% |
| 2012 | 31 | 72% |
| 2011 | 20 | 47% |
| 2010 | 13 | 26% |
| 2009 | 22 | 47% |
| 2008 | 24 | 56% |
| 2007 | 32 | 62% |
| 2006 | 56 | 46% |
Other parts of the 2020 Audi A3
2 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaintsElectrical system
1 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsTires
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaintsWheels
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2020 Audi A3
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology