2017 Audi A3 Sportback E-Tron recalls and problems
2 recalls and 2 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2017 Audi A3 Sportback E-Tron.
2
recalls
2
owner complaints
0
complaints mentioning a crash
0
mentioning a fire
Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.
2017 Audi A3 Sportback E-Tron recalls
Air bags: sensor, occupant classification, front passenger · Air bags: on-off switch assembly
NHTSA campaign 21V198000 · reported March 22, 2021 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · 153,152 vehicles potentially affected
The problem
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.
The risk
A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix
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.
Air bags: sensor, occupant classification
NHTSA campaign 19V474000 · reported June 19, 2019 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · 138,896 vehicles potentially affected
The problem
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.
The risk
A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix
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.
Most reported problems
Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.
Electrical system1
Wheels1
What owners report
Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.
Jun 13, 2019 · Wheels · 5,634 miles
RIGHT FRONT TIRE FLATTENED TWICE IN 6 MONTHS, FROM SLOW DRIVING ON A ROUGH ROAD. IN THE PRIOR 7 YEARS WITH ANOTHER CAR, THIS NEVER HAPPENED. DEALER DENIES ANY PROBLEM. THE CAR HAS BEEN SITTING IN THE GARAGE FOR 6 MONTHS; I CANNOT RISK BEING STRANDED ON A REMOTE ROAD, AT NIGHT, WITH NO CELL SERVICE AGAIN.
Sep 8, 2017 · Electrical system · 4,400 miles
WE ARE WORRIED ABOUT A DANGEROUS DEFICIENCY IN THE PORTABLE EVSE/CHARGER FOR OUR A3 SPORTBACK E-TRON. IT GETS VERY HOT DURING STANDARD 12- VOLT CHARGING AND IT MIGHT CAUSE A FIRE. I DISCOVERED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL, THAT ITS OPERATING RANGE HAS A MAXIMUM OF 95 DEGREES F. OUR AVERAGE SUMMER TEMPERATURE IN THE…
Does the 2017 Audi A3 Sportback E-Tron have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2017 Audi A3 Sportback E-Tron, the most recent reported on March 22, 2021 (Air bags: sensor, occupant classification, front passenger, Air bags: on-off switch assembly). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Audi A3 Sportback E-Tron?
Owners have filed 2 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is electrical system (1 complaints), followed by wheels (1).
How many 2017 Audi A3 Sportback E-Tron complaints mention a crash or fire?
0 of 2 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.
Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received June 13, 2019.