2018 Audi A3 Sportback E-Tron recalls and problems
2 recalls and 0 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2018 Audi A3 Sportback E-Tron.
2
recalls
0
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.
2018 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.
Does the 2018 Audi A3 Sportback E-Tron have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2018 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 2018 Audi A3 Sportback E-Tron?
There are few or no owner complaints on file for the 2018 Audi A3 Sportback E-Tron.
Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026.