Another PODS Recall: Over 150,000 Audi A3, S3, And RS3 Models Recalled In The U.S.

[signde]

https://www.carscoops.com/2021/03/ov...ed-in-the-u-s/

Looked up the VIN for my 2019 RS3, it shows this recall as of 3/22.

For what it is worth, my VIN was not affected by the 2019 recall. My VIN was clear of that one and I was able to buy it in July while others had to wait for the recall fix.

[andru1313]

I had the fix done for the first recall. Appears my VIN number pops up as needing it again. UGH.

[Potatohead_RS3]

Dealer called me the other day and said I have two open recalls, I thought it was the pods and the software update, but maybe it's the two pods. I dunno. Too lazy to get it done because mine is still working lol.

[Skunkwerx]

https://web.audiusa.com/recall/

This is what comes up if you are affected.


********
Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS)REPAIR NOT YET AVAILABLE
START DATE - Mar 22, 2021
AUDI ACTION CODE - 69BY

DESCRIPTION
The passenger occupant detection system (PODS) may detect a malfunction and switch off the passenger airbag even though the seat may be occupied. However, the airbag system and the warning strategy operate as designed. If the PODS malfunctions, a warning light in the instrument panel comes on together with an acoustic warning sound and an error message is displayed in the instrument cluster. The airbag indicator light shows "passenger airbag off". This error often occurs sporadic and for a limited amount of time. When the error and consequently the warnings disappear, the passenger airbag works again as intended without any action/interaction necessary by the customer.In the event of an accident necessitating passenger airbag activation there would be an increased risk of injury to the occupant seated in the front passenger seat if the passenger airbag is switched off/not working. Audi has advised that customers can continue driving these vehicles. Please ensure that everyone who uses your vehicle has read the owners manual and is familiar with how the PODS works for the front passenger seat. As designed, in case of a malfunction within the PODS, a warning light in the instrument panel will come on together with a warning sound and an error message will be displayed in the instrument cluster (the airbag indicator light shows "passenger airbag off"). If these warnings appear, Audi recommends that you stop using the front passenger seat and make arrangements to have the vehicle inspected/repaired at an Audi dealership as soon as possible.

NHTSA RECALL NUMBER - 21V198

REMEDY - REPAIR NOT YET AVAILABLE





From NHTSA site PDF: (Source: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/202...1V198-1520.PDF)
"The remedy program is still in development. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk
are expected to be mailed May 21, 2021. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy
becomes available. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's
number for this recall is 69BY."


Descriptive Information : The recall population includes all A3 vehicles produced from start of production in 2013 until end of production in 2020.
Estimated percentage with defect: Still unknown due to open root cause.
RS3 SEDAN count: 4147
Production Dates : MAR 28, 2017 - SEP 23, 2020
VIN Range 1 : Begin : WUABWGFF9J1900082 End : WUABWGFF7LA906238 ✔ Not sequential

[RSgoals]

When you get these fixed does it wipe your tune?


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[Skunkwerx]

They didn't flash the ECU for the first recall related to PODS. Unless the recall calls for some type of flash in conjunction with this 2nd PODS recall (unknown at this point) no one knows. Most people won't go in with a tune installed just in case.

[Crowlski]

I checked my VIN and I fall in the recall bucket too. Felt like getting the rapid test for Covid...

[nesbit]

Wonder what they didn't get right the first time...

[NelsDMAX]

So if I read this correctly, if the airbag light comes on on the dash, and the passenger airbag off light comes on, and someone is seated in the pass seat, the remaining airbags will work, just airbags for the passenger will not work...?
Driver would still have wheel airbag, leg airbag, and curtain/seat airbag.
Rear seat passengers would also have airbags, if car is equipped with them.

[crazyprac]

My dealership said they don't have eta on when people can bring their cars in.

[kynovs4]

Most people won't go in with a tune installed just in case.

Yes we will. I don't want my passenger possibly dying due to the risk of TD1.

[Skunkwerx]

Yes we will. I don't want my passenger possibly dying due to the risk of TD1.

"Most people won't go in with a tune installed (and will flash back to stock) just in case".

I don't think you're an idiot or anyone else would pick a life over TD1....

[xiaphin]

My car did this the other day when driving to lunch with a coworker. Sure enough searching my VIN this recall shows up. Also got an open Service Campaign, 24FM, for Engine Control Module (ECM) Software. Being tuned do I even need to worry about the Service Campaign? Assume if I take it in for the PODS they will want/try to fix this as well.

[r26372]

My car did this the other day when driving to lunch with a coworker. Sure enough searching my VIN this recall shows up. Also got an open Service Campaign, 24FM, for Engine Control Module (ECM) Software. Being tuned do I even need to worry about the Service Campaign? Assume if I take it in for the PODS they will want/try to fix this as well.

Yes, you'll get flagged when they fix the recall issue.


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[TheContrarian]

"The passenger occupant detection system (PODS) may detect a malfunction and switch off the passenger airbag even though the seat may be occupied."

This could be a great way to get out of a failing marriage.

[o1turbo30v]

Why is there a PODS to begin with? They don’t want to “waste” an airbag in a collision?

[Skunkwerx]

Why is there a PODS to begin with? They don’t want to “waste” an airbag in a collision?

I "think" in concept the system is designed so that it can detect a person in the seat to activate the airbag when needed. Otherwise if always "active" there is an increased risk of firing and causing damage/injury/liability if it fires and there is something sitting (non person) on the seat... transporting item that can become a projectile if hit by an airbag, child seat etc.

[Crowlski]

"The passenger occupant detection system (PODS) may detect a malfunction and switch off the passenger airbag even though the seat may be occupied."

This could be a great way to get out of a failing marriage.

That's funny right there.. sorry.

[RSgoals]

Regarding tuned cars and recalls again, my dealer is stating they will not fix any recalls if the car is tuned. I said what if it’s a safety issue and they said it doesn’t matter? And then I said well ok, what if the car is out of warranty anyway which mine is not but hypothetically and they said it still doesn’t matter.. So I guess my question is are they feeding me bullshit and do I even need to address these recalls? Am I actually not eligible for any recall?


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[andru1313]

this sounds fishy to me. this is a defect in a part that has to do with safety not sure how a tune would impact that. I would call another dealer. I have had mine replaced during the first recall and my car is tuned. I have even had stuff fixed under warranty for my 2006 EVO IX and that thing has nothing left that is stock. Its a recall they have to fix it I believe.

Regarding tuned cars and recalls again, my dealer is stating they will not fix any recalls if the car is tuned. I said what if it’s a safety issue and they said it doesn’t matter? And then I said well ok, what if the car is out of warranty anyway which mine is not but hypothetically and they said it still doesn’t matter.. So I guess my question is are they feeding me bullshit and do I even need to address these recalls? Am I actually not eligible for any recall?


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[Harordr]

Exactly.

My car has stage 1 tune and I was having this issue a couple months ago where the light would go on and off multiple times during a drive. Being that my wife rides in the passenger seat, I could care less about getting flagged. Took my car into Audi and they ended up ordering a passenger airbag sensor for the seat which corrected the problem. I also made sure they did nothing to the ECU. You can take every step to avoid getting flagged, but when it comes to someones safety in your car, if you choose to not get it fixed, you aren't responsible enough to own a car.

[westcoastj]

Anyone know where to check a Canadian VIN? I brought my 2019 RS3 into the dealership for servicing last week and there was no mention of this recall to me.

[BzzzBom]

Exactly.

My car has stage 1 tune and I was having this issue a couple months ago where the light would go on and off multiple times during a drive. Being that my wife rides in the passenger seat, I could care less about getting flagged. Took my car into Audi and they ended up ordering a passenger airbag sensor for the seat which corrected the problem. I also made sure they did nothing to the ECU. You can take every step to avoid getting flagged, but when it comes to someones safety in your car, if you choose to not get it fixed, you aren't responsible enough to own a car.

Couldn’t

[MetalMan]

Have any of you heard further information on this recall?
My '15 A3 briefly experienced a problem with PODS last weekend with passenger seat occupied while driving. That was weird.

[r26372]

Exactly.

My car has stage 1 tune and I was having this issue a couple months ago where the light would go on and off multiple times during a drive. Being that my wife rides in the passenger seat, I could care less about getting flagged. Took my car into Audi and they ended up ordering a passenger airbag sensor for the seat which corrected the problem. I also made sure they did nothing to the ECU. You can take every step to avoid getting flagged, but when it comes to someones safety in your car, if you choose to not get it fixed, you aren't responsible enough to own a car.

The flagging things is irrelevant to try to avoid. End of the day, if you have something of significance go wrong on your car Audi will scan and know if a tune was ever on there. It's a false sense of security flashing back to stock and telling them not to hookup to ecu, won't do a thing to have things covered if something does go wrong.


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[Jonnylaw]

There’s no ETA on a fix per Audi USA or my dealership.

[Cool_Breeze]

There’s no ETA on a fix per Audi USA or my dealership.

Is Audi even working on this? What's the hold up? Mine just went off the other day and my wife & kids drive w/me often.

[Jonnylaw]

Is Audi even working on this? What's the hold up? Mine just went off the other day and my wife & kids drive w/me often.

I’m not sure?
I just got my car back from my dealership and the invoice had the listed recall with no eta listed next to it. Not sure if parts are the holdup or what.

[robotvoice]

Anyone with a 3 series older than 2013 with these symptoms? My 07 A3 actually does the same exact thing as described in this recall. I chalked it up to the car being old and probably electrical gremlins but seems to match this problem exactly.

[mezgermischief]

I’m not sure?
I just got my car back from my dealership and the invoice had the listed recall with no eta listed next to it. Not sure if parts are the holdup or what.

[mention]Cool_Breeze [/mention] [mention]Jonnylaw [/mention]

My first RS3 was disastrous regarding the PODS issue. 6+ times it was brought in for recall/various electronic and seat component replacements, only got exponentially worse over time. Car got bought back as a lemon and I purchased another RS3- only to have the same issue right off the showroom floor.

Considering the relatively-sizable amount of pressure that comes with the NHTSA raising alarm multiple times over a handful of years subsequent to many filed complaints, combined with the additional and more recent acknowledgment from Audi of such issue, having yet to be met with due-fix, I find all lines point to Audi either— 1. Audi unable to figure out an effective repair
or
2. That such repair is fiscally unfeasible or non-logical (when comparing costs to potential future risk for litigation/settlement from owners who may be hurt by such issue.)


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[pulpoinspace]

[mention]Cool_Breeze [/mention] [mention]Jonnylaw [/mention]

My first RS3 was disastrous regarding the PODS issue. 6+ times it was brought in for recall/various electronic and seat component replacements, only got exponentially worse over time. Car got bought back as a lemon and I purchased another RS3- only to have the same issue right off the showroom floor.

Considering the relatively-sizable amount of pressure that comes with the NHTSA raising alarm multiple times over a handful of years subsequent to many filed complaints, combined with the additional and more recent acknowledgment from Audi of such issue, having yet to be met with due-fix, I find all lines point to Audi either— 1. Audi unable to figure out an effective repair
or
2. That such repair is fiscally unfeasible or non-logical (when comparing costs to potential future risk for litigation/settlement from owners who may be hurt by such issue.)


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Dude.... that sucks.

I love Audis but I can imagine giving them up for good if that happened to me.

[xiaphin]

Used to only have the problem with passenger airbag light staying on when someone was in the seat. Now my PODS has been going crazy the past few days. Get the System Malfunction warning shortly after startup along with the 6 very loud beeps and Pre-Sense, airbag, and seatbelt dash warning lights coming on the dash. Sometimes it will go away after one warning, other times 3-4 cycles. Makes driving the car almost impossible.

Has anyone else started to have worsening issues with their PODS?



Link to Video - Can't embed for some season
https://www.flickr.com/photos/152515...7714825715378/

[mezgermischief]

Used to only have the problem with passenger airbag light staying on when someone was in the seat. Now my PODS has been going crazy the past few days. Get the System Malfunction warning shortly after startup along with the 6 very loud beeps and Pre-Sense, airbag, and seatbelt dash warning lights coming on the dash. Sometimes it will go away after one warning, other times 3-4 cycles. Makes driving the car almost impossible.

Has anyone else started to have worsening issues with their PODS?



Link to Video - Can't embed for some season
https://www.flickr.com/photos/152515...7714825715378/

Sadly yes, my first RS3 got worse and worse over a span of a year until the point that my car had ZERO working airbags. Brought the car in so many times, more than I could count- it was royally disastrous. Ended up having to file litigation against Audi which took 9ish months to be settled. Bought a new RS3- pods issue popped up within the first week and has gotten worse every day since. At this point it flashes on and off every few minutes or so, I’ve had the car barely 5 months now. I will say my last one used to have pre-sense faults that you described along with the airbag issue, my current RS3 luckily so far has experienced this only a handful of times.
What a complete disaster for owners and a huge liability for Audi Corporate. Thank god to my knowledge no one has gotten physically hurt by this shtshow. However, as sad as it is, I hate to say it is just a matter of time. Need to read up on class action law- seems like that is slowly becoming the only solution for us owners. Pathetic situation all around.


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[RSgoals]

This hasn’t happened to me. Also wasn’t there a recall in effect like last year that would fix this issue?


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[mezgermischief]

This hasn’t happened to me. Also wasn’t there a recall in effect like last year that would fix this issue?


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The original recall(s) made most owners cars worse. Or atleast made my car exponentially worse each time I had it brought in for the supposed fix- and I’ve heard a similar story from others.


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[xiaphin]

Although not confidence inspiring, thanks for the responses. Codes from scanning with VCDS on Saturday are below for those who are interested. I'd be curious to know others fault counts with the same issue and VCDS. Clearing them didn't change anything with malfunction warning lights and faults appearing immediately after. All but 3 of the fault counts occurred in the two days before scanning. Probably not related but my exhaust flap module that decided to work for the past few months started clicking again after clearing the airbag codes.

Address 15: Airbags (J234) Labels:| 5Q0-959-655.clb
Part No SW: 5Q0 959 655 J HW: 5Q0 959 655 J
Component: AirbagVW20 010 0830
Serial number: 003GCR09PMM7
Coding: 9DCCFCC0008000005000001AC24800000065
Shop #: WSC 06385 790 00016
ASAM Dataset: EV_AirbaVW20SMEVW37X 002144
ROD: EV_AirbaVW20SMEVW37X_VW48.rod
VCID: 47CB5B79AF2CF883D21-8012

2 Faults Found:
9445929 - Seat occupied recognition control module
B1022 29 [137] - Signal Implausible
MIL ON - Confirmed - Tested Since Memory Clear
Freeze Frame:
Fault Status: 00000001
Fault Priority: 2
Fault Frequency: 21
Reset counter: 70
Mileage: 30109 km
Date: 2021.07.30
Time: 12:43:19

9577755 - Sensor Mat for Seat Occupied Detection
B1225 1B [137] - Resistance Too High
MIL ON - Confirmed - Tested Since Memory Clear
Freeze Frame:
Fault Status: 00000001
Fault Priority: 2
Fault Frequency: 27
Reset counter: 70
Mileage: 30109 km
Date: 2021.07.30
Time: 12:43:15

[mezgermischief]

Although not confidence inspiring, thanks for the responses. Codes from scanning with VCDS on Saturday are below for those who are interested. I'd be curious to know others fault counts with the same issue and VCDS. Clearing them didn't change anything with malfunction warning lights and faults appearing immediately after. All but 3 of the fault counts occurred in the two days before scanning. Probably not related but my exhaust flap module that decided to work for the past few months started clicking again after clearing the airbag codes.

Address 15: Airbags (J234) Labels:| 5Q0-959-655.clb
Part No SW: 5Q0 959 655 J HW: 5Q0 959 655 J
Component: AirbagVW20 010 0830
Serial number: 003GCR09PMM7
Coding: 9DCCFCC0008000005000001AC24800000065
Shop #: WSC 06385 790 00016
ASAM Dataset: EV_AirbaVW20SMEVW37X 002144
ROD: EV_AirbaVW20SMEVW37X_VW48.rod
VCID: 47CB5B79AF2CF883D21-8012

2 Faults Found:
9445929 - Seat occupied recognition control module
B1022 29 [137] - Signal Implausible
MIL ON - Confirmed - Tested Since Memory Clear
Freeze Frame:
Fault Status: 00000001
Fault Priority: 2
Fault Frequency: 21
Reset counter: 70
Mileage: 30109 km
Date: 2021.07.30
Time: 12:43:19

9577755 - Sensor Mat for Seat Occupied Detection
B1225 1B [137] - Resistance Too High
MIL ON - Confirmed - Tested Since Memory Clear
Freeze Frame:
Fault Status: 00000001
Fault Priority: 2
Fault Frequency: 27
Reset counter: 70
Mileage: 30109 km
Date: 2021.07.30
Time: 12:43:15

Sorry to hear about that: sadly clearing the faults doesn’t help to avoid seeing your dash lit up.

Have the same codes

15 Airbag

Faults:
B102229 - Passenger occupant detection system control module
Implausible signal
Intermittent


U103000 - Local data bus
Electrical error
Intermittent


B12251B - Seat occupied recognition sensor mat
Resistance too high
Intermittent




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[andru1313]

Mine has been driving me nuts. I have to clear those codes weekly. I have to move the seat around and or sit in the seat to get them to clear when clearing them using VCDS. I have had mine replaced twice each time making the situation worse. yesterday it kept giving me a seat belt warning which hasn't happened before.

[xiaphin]

Sorry to hear about other users with the same problem. Hard for me to understand how they know about it but haven't been able to develop a working solution. Should at least be able to mute the warning beeps after the first cycle.

Car will be dropped off at my local Audi dealer on Friday. The service manager said it will be the first RS3 they will look at with the issue this severe that has already had the TSB for replacing the harness performed. Harness TSB was replaced before I purchased the car. He mentioned it would take 48 hours or so to get any feedback from the mothership as to what to do. My guess is they will say replace the module and possibly the harness again but won't have the part in stock. Good thing I bought another car last Saturday to drive.

I'll be TDX due to the mandatory scanning Audi is now doing. He explained before the new mandate the mode that picked up if the ECU was modified had to manually be enabled, now it is automatic once being plugged in. It reads how many times the ECU/TCU has been updated with a device other than the Audi factory scanning tool. Not sure if this also includes VCDS long coding mods or not.

Is it worth flashing back to stock at this point before taking it in? I'm on the fence since it sounded like it wouldn't matter.

[nate.co]

It's totally insane that this PODS issue still exists, honestly. I've had a malfunctioning passenger safety device for several years now with no end in sight for an actual fix. How hard is it to have a sensor in the seat?