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

[0000 RS5]

I had the wiring “fix” done in 2019, I think. I never had an issue before. That “fix” lasted for about a year, then I had a malfunction with it. I had the PODS unit replaced after that under warranty.


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[Optyks]

This is becoming a significantly inconvenient issue for me.

My wife [understandably] doesn't want to ride in my car while this recall is open and PODS is broken. I prefer to drive as much as I can rather than be a passenger in her truck, so it's getting to the point where we occasionally take two cars when going out to places rather than one.

She recently had her truck broken into, so I had to give her a ride to and from the shop for that. Luckily the shop was close and the drive short, but it's becoming real god damn annoying that I can't drive a 'family' sedan with family. Sure she could sit in the back, and while she's small and can fit ok, not everyone can and the lack of bolsters/support in the rear is a significant hindrance in a car as wild as this.

I wrote Audi saying that since I can't use my car for its intended purposes while this is open, I'd like either a loaner car of comparable status/performance/value, or for them to reimburse me for my payments and costs during the recall. It was a long shot, of course, and I didn't expect they'd offer anything... They didn't. Our exchange as follows:

My correspondance:

Hello,

I have a 2020 RS3 (VIN: [removed for this post]) that is affected by the PODS recall opened in March of this year. I have been continually checking in to see if a fix has been identified yet so I can repair my car, but have not seen any indication of a resolution and haven't received any further mailings about this.

At this point, it is becoming a burden for me and my wife. I often drive with her in the passenger seat but since this issue started, she is uncomfortable riding in the car. She was in an accident a few years ago so it's not an option to have her sit in the rear seats without supportive bolstering when we take the RS3.

Since we cannot use my car for its intended purpose until there is an identified fix for the recall and we get it fixed, what options do I have as far as an appropriate measure to address this in the meantime? Car payment reimbursement? A loaner vehicle of equal value to my car?

Thank you,

Their reply:

Good Evening Mr. [Optyks],

Thank you for contacting Audi of America regarding your 2020 Audi RS3. My name is Erin, I am in receipt of your correspondence and it is my pleasure to review and respond.

I understand you have received an initial recall notice regarding campaign 69BY pertaining to the passenger occupancy detection system and are seeking an update in terms of a resolution. As a consumer, I completely understand how unsettling it was for you and your wife to receive a recall notice with no known repair. After consulting my internal resources, I can confirm our engineers are actively working towards a repair for this recall, but there isn't an estimated timeframe available yet. Rest assured, I will be thoroughly documenting your feedback within our internal system for the appropriate internal team to review. At the Customer Experience Center, our primary goal is to ensure your Audi is repaired according to its factory issued warranties. At this time, we wouldn't be in a position to extend financial compensation or alternative transportation. Audi of America has advised that customers can continue driving these vehicles until the resolution is identified. In the event the "passenger airbag off" light becomes illuminated when a passenger is using the front seat, we would encourage you to discontinue the use of that seat until the repair becomes available, and arrange a time to bring the vehicle to your local Audi dealer for inspection.

While I understand this may not be the outcome you hoped for at this time, I appreciate the opportunity to review and respond. As soon as a repair is confirmed, you will be notified immediately. With any additional questions, I am easily reached by email, but you are welcome to contact me personally by calling [removed for this post] select prompt 9 and enter my extension – [removed for this post].

kind regards,

...

[yakev724]

Someone in the S3 forum said their dealer told them a fix was coming at the beginning of 2022.

$300 and a few hours in the garage if you need it sooner...

[MetalMan]

$300 and a few hours in the garage if you need it sooner...

Do tell... (my apologies if it's been already posted, haven't seen it)

[andru1313]

i had my car at the dealer last week for this issue. My car is going nuts with the airbag, presense, and seatbelt warnings its driving me crazy. they said they could not do anything about it.

[Jonnylaw]

Do tell... (my apologies if it's been already posted, haven't seen it)

I think you can order a new module and install yourself I’m assuming.

[Jonnylaw]

i had my car at the dealer last week for this issue. My car is going nuts with the airbag, presense, and seatbelt warnings its driving me crazy. they said they could not do anything about it.

I’m guessing Audi is weighing the risk of potential lawsuits vs spending the money for an immediate fix.

Audi is aware of the defect, the recall is out there, but they do not have a fix as of yet and won’t help you if you have issues right it now.

They will say, if you have front passenger airbag issues, don’t have a front passenger sit there until we give you fix if we ever do have one we are willing to pay for..

That’s kind of ridiculous imho. I mean if your car has a safety issue making a right turn and Audi issues a recall relating to cars making a right turn, would it be ok for them to say, if you are having issues making a right turn, just don’t make a right turn until we can come up with a fix.

If someone gets into an accident and their front passenger is seriously injured or killed as a result of a defect that Audi has acknowledge but not provide a fix for abs not provided compensation or alternate vehicles for owners who are waiting for a fix, Audi will be on the hook IMO.

[andru1313]

Agreed and i stated some of this to the dealer and just got a blank stare.

I’m guessing Audi is weighing the risk of potential lawsuits vs spending the money for an immediate fix.

Audi is aware of the defect, the recall is out there, but they do not have a fix as of yet and won’t help you if you have issues right it now.

They will say, if you have front passenger airbag issues, don’t have a front passenger sit there until we give you fix if we ever do have one we are willing to pay for..

That’s kind of ridiculous imho. I mean if your car has a safety issue making a right turn and Audi issues a recall relating to cars making a right turn, would it be ok for them to say, if you are having issues making a right turn, just don’t make a right turn until we can come up with a fix.

If someone gets into an accident and their front passenger is seriously injured or killed as a result of a defect that Audi has acknowledge but not provide a fix for abs not provided compensation or alternate vehicles for owners who are waiting for a fix, Audi will be on the hook IMO.

[xiaphin]

i had my car at the dealer last week for this issue. My car is going nuts with the airbag, presense, and seatbelt warnings its driving me crazy. they said they could not do anything about it.

Same for me. Car was at the dealer last weekend because of this. It already had the older TSB to replace the harness back in 2019. They followed the current TSB for customers with a PODS issue which is to scan for codes with ODIS and guess what... do nothing. Sorry, since there is a recall you have to wait. The way this is being handled is embarrassing. It will just sit in the garage until the recall happens, whenever that is...

Anyone know how to code out the warning beep with VCDS? That would make it drivable. It's the same one you hear at startup.

[westcoastj]

Does this error happen even when no one is the front seat? My wife always sits in the back seats with my 2 year old daughter, so nobody ever sits in my front passenger seat, so I have no idea if my car is afflicted with this problem or not.

[DumpsterRatz]

Does this error happen even when no one is the front seat? My wife always sits in the back seats with my 2 year old daughter, so nobody ever sits in my front passenger seat, so I have no idea if my car is afflicted with this problem or not.

yes, although theres probably variants of the PODS problem,

but yes even if the seat is empty it will have an error code, sometimes even wanting the seat belt fastened when no one is sitting in the seat.

[fairfaxgator]

Why are Audi and non-Audi dealers selling these cars in the pre-owned from their respective pre-owned inventory?

I am looking at a 2018 Audi A3 Cab with only 28k miles on it here in Northern VA from a non-Audi dealer...good thing I saw this thread as this will keep me from seriously looking at purchasing the car.

[itr325]

Does this error happen even when no one is the front seat? My wife always sits in the back seats with my 2 year old daughter, so nobody ever sits in my front passenger seat, so I have no idea if my car is afflicted with this problem or not.

Mine does it with only me in the car, no one sitting in the passenger seat. I've had the initial recall done but that hasn't made any difference.

[RMode]

Why are Audi and non-Audi dealers selling these cars in the pre-owned from their respective pre-owned inventory?

I am looking at a 2018 Audi A3 Cab with only 28k miles on it here in Northern VA from a non-Audi dealer...good thing I saw this thread as this will keep me from seriously looking at purchasing the car.

an Audi dealer cannot sell a recalled car, whether it is CPO or not. Might be listed on their site, but that does not mean it's actually for sale. A non dealer can do whatever they want, just like a private person can.

[kalch]

couldnt take it anymore. gave it back to dealer. got a tesla

[MetalMan]

Did you guys see the news?!??

Manufacturer Safety Recall issued
NHTSA #21V198
Recall #69BY PASSENGER OCCUPANT DETECTION SYSTEM
(PODS)
Status: Remedy Available

There are 4-5 dealerships within a 30min drive.
The closest one wasn't really able to help, they said lack of parts and they've been waiting since March... sounded to me like they aren't aware of a remedy.
Next closest said parts are on backorder. Sounds like I'm on a list and they would reach out to me when parts are available.

[Bullitt1841]

Did you guys see the news?!??

Manufacturer Safety Recall issued
NHTSA #21V198
Recall #69BY PASSENGER OCCUPANT DETECTION SYSTEM
(PODS)
Status: Remedy Available

There are 4-5 dealerships within a 30min drive.
The closest one wasn't really able to help, they said lack of parts and they've been waiting since March... sounded to me like they aren't aware of a remedy.
Next closest said parts are on backorder. Sounds like I'm on a list and they would reach out to me when parts are available.

Shows up as "Recall Incomplete" for my VIN on https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls, https://vinrcl.safercar.gov/vin/vinLookup, and my local Audi dealer's website when trying to schedule an appointment. Luckily I have not had any issues that I'm aware of with my sensor.

[MetalMan]

Shows up as "Recall Incomplete" for my VIN on https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls, https://vinrcl.safercar.gov/vin/vinLookup, and my local Audi dealer's website when trying to schedule an appointment. Luckily I have not had any issues that I'm aware of with my sensor.

Mine now also show's "Recall Incomplete", perhaps because the recall hasn't been completed?

[Jonnylaw]

Brought my 2020 RS3 in for regular service. Recall open and dealership said they have the parts ready for the install. Advisor called me today and said they installed the new pad and it will not code. Audi America told them to replace and they had one more. This one also is throwing codes and they cannot fix the issue or clear the air bag light. Now Audi said to replace the harness which has to be ordered. Mind you, there was nothing wrong with my sensor prior to having the recall being done which apparently must be done.

Now my car had an air bag light and I have no idea when it will be fixed. Just a FYI for anyone getting the recall.

[Jonnylaw]

So the entire harness will take about a week to come in. The passenger seat will need to be unbolted, removed from the vehicle and the harness replaced then seat reinstalled. Not advised to drive it because airbag malfunction now. At least I have a loaner.

[Jeff_Jeske]

Odds are Audi just doesn't know what they are doing. Many have removed the factory seat and eliminated all errors simply by recoding a new module and pad. This can be done with VCDS.

https://www.529innovations.com/8v-pass-seat-sensor

[Jonnylaw]

Odds are Audi just doesn't know what they are doing. Many have removed the factory seat and eliminated all errors simply by recoding a new module and pad. This can be done with VCDS.

https://www.529innovations.com/8v-pass-seat-sensor

Yes, you are likely correct. It sounds like they tried to complete the recall fix with just replacing the pad and not the module. They will now attempt to do it again with a new pad and a new module (on order). Hopefully this will fix any issues if properly coded.

[o1turbo30v]

Recall fix is ready, got the letter Saturday, 4 hour job, remove bladder from seat and reprogrammed airbag controller. Mine goes in on the 27th

[itr325]

Dropped mine off this morning....fingers crossed this fixes it!

[5CYL_BTLSHIP]

Am I the only one who isn't going to have this fixed? I don't see any issue with my car so I'd rather them not touch it.

[0000 RS5]

I had mine fixed once already almost a year ago. But I just received a recall letter from Audi about an open PODS recall for my car. Does anyone know if this is a new replacement? First time was the harness, this time the sensor mat?


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[Potatohead_RS3]

Am I the only one who isn't going to have this fixed? I don't see any issue with my car so I'd rather them not touch it.

Same here, I’m not getting it done until if/when it starts acting up

[DanMPower]

Am I the only one who isn't going to have this fixed? I don't see any issue with my car so I'd rather them not touch it.

Yeah, I have no issues with my 18 currently(knock on wood) and won't bring it in unless issues pop up. I want the dealership to touch the car as least as possible. When you're a disgruntled Audi tech who is being paid a flat warranty rate to remove, tear apart the seat, and put it back together in as little time as possible.... yeah... no thanks.

[RS3TP]

Ditto for me. Everytime i bring my car in they want to plug into my ECU ... not a chance

[Jonnylaw]

The new harness fixed the error. My car is stock and I have Audicare so I brought my car in for regular maintenance. I was told the recall has to be done since its a safety issue. I stated I didn't want it done, but was told it had to be performed. Nothing was wrong with the airbag system prior to the dealership performing the recall and then the whole system was errored after the pad was replaced. Since the seat was taken completely out, there are a few scuffs/scratches on the back of the seat and some on the plastic panels of the seat bottom of the front passenger door. Nothing big, but it still pisses me off.

[DanMPower]

The new harness fixed the error. My car is stock and I have Audicare so I brought my car in for regular maintenance. I was told the recall has to be done since its a safety issue. I stated I didn't want it done, but was told it had to be performed. Nothing was wrong with the airbag system prior to the dealership performing the recall and then the whole system was errored after the pad was replaced. Since the seat was taken completely out, there are a few scuffs/scratches on the back of the seat and some on the plastic panels of the seat bottom of the front passenger door. Nothing big, but it still pisses me off.

The same thing happened to my F80 M3, took it to the dealership because they had to replace the M3 emblem that had cracked on the headrest area, got my car back with scratches all over the bottom door sills and back cover of the seat. Really pissed me off and I've lost trust in dealerships when it comes to not messing things up when fixing something. Whenever I do interior work on my cars I'm always EXTRA careful to put down extra layers of protection to not scratch anything, I doubt any dealer tech would put in that kind of care when working on customers' cars.

[RMode]

The new harness fixed the error. My car is stock and I have Audicare so I brought my car in for regular maintenance. I was told the recall has to be done since its a safety issue. I stated I didn't want it done, but was told it had to be performed. Nothing was wrong with the airbag system prior to the dealership performing the recall and then the whole system was errored after the pad was replaced. Since the seat was taken completely out, there are a few scuffs/scratches on the back of the seat and some on the plastic panels of the seat bottom of the front passenger door. Nothing big, but it still pisses me off.

I’d document the damage with pictures, speak to the service manager of the dealer, and let them know you want all the scuffed pieces replaced. I work for them, and if any of the techs did this, it’s exactly what I’d insist upon.

[Jonnylaw]

I’d document the damage with pictures, speak to the service manager of the dealer, and let them know you want all the scuffed pieces replaced. I work for them, and if any of the techs did this, it’s exactly what I’d insist upon.

Yea, the service advisor asked me to take some pictures and he would work with me. I don’t want to be petty, but I keep my car immaculate and damage even if minor that I didn’t do is bothersome. I mean the main thing is on the back plastic piece of the seat (where I’m assuming the tech laid the seat down on the floor without a cushion or protection so there are scuffs in several places) and then the plastic piece next to the sill has a gouge or two on it I’m guessing from when the seat was taken out. I’m not sure how much work it would be to replace these two pieces or if could come out worse and im not trying to have a bad relationship with the dealer but I feel it’s at least worth being up. I mean if the tech would have at least laid something below the seat while it was out the back wouldn’t have been damaged. I honestly don’t think they care apparently. I mean I know it’s not a R8, but it’s not a Corolla either. And when a car comes in in almost new condition and this happens, it doesn’t make for a happy customer.

[RMode]

Yea, the service advisor asked me to take some pictures and he would work with me. I don’t want to be petty, but I keep my car immaculate and damage even if minor that I didn’t do is bothersome. I mean the main thing is on the back plastic piece of the seat (where I’m assuming the tech laid the seat down on the floor without a cushion or protection so there are scuffs in several places) and then the plastic piece next to the sill has a gouge or two on it I’m guessing from when the seat was taken out. I’m not sure how much work it would be to replace these two pieces or if could come out worse and im not trying to have a bad relationship with the dealer but I feel it’s at least worth being up. I mean if the tech would have at least laid something below the seat while it was out the back wouldn’t have been damaged. I honestly don’t think they care apparently. I mean I know it’s not a R8, but it’s not a Corolla either. And when a car comes in in almost new condition and this happens, it doesn’t make for a happy customer.

doesn't matter if it is a Corolla though. If you bring it in one way, and it leaves in another, lesser state, that's on them to solve. That's good you have a responsive dealer. It all comes down to who the tech is. You can have new techs doing relatively easy things like this recall, oil changes, etc....but even experienced techs can also be sloppy techs. What no dealer wants is 1. a repair, warranty or otherwise, that ends up costing them $$$ out of pocket because other damage was caused and 2. a crappy survey.

[signde]

apparently the parts for this are in tight supply.

i made an appointment a month ago for this service. got all the way to the dealer this morning only to be told "[audi] notified us last night about the shortage and that we would not be getting our allocation as expected".

i hate my service department so much, three out of my four experiences with them have been worthless. sure the parts shortage is not their fault but not letting me know until i wasted my time getting there is.

[tegxsi]

There is a shortage on parts. My dealer mentioned they maybe get 2-4 kits a month.
There are multiple versions of the seat so it's part specific.

[xiaphin]

There is a shortage on parts. My dealer mentioned they maybe get 2-4 kits a month.
There are multiple versions of the seat so it's part specific.

My dealer has a waiting list and also mentioned receiving enough parts to complete 3-4 vehicles a month.

[jcygts6]

I got the PODS recall fix the same time I had my leaking waterpump replaced at 20k miles on my 2019 RS3. The dealership has my car for a week and a half.

[signde]

someone else in my local audi club with an RS3 got an updated letter about this recall stating it has been paused due to parts shortage.

Due to global part shortages, Audi has paused the repair programn offered under Safety Recall 69BY. We will send another letter as soon as parts supply permits and then you can schedule this recall work at your authorized Audi dealer.

[MetalMan]

someone else in my local audi club with an RS3 got an updated letter about this recall stating it has been paused due to parts shortage.

Due to global part shortages, Audi has paused the repair programn offered under Safety Recall 69BY. We will send another letter as soon as parts supply permits and then you can schedule this recall work at your authorized Audi dealer.

My local dealer told me the same when I called several weeks ago.