According to foreign media reports, a document submitted by Volkswagen to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that the company will recall more than 150,000 Audi vehicles in the United States because the passenger airbags of these vehicles may be malfunctioning. As a result, it cannot be activated.

　　 A3 (Image source: Audi)

　　 documents show that the recall will affect 153,152 Audi A3 cars produced between 2015 and 2020, including sedans, Etron and Cabriolet versions, and some S3 sedans.

　　 The company said that the system (PODS) used to detect whether there is an occupant in the passenger seat may malfunction, causing the airbag to remain closed even if someone is sitting in the passenger seat.

　　 Previously, the 2013 to 2019 A3 models were recalled in 2019 due to the same problem. At that time, Audi installed a "new, stronger PODS connector and optimized cable routing" for the vehicle. But in 2020, complaints about the malfunction reappeared. Audi stated in a letter submitted to NHTSA that they have conducted research on the defect, but have been unable to find the "root cause" of the problem. The company believes that in addition to the problems solved by the previous recall, the vehicle's "PODS system has another problem." Audi emphasized that there have been no reports of accidents or injuries due to this issue.

　　 Currently, Audi is still looking for a solution. Volkswagen will write to the owners of the affected vehicles before May 21. After finding a solution, the company will contact the owners again.