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Vehicle recall · NHTSA · Published March 22, 2017

AUDI S3 (2017) recall — Air Bags

Volkswagen Group recalls 2017 Audi S3 sedans with air bag software that may deploy improperly in low-speed crashes, risking injury. Owners must update software free of charge by April 20, 2017.

🇺🇸 NHTSA recall #17V196000VehicleAudi ›
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No email on file for this recall — reach the company by phone or its official page instead.No contact details on file — see the official NHTSA notice.
✎ GovInfoNow plain-language explainer

What happened, in plain English

Volkswagen is recalling certain 2017 Audi S3 sedans because their air bag software might deploy the passenger air bag incorrectly during low-speed crashes. This could increase injury risk if the passenger is sitting on the seat edge or reclined. Affected vehicles must have the software updated by dealers. Read more at govinfonow.com/recall/1225562-audi-2017-s3-air-bag-recall-risk-of-improper-deployment.

Source Summary by GovInfoNow · govinfonow.com/recall/1225562-audi-2017-s3-air-bag-recall-risk-of-improper-deployment · Updated October 8, 2026 · Official notice: NHTSA #17V196000

Cite this page

“Audi 2017 S3 Air Bag Recall: Risk of Improper Deployment.” GovInfoNow, updated October 8, 2026. https://govinfonow.com/recall/1225562-audi-2017-s3-air-bag-recall-risk-of-improper-deployment. Based on NHTSA recall #17V196000 (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=17V196000).

Why it’s dangerous

In low-speed crashes, the air bag control software may deploy the passenger air bag improperly if the passenger is sitting on the seat edge or reclined. This could cause the air bag to deploy with more force than intended, increasing injury risk.

Who’s affected

Owners of 2017 Audi S3 sedans with the specific air bag software issue are most at risk. The hazard primarily affects passengers who sit on the edge of the seat or recline in the seat during low-speed crashes.

How to tell if you have this one

Check if your 2017 Audi S3 sedan was sold between April 20, 2017, and the recall date. The recall specifically targets vehicles with the air bag control software issue that may deploy the passenger air bag incorrectly.

  • Brand
    Audi
  • Category
    Vehicle
Based on the official NHTSA remedy

What to do — step by step

  1. Contact Audi Customer Service

    Call 1-800-253-2834 to confirm your vehicle is affected and schedule a software update.

  2. Update Air Bag Software

    Dealers will update the air bag control module software for free once you contact Audi customer service.

Official remedy

What NHTSA says to do

Audi will notify owners, and dealers will update the air bag control module software, free of charge. The recall began April 20, 2017. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69Q3.

✎ GovInfoNow

Questions people ask

Why is this recall happening?

The air bag control software may deploy the passenger air bag incorrectly during low-speed crashes if the passenger is sitting on the seat edge or reclined, which increases injury risk.

How do I know if my vehicle is affected?

Your 2017 Audi S3 sedan is affected if it was sold between April 20, 2017, and the recall date with the specific air bag control software issue.

Is there a deadline for the software update?

The recall began April 20, 2017, but the software update is free and can be done at any time after contacting Audi customer service.

Take action

Contact Audi

We’ve drafted a message you can send Audi to request your refund or repair — edit it as you like.

Subject: Recall 17V196000 — Audi Audi

Hello,

I own a Audi that is covered by recall 17V196000 from Audi.

The official recall notice states: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will update the air bag control module software, free of charge.  The recall began April 20, 2017.  Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.  Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69Q3.

I’m writing to arrange the remedy described in the recall (a refund, repair, or replacement as applicable). Could you please tell me the next steps to resolve this?

Thank you.

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Where this comes from

The facts (hazard, remedy, dates, manufacturer) are pulled from the official NHTSA recall record. The plain-language summary and step-by-step checklist are written by GovInfoNow to make the official notice easier to act on — they don’t replace it.

  • Official source: NHTSA Recall #17V196000 (March 22, 2017)
  • Plain-language summary written by qwen3:4b on October 8, 2026, from the official record above. Not reviewed by a person — if it conflicts with the NHTSA notice, the notice is correct. Report an error on this page.
  • GovInfoNow is an independent service and is not a government agency. We republish official NHTSA recall data; we don’t issue, amend or administer recalls.
GovInfoNow is an independent guide. We are not NHTSA or any government agency. Always confirm details with the official recall.Data: CPSC · FDA · NHTSA · USDA