Recall 17V196 affects 11,618 2017 Audi S3 and A3 Cabriolet vehicles for passenger-air-bag software that deploys improperly. Repair is free at any franchised Audi dealer.
Audi is recalling 11,618 2017 S3 and A3 Cabriolet vehicles because air bag control unit software can deploy the passenger frontal air bag improperly in lower-speed crashes when the passenger is out of normal seating position. An air bag that deploys with more force than intended can increase injury risk, and Audi dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The air bag control unit in the 2017 Audi S3 and A3 Cabriolet is the computer that decides when and how the passenger frontal air bag deploys. It reads crash information and seat-occupant data, then commands the air bag system to fire at the right level for the crash and seating position.
On affected vehicles, the control unit software has an inaccurate set of parameters. In a lower-speed crash, that bad calibration can deploy the passenger frontal air bag improperly when the front passenger is sitting on the edge of the seat or lying back with the seat reclined. Audi corrected production with updated software.
There is no warning sign before failure. Because the problem is inside the air bag software, the vehicle can look and drive normally until the specific crash condition occurs.
Who's affected?
Covers two 2017 Audi models, both tied to the air bag system.
| 2017 Audi S3 | air bag system |
|---|---|
| 2017 Audi A3 Cabriolet | air bag system |
| Units affected | 11,618 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific car.
What's the safety risk?
If the air bag deploys with more force than intended, the extra force can increase the risk of injury. If your VIN is included, schedule the air bag control module software update soon and keep using normal seat-belt precautions until the work is complete. Repair is free at any franchised Audi dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017 Audi S3 or A3 Cabriolet is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Audi dealer to schedule the free air bag control module software update that corrects improper passenger frontal air bag deployment.
- Bring the recall notice if Audi mailed one. If not, reference recall number 17V196 and Audi recall 69Q3 when you call.
- Keep front passengers seated upright and off the seat edge until the software update is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Audi technician updates the air bag control module software so the passenger frontal air bag uses the corrected deployment logic. The software update, parts, and labor are free under the recall. Audi did not create a separate reimbursement program for this campaign because the recall filing points to New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage for affected vehicles. Ask the service desk how that warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| March 22, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 6, 2017 | Dealer notification began |
| April 20, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
| April 20, 2017 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| April 20, 2017 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V196?
Recall 17V196 covers 11,618 2017 Audi S3 and A3 Cabriolet vehicles with air bag control unit software that can deploy the passenger frontal air bag with more force than intended in a lower-speed crash. Audi dealers will update the air bag control module software for free.
What should I do if my 2017 Audi S3 or A3 Cabriolet is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 17V196. If it is, contact a franchised Audi dealer to schedule the air bag control module software update. Reference recall number 17V196 and Audi recall number 69Q3 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Audi dealers will update the air bag control module software free of charge. The recall repair has been available since April 20, 2017.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is increased injury in a lower-speed crash. If the passenger is sitting on the edge of the seat or lying back with the seat reclined, the passenger frontal air bag can deploy with more force than intended.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V196000 |
|---|---|
| Audi customer service | 1-800-253-2834 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V196 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V196000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →