Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. is recalling certain 2022 Audi S3 and A3 sedans

Jul 20, 2022 — Recall Campaign #22V515000

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022 Audi S3 and A3 sedans. The retention force of the seat belt tensioner on the driver and front passenger seats may be inadequate to properly restrain the occupants during a crash.

The recall was influenced by the manufacturer with about 2,584 units affected.

See recall notice

NHTSA Safety Recall Notice

22V515000

Manufacturer:	Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Recall date:	July 20, 2022
NHTSA Campaign #:	22V515000
Units affected:	2,584

Description:: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022 Audi S3 and A3 sedans. The retention force of the seat belt tensioner on the driver and front passenger seats may be inadequate to properly restrain the occupants during a crash.
Consequeces:: Improperly restrained occupants have an increased risk of injury during a crash.
Corrective action:: Dealers will replace the driver and front passenger seat belt assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 15, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 68i2.
Notes:: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Affects the following:

2022 AUDI A3 Complaints
On March 22, 2026, my Check Engine light came on while driving my 2022 Audi A3. Prior to this, I had been noticing a slight jerk when accelerating from a stop. Because Audi dealerships charge approximately $250 just to read diagnostic codes, I went to Discount Auto Parts, where they retrieved code P27F500 — indicating the gear shift lock solenoid is stuck in the open position. I then contacted my Audi dealership and asked directly whether this required a software update or if the gear selector was physically failing. They refused to give me a straight answer. I separately spoke with an Audi service technician who confirmed that the 2022 Audi A3 is well known to have this exact issue. My own research confirmed that this defect is widespread across both Audi and Volkswagen vehicles sharing the same platform. My vehicle is only 3 years old with no history of abuse or neglect. Repair estimates for this known manufacturer defect range from $1,500 to $2,000, which is unacceptable for a defect that appears to be a manufacturing issue, not owner caused damage. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this as a potential safety defect and consider requiring Audi to issue a recall or provide repairs at no cost to affected owners.;
2022 AUDI S3 Complaints
2022 Audi S3 (8Y), ~35,000 miles. Vehicle developed “Gear selector malfunction. You may continue driving.” Dealer stated failure would eventually leave vehicle stranded. Gear selector replaced under partial goodwill. Immediately afterward, vehicle began experiencing communication faults U123100 and U123000 gateway module. Car reported fault 1/20 under dealership possession. Car was picked up by me 1/21 Since repair, GPS location is severely inaccurate (initially ~300 ft offset, escalating to over 50 miles, including placing vehicle in Atlantic Ocean). Vehicle displays incorrect speed limits while driving (35 MPH shown on 70 MPH highway). Constant warning chimes: “Traffic sign recognition unavailable.” These faults affect driver information systems and safety features while driving. Issues are persistent and worsening. Concerned about electronic network failure and loss of vehicle control or situational awareness. Clear progressive ADAS failure.;