The image can arrive late without a broken lens
Audi describes a rear-image delay on certain S3 Sedan MY2022: the image may still be unavailable when reversing starts. Infotainment startup processes interfere because of incorrect software parameters. This is not a ready diagnosis of mechanical camera damage.
Volkswagen Group of America / NHTSA repository: Part 573 Safety Recall Report21V-825 / Audi91CR
What to record for diagnosis
Record conditions and image-appearance timing after system startup. One black frame cannot show whether the image appeared later. Establish the actual multimedia-module version and known update history. S3 does not identify a software set.
Audi/supplier checked response-time compliance on benches and reference vehicles in August–September 2021. After identifying the software issue, the MIB3 remedy used an updated parameter set, not general camera replacement.
Volkswagen Group of America / NHTSA repository: Part 573 Safety Recall Report21V-825 / Audi91CR
What to inspect with rear-impact traces
Separately inspect accessible lens, housing and wiring in the damaged area. Visible lens crack, broken harness and software delay are three different findings. 91CR does not cancel physical inspection; a black screen alone does not justify replacement without diagnosis.
Baseline images and exact messages help compare before/after repair. If the removed camera was not examined, a new-camera invoice confirms work, not its old condition. Impact traces alone likewise do not establish delay cause.
Which repair outcome to confirm
Separate software update, wiring repair and camera replacement in the record. Check the original complaint: image appearance under recorded conditions. Camera works without that detail does not show whether delay was tested.
21V-825 defines certain S3 MY2022 built July 8–29, 2021 through assembly/supplier records and software set. It is not every S3, A3 or RS3. Individual VIN applicability and a completed update need separate verification.
Volkswagen Group of America / NHTSA repository: Part 573 Safety Recall Report21V-825 / Audi91CR
Applicability to the individual vehicle
- Narrow US S3 Sedan MY2022 software cohort, not all years/bodies.
- Image delay establishes neither physical camera destruction nor its post-crash condition.
Primary sources
Sources checked on . Model or recall information does not establish the condition of an individual VIN.
Volkswagen Group of America / NHTSA repository: Part 573 Safety Recall Report21V-825 / Audi91CR
Applicability and source location
Certain US S3 Sedan MY2022, July 8–29, 2021, affected MIB3 parameters; not all S3 years or A3/RS3 hardware fitment.
Page 6: S3; page 7: response time/software-process mechanism; pages 7–8: bench/reference-vehicle compliance tests and parameter update.
Document date: 2021-10-20. Checked: .