2015 AUDI A3

2 recalls, 131 complaints - 553 TSBs - 5/5 safety rating

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Defect Description

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain front-wheel drive 2015-2020 Audi A3 Sedan, 2015-2019 Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI, 2018 Golf Sportwagen GP, 2018-2019 Golf Sportwagen A7, 2015-2017 Golf Sportwagen, 2015-2020 Golf GTI, and 2015-2020 Golf A7 vehi... Read more

Consequence

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the suction pump, free of charge. Final owner notification letters for Audi owners were mailed on July 25, 2024. Final owner letters for VW owners were mailed on August 13, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-80... Read more

261,257 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

AIR BAGS:ON-OFF SWITCH ASSEMBLY

Defect Description

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Audi S3 Sedan, A3 Sedan, 2016-2018 A3 Etron, 2017-2020 RS3 Sedan, and 2015-2019 A3 Cabriolet vehicles. The passenger occupant detection system (PODS) may malfunction and switch off the passenger air bag even when the seat is oc... Read more

Consequence

A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the PODS sensor mat and update the PODS control module, free of charge. Owners letters were mailed December 23, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 69BY.

153,152 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Complaint Statistics

131 total complaints 2 crashes 4 fires 2 injuries

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
AIR BAGS	42
ENGINE	16
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	15
SEAT BELTS	11
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	8
SEATS	7
POWER TRAIN	6
STEERING	5
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING	3
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	3

Incident date: Jun 1, 2026

The contact owns 2015 Audi A3. The contact stated while parked and when attempting to input fuel into the vehicle the fuel hose sprayed fuel into the contact's clothing and shoes and began to leak under the vehicle near the rear tires. An independent mechanic was contacted. The contact mention the f... Read more

Incident date: Feb 2, 2026

The contact owns a 2015 Audi A3. The contact stated that when filling the fuel tank, fuel leaks out of the vehicle. The failure would occur as soon as the contact filled the tank with about $ 3 worth of fuel. The contact recalled that previously, they struggled to open the fuel cap. The vehicle was ... Read more

Incident date: Jan 26, 2026

I need NHTSA assisting in resolving safety recall # 26V112, Instrument Panel and Rearview Camera Displays May Fail/FMVSS 101,111,305. I took my Honda Prologue vehicle to Honda dealer for the recall to be address. The dealer started the update process but failed to complete the update process and is... Read more

Incident date: Apr 9, 2025

Window regulator and window assembly keep failing

Incident date: Apr 9, 2025

Rear differential fluid leak The 07204 recall pertains to certain Pontiac vehicles, specifically the 2007 Pontiac Solstice, where a faulty rear axle pinion seal may leak, potentially causing a loss of motive power and increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will replace the pinion seal free of charg... Read more

Incident date: Apr 9, 2025

Blown turbo with propeller broken off lodged into the pre-catalytic converter, which caused damage to the catalytic converter/exhaust requiring a new turbo and a complete new catalytic converter and exhaust system. They also found major oil leaking from the upper timing cover gaskets, which I later ... Read more

Incident date: Feb 2, 2026

While driving the vehicle the other night, the cars electrical system completely shut off for a few seconds before popping back on. The whole car inside and out went completely black. It was around 10pm on a dark country road. I had the seat heater on high and the defrost on high because it was cold... Read more

Incident date: Jun 1, 2025

The contact owns a 2009 Nissan Altima. While attempting to start the vehicle, the steering wheel was locked, preventing the remote start feature from functioning as designed. The vehicle was towed to the residence and was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The appr... Read more

Incident date: Dec 3, 2025

Front Suspension Steering Knuckle Cracking

Incident date: Oct 16, 2025

In summer of 2023 my car 2011 Sonata Hybrid quit running and would not start. My granddaughter had used the car to go to Oklahoma City for a tennis tournament. Her life was at risk because she was coming back in the evening and was alone. The next day I had the car towed to Ada Oklahoma and then... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Oct 16, 2025

Fire

Incident date: Sep 24, 2025

I had an issue with the Transmission lead frame where my vehicle downshifted from 5th to 1st gear which to me is a safety issue. Notified Ford and they said this was a customer satisfaction program that expires after 10 years. How is this not a safety recall?? This could be very dangerous if you wer... Read more

Incident date: Sep 24, 2025

The contact owns a 2023 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V302000 (AIR BAGS); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that th... Read more

Incident date: Aug 9, 2025

I am getting "Safety Restraint System Fault" on my car. This puts my family at risk if the safety features are faulty. When I contacted Tesla, they want me to drive 41(!) miles away and charge me almost $500.

Incident date: Aug 9, 2025

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that the vehicle intermittently failed to start immediately, but started after the second attempt. The battery was replaced; however, soon after the battery replacement, the failure recurred, and the vehicle was taken to a dealer. A dia... Read more

Incident date: Aug 4, 2025

Vehicle is consuming oil at a rate of 2 quarts per 1000 miles which could lead to catastrophic engine failure at highway speed causing serious crash and loss of life. This is apparently a common defect with many Hyundia engines that the manufacturer is actively trying to deny warranty claims.

Incident date: Jul 1, 2019

On 7/26/2025 approximately 8:30pm (PDT), driving south on CA I-880 in third lane from right traveling at approximately 50mph when vehicle engine died and went into neutral gear. Dashboard alert indicated to press start engine button, but would not start. Managed to maneuver vehicle to right should... Read more

Incident date: Feb 8, 2022

The issue is related to Audi TSB 2048402/3. 2017 Audi Q7 3.0T. First the an engine light appears, then get Drive System Malfunction Warning appears, then car misfires, then car goes into limp mode causing the car to rapidly slow down (while driving on a highway!!!!!). This is is common issue on the... Read more

Incident date: Jan 1, 2022

On several occasions while in reverse the car braked hard and violently for no reason. This caused a sudden jolt to me and the passengers endangering our safety. Also, this condition can cause an accident if I’m trying to back up to avoid a collision and the emergency braking system does not allow... Read more

Incident date: Oct 20, 2024

My daughter was stopped at a stoplight and the auto-stop engaged. The light turned green and she began to accelerate when all of the error lights on the dash lit up, then the dash info system and infotainment system went out followed by the engine turning off and not restarting. While all of this ha... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Sep 20, 2024

The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed. However, the vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an auto repair shop where it was d... Read more

Incident date: Sep 20, 2024

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The dealer was notified o... Read more

Incident date: Jul 11, 2024

I took the car into the dealership to diagnose the reason that I was getting a Seat Belt light and they said that the guide suggested to do a zero point reset on the seat. When they attempted this they said that it failed and now the system has an airbag light on. There is no more seat belt light ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 9, 2024

I was driving driving down the road at 45 MPH, and then the rear object sensor came on the dash. Then the Check engine light and about not reading a sensor. Then the vehicle locked up all 4 wheels squealed tires and came to complete stop, and then started moving forward again. Then I got scared and ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 5, 2024

The contact owns a 2022 Hyundai Elantra HEV. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to slow the vehicle, upon releasing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle suddenly accelerated independently. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a ... Read more

Incident date: Jan 25, 2024

Porsche sent a "Important Safety Recall" notice to me dated January 22, 2023 about their defective power cable for the mobile charger for my Taycan. This notice promises that Porsche will replace the cable with an updated version "at a later date." It is now May 10, 2024 which certainly qualifie... Read more

Incident date: Apr 18, 2024

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated there was a burning odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. There were no warning ligh... Read more

Incident date: May 3, 2024

The check engine light came on and we brought it to a mechanic to assess the issue. Codes indicated a misfire on Cylinder 3. The mechanic did not state that they observed any physical damage to the head gasket however the engine has coolant in it. The recommended repair is to replace the engine at a... Read more

Incident date: Feb 3, 2024

My car has 15 recalls. I was only notified of 2. According to one of the letters I received It states that repairs were done but not completed and that is a lie. I have never had any recall work done, mainly because the first letter said they didn't have parts. I was only made aware of the lat... Read more

Incident date: Dec 19, 2023

The contact owns a 2024 Ford F-250 SD. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds for approximately six hours with the heated seats activated, there was an abnormal burning odor detected. There were no warning lights illuminated. While removing items from the vehicle, the contact became... Read more

Fire

Incident date: May 27, 2023

when utilizing the front wipers during the rain the wipers will stop working at any giving time. also sometimes when you utilize the turn signals the wipers will come on and remain in the upward stuck position. after doing vigorous research about this known issue with dodge vehicle i came across a l... Read more

Incident date: May 27, 2023

On Monday, March 27th While driving at various speeds, the collision mitigation system message flashed on the instrument panel without anything provoking it/no real cause. I observed while driving the vehicle, the warning message repeatedly flashed on the screen before the entire instrument panel we... Read more

Incident date: May 27, 2023

Incident date: Feb 2, 2021

While driving 55mph on a 2 lane highway the CMBS flashed the orange BRAKE on my car dash multiple times for absolutely no reason applying a slight brake. There was nothing in front of me or near the car to even set this off. Luckily no cars were behind me. I’ll have to be turning this feature off ... Read more

Incident date: Feb 2, 2021

Airbags deployed in an accident (minimal impact/superficial damage) & deeply lacerated my right thumb. No warning lamps or symptoms of the problem prior. Car to be inspected by insurance claim adjuster & available for inspection.

Crash Fire 1 injured

Incident date: Feb 22, 2023

Snow white pearl paint has suddenly started peeling on passenger door and around windshield

Incident date: Feb 2, 2023

The service shifter light keeps coming on. Sometimes when stopped in traffic the vehicle’s transmission will shift from drive, to some unknown position, then the engine will stall out when attempting to go forward with traffic. The car will then not start and the shifter will not allow any gear sh... Read more

Incident date: Feb 5, 2023

I own a 2001 Dodge RAM 2500 and the truck’s dashboard is disintegrating. Pieces have fallen into my heating system, and I believe that is what’s causing my vacuum issue! It is winter time right now, and i was stranded in 10° weather for hours. I could not stay warm by running the trucks becaus... Read more

1 injured

Incident date: Nov 8, 2022

Unknown

Incident date: Oct 24, 2022

How is it these recalls that effect life safety systems still do not have a solution? On top of it, there have been previous recalls on the same system. How is it acceptable to allow the manufacturer to not have a solution to this for 1.5 years? Manufacturer Recall Number: 69BY NHTSA Recall Number:... Read more

Incident date: Mar 22, 2021

I have been receiving recall letters on my car for over a year now. Each time I call Audi Las Vegas, 6335 West Sahara Avenue, Las Vegas, NV, 89146 - 855 832 8796, they will schedule me an appointment then contact me to cancel stating that the manufacturer has put a hold on the parts to fix the car.... Read more

Incident date: Oct 12, 2022

My 2015 Audi A3 has a recall since first part of 2021 for passenger air bag sensor. We have tried several times to get this recall fixed and every time we call the dealership they don’t have the parts. This has gone on for about a year and a half now. I would hate to see this turn into a very l... Read more

Incident date: Mar 1, 2021

There’s an open recall since march/2021 and Audi refuses to fix it, Since it relates to the airbag systems it’s really dangerous

Incident date: Jul 15, 2022

Consumer bought this car at 30,040 miles. The car currently sits with 89,000 miles. I have had 18 recommended service visits totaling $19,240 and then on July 15, 2022 with no pre indicators or warnings the engine dies after a 95k full multipoint inspection that consumer had 3 weeks prior. The car ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 15, 2022

Incident date: Sep 12, 2021

I experienced issues putting fuel in my vehicle. The pump would shut off as if the tank were full after putting only a few dollars in the tank. At one point gas backed up and spalshed onto my hand and cloths, down the side of my vehicle onto the ground. Prior to this I noticed my vehicle hesitating ... Read more

Incident date: Feb 4, 2019

The contact owns a 2015 Audi A3. The contact stated that when he started his vehicle, the passenger occupant detection system and the passenger air bag off warning signs illuminated. The contact stated that both warning lights illuminated periodically when turning on the vehicle or while driving at ... Read more

Incident date: May 12, 2021

I have an active recall for the passenger occupant detection system in which Audi has failed to have the available parts to repair this recall in a timely manner.

Incident date: Mar 22, 2021

I have waited for Audi for 18 months to fix the recalled part. I called them multiple times. It is still not available. I fear my wife's life when she's sitting on the passenger seat which was affected by the recall. We can't use the car as normal and it reduces the resale value.

Showing 50 of 131 complaints.

NHTSA Safety Ratings, 2015 AUDI A3

2015 Audi A3 4 DR FWD

Category	Rating
Overall Rating	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Frontal Crash	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Frontal Crash, Driver	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Frontal Crash, Passenger	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Side Crash	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Side Crash, Driver	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Side Crash, Passenger	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Rollover	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Rollover Risk	10.9%

Safety Technology

Feature	Status
Electronic Stability Control	Standard
Forward Collision Warning	Optional
Lane Departure Warning	Optional

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings Program. Ratings are based on crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

EPA Fuel Economy, 2015 AUDI A3

Trim / Engine	City MPG	Highway MPG	Combined MPG	Fuel Type	Annual Fuel Cost
1.8L 4-cyl, Automatic (AM-S6) (Front-Wheel Drive)	23.0	33.0	27.0	Premium	$2,800
2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (AM-S6) (Front-Wheel Drive)	31.0	41.0	35.0	Diesel	$2,300

CO2 Emissions: 328.0 g/mile (Subcompact Cars)

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.

Technical Service Bulletins, 2015 AUDI A3

553 manufacturer communications from 378 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

Component	Bulletins
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL	86
350000 EQUIPMENT	70
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	31
980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER	27
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	24
030000 BRAKES (PWS)	21
020000 SUSPENSION	19
010000 STEERING	18

980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

This bulletin provides information when there are scratches, or a coating on the cover of the instrument cluster, or particles in the housing.

980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

This bulletin provides general information regarding outside air temperature readings.

980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

This bulletin provides information when there is noise from around the instrument cluster.

980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

This bulletin provides information for when there is noise when steering.

980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

This bulletin provides information for when DTC P0A7D00 is stored.

980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

This bulletin provides information when the remote control key is inoperative.

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

This bulletin provides instructions on evaluating TDI vehicles for repurchase prior to repairs.

980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed and only order the successor parts going forward.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed and only order the successor parts going forward.

980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

This bulletin provides information if there is noise when steering the vehicle.

010000 STEERING

This bulletin provides information if there is noise when steering the vehicle.

980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

This bulletin provides information on visual concerns with the headlight lens.

121000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

This bulletin provides information on visual concerns with the headlight lens.

119340 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:FUSES, RELAYS, CONTACTS, AND SHUNTS

This bulletin provides information when the all-wheel drive coupling does not work, the fuse is blown or the DTC C111204 is stored in the all-wheel drive control module.

980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

This bulletin provides information when the all-wheel drive coupling does not work, the fuse is blown or the DTC C111204 is stored in the all-wheel drive control module.

060000 ENGINE (PWS)

This Document informs dealers on the new oil consumption & piston fracture warranty extension for 2012 A4, A5, A6, Q5 & TT / 2013 A4, A5, A6, Q5 & TT / 2014 A4, A5, A6, Q5 & TT / 2016 A3 & TT / 2017 A3 & TT vehicles

980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

353400 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.

This bulletin provides information for when there are noises from the rear shelf when playing music, or driving on rough roads.

353500 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)

This bulletin provides information pertaining to MMI Navigation database concerns.

134000 VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

This bulletin provides information for when there are noises from the headliner/sunroof area.

275300 LANE DEPARTURE: SENSING SYSTEM: RADAR

This bulletin provides information for when the lane change assist radars cannot be calibrated after replacement.

118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

This bulletin provides information on how to set up and use the SD Creator for obtaining vehicle software updates via the Mirror Server.

118520 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:PARKING ASSIST:SENSORS

This bulletin provides information when the parking assistance provides false warnings.

118510 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:PARKING ASSIST:SOFTWARE

This bulletin provides information when the parking assistance provides false warnings.

118820 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:HILL DESCENT ASSIST:SENSOR

This bulletin provides information for when the ABS/ESC speed sensor has an implausible signal.

980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

This bulletin provides information for when the ABS/ESC speed sensor has an implausible signal.

036400 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:ABS WARNING LIGHT

This bulletin provides information for when the ABS/ESC speed sensor has an implausible signal.

117000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

This bulletin provides general information about the outside air temperature reading.

160000 STRUCTURE

This bulletin provides information for when the license plate mounting bracket threaded inserts are stripped.

133000 VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

This bulletin provides information for when the frameless window auto-drop function is inoperative during freezing weather.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin provides information on the VAS 611 015 PICO-NVH tool for professional noise analysis.

121000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

This bulletin provides information pertaining to when there are foreign objects inside of a headlight or taillight.

123000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS

This bulletin provides information pertaining to when there are foreign objects inside of a headlight or taillight.

355100 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

This bulletin provides damage assessment guidelines for textile seat covers.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin provides information for when unauthorized/unjustified DTC memory entries are captured in ODIS test Plans (Ghost faults).

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin provides information for when unauthorized/unjustified DTC memory entries are captured in ODIS test Plans (Ghost faults).

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin provides instructions regarding unauthorized chip tuning (TD1).

353500 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)

This bulletin provides information for when Navigation, Bluetooth, smartphone interface, and voice recognition is not available.

353600 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT

This bulletin provides information for when Navigation, Bluetooth, smartphone interface, and voice recognition is not available.

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

This bulletin provides information on the additional reporting requirements for safety related inquiries.

030000 BRAKES (PWS)

This bulletin provides information on brake pulsation diagnostic guidelines.

030000 BRAKES (PWS)

This bulletin provides information on brake pulsation diagnostic guidelines.

030000 BRAKES (PWS)

This bulletin provides information for when the brakes creak at an almost standstill.

010000 STEERING

This bulletin provides information for when a steering wheel shimmy, vibration, and/or oscillation is reported.

030000 BRAKES (PWS)

This bulletin provides information on for when there is corrosion on the friction surface of a steel brake disc.

030000 BRAKES (PWS)

This bulletin provides information on brake noise analysis and handling.

353000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

This bulletin provides information on workshop mode with Audi connect vehicles.

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

This bulletin provides information on workshop mode with Audi connect vehicles.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

This bulletin provides information on professional noise analysis with the VAS 611 015 PICO NVH Tool.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin provides information for when the customer has concerns about the navigation route guidance.

353500 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)

This bulletin provides information for when the customer has concerns about the navigation route guidance.

138000 VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM

This bulletin provides information on the GFF test plan required when replacing the A/C compressor.

117000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

This bulletin provides information for when there is noise from the area around the instrument cluster.

130000 VISIBILITY

This bulletin provides information for when exterior glass cleaning is needed.

136000 VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER

This bulletin provides information for when the washer solvent level warning is on.

140000 AIR BAGS

This bulletin provides information for when the airbag warning light is on and DTC B13BCF2 is stored in the airbag control module.

020000 SUSPENSION

This bulletin provides information for when creaking and squeaking noises emit from the front end on uneven roads.

010000 STEERING

This bulletin provides information for when the front shock absorber cap emits cracking noises or causes spring jumps when steering or maneuvering.

046000 SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK

This bulletin provides information for when one or more DC is stored in the ABS control unit related to the parking switch; DTC C100C07 and/or C100C29.

011000 STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR

This bulletin provides information for instances where the steering wheel leather is damaged.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

This bulletin provides information on checking for debris when replacing an engine.

120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING

This bulletin provides detailed information on the proper documentation of optical concerns for headlights and taillights.

020000 SUSPENSION

This bulletin provides information for when cracking noises/spring jumps occur when steering or when maneuvering.

010000 STEERING

This bulletin provides information for when cracking noises/spring jumps occur when steering or when maneuvering.

116340 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:IMMOBILIZER/PROXIMITY:KEY/SENDER

This bulletin provides information regarding the Audi advanced key.

020000 SUSPENSION

This bulletin states to lightly lubricate the contact surface between the buffer stop and shock absorber cap when cracking noises/spring jumps are detected when steering or maneuvering.

137000 VISIBILITY:REAR WINDOW WIPER/WASHER

This bulletin provides instructions for when the washer level warning is on but the reservoir is full.

355100 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

This bulletin provides instructions for ordering replacement Safety Certification labels or VIN plates.

160000 STRUCTURE

This bulletin provides information for when car wash bristles become stuck in the body gap between the headlight and fender.

121000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

This bulletin provides information for when car wash bristles become stuck in the body gap between the headlight and fender.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

This bulletin provides information for when the customer advises that there is cracking, grinding, rattling, humming, whining, or similar interference.

020000 SUSPENSION

This bulletin provides instructions for instances where squeaking or creaking noises are heard when the vehicle is driven on uneven roads.

120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING

This bulletin provides details on how to properly document optical concerns in headlights and taillights for warranty submissions.

010000 STEERING

This bulletin contains instructions for when the vehicle pulls to one side or the steering wheel is crooked.

010000 STEERING

This bulletin contains instructions for when the vehicle pulls to one side or the steering wheel is crooked.

030000 BRAKES (PWS)

This bulletin provides information for when there are noises when braking, and the brake pad thickness is OK.

980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

This bulletin provides information for when there are noises when braking, and the brake pad thickness is OK.

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

This bulletin provides information for when there are noises when braking, and the brake pad thickness is OK.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This information bulletin contains a background on the outside air temperature reading.

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

This bulletin provides information on how to document optical defects in order to submit to Warranty.

100000 POWER TRAIN

This technical service bulletin provides repair instructions for the all-wheel drive coupling.

020000 SUSPENSION

This bulletin provides repair instructions for instances where creaking/squeaking noises are heard from the left front or right front area of the vehicle when being driven on uneven roads.

160000 STRUCTURE

This bulletin describes the process to clean sticker residue from the windshield.

131000 VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

This bulletin describes the process to clean sticker residue from the windshield.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

This bulletin provides information on the discontinuation and mixing of Audi-approved engine coolants.

010000 STEERING

This bulletin states that squeaking noises which may be more prevalent in wet weather during steering is normal and repair is not needed.

353500 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)

This bulletin provides information on how to update the navigation map.

140000 AIR BAGS

In conjunction with the New Mexico DMV, Audi will be sending Takata airbag recall reminder notices to approximately 389 Audi owners in the State of New Mexico on March 13, 2023.

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Actions closure announcement

020000 SUSPENSION

This bulletin provides information for when creaking/squeaking noises are heard from the left front or right front area of the vehicle when driven on uneven roads.

353600 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT

SERV_ACT - Infotainment System Software ??A???A???A? Security Patch - closure announcement

116300 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE

This bulletin provides instructions for when the anti-theft alarm has gone off for no reason, or did not go off at all. No DTCs are stored.

030000 BRAKES (PWS)

This bulletin provides instructions for brake noise analysis and handling.

136000 VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER

This bulletin provides instructions for when the washer solvent level warning is on in the DIS but the washer solvent level is correct.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

This bulletin contains instructions for when to add gasoline additives for cleaning the injectors.

070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

This bulletin contains instructions for when to add gasoline additives for cleaning the injectors.

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Support for Customers Affected by Alternator Back-order

131000 VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

This bulletin provides instructions for when faint images appear on the windshield from the production sticker, or an image of the suction cups used to install the windshield in production.

160000 STRUCTURE

This bulletin provides instructions for when the exterior trim has spots.

180000 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

This bulletin provides instructions for when a vibration is felt in the floor, seat, footwell, pedals or steering wheel while driving at highway speeds from 55 - 80 mph.

Showing 100 of 553 bulletins.

NHTSA Safety Investigations, AUDI A3

Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.

RQ, Closed , Model Year: 2015

Fuel Leak due to Suction Jet Pump Failure within Fuel Tank (Remedy Effectiveness of Recall 16V647)

On December 12, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened RQ23-007 to investigate the remedy repair effectiveness and scope of Volkswagen (VW) recall 16V-647. Recall 16V-647 was issued on September 2, 2016, for a defective suction jet pump (SJP) inside the fuel tank. Failure of the SJP... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2009

Diesel Fuel Injector Line Leakage

By letter dated October 3, 2011, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VW) notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that it will conduct a safety recall to address a defect in approximately 168,275 model year (MY) 2009-2012 Volkswagen Jetta, Jetta Sportwagen, Golf, and Audi A... 3 vehicles equipped with the 2.0L TDI Common Rail Clean Diesel engine (NHTSA Recall No. 11V-490).The recalled Jetta and Jetta Sportwagen vehicles were built from May 2008 through September 2011, the Golf vehicles were built from May 2009 through September 2011, and the Audi A3 vehicles were built from September 2009 through September 2011.According to Volkswagen, in U.S. applications of the above cited TDI vehicles including engine codes CJAA and CBEA, the fuel injection pulses could coincide with the natural frequency of the injector line #2 in specific load and RPM conditions.This resonance creates additional stress on the fuel line which a small number of parts (based on the statistic spread of line strength) cannot withstand over its lifetime.As a contributing factor, VW indicated that a supplier used tube material with scratch marks from a grinding process during certain production periods.Lines manufactured in these periods were installed in vehicles produced in the following 10 months:December 2008, January-February 2009, October 2009, March-April 2010 and September-December 2010.Injector lines using this material exhibit a significantly higher failure rate.Dealers will replace injector line #2 in all vehicles built in these months.In addition, as a precautionary measure, all recalled vehicles will have vibration dampers installed on all four fuel injector lines.Analysis of NHTSA complaints, VW complaints, VW field reports and warranty claims found allegations of injector line leakage in 443 subject vehicles.The leaking line was not identified in 62 of the vehicles.For the 381 that did provide information about which injector lines were leaking and/or replaced, 358 (94%) involved an injector line #2 leak/repair.Almost three-quarters of the injector line #2 leak/repair incident vehicles were built in the 10 months identified by VW, which accounted for approximately one-quarter of the recalled vehicles.The failure rate for injector line #2 in vehicles built in the 10 months affected by the supplier line scratching issue is 6.0 incidents per thousand vehicles (IPTV).The failure rate for injector line #2 in other production months of recalled vehicles is 0.8 IPTV.The leak/repair rates for the other injector lines are all well under 1 IPTV.The action taken by Volkswagen is sufficient to resolve the issues raised by this investigation. The agency will continue to monitor this issue and reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances. Accordingly, this investigation is closed.Read more

EA, Closed , Model Year: 2010

High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure

The Office of Defects Investgation (ODI) opened EA11-003 on February 7, 2011, based on 160 complaints to ODI and Volkswagen involving high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failures in model year (MY) 2009 through 2010 Volkswagen Jetta and Golf and Audi A3 TDI vehicles and questions regarding fuel sample re... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2010

High Pressure Fuel Pump Failure (HPFP)

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) and Volkswagen (VW) have received a total of 160 complaints and field reports alleging incidents of engine stall and/or loss of power that appear to be related to high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failures in certain model year (MY) 2009 through 2010 Volkswagen... Jetta and MY 2010 Volkswagen Golf and Audi A3 vehicles equipped with TDI clean diesel engines.Approximately half of the reports indicate that the failure resulted in an engine stall incident, with many of these alleging stall incidents at highway speeds in traffic with no restart.There has been one minor crash alleged to have resulted from HPFP failure in the subject vehicles.In response to ODI's information request for PE10-034, VW indicated that it had found no defect related to motor vehicle safety with relation to the TDI Clean Diesel fuel system at issue in this investigation and attributed problems with HPFP failure to operation with gasoline contaminated diesel fuel.Volkswagen stated that even a small amount of gasoline in the diesel fuel may disrupt the necessary lubrication required and may cause the HPFP to fail.In response to concerns that fuel contamination was the major cause of HPFP and related fuel system failures, VW issued a Technical Service Bulletin in May 2010 (VW TB V011011 2023624 and Audi TB A011008 2023360-1), with instructions to inspect the diesel fuel for vehicles requiring fuel system service that have symptoms associated with HPFP failure.The bulletin states that fuel system damage incurred by use of fuel not complying to ASTM-D-975 Grade 2 S15 (B5 or less biodiesel content) standards will not be covered under warranty. Volkswagen also provided information about 121 mis-fueling incidents reportedly acknowledged by consumers or dealers and test results for about 50 diesel fuel samples taken from complaint vehicles in late-August through early-October 2010.The mis-fueling incidents include about 20 reports involving incorrect fueling by dealer sales or service personnel and generally report symptoms such as rough running, stalling and/or no start within a few miles of refueling the vehicle with gasoline.Volkswagen indicated that the testing of fuel samples from complaint vehicles found that nearly 90 percent contained high amounts of gasoline.Volkswagen implemented design changes for the HPFP in May 2008, September 2009 and November 2010 to improve the robustness of the pump when used with poor quality fuel.ODI analysis of HPFP failures identified from all sources shows failure rates of 0.53% for MY 2009 vehicles and 0.11% for MY 2010 vehicles.This investigation has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA11-003) to continue to investigate the issues with mis-fueling and HPFP design identified during the Preliminary Evaluation.Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2009

VEHICLE STALL/LOSS MOTIVE POWER

THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH DIRECT SHIFT GEARBOX (DSG) TRANSMISSIONS, WHICH FEATURE A 6-SPEED AUTOMATIC GEARBOX WITH TWO WET RUNNING CLUTCHES (DUAL CLUTCH) IN WHICH THE CLUTCH MECHANISM AND GEAR CHANGES ARE ELECTROHYDRAULICALLY OPERATED BY A MECHATRONIC CONTROL UNIT.THE DSG MECHATRONIC CO... NTROLLER INCLUDES EXTENSIVE SELF DIAGNOSTIC FUNCTIONS AND STRATEGIES TO ENSURE SAFE OPERATION AND PREVENT SYSTEM/COMPONENT DAMAGE IN THE EVENT OF COMPONENT FAILURES OR HARSH OPERATING CONDITIONS.THE BASIC HIERARCHY OF FAULT MODES INCLUDES SOME THAT ONLY RESULT IN THE STORAGE OF A DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) AND CAUSE NO LOSS OF FUNCTION, SOME THAT STORE A DTC AND REDUCE VEHICLE OPERATION TO A LIMP HOME MODE, AND SOME THAT STORE A DTC AND CAUSE AN INTERRUPTION OF MOTIVE POWER (I.E., OPEN CLUTCH).THE DRIVER IS ALERTED TO THE LATTER TWO MODES BY THE DASH GEAR POSITION INDICATOR (PRNDS) FLASHING. ONE OF THE CONDITIONS THAT RESULTS IN INTERRUPTION OF MOTIVE POWER IS EXCESS GEARBOX TEMPERATURE.THE SYSTEM INITIALLY RESPONDS TO INCREASED GEARBOX TEMPERATURE BY RAMPING DOWN ENGINE TORQUE.IF THE TEMPERATURE KEEPS RISING THE MECHATRONIC UNIT RESPONDS BY OPENING THE CLUTCH.IN A DEFECT INFORMATION REPORT SUBMITTED TO NHTSA ON AUGUST 20, 2009, VOLKSWAGEN DESCRIBED A POTENTIAL DEFECT IN THE WIRING HARNESSES OF THE DSG GEARBOX TEMPERATURE SENSORS USED IN APPROXIMATELY 16,000 MODEL YEAR (MY) 2009 AND 2010 VOLKSWAGEN (EOS, JETTA AND GTI) AND AUDI (A3 AND TT/TT ROADSTER) VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DSG TRANSMISSIONS AND BUILT FROM SEPTEMBER 2008 THROUGH AUGUST 2009 (NHTSA RECALL NO. 09V-333, VOLKSWAGEN RECALL NO. 37E3/S7 AND AUDI RECALL NO 37E4/J7). VOLKSWAGEN PROVIDED THIS DESCRIPTION OF THE DEFECT, THE WIRING HARNESS OF A TEMPERATURE SENSOR IN THE DSG MAY HAVE CONNECTOR WIRES THAT WERE INSUFFICIENTLY CRIMPED BY THE CONNECTOR SUPPLIER DURING A LIMITED PRODUCTION PERIOD.WITH INSUFFICIENTLY CRIMPED CONNECTOR WIRES, A TEMPERATURE SENSOR HAS THE POTENTIAL TO FALSELY DETECT A HIGH GEARBOX OIL TEMPERATURE, CAUSING THE TRANSMISSION TO ABRUPTLY SHIFT TO NEUTRAL.IF THIS HAPPENS, THE SELECTOR LEVER POSITION INDICATOR WITHIN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WILL FLASH.IN ADDITION, THE DEPRESS BRAKE PEDAL INDICATOR LIGHT WILL BE ILLUMINATED, ALERTING THE DRIVER TO APPLY THE BRAKES.IN HEAVY TRAFFIC, THE ABRUPT SHIFT TO NEUTRAL COULD LEAD TO A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.VOLKSWAGEN ESTIMATED THAT LESS THAN ONE PERCENT OF THE RECALLED VEHICLES MAY CONTAIN THE DEFECT CONDITION. ODI IDENTIFIED 40 COMPLAINTS THAT APPEAR TO BE RELATED TO THE TEMPERATURE SENSOR DEFECT CONDITION DESCRIBED BY VOLKSWAGEN.VOLKSWAGEN RECEIVED 139 COMPLAINTS RELATED TO THE CONDITION, WITH 7 INVOLVING VEHICLES REPORTED TO ODI, RESULTING A 172 TOTAL COMPLAINTS TO ODI AND VOLKSWAGEN.ALL OF THESE COMPLAINTS INVOLVE THE MY 2009 AN 2010 VEHICLES SUBJECT TO RECALL 09V-333. ODI ALSO IDENTIFIED COMPLAINTS OF HARSH/JERKY SHIFTING IN SOME VOLKSWAGEN VEHICLES WITH DSG.VOLKSWAGEN ATTRIBUTED THIS CONDITION, WHICH TYPICALLY OCCURS AT VERY LOW SPEEDS, TO EXCESSIVE WEAR IN THE BUSHINGS OF THE TWO SOLENOID VALVES IN THE MECHATRONIC UNIT THAT CONTROL CLUTCH OPERATION.VOLKSWAGEN DOES NOT BELIEVE THAT THE THIS CONDITION IS A SAFETY DEFECT BECAUSE THE CHANGES IN SHIFT QUALITY DEVELOP GRADUALLY OVER TIME, DO NOT CAUSE A LOSS OF MOTIVE POWER AND HAVE NOT RESULTED IN ANY FATALITIES, INJURIES OR SERIOUS CRASHES (THERE WERE THREE REPORTED PROPERTY DAMAGE INCIDENTS RESULTING IN MINOR BODY DAMAGE IN VERY LOW SPEED, PARKING MANEUVERS).VOLKSWAGEN ADDRESSED THIS PROBLEM IN THE FIELD WITH A CUSTOMER SERVICE PROGRAM THAT INCLUDES THE REPLACEMENT OF POTENTIALLY AFFECTED MECHATRONIC UNITS AS WELLRead more

AUDI A3 - All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the AUDI A3 across all model years (2005, 2023).

55 Total Recalls

942 Total Complaints

5 Investigations

29 Reported Crashes

14 Reported Fires

0 Reported Deaths

AUDI A3 - Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year	Recalls	Complaints
2025	0	8	View
2024	0	1	View
2023	2	10	View
2022	6	12	View
2020	3	19	View
2019	3	15	View
2018	2	47	View
2017	2	75	View
2016	3	115	View
2015 (current)	2	131
2013	3	25	View
2012	4	48	View
2011	4	51	View
2010	5	60	View
2009	5	66	View
2008	3	46	View
2007	3	63	View
2006	4	140	View
2005	1	0	View
2004	0	7	View
2003	0	2	View
2001	0	1	View

Other AUDI Models

Model	Recalls	Complaints
A6	205	2,172	View
Q5	151	1,727	View
A8	138	357	View
Q7	134	1,343	View
A4	129	3,629	View
A7	120	209	View
S6	118	187	View
S3	111	122	View

Vehicle Safety

Consumer Safety

Infrastructure

Public Health

2015 AUDI A3

Complaint Statistics

Top Reported Components

NHTSA Safety Ratings, 2015 AUDI A3

Safety Technology

EPA Fuel Economy, 2015 AUDI A3

Technical Service Bulletins, 2015 AUDI A3

Most Affected Components

NHTSA Safety Investigations, AUDI A3

AUDI A3 - All Years Overview

AUDI A3 - Year by Year

Other AUDI Models