U.S. public vehicle records

2016 Audi A3 CABRIOLET: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

36 owner complaints analyzed

3 distinct recall campaigns

28,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2016 model year. Data updated: 2026-10-01 (October 1, 2026). 24 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Air Bags is the most frequently named component, appearing in 15 of 36 complaints (41.7%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
Topic	Matching reports	Share of complaints
Engine operation	3	8.3%
Steering behavior	2	5.6%
Fuel system concerns	2	5.6%
Transmission and shifting	1	2.8%
Electrical and battery issues	1	2.8%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Air Bags

Engine

Fuel/Propulsion System

Power Train

Unknown Or Other

Electrical System

Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel

Electrical System:Instrument Panel:Fuel Gauge

Component breakdown data
Category	Count
Air Bags	15
Engine	6
Fuel/Propulsion System	6
Power Train	3
Unknown Or Other	3
Electrical System	2
Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel	1
Electrical System:Instrument Panel:Fuel Gauge	1

Air Bags: 15; Engine: 6; Fuel/Propulsion System: 6; Power Train: 3; Unknown Or Other: 3; Electrical System: 2; Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel: 1; Electrical System:Instrument Panel:Fuel Gauge: 1

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000

25,000 to 49,999

50,000 to 74,999

75,000 to 99,999

100,000 to 149,999

150,000 and above

Under 25,000: 12; 25,000 to 49,999: 5; 50,000 to 74,999: 4; 75,000 to 99,999: 1; 100,000 to 149,999: 2; 150,000 and above: 0

Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (12). 12 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2016

2017

2018

2019

2021

2022

2023

2024

2016: 3; 2017: 8; 2018: 3; 2019: 4; 2021: 6; 2022: 7; 2023: 3; 2024: 2

Pattern summary

Air Bags leads the component reports. Engine operation appears in 3 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 2 complaint narratives. Fuel system concerns appears in 2 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Examples from the source records

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10855077 · 2016-04-12 (April 12, 2016)

SINCE PURCHASING MY AUDI A3 ON 3/26/2016 I HAVE A FLAT TIRES IN 6 DAYS ON 4/2/16. CAR TIRES ARE OEM AND ARE CONTIPROCONTACT 225/40 18 92H. TIRE FAILURES HAD HAPPENED AT LOW SPEED (20-30 MPH) GOING OVER A POTHOLE. HOWEVER, I HAVE DRIVEN ON THESE SAME CANTON ANN ARBOR ROADS FOR 5 YEARS AND NEVER HAD TIRE DAMAGE FROM A POTHOLE BEFORE. I CONTACTED SEVERAL COMPANIES FOR TIRE REPLACEMENT AND ALL OF THEM SAID THAT THEY DON'T HAVE THESE TIRES IN STOCK AND THESE ARE DISCONTINUED TIRES. I ALSO FOUND THESE TIRES ON CLEARANCE AT SEARS. I DECIDED TO FILE A …

Owner-reported narrative. 675 miles reported. Look up ODI 10855077 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10920211 · 2016-10-31 (October 31, 2016)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 AUDI A3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL PUMP WAS FAILING. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN....UPDATED 12/14/16 *BF UPDATED 08/10/2017*JS

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10920211 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10929393 · 2016-12-01 (December 1, 2016)

THIS IS IN REGARDS TO THE A3 E-TRON. THERE IS A DELAY BETWEEN STARTING THE CAR AND THE CAR BEING ENGAGING THE POWERTRAIN AND BEING "READY" TO DRIVE. DURING THAT DELAY, ONE IS ABLE TO PUT THE CAR IN GEAR BEFORE THE ENGINE IS 'READY'. THIS CREATES SITUATIONS WHERE YOU CAN PUT THE CAR IN GEAR ON A HILL, AND THE CAR ROLLS BACKWARDS AND YOU DO NOT HAVE STEERING OR POWER BREAKS TO STOP THE CAR. THE ONLY WAY TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE CAR IS TO TO PUT YOUR FOOT ON THE BREAK (WITHOUT POWER STEERING), PUT THE CAR IN GEAR, AND POWER CYCLE THE CAR.

Owner-reported narrative. 50 miles reported. Look up ODI 10929393 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10944395 · 2017-01-11 (January 11, 2017)

THERE IS NO WARNING, AND NO IGNITION LOCKOUT, WHEN THE ETRON POWER PORT DOOR AND COVER IS LEFT OPEN AT THE FRONT OF THE CAR. (THE POWER PORT IS HOW TO RECHARGE THE BATTERIES IN THE CAR). THIS ALLOWS WATER TO BE FORCED INTO THE HIGH VOLTAGE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WHEN DRIVING IN THE RAIN, WHICH COULD TRIGGER AN ELECTRICAL FIRE OR MALFUCTION IN THE SYSTEM AND POSSIBLY EXPLODE THE LITHIUM ION BATTERIES THAT POWER THE CAR. THE PROBLEM WAS FIXED ON THE 2017 MODEL, BUT THERE IS NO SOLUTION (YET) FOR A 2016 ETRON ACCORDING TO DEALER.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10944395 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10948733 · 2017-01-31 (January 31, 2017)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2016 AUDI A3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, IT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. IT WAS UNKNOWN HOW THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000.

Owner-reported narrative. 45,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10948733 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10984399 · 2017-05-09 (May 9, 2017)

WE RECEIVED TWO SAFETY RECALLS FROM AUDI: NHTSA RECALL #16V647 AND #16V642. WE WERE INFORMED BY AUDI THAT THE SERVICE WOULD HAVE TO BE COMPLETED BY AN AUTHORIZED AUDI DEALER. THE CLOSEST AUDI DEALER IS IN HONOLULU, WHICH WOULD REQUIRE US TO SHIP OUR CAR FROM MAUI. GIVEN THIS WAS AN AUDI RECALL, IT WAS MY EXPECTATION THAT THEY WOULD EITHER PAY THE COSTS OR AUTHORIZE THE WORK TO BE DONE ON MAUI BY THE VW DEALER, WHICH IS ONE OF AUDI'S SISTER COMPANIES. NEITHER RECALL HAS BEEN COMPLETED AS OF TODAY. SINCE THESE ARE SAFETY RECALLS, I WOULD FULLY…

Owner-reported narrative. 17,215 miles reported. Look up ODI 10984399 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11000378 · 2017-06-21 (June 21, 2017)

DRIVING 50-60 MPH ON THE FWY WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR STARTED TO JERK/STUTTER AND THEN IT LOST SPEED. THE JERKING IS SIMILAR TO A NEW DRIVER LEARNING HOW TO DRIVE A MANUAL TRANSMISSION WHERE YOU'RE THROWN FWD AND BACK SOMEWHAT VIOLENTLY. AS I TRIED TO ACCELERATE BACK TO FWY SPEED, IT WOULDN'T ACCELERATE. IT KEPT SLOWING DOWN INSTEAD. NO CEL ILLUMINATED. I DECIDED TO EXIT AND PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT.

Owner-reported narrative. 19,878 miles reported. Look up ODI 11000378 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11002951 · 2017-07-04 (July 4, 2017)

I BOUGHT A CPO 2016 A3 1.8T FROM AUDI OF PALO ALTO ON MAY 20, 2017 WITH A LITTLE UNDER 19100 MILES. GREAT FAST CAR. UNTIL JUNE 17, 2017 WHEN IT HAD 19878 MILES. THE CAR STARTED TO STUTTER/SPUTTER/JERK WHILE ON THE FWY. I WAS GOING ABOUT 50-60MPH ON THE FWY, CRUISING, AND THEN IT STUTTERED. IT LOST THE POWER TO ACCELERATE TO KEEP UP THE FWY PACE AND IT SLOWED DOWN CONSIDERABLY SO I PULLED OVER. I HAD IT TOWED TO THE NEAREST DEALER (AUDI OF CONCORD). IT WAS THERE FROM 6/17 TO 6/29. DEALER SAID IT HAD A FAULTY TURBO, STATING THE WASTEGATE FAILED, …

Owner-reported narrative. 20,200 miles reported. Look up ODI 11002951 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

3 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

16V642000 · Exterior Lighting | Electrical System:Software

Reported: 2016-09-06 (September 6, 2016)

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2016 TT roadster, A3 cabriolet, A3 sedan and A3 e-tron, 2016-2017 TT coupe, 2017 A4 sedan and Q7 and 2015-2017 Q3 vehicles. The affected vehicles may have been programmed with new software that inadvertently makes the side marker lights inoperative in conjunction with the parking lights or the headlights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Consequence: If the side marker lights do not illuminate, the vehicle may be less visible at night, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will upload revised software to correct the issue, free of charge. This recall began November 2016. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 97CB.

NHTSA campaign record ↗

16V647000 · Fuel System, Gasoline | Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Emission Control

Reported: 2016-09-07 (September 7, 2016)

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Volkswagen Golf, Golf SportWagen, GTI, Audi A3 sedan and A3 Cabriolet vehicles. Due to a problem with the suction pump inside the fuel tank, fuel may flow into the evaporative emissions (EVAP) system.

Consequence: As fuel accumulates in the EVAP system, it may leak out through the charcoal canister filter element. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suction pump, free of charge. The recall began November 2016. Volkswagen owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298, Audi owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 20Y6 and 20Y5. This recall has been fully superseded by recall 24V-110.

NHTSA campaign record ↗

19V474000 · Air Bags:Sensor:Occupant Classification

Reported: 2019-06-19 (June 19, 2019)

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Audi S3 Sedan, 2015-2019 A3 Sedan and A3 Cabriolet, 2016-2018 A3 e-tron, and 2017-2019 RS3 vehicles. An improper electrical contact may cause the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) to falsely detect a malfunction and deactivate the passenger air bag.

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

Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the connector and reroute the cable, free of charge. The recall began September 12, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 69Z4.

NHTSA campaign record ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

36 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.

66.7%Usable mileage24 / 36 records

100.0%Valid incident date36 / 36 records

100.0%Valid filing date36 / 36 records

100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates36 / 36 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

From model yearThrough model year

Component complaint heatmap
Component	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019
Air Bags	3843.7% ODI 10744914 · 500 mi THERE IS A WHITE/CHALK OUTLINE OF THE PASSENGER AIRBAG, MY VEHICLE ONLY HAS 500 MILES ON IT, NOT SURE IF THE THERE IS A AIR BAG OR INFLATOR ISSUE OR A MATERIAL DEFECT. DEALERSHIP IS SAYING THIS IS NORMAL. I HAVE PICTURES HTTP://I.IMGUR.COM/SOPAGNM.JPG HTTP://I.IMGUR.COM/LIBXEWO.JPG Look up ODI 10744914 at NHTSA ↗	1541.7% ODI 10984399 · 17,215 mi WE RECEIVED TWO SAFETY RECALLS FROM AUDI: NHTSA RECALL #16V647 AND #16V642. WE WERE INFORMED BY AUDI THAT THE SERVICE WOULD HAVE TO BE COMPLETED BY AN AUTHORIZED AUDI DEALER. THE CLOSEST AUDI DEALER IS IN HONOLULU, WHICH WOULD REQUIRE US TO SHIP OUR CAR FROM MAUI. GIVEN THIS WAS AN AUDI RECALL, IT WAS MY EXPECTATION THAT THEY WOULD EITHER PAY THE COSTS OR AUTHORIZE THE WORK TO BE DONE ON MAUI BY THE VW DEALER, WHICH IS ONE OF AUDI'S SISTER COMPANIES. NEITHER RECALL HAS BEEN COMPLETED AS OF TODAY. SINCE THESE ARE SAFETY RECALLS, I WOULD FULLY… Look up ODI 10984399 at NHTSA ↗	1248.0% ODI 11033133 TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 AUDI A3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER (AUDI WEST HOUSTON, 15865 KATY FWY, HOUSTON, TX 77094, [phone removed]) MADE NO MENTION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V508000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) BEFORE SELLING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V196000 (AIR BAGS) OF WHICH THE CONTACT WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE MANUFACTURER AND THE DEALER (AUDI CENTRAL HOUSTON, 2120 SOUTHWEST FWY, HOUSTON, TX 77098, [phone removed]) STATED THAT THE RECALL REPAIRS WERE NOT COMPLETED PRIOR TO SELLING THE … Look up ODI 11033133 at NHTSA ↗	758.3% ODI 11241293 TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 AUDI A3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V474000 (AIR BAGS). CIRCLE AUDI (LOCATED AT 1919 N LAKEWOOD BLVD, LONG BEACH, CA 90815, [phone removed]) STATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT FELT THAT THE DEALER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. AS TR Look up ODI 11241293 at NHTSA ↗	4100.0% ODI 11251937 TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 AUDI A3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V474000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT CALLED AN UNKNOWN DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND DID NOT KNOW WHEN THE PART WOULD BE AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. Look up ODI 11251937 at NHTSA ↗
Engine	910.3% ODI 10644326 · 2,689 mi I BOUGHT A BRAND NEW 2.0 AUDI A3 FROM THE DEALER THIS MAY. I GOT A LOW OIL WARNING WITH ONLY 2700 MILES ON THE CAR, AND THE OIL IS DARK AND DIRTY COMPARE TO THE LONER CAR I GOT. IT HAS BEEN THREE TIMES I BROUGHT MY CAR BACK TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT IN THE DEALER, BUT THEY NEVER SOLVED THE PROBLEM. FIRST TIME, THEY TOPED UP THE OIL. AFTER TWO WEEKS, THE OIL WAS LOW AGAIN, SO I BROUGHT IT BACK. THIS TIME, THEY CHANGED A NEW OIL TANK CAP FOR ME, BUT TWO WEEKS LATER, THE OIL WAS LOW. I DROVE IT BACK TO THE SERVICE, THIS TIME ACTUALLY THE AU… Look up ODI 10644326 at NHTSA ↗	616.7% ODI 11000378 · 19,878 mi DRIVING 50-60 MPH ON THE FWY WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR STARTED TO JERK/STUTTER AND THEN IT LOST SPEED. THE JERKING IS SIMILAR TO A NEW DRIVER LEARNING HOW TO DRIVE A MANUAL TRANSMISSION WHERE YOU'RE THROWN FWD AND BACK SOMEWHAT VIOLENTLY. AS I TRIED TO ACCELERATE BACK TO FWY SPEED, IT WOULDN'T ACCELERATE. IT KEPT SLOWING DOWN INSTEAD. NO CEL ILLUMINATED. I DECIDED TO EXIT AND PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT. Look up ODI 11000378 at NHTSA ↗	520.0% ODI 11000404 · 4,671 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 AUDI A3. WHILE DRIVING UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER (CROWN AUDI LOCATED AT 19940 US HIGHWAY 19 N CLEARWATER, FL 33764 [phone removed]) WHERE IT WAS STILL BEING DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,000. UPDATED 08/22/17LJ UPDATED 8/25/2017JS Look up ODI 11000404 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Fuel/Propulsion System	910.3% ODI 10925550 MY AUDI CAR HASNT BEEN RUNNING WELL. I WENT TO MY DEALERSHIP AND NO SENSE OF URGENCY REGARDING THIS MATTER, WAS TOLD THEY WILL CALL ME WHEN THEY HAVE IT BUT "I SHOULD BE FINE". I LEFT MY CAR AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR AN OIL CHANGE 11.11.16 BUT DOESNT FIX THE RECALL "SAFTEY RECALL 20Y5 SUCTION PUMP" . THIS RECALL NOT GETTING FIXED IS PUTTING MY SAFETY AT RISK. Look up ODI 10925550 at NHTSA ↗	616.7% ODI 10920211 TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 AUDI A3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL PUMP WAS FAILING. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN....UPDATED 12/14/16 BF UPDATED 08/10/2017JS Look up ODI 10920211 at NHTSA ↗	14.0% ODI 11005273 · 2,700 mi I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE FOR MY 18 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER AS A PARENT YOU WANT TO HAVE YOU CHILD AS SAFE AS POSSIBLE.THE VEHICLE IS ANYTHING BUT SAFE. AS A MATTER OF FACT IT'S AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. OR WORST A FATALITY.THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING JUST TURNS OFF. IT WASN'T EVEN A MONTH INTO OWNING THE BRAND NEW VEHICLE THAT ISSUES STARTED TO ARISE. WHILE REVERSING OUT OF A PARKING SPOT, THE VEHICLE STOPPED WITHOUT ANY WARNING.ABOUT 4 WEEKS LATER, WHILE ENTERING THE EXPRESSWAY,ONCE AGAIN THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING COMPLETELY TURN OFF. BY A MIRA… Look up ODI 11005273 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Electrical System	78.0% ODI 10695495 · 5 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 AUDI A3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY AND BECAME DIFFICULT TO BRAKE. ON ANOTHER OCCASION, THE CONTACT THE VEHICLE HESITATE AND FELT AS IF IT WOULD STALL. ALSO, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RADIO TURNED ON INDEPENDENTLY AND THAT THE VEHICLE STARTED WITHOUT THE KEY BEING INSERTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE HIGH IDLE RPM OF THE VEHICLE COULD BE CAUSING THE FAILURE. HOWEVER, THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FA… Look up ODI 10695495 at NHTSA ↗	25.6% ODI 10944395 THERE IS NO WARNING, AND NO IGNITION LOCKOUT, WHEN THE ETRON POWER PORT DOOR AND COVER IS LEFT OPEN AT THE FRONT OF THE CAR. (THE POWER PORT IS HOW TO RECHARGE THE BATTERIES IN THE CAR). THIS ALLOWS WATER TO BE FORCED INTO THE HIGH VOLTAGE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WHEN DRIVING IN THE RAIN, WHICH COULD TRIGGER AN ELECTRICAL FIRE OR MALFUCTION IN THE SYSTEM AND POSSIBLY EXPLODE THE LITHIUM ION BATTERIES THAT POWER THE CAR. THE PROBLEM WAS FIXED ON THE 2017 MODEL, BUT THERE IS NO SOLUTION (YET) FOR A 2016 ETRON ACCORDING TO DEALER. Look up ODI 10944395 at NHTSA ↗	14.0% ODI 11005273 · 2,700 mi I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE FOR MY 18 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER AS A PARENT YOU WANT TO HAVE YOU CHILD AS SAFE AS POSSIBLE.THE VEHICLE IS ANYTHING BUT SAFE. AS A MATTER OF FACT IT'S AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. OR WORST A FATALITY.THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING JUST TURNS OFF. IT WASN'T EVEN A MONTH INTO OWNING THE BRAND NEW VEHICLE THAT ISSUES STARTED TO ARISE. WHILE REVERSING OUT OF A PARKING SPOT, THE VEHICLE STOPPED WITHOUT ANY WARNING.ABOUT 4 WEEKS LATER, WHILE ENTERING THE EXPRESSWAY,ONCE AGAIN THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING COMPLETELY TURN OFF. BY A MIRA… Look up ODI 11005273 at NHTSA ↗	18.3% ODI 11555311 · 60,000 mi The contact owns a 2018 Audi A3. The contact stated while driving in a parking lot, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the battery was drained, and the vehicle failed to restart. The contact jumpstarted the vehicle. The battery was replaced. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the alternator needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the part was on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was called, but there was no … Look up ODI 11555311 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Power Train	55.7% ODI 10667656 · 100 mi THE CAR HAS HIGH IDLE RPM (900+), AND THEREFORE BEGINS TO ACCELERATE AS SOON AS BRAKE IS RELEASED. THIS MAKES PARKING OR MOVING FORWARD A SMALL DISTANCE DIFFICULT AND SOMETIMES CAUSES THE DRIVER TO JAM ON BRAKE WITH THE SUDDEN MOVEMENT. IF DRIVER IS NOT CONSTANTLY AWARE OF SUDDEN MOVEMENT CAR WILL HIT THINGS IN FRONT OF IT. WE HAVE BEEN TOLD BY DEALER AND AUDI USA THAT THIS CONDITION CANNOT BE CORRECTED. *TR Look up ODI 10667656 at NHTSA ↗	38.3% ODI 10929393 · 50 mi THIS IS IN REGARDS TO THE A3 E-TRON. THERE IS A DELAY BETWEEN STARTING THE CAR AND THE CAR BEING ENGAGING THE POWERTRAIN AND BEING "READY" TO DRIVE. DURING THAT DELAY, ONE IS ABLE TO PUT THE CAR IN GEAR BEFORE THE ENGINE IS 'READY'. THIS CREATES SITUATIONS WHERE YOU CAN PUT THE CAR IN GEAR ON A HILL, AND THE CAR ROLLS BACKWARDS AND YOU DO NOT HAVE STEERING OR POWER BREAKS TO STOP THE CAR. THE ONLY WAY TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE CAR IS TO TO PUT YOUR FOOT ON THE BREAK (WITHOUT POWER STEERING), PUT THE CAR IN GEAR, AND POWER CYCLE THE CAR. Look up ODI 10929393 at NHTSA ↗	312.0% ODI 10950379 · 500 mi WHEN THE CAR IS RUNNING AND THE TRANSMISSION IS IN D/S AND THE START/STOP ENGINE BUTTON IS PRESSED TO TURN OFF THE ENGINE, THE TRANSMISSION IS LEFT IN NEUTRAL AND THE CAR CAN ROLL UNIMPEDED. THIS IS FULLY REPEATABLE AND APPEARS TO NOT BE A FAIL-SAFE SITUATION. SHORT VIDEO VIEWABLE HERE: HTTPS://GOO.GL/PHOTOS/GUPETK6CSQ6IC8HU8 Look up ODI 10950379 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Fuel System, Gasoline	66.9% ODI 10669607 · 2,500 mi THE CAR LOST POWER WHILE MOVING IN HIGHWAY TRAFFIC. TOTALLY LOSS OF POWER. UNABLE TO RESTART. *TR Look up ODI 10669607 at NHTSA ↗	12.8% ODI 11437383 · 65,000 mi The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, he started to smell gasoline fumes inside the vehicle. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to drive to a nearby gas station and noticed a fuel leak. The contact was able to drive to his destination. The contact stated he replaced the fuel cap and evaporator air filter, the fuel pressure sensor, and the evaporator purge valve but continued to experience the failure. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of … Look up ODI 11437383 at NHTSA ↗	14.0% ODI 11582595 The contact owns a 2017 Audi A3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V110000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available. Look up ODI 11582595 at NHTSA ↗	18.3% ODI 11583078 · 62,000 mi The contact owns a 2018 Audi A3. The contact stated after parking the vehicle, a bystander alerted the contact that there was fuel leaking from the rear passenger's side near the fuel tank. The contact drove the vehicle to a gas station and was unable to refuel the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the charcoal canister was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer, where it was determined that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehic… Look up ODI 11583078 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Unknown Or Other	44.6% ODI 10744914 · 500 mi THERE IS A WHITE/CHALK OUTLINE OF THE PASSENGER AIRBAG, MY VEHICLE ONLY HAS 500 MILES ON IT, NOT SURE IF THE THERE IS A AIR BAG OR INFLATOR ISSUE OR A MATERIAL DEFECT. DEALERSHIP IS SAYING THIS IS NORMAL. I HAVE PICTURES HTTP://I.IMGUR.COM/SOPAGNM.JPG HTTP://I.IMGUR.COM/LIBXEWO.JPG Look up ODI 10744914 at NHTSA ↗	38.3% ODI 10984399 · 17,215 mi WE RECEIVED TWO SAFETY RECALLS FROM AUDI: NHTSA RECALL #16V647 AND #16V642. WE WERE INFORMED BY AUDI THAT THE SERVICE WOULD HAVE TO BE COMPLETED BY AN AUTHORIZED AUDI DEALER. THE CLOSEST AUDI DEALER IS IN HONOLULU, WHICH WOULD REQUIRE US TO SHIP OUR CAR FROM MAUI. GIVEN THIS WAS AN AUDI RECALL, IT WAS MY EXPECTATION THAT THEY WOULD EITHER PAY THE COSTS OR AUTHORIZE THE WORK TO BE DONE ON MAUI BY THE VW DEALER, WHICH IS ONE OF AUDI'S SISTER COMPANIES. NEITHER RECALL HAS BEEN COMPLETED AS OF TODAY. SINCE THESE ARE SAFETY RECALLS, I WOULD FULLY… Look up ODI 10984399 at NHTSA ↗	14.0% ODI 11004966 · 9,000 mi ENGINE SHUTS OFF WHEN CAR IS IN DRIVE OR REVERSE WHILE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION AND DISPLAYS MESSAGE OF "START/STOP SYSTEM DEACTIVATED. PLEASE RESTART ENGINE MANUALLY. THE YELLOW CHECK ENGINE LIGHT THEN APPEARS. AND THE VEHICLE ROLLS AWAY UNLESS BRAKES ARE APPLIED. THIS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES - 10 TIMES IN MY CAR, 3 IN MY FIRST LOANER CAR AND 6 IN MY SECOND LOANER CAR. THE VEHICLE IS USUALLY IN MOTION RIGHT AFTER THE ENGINE IS STARTED AND THE CAR IS DRIVEN FOR ABOUT 500 FEET, AFTER THE CAR IS GOING 3-5 MPH THE ENGINE SHUTS OFF AND THE CAR WILL ROL… Look up ODI 11004966 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Exterior Lighting	55.7% ODI 10664004 I WAS BEHIND A NEWER AUDI SEDAN (POSSIBLE A3 2.0T) AT NIGHT, AND WAS BLINDED BY THE BRIGHTNESS FROM THE BRAKE LIGHTS. THE LIGHTS WERE TOO BRIGHT FOR ME TO SAFELY KEEP MY EYES ON THE ROAD. I WAS DRIVING A 2001 LEXUS LX470, SO I DON'T KNOW IF THE HEIGHT OF MY VEHICLE MADE A DIFFERENCE ON THE ANGLE OF THE LIGHT. I HAD TO GET IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE TO AVOID A POSSIBLE ACCIDENT. *TR Look up ODI 10664004 at NHTSA ↗	12.8% ODI 11011845 · 4,000 mi A-RECALL SUCTION PUMP SMELL INSIDE CAR LEAK VAP SYSTEM GAS A-RECALL SIDE MARKER LIGHTS Look up ODI 11011845 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	18.3% ODI 11102917 · 2,400 mi DUE TO CONDENSATION/FOGGING, FRONT HEADLIGHT PROJECTION IS REDUCED TO LESS THAN HALF. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE DRIVING AT NIGHT TIME. Look up ODI 11102917 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
Component	Mileage range (25th–75th percentile)	Median	Usable records	Examples
Air Bags	29,000–57,500 mi	38,500 mi	8	ODI 10984399 · 17,215 mi WE RECEIVED TWO SAFETY RECALLS FROM AUDI: NHTSA RECALL #16V647 AND #16V642. WE WERE INFORMED BY AUDI THAT THE SERVICE WOULD HAVE TO BE COMPLETED BY AN AUTHORIZED AUDI DEALER. THE CLOSEST AUDI DEALER IS IN HONOLULU, WHICH WOULD REQUIRE US TO SHIP OUR CAR FROM MAUI. GIVEN THIS WAS AN AUDI RECALL, IT WAS MY EXPECTATION THAT THEY WOULD EITHER PAY THE COSTS OR AUTHORIZE THE WORK TO BE DONE ON MAUI BY THE VW DEALER, WHICH IS ONE OF AUDI'S SISTER COMPANIES. NEITHER RECALL HAS BEEN COMPLETED AS OF TODAY. SINCE THESE ARE SAFETY RECALLS, I WOULD FULLY… Look up ODI 10984399 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11185773 · 32,000 mi VW BOUGHT BACK MY 2016 A3 TWO YEARS AGO BUT I'M STILL RECEIVING THE RECALL INFORMATION. Look up ODI 11185773 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11431217 · 84,000 mi The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 21V198000 (Air Bags) and 19V474000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who declined to repair the vehicle for unknown reasons however, the dealer received payment. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed that the ignition coi… Look up ODI 11431217 at NHTSA ↗
Engine	16,595–68,050 mi	20,039 mi	6	ODI 11000378 · 19,878 mi DRIVING 50-60 MPH ON THE FWY WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR STARTED TO JERK/STUTTER AND THEN IT LOST SPEED. THE JERKING IS SIMILAR TO A NEW DRIVER LEARNING HOW TO DRIVE A MANUAL TRANSMISSION WHERE YOU'RE THROWN FWD AND BACK SOMEWHAT VIOLENTLY. AS I TRIED TO ACCELERATE BACK TO FWY SPEED, IT WOULDN'T ACCELERATE. IT KEPT SLOWING DOWN INSTEAD. NO CEL ILLUMINATED. I DECIDED TO EXIT AND PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT. Look up ODI 11000378 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11002951 · 20,200 mi I BOUGHT A CPO 2016 A3 1.8T FROM AUDI OF PALO ALTO ON MAY 20, 2017 WITH A LITTLE UNDER 19100 MILES. GREAT FAST CAR. UNTIL JUNE 17, 2017 WHEN IT HAD 19878 MILES. THE CAR STARTED TO STUTTER/SPUTTER/JERK WHILE ON THE FWY. I WAS GOING ABOUT 50-60MPH ON THE FWY, CRUISING, AND THEN IT STUTTERED. IT LOST THE POWER TO ACCELERATE TO KEEP UP THE FWY PACE AND IT SLOWED DOWN CONSIDERABLY SO I PULLED OVER. I HAD IT TOWED TO THE NEAREST DEALER (AUDI OF CONCORD). IT WAS THERE FROM 6/17 TO 6/29. DEALER SAID IT HAD A FAULTY TURBO, STATING THE WASTEGATE FAILED, … Look up ODI 11002951 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11067212 · 15,500 mi TWICE I HAVE EXPERIENCED THE RANDOM LOSS OF POWER. THE FIRST TIME OCCURRED ON A LOCAL STREET, DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE VEHICLE STUTTERED AND LOST POWER. IT APPEARED AS IF THE VEHICLE WAS SLOWING DOWN, NOT EVEN COASTING BUT SLOWING DOWN CONSIDERABLY. I WAS REQUIRED TO PULL ONTO A SIDE ROAD. I RESTARTED THE CAR AND THE ISSUE DISAPPEARED. THE SECOND TIME OCCURRED ON THE HIGHWAY DRIVING IN THE LEFT LANE AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH. SAME ISSUE, CAR STUTTERED AND THEN LOSS POWER. THE CAR'S SPEED SLOWED CONSIDERABLE … Look up ODI 11067212 at NHTSA ↗
Fuel/Propulsion System	Too few reports for a range	16,358 mi	4 (sparse)	ODI 10984399 · 17,215 mi WE RECEIVED TWO SAFETY RECALLS FROM AUDI: NHTSA RECALL #16V647 AND #16V642. WE WERE INFORMED BY AUDI THAT THE SERVICE WOULD HAVE TO BE COMPLETED BY AN AUTHORIZED AUDI DEALER. THE CLOSEST AUDI DEALER IS IN HONOLULU, WHICH WOULD REQUIRE US TO SHIP OUR CAR FROM MAUI. GIVEN THIS WAS AN AUDI RECALL, IT WAS MY EXPECTATION THAT THEY WOULD EITHER PAY THE COSTS OR AUTHORIZE THE WORK TO BE DONE ON MAUI BY THE VW DEALER, WHICH IS ONE OF AUDI'S SISTER COMPANIES. NEITHER RECALL HAS BEEN COMPLETED AS OF TODAY. SINCE THESE ARE SAFETY RECALLS, I WOULD FULLY… Look up ODI 10984399 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11002951 · 20,200 mi I BOUGHT A CPO 2016 A3 1.8T FROM AUDI OF PALO ALTO ON MAY 20, 2017 WITH A LITTLE UNDER 19100 MILES. GREAT FAST CAR. UNTIL JUNE 17, 2017 WHEN IT HAD 19878 MILES. THE CAR STARTED TO STUTTER/SPUTTER/JERK WHILE ON THE FWY. I WAS GOING ABOUT 50-60MPH ON THE FWY, CRUISING, AND THEN IT STUTTERED. IT LOST THE POWER TO ACCELERATE TO KEEP UP THE FWY PACE AND IT SLOWED DOWN CONSIDERABLY SO I PULLED OVER. I HAD IT TOWED TO THE NEAREST DEALER (AUDI OF CONCORD). IT WAS THERE FROM 6/17 TO 6/29. DEALER SAID IT HAD A FAULTY TURBO, STATING THE WASTEGATE FAILED, … Look up ODI 11002951 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11011845 · 4,000 mi A-RECALL SUCTION PUMP SMELL INSIDE CAR LEAK VAP SYSTEM GAS A-RECALL SIDE MARKER LIGHTS Look up ODI 11011845 at NHTSA ↗
Power Train	Too few reports for a range	12,000 mi	3 (sparse)	ODI 10929393 · 50 mi THIS IS IN REGARDS TO THE A3 E-TRON. THERE IS A DELAY BETWEEN STARTING THE CAR AND THE CAR BEING ENGAGING THE POWERTRAIN AND BEING "READY" TO DRIVE. DURING THAT DELAY, ONE IS ABLE TO PUT THE CAR IN GEAR BEFORE THE ENGINE IS 'READY'. THIS CREATES SITUATIONS WHERE YOU CAN PUT THE CAR IN GEAR ON A HILL, AND THE CAR ROLLS BACKWARDS AND YOU DO NOT HAVE STEERING OR POWER BREAKS TO STOP THE CAR. THE ONLY WAY TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE CAR IS TO TO PUT YOUR FOOT ON THE BREAK (WITHOUT POWER STEERING), PUT THE CAR IN GEAR, AND POWER CYCLE THE CAR. Look up ODI 10929393 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11021593 · 12,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 AUDI A3. WHEN PLACING THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE, THE VEHICLE WOULD LUNGE OR ROLL FORWARD BEFORE REVERSING. THE MANUFACTURER AND AN UNKNOWN DEALER WERE CONTACTED, BUT COULD NOT PROVIDE A REMEDY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,000. Look up ODI 11021593 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11067212 · 15,500 mi TWICE I HAVE EXPERIENCED THE RANDOM LOSS OF POWER. THE FIRST TIME OCCURRED ON A LOCAL STREET, DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE VEHICLE STUTTERED AND LOST POWER. IT APPEARED AS IF THE VEHICLE WAS SLOWING DOWN, NOT EVEN COASTING BUT SLOWING DOWN CONSIDERABLY. I WAS REQUIRED TO PULL ONTO A SIDE ROAD. I RESTARTED THE CAR AND THE ISSUE DISAPPEARED. THE SECOND TIME OCCURRED ON THE HIGHWAY DRIVING IN THE LEFT LANE AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH. SAME ISSUE, CAR STUTTERED AND THEN LOSS POWER. THE CAR'S SPEED SLOWED CONSIDERABLE … Look up ODI 11067212 at NHTSA ↗
Unknown Or Other	Too few reports for a range	20,608 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10984399 · 17,215 mi WE RECEIVED TWO SAFETY RECALLS FROM AUDI: NHTSA RECALL #16V647 AND #16V642. WE WERE INFORMED BY AUDI THAT THE SERVICE WOULD HAVE TO BE COMPLETED BY AN AUTHORIZED AUDI DEALER. THE CLOSEST AUDI DEALER IS IN HONOLULU, WHICH WOULD REQUIRE US TO SHIP OUR CAR FROM MAUI. GIVEN THIS WAS AN AUDI RECALL, IT WAS MY EXPECTATION THAT THEY WOULD EITHER PAY THE COSTS OR AUTHORIZE THE WORK TO BE DONE ON MAUI BY THE VW DEALER, WHICH IS ONE OF AUDI'S SISTER COMPANIES. NEITHER RECALL HAS BEEN COMPLETED AS OF TODAY. SINCE THESE ARE SAFETY RECALLS, I WOULD FULLY… Look up ODI 10984399 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11265720 · 24,000 mi I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY. ALL OF A SUDDEN I HEARD A LOUD SOUND AND THE SUNROOF SHATTERED. IT WAS A SUNNY DAY AND THERE WAS NOT MUCH TRAFFIC ON THE FREEWAY. THE SUNROOF SHADE WAS DRAWN SO IT CAUGHT GLASS THAT COULD HAVE FALLEN INSIDE THE CAR. THERE WERE NO OTHER OBJECTS CAUGHT IN THE SHADE, ONLY GLASS. I DON'T THINK IT WAS POSSIBLE THAT ANYTHING HIT THE SUNROOF. I DID NOT SEE ANYTHING, THERE WASN'T TRAFFIC OVERHEAD, AND THERE WEREN'T ANY LARGE VEHICLES NEAR MY CAR. THE SUNROOF JUST SUDDENLY SHATTERED WITH A LOUD SOUND. Look up ODI 11265720 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System	Too few reports for a range	45,000 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10948733 · 45,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2016 AUDI A3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, IT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. IT WAS UNKNOWN HOW THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000. Look up ODI 10948733 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel	Too few reports for a range	147,000 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 11541630 · 147,000 mi The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3. The contact stated while driving at slow speeds and making a U-turn, the "Steering Defect; Do Not Drive" message was displayed. The power steering warning light was illuminated. The steering wheel turned in the other direction when the vehicle struck the curb. While making a left turn, the steering wheel pulled hard to the right. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 147,000. Look up ODI 11541630 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

ComponentPeriod

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples

Monthly complaint and recall timeline
Month	Campaigns announced	Examples
2024-11	None	No examples available for this selection.
2024-12	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-01	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-02	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-03	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-04	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-05	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-06	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-07	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-08	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-09	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-10	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-11	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-12	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-01	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-02	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-03	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-04	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-05	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-06	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-07	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-08	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-09	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-10 (partial)	None	No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Observation windowFirst model yearSecond model year

2018: 6 complaints · 2019: 3 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model year	Through age 0	Through age 1	Through age 2
2018	2	6	6
2019	1	2	3

Date coverage across each selected cohort

Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
Year	Incident dates used	Filing date fallbacks	Excluded dates
2018	12	0	0
2019	4	0	0

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
Component	Air Bags	Engine	Fuel/Propulsion System	Power Train	Unknown Or Other	Electrical System	Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel	Electrical System:Instrument Panel:Fuel Gauge
Air Bags	—	1 ODI 11431217 · 84,000 mi The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 21V198000 (Air Bags) and 19V474000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who declined to repair the vehicle for unknown reasons however, the dealer received payment. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed that the ignition coi… Look up ODI 11431217 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 10984399 · 17,215 mi WE RECEIVED TWO SAFETY RECALLS FROM AUDI: NHTSA RECALL #16V647 AND #16V642. WE WERE INFORMED BY AUDI THAT THE SERVICE WOULD HAVE TO BE COMPLETED BY AN AUTHORIZED AUDI DEALER. THE CLOSEST AUDI DEALER IS IN HONOLULU, WHICH WOULD REQUIRE US TO SHIP OUR CAR FROM MAUI. GIVEN THIS WAS AN AUDI RECALL, IT WAS MY EXPECTATION THAT THEY WOULD EITHER PAY THE COSTS OR AUTHORIZE THE WORK TO BE DONE ON MAUI BY THE VW DEALER, WHICH IS ONE OF AUDI'S SISTER COMPANIES. NEITHER RECALL HAS BEEN COMPLETED AS OF TODAY. SINCE THESE ARE SAFETY RECALLS, I WOULD FULLY… Look up ODI 10984399 at NHTSA ↗	0	1 ODI 10984399 · 17,215 mi WE RECEIVED TWO SAFETY RECALLS FROM AUDI: NHTSA RECALL #16V647 AND #16V642. WE WERE INFORMED BY AUDI THAT THE SERVICE WOULD HAVE TO BE COMPLETED BY AN AUTHORIZED AUDI DEALER. THE CLOSEST AUDI DEALER IS IN HONOLULU, WHICH WOULD REQUIRE US TO SHIP OUR CAR FROM MAUI. GIVEN THIS WAS AN AUDI RECALL, IT WAS MY EXPECTATION THAT THEY WOULD EITHER PAY THE COSTS OR AUTHORIZE THE WORK TO BE DONE ON MAUI BY THE VW DEALER, WHICH IS ONE OF AUDI'S SISTER COMPANIES. NEITHER RECALL HAS BEEN COMPLETED AS OF TODAY. SINCE THESE ARE SAFETY RECALLS, I WOULD FULLY… Look up ODI 10984399 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0
Engine	1 ODI 11431217 · 84,000 mi The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 21V198000 (Air Bags) and 19V474000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who declined to repair the vehicle for unknown reasons however, the dealer received payment. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed that the ignition coi… Look up ODI 11431217 at NHTSA ↗	—	2 ODI 11002951 · 20,200 mi I BOUGHT A CPO 2016 A3 1.8T FROM AUDI OF PALO ALTO ON MAY 20, 2017 WITH A LITTLE UNDER 19100 MILES. GREAT FAST CAR. UNTIL JUNE 17, 2017 WHEN IT HAD 19878 MILES. THE CAR STARTED TO STUTTER/SPUTTER/JERK WHILE ON THE FWY. I WAS GOING ABOUT 50-60MPH ON THE FWY, CRUISING, AND THEN IT STUTTERED. IT LOST THE POWER TO ACCELERATE TO KEEP UP THE FWY PACE AND IT SLOWED DOWN CONSIDERABLY SO I PULLED OVER. I HAD IT TOWED TO THE NEAREST DEALER (AUDI OF CONCORD). IT WAS THERE FROM 6/17 TO 6/29. DEALER SAID IT HAD A FAULTY TURBO, STATING THE WASTEGATE FAILED, … Look up ODI 11002951 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11067212 · 15,500 mi TWICE I HAVE EXPERIENCED THE RANDOM LOSS OF POWER. THE FIRST TIME OCCURRED ON A LOCAL STREET, DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE VEHICLE STUTTERED AND LOST POWER. IT APPEARED AS IF THE VEHICLE WAS SLOWING DOWN, NOT EVEN COASTING BUT SLOWING DOWN CONSIDERABLY. I WAS REQUIRED TO PULL ONTO A SIDE ROAD. I RESTARTED THE CAR AND THE ISSUE DISAPPEARED. THE SECOND TIME OCCURRED ON THE HIGHWAY DRIVING IN THE LEFT LANE AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH. SAME ISSUE, CAR STUTTERED AND THEN LOSS POWER. THE CAR'S SPEED SLOWED CONSIDERABLE … Look up ODI 11067212 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 11067212 · 15,500 mi TWICE I HAVE EXPERIENCED THE RANDOM LOSS OF POWER. THE FIRST TIME OCCURRED ON A LOCAL STREET, DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE VEHICLE STUTTERED AND LOST POWER. IT APPEARED AS IF THE VEHICLE WAS SLOWING DOWN, NOT EVEN COASTING BUT SLOWING DOWN CONSIDERABLY. I WAS REQUIRED TO PULL ONTO A SIDE ROAD. I RESTARTED THE CAR AND THE ISSUE DISAPPEARED. THE SECOND TIME OCCURRED ON THE HIGHWAY DRIVING IN THE LEFT LANE AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH. SAME ISSUE, CAR STUTTERED AND THEN LOSS POWER. THE CAR'S SPEED SLOWED CONSIDERABLE … Look up ODI 11067212 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	0
Fuel/Propulsion System	1 ODI 10984399 · 17,215 mi WE RECEIVED TWO SAFETY RECALLS FROM AUDI: NHTSA RECALL #16V647 AND #16V642. WE WERE INFORMED BY AUDI THAT THE SERVICE WOULD HAVE TO BE COMPLETED BY AN AUTHORIZED AUDI DEALER. THE CLOSEST AUDI DEALER IS IN HONOLULU, WHICH WOULD REQUIRE US TO SHIP OUR CAR FROM MAUI. GIVEN THIS WAS AN AUDI RECALL, IT WAS MY EXPECTATION THAT THEY WOULD EITHER PAY THE COSTS OR AUTHORIZE THE WORK TO BE DONE ON MAUI BY THE VW DEALER, WHICH IS ONE OF AUDI'S SISTER COMPANIES. NEITHER RECALL HAS BEEN COMPLETED AS OF TODAY. SINCE THESE ARE SAFETY RECALLS, I WOULD FULLY… Look up ODI 10984399 at NHTSA ↗	2 ODI 11002951 · 20,200 mi I BOUGHT A CPO 2016 A3 1.8T FROM AUDI OF PALO ALTO ON MAY 20, 2017 WITH A LITTLE UNDER 19100 MILES. GREAT FAST CAR. UNTIL JUNE 17, 2017 WHEN IT HAD 19878 MILES. THE CAR STARTED TO STUTTER/SPUTTER/JERK WHILE ON THE FWY. I WAS GOING ABOUT 50-60MPH ON THE FWY, CRUISING, AND THEN IT STUTTERED. IT LOST THE POWER TO ACCELERATE TO KEEP UP THE FWY PACE AND IT SLOWED DOWN CONSIDERABLY SO I PULLED OVER. I HAD IT TOWED TO THE NEAREST DEALER (AUDI OF CONCORD). IT WAS THERE FROM 6/17 TO 6/29. DEALER SAID IT HAD A FAULTY TURBO, STATING THE WASTEGATE FAILED, … Look up ODI 11002951 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11067212 · 15,500 mi TWICE I HAVE EXPERIENCED THE RANDOM LOSS OF POWER. THE FIRST TIME OCCURRED ON A LOCAL STREET, DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE VEHICLE STUTTERED AND LOST POWER. IT APPEARED AS IF THE VEHICLE WAS SLOWING DOWN, NOT EVEN COASTING BUT SLOWING DOWN CONSIDERABLY. I WAS REQUIRED TO PULL ONTO A SIDE ROAD. I RESTARTED THE CAR AND THE ISSUE DISAPPEARED. THE SECOND TIME OCCURRED ON THE HIGHWAY DRIVING IN THE LEFT LANE AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH. SAME ISSUE, CAR STUTTERED AND THEN LOSS POWER. THE CAR'S SPEED SLOWED CONSIDERABLE … Look up ODI 11067212 at NHTSA ↗	—	1 ODI 11067212 · 15,500 mi TWICE I HAVE EXPERIENCED THE RANDOM LOSS OF POWER. THE FIRST TIME OCCURRED ON A LOCAL STREET, DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE VEHICLE STUTTERED AND LOST POWER. IT APPEARED AS IF THE VEHICLE WAS SLOWING DOWN, NOT EVEN COASTING BUT SLOWING DOWN CONSIDERABLY. I WAS REQUIRED TO PULL ONTO A SIDE ROAD. I RESTARTED THE CAR AND THE ISSUE DISAPPEARED. THE SECOND TIME OCCURRED ON THE HIGHWAY DRIVING IN THE LEFT LANE AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH. SAME ISSUE, CAR STUTTERED AND THEN LOSS POWER. THE CAR'S SPEED SLOWED CONSIDERABLE … Look up ODI 11067212 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 10984399 · 17,215 mi WE RECEIVED TWO SAFETY RECALLS FROM AUDI: NHTSA RECALL #16V647 AND #16V642. WE WERE INFORMED BY AUDI THAT THE SERVICE WOULD HAVE TO BE COMPLETED BY AN AUTHORIZED AUDI DEALER. THE CLOSEST AUDI DEALER IS IN HONOLULU, WHICH WOULD REQUIRE US TO SHIP OUR CAR FROM MAUI. GIVEN THIS WAS AN AUDI RECALL, IT WAS MY EXPECTATION THAT THEY WOULD EITHER PAY THE COSTS OR AUTHORIZE THE WORK TO BE DONE ON MAUI BY THE VW DEALER, WHICH IS ONE OF AUDI'S SISTER COMPANIES. NEITHER RECALL HAS BEEN COMPLETED AS OF TODAY. SINCE THESE ARE SAFETY RECALLS, I WOULD FULLY… Look up ODI 10984399 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0
Power Train	0	1 ODI 11067212 · 15,500 mi TWICE I HAVE EXPERIENCED THE RANDOM LOSS OF POWER. THE FIRST TIME OCCURRED ON A LOCAL STREET, DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE VEHICLE STUTTERED AND LOST POWER. IT APPEARED AS IF THE VEHICLE WAS SLOWING DOWN, NOT EVEN COASTING BUT SLOWING DOWN CONSIDERABLY. I WAS REQUIRED TO PULL ONTO A SIDE ROAD. I RESTARTED THE CAR AND THE ISSUE DISAPPEARED. THE SECOND TIME OCCURRED ON THE HIGHWAY DRIVING IN THE LEFT LANE AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH. SAME ISSUE, CAR STUTTERED AND THEN LOSS POWER. THE CAR'S SPEED SLOWED CONSIDERABLE … Look up ODI 11067212 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 11067212 · 15,500 mi TWICE I HAVE EXPERIENCED THE RANDOM LOSS OF POWER. THE FIRST TIME OCCURRED ON A LOCAL STREET, DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE VEHICLE STUTTERED AND LOST POWER. IT APPEARED AS IF THE VEHICLE WAS SLOWING DOWN, NOT EVEN COASTING BUT SLOWING DOWN CONSIDERABLY. I WAS REQUIRED TO PULL ONTO A SIDE ROAD. I RESTARTED THE CAR AND THE ISSUE DISAPPEARED. THE SECOND TIME OCCURRED ON THE HIGHWAY DRIVING IN THE LEFT LANE AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH. SAME ISSUE, CAR STUTTERED AND THEN LOSS POWER. THE CAR'S SPEED SLOWED CONSIDERABLE … Look up ODI 11067212 at NHTSA ↗	—	0	0	0	0
Unknown Or Other	1 ODI 10984399 · 17,215 mi WE RECEIVED TWO SAFETY RECALLS FROM AUDI: NHTSA RECALL #16V647 AND #16V642. WE WERE INFORMED BY AUDI THAT THE SERVICE WOULD HAVE TO BE COMPLETED BY AN AUTHORIZED AUDI DEALER. THE CLOSEST AUDI DEALER IS IN HONOLULU, WHICH WOULD REQUIRE US TO SHIP OUR CAR FROM MAUI. GIVEN THIS WAS AN AUDI RECALL, IT WAS MY EXPECTATION THAT THEY WOULD EITHER PAY THE COSTS OR AUTHORIZE THE WORK TO BE DONE ON MAUI BY THE VW DEALER, WHICH IS ONE OF AUDI'S SISTER COMPANIES. NEITHER RECALL HAS BEEN COMPLETED AS OF TODAY. SINCE THESE ARE SAFETY RECALLS, I WOULD FULLY… Look up ODI 10984399 at NHTSA ↗	0	1 ODI 10984399 · 17,215 mi WE RECEIVED TWO SAFETY RECALLS FROM AUDI: NHTSA RECALL #16V647 AND #16V642. WE WERE INFORMED BY AUDI THAT THE SERVICE WOULD HAVE TO BE COMPLETED BY AN AUTHORIZED AUDI DEALER. THE CLOSEST AUDI DEALER IS IN HONOLULU, WHICH WOULD REQUIRE US TO SHIP OUR CAR FROM MAUI. GIVEN THIS WAS AN AUDI RECALL, IT WAS MY EXPECTATION THAT THEY WOULD EITHER PAY THE COSTS OR AUTHORIZE THE WORK TO BE DONE ON MAUI BY THE VW DEALER, WHICH IS ONE OF AUDI'S SISTER COMPANIES. NEITHER RECALL HAS BEEN COMPLETED AS OF TODAY. SINCE THESE ARE SAFETY RECALLS, I WOULD FULLY… Look up ODI 10984399 at NHTSA ↗	0	—	0	0	0
Electrical System	0	0	0	0	0	—	0	0
Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel	0	0	0	0	0	0	—	0
Electrical System:Instrument Panel:Fuel Gauge	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

Search patterns

5 patterns with matching reports.

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

11 mentions · 30.6% of complaints

Median mileage: 55,000 mi (9 usable records).

ODI 11067212 · 15,500 mi

TWICE I HAVE EXPERIENCED THE RANDOM LOSS OF POWER. THE FIRST TIME OCCURRED ON A LOCAL STREET, DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE VEHICLE STUTTERED AND LOST POWER. IT APPEARED AS IF THE VEHICLE WAS SLOWING DOWN, NOT EVEN COASTING BUT SLOWING DOWN CONSIDERABLY. I WAS REQUIRED TO PULL ONTO A SIDE ROAD. I RESTARTED THE CAR AND THE ISSUE DISAPPEARED. THE SECOND TIME OCCURRED ON THE HIGHWAY DRIVING IN THE LEFT LANE AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH. SAME ISSUE, CAR STUTTERED AND THEN LOSS POWER. THE CAR'S SPEED SLOWED CONSIDERABLE …

Look up ODI 11067212 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11154777 · 3 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 AUDI A3. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED. ALSO, AN ABNORMAL CLICKING NOISE AND SMOKE WERE PRESENT COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (FLETCHERS JONES AUDI CHICAGO, 1111 N. CLARK ST, CHICAGO, IL) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE EXHAUST WAS FAULTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3. *TT CONSUMER HAS STATED THE PROBLEM IS STILL OCCURING AND SMOKING IS GETTING WORSE. DEALER REFUSES TO REPLACE OR…

Look up ODI 11154777 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11162057

CAR STALLS AFTER RUNNING, STALLS AT INTERSECTIONS. NO WARNING LIGHTS SHOW ON THE DASH AND RESTART IS NOT IMMEDIATE. LAST EVENT WAS IN CITY STOPPED AT STOP SIGN, STALLED WHEN ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE. SAME SYMPTOMS AS IN RECALL 17V508000. THIS HAS HAPPENED NO FEWER THAN 20 TIMES OVER THE LAST 2 YEARS. TODAY'S DATE DOCUMENTED TODAY.

Look up ODI 11162057 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b

Stalling or loss of power

3 mentions · 8.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 58,000 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 11067212 · 15,500 mi

Look up ODI 11067212 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11162057

Look up ODI 11162057 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11580553 · 100,500 mi

The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3. The contact stated while driving at unknown speed the message, "Oil Level Sensor System Fault" was displayed. The message was display on several occasions while the contact was driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the mechanic stated that several fault codes were displayed. The mechanic informed the contact that replacing the sensor might fix the failure and the part was replaced. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started to stall, and the mess…

Look up ODI 11580553 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b

Hard or delayed shifting

2 mentions · 5.6% of complaints

Median mileage: 20,039 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 11000378 · 19,878 mi

Look up ODI 11000378 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11002951 · 20,200 mi

Look up ODI 11002951 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Steering assistance concerns

2 mentions · 5.6% of complaints

Median mileage: 73,525 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10929393 · 50 mi

Look up ODI 10929393 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11541630 · 147,000 mi

The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3. The contact stated while driving at slow speeds and making a U-turn, the "Steering Defect; Do Not Drive" message was displayed. The power steering warning light was illuminated. The steering wheel turned in the other direction when the vehicle struck the curb. While making a left turn, the steering wheel pulled hard to the right. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 147,000.

Look up ODI 11541630 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b

Fuel smell or leak mentions

1 mentions · 2.8% of complaints

Median mileage: 65,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 11437383 · 65,000 mi

The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, he started to smell gasoline fumes inside the vehicle. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to drive to a nearby gas station and noticed a fuel leak. The contact was able to drive to his destination. The contact stated he replaced the fuel cap and evaporator air filter, the fuel pressure sensor, and the evaporator purge valve but continued to experience the failure. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of …

Look up ODI 11437383 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(fuel leak\w*|gas leak\w*|gas(?:oline)? smell|smell\w* (?:of )?(?:fuel|gas))\b