2016 Audi A3 Cabriolet

Routine

Owners filed 36 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the air bags. It has been recalled 3 times.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Air Bags14
000
Engine5
000
Fuel/Propulsion System3
000
Unknown or Other2
000
Power Train2
000
Electrical System2
010
Wheels › Rim1
000
Tires1
000
Structure › Body1
000
Steering1
000

3 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification19V474000
Filed Jun 19, 2019138,896 vehiclesVolkswagen Group Of America, Inc.

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Fuel System, Gasoline16V647000
Filed Sep 7, 2016110,042 vehiclesVolkswagen Group Of America, Inc.

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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 This recall has been fully superseded by recall 24V-110.

Exterior Lighting16V642000
Filed Sep 6, 201679,895 vehiclesVolkswagen Group Of America, Inc.

Defect. 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."

Risk. 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.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Air Bags
Filed Jun 26, 202435,000 milesVA

The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3 Cabriolet. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was previously taken to the local dealer, where it was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V198000 (Air Bags). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, Audi Richmond (12592 Broad St., Richmond, VA 23233), where it was determined that the module connected to the sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.

Engine
Filed Apr 1, 2024100,500 milesCA

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 message was displayed again. The contact stated that the failure recurred several times. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle for the vehicle to operate as needed. The vehicle was towed to another independent mechanic where the failure was unknown, and the mechanic had the vehicle taken to a different mechanic. The independent mechanic informed the contact that the gear shifter had failed to shift from park when the vehicle was started. The contact was informed that the vehicle needed to be towed to the dealer. The vehicle was towed to a dealer but was not yet diagnosed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,500.

Steering
Filed Aug 30, 2023147,000 milesCA

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.

Wheels › Rim
Filed Apr 17, 202363,000 milesTX

The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle drove over a massive pothole in the roadway. The contact pulled over to assess the vehicle and discovered that the front passenger’s rim had detached the vehicle. Additionally, the oil pan was punctured, causing oil to leak from the vehicle. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to his residence where it remained in his possession. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 63,000.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly › Filler Pipe and Cap
Filed Feb 16, 20238,000 milesTX

The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3. The contact stated while refueling the vehicle, gasoline sprayed out from the fuel filler neck. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed of a malfunction with the filler neck. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 8,000.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 19, 2022GA

The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3. The contact stated the front passenger’s side air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V198000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. Parts distribution disconnect.

Electrical System › Instrument Panel › Fuel Gauge
Filed Aug 12, 2022AZ

2016 AUDI A3. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO DEFECTIVE GAS GAUGE. THE CONSUMER REFERENCED AUDI SAFETY RECALL 20Y5. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE EXHIBTED THE SAME FAILURE BUT, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE REPAIRED AT A LOCAL MECHANICS SHOP. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO BE INCLUDED IN AND REIMBURSED FOR THE RECALL REPAIR

Air Bags
Filed Aug 12, 2022AZ

The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V198000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Air Bags
Filed Jul 8, 202242,000 milesNH

The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V198000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time to complete the recall repair. The contact stated that the warning message "System Failure - Replace Sensor" would illuminate and the seat belt chime reminder would engage whenever the front passenger’s seat was unoccupied and the seat belt was not buckled. The dealer was notified and informed the contact that the part to do the recall repair was not available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

Air Bags
Filed May 6, 2022TX

The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V198000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Air Bags
Filed Apr 8, 2022CA

The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3. The contact received a notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V198000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer twice for regular maintenance and was notified both times that parts for the recall were not yet available. The contact also stated that the passenger’s side air bag light had illuminated on the instrument panel. The manufacturer had been notified of the recall. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the repair. The failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect.

Air Bags
Filed Jan 3, 202220,000 milesNJ

The contact and his wife own a 2016 Audi A3. The contact had received a recall notice for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V198000 (Air Bags). The dealer was contacted and informed that the parts remained unavailable despite the letter that stated otherwise. The contact also stated that the passenger occupant detection system (PODS) was inactive and that the passenger air bag warning light had illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

Air Bags
Filed Nov 8, 202155,000 milesMA

The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V198000 (Air Bags) 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 contact stated that the front passenger’s side air bag warning light was illuminated, and the State Inspector informed her that the vehicle would fail inspection if the recall repair was not completed. The dealer was notified of the failure but did not provide any assistance. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 55,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Oct 19, 202165,000 milesFL

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 the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V647000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

Air Bags
Filed Oct 13, 202165,000 milesAZ

The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V198000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the passenger’s side air bag warning light was illuminated. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Air Bags
Filed Sep 23, 2021TX

The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V198000 (Air Bags) however, the dealer informed the contact that parts for the recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Engine
Filed Aug 31, 202184,000 milesPA

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 coil needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available for NHTSA campaign number: 21V198000 (Air Bags) and Parts distribution disconnect for NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V474000 (Air Bags).

Air Bags
Filed Aug 5, 2021WA

Takata recall. The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21V198000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact called the local dealer who stated the parts were not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware if the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.

Unknown or Other
Filed Oct 2, 201924,000 milesTX

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.

Air Bags
Filed Sep 18, 2019IL

I HAVE A 2016 AUDI A3 THAT HAS A CURRENT RECALL ON THE (PODS) SYSTEM AND THE DEALER AND AUDI USA TELLS ME THEY DO NOT HAVE THE PARTS AND HAVE NO IDEA WHEN IT WILL BE AVAILABLE! I DRIVE AND PICK UP MY 15 YEAR OLD GRANDSON TO SCHOOL EACH DAY AND I AM FEAR-FULL AUDI MUST BE MADE TO COME UP WITH THE PARTS. WHAT GOOD IS A RECALL BY NHTSA IF NOTHING GETS COMPLETED??

20 of 36 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2015
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20194100Routine
201812500Routine
201725300Routine
2016 — this page36320Routine
201587500Routine

Compare every A3 Cabriolet year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Jun 19, 2019. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.