TireKick

Model-year record

2010 Audi A3
Image: Wikimedia Commons contributor · See source file

2010 Audi A3

See the complaints, recalls, crash rating, and fuel economy in the public record. Then check the mileage and history of the car you found.

This page shows records, not a buy or avoid call.

The same model year can include a well-kept car and a neglected one. Use these records to plan what to check. Use the specific-car check when you know the mileage.

Complaints filed

50

Reports to NHTSA, 2010

Safety recalls

5

NHTSA campaigns on record

NHTSA crash test

Not rated

Overall NCAP rating

Combined MPG

24

EPA estimate

Known issues

Fuel System issues lead owner complaints (32% of 50 reports), followed by air bags (26%).

Fuel System32% · 16 reports
Air Bags26% · 13 reports
Power Train18% · 9 reports
Fuel/Propulsion System6% · 3 reports
Engine4% · 2 reports
Engine And Engine Cooling4% · 2 reports
Tires4% · 2 reports
Electrical System2% · 1 report

+ 2 more component categories with fewer reports.

Share of all 50 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 10671226, ODI 10617638, ODI 10614953, ODI 10584339, ODI 10573440.

Individual complaint reports(50)

Showing the 50 most recent reports
TiresFeb 2023 · ODI 11509065Details +

225/45zr1794w purchased at discount tire. TPMS system failed after tire installation. I told the technician and he reset the system. Five miles later TPMS indicator came on. Malfunction TPMS. I monitor the tire pressure periodically and the tires seemed fine. While driving on Florida 528 to the airport i heard a rumbling and pulled over immediately. The tire sidewall was cut almost all the way around the tire. I assume from low pressure or tire malfunction. The tire is only a few months old. I am going to visit discount tire today and see what they say/do. I commute 150 miles a day at highway speeds. Fortunately I was able to pull over and not damage my rim. I removed the tire and put the spare on. I was flying to Columbia south America and nearly missed my flight. I have not found any reason the tire lost air pressure. Because this tire was nearly new it should have held air. Had discount tire fully corrected the TPMS system i may have been able to save the tire and not experienced the horrid experience of changing the tire on the highway 70 mph speed limit however the actual speeds are from 80mph up. Fortunately i work for the Orlando international Airport and had a colleague park my car to avoid missing the flight. Had four road hugger ties on my Audi now 3 and a spare. I'm not sure what the outcome will be but a brand new tire should not have deflated an had discount tire performed as professional technicians i most likely would not be contacting your organization. Thank your [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Reported
Feb 2023
Incident date
Feb 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11509065 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherOct 2020 · ODI 11372399Details +

THE CAR SHUTS OFF WHEN DRIVING. ALL POWER STEERING, ELECTRICAL, POWER BRAKES, ENGINE...EVERYTHING. HAS SHUT OFF DRIVING ON FREEWAY GOING 70MPH

Reported
Oct 2020
Incident date
Jun 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11372399 at NHTSA →
Power TrainFeb 2020 · ODI 11307861Details +

THIS 2010 AUDI A3 TDI EQUIPPED WITH AN S TRONIC DIRECT-SHIFT GEARBOX WILL RANDOMLY SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL OR LIMP MODE AND IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO PROCEED WITH NORMAL VEHICLE OPERATION AFTER THIS OCCURS WITHOUT FIRST PLACING THE VEHICLE IN PARK, TURNING OFF THE IGNITION AND THEN RESTARTING THE VEHICLE. THESE SYMPTOMS ARE INDICATIVE OF A KNOWN DEFECT FOR THIS MODELS POWER TRAIN AND THERE ARE NUMEROUS TESTIMONIES ON THE WEB FROM AUDI AND VW OWNERS WHOSE 2009/2010 VEHICLES ARE EXHIBITING THE SAME SYMPTOMS, YET WHO ARE BEING TOLD THAT THE AUDI RECALL #'S 37E3/S7 & 37E5/J7 (NHTSA CAMPAIGN #09V333000) DO NOT APPLY TO THEIR VEHICLES DUE TO THEIR HAVING BEEN BUILT OUTSIDE THE BUILD DATE PARAMETERS OF THE RECALL. IT IS OBVIOUS FROM THE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS FROM AUDI AND VW OWNERS THAT THE DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSION TEMPERATURE SENSOR HARNESSES WERE INSTALLED IN VEHICLES OUTSIDE OF THE RECALL PARAMETERS AND AUDI AND VW ARE NOT WILLING TO AUTHORIZE DEALERS TO REPROGRAM THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE OF THESE VEHICLES WITH UPDATED SOFTWARE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. I EVEN INQUIRED AS TO WHAT MY COST WOULD BE TO HAVE THIS UPDATED SOFTWARE INSTALLED (EVEN THOUGH IT IS PROVIDED FREE FOR AUDI AND VW VEHICLES WITHIN THE BUILD DATE PARAMETERS) BECAUSE IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND WAS TOLD THAT THE REPROGRAMMING DOES NOT APPLY TO MY VEHICLE, THOUGH IT EXHIBITS EXACTLY THE SYMPTOMS DESCRIBED IN THE RECALL.

Reported
Feb 2020
Incident date
Feb 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11307861 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesSep 2019 · ODI 11256473Details +

RELATED TO RECALL 45F5 ABS CONTROL MODULE. THIS VEHICLE HAS A FAILED ABS CONTROL MODULE THAT DEACTIVATES ABS BRAKING SYSTEMS, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, AND HEADLIGHT RANGE CONTROL. THIS SPECIFIC VIN IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE AFFECTED RANGE PER THE RECALL STATED ABOVE ALTHOUGH IT DEMONSTRATES THE SAME KNOWN SAFETY ISSUES.

Reported
Sep 2019
Incident date
Jan 2017
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11256473 at NHTSA →
Power TrainOct 2018 · ODI 11142215Details +

I HAVE AN AUDI A3 MANUFACTURED IN 2009 PRESENTING SEVERE ISSUES WITH THE ABS CONTROL MODULE. AUDI HAS A RECALL FOR SEVERAL AUDI AND VW MODELS MANUFACTURED THE SAME YEAR, RECALL NUMBER 16V913000. AUDI OF AMERICA WAS NOTIFIED HOWEVER DECLINED RESPONSIBILITY ALLEGEDLY BECAUSE MY VEHICLE WAS NOT IN THE SPECIFIED VIN RANGE. ALTHOUGH MY VEHICLE IS PRESENTING THE SAME SYMPTOMS AS THOSE ON THE RECALL AUDI IS UNWILLING TO ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY. THE EXPERIENCE WAS VERY UNNERVING AS THE CAR SUDDENLY STOPPED WHILE DRIVING AND SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. FORTUNATELY THE CARS FOLLOWING BEHIND WERE ABLE TO STOP ON TIME AVOIDING A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. ASIDE FROM LOSING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, THE STEERING LOSES POSITION AND THE SPEEDOMETER STOPS WORKING. FURTHERMORE THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR HAS BEEN SUPERSEDED, THIS IS VERY SUSPICIOUS AS TO WHY THERE WILL BE A NEW PART NUMBER TO REPLACE THE ORIGINAL IF ALLEGEDLY THERE'S NO PROBLEMS WITH MINE...?

Reported
Oct 2018
Incident date
Oct 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11142215 at NHTSA →
Air BagsOct 2018 · ODI 11141431Details +

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 AUDI A3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V383000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR AS THE RECALL NOTICE WAS RECEIVED OVER A YEAR AGO. THE DEALER (OURISMAN CHEVROLET OF ROCKVILLE, 807 ROCKVILLE PIKE, ROCKVILLE, MD 20852, (301) 637-6496) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED SEVERAL TIMES AND WAS UNABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT RECENTLY RECEIVED A POSTCARD FROM THE AUDI MANUFACTURER, ALERTING HER THAT THEY HAD THE PARTS. ONCE THE CONTACT ARRIVED AT OURISMAN CHEVROLET OF ROCKVILLE, SHE WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Reported
Oct 2018
Incident date
Jan 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11141431 at NHTSA →
Air BagsOct 2018 · ODI 11140418Details +

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 AUDI A3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V079000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED (AUDI MARIN, 700 FRANCISCO BLVD W, SAN RAFAEL, CA 94901, 415-460-4100) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WAIT TIME FOR THE PARTS WAS TOO LONG. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Reported
Oct 2018
Incident date
Feb 2016
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11140418 at NHTSA →
Air BagsAug 2018 · ODI 11123847Details +

TAKATA RECALL-THE DEALERSHIP HAS NOT HAD ANY REPLACEMENT FOR THE LAST YEAR AND A HALF, THAT WOULD REPLACE THE BAD AIRBAG.

Reported
Aug 2018
Incident date
Jun 2017
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11123847 at NHTSA →
Air BagsJul 2018 · ODI 11111224 · crash · 1 injuriesDetails +

ON JUNE 8 2018 THE CAR WAS IN MOTION IN THE CITY OF ATLANTA DRIVING STRAIGHT WHEN ANOTHER CAR TURN IMPROPERLY CAUSING ACCIDENT. THIS CAUSE THE CAR TO GET INVOLVED IN A CAR ACCIDENT FRONT END. THE DRIVER CHEST HIT THE STEERING. WHICH FROM THE THAT CAUSE THE IMPACT OF THE AIR BAG TO IMPROPERLY INFLATE BUT DEFLATED CAUSE BURNS TO RIGHT ARM. THE IMPACT ALSO CAUSE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEAT TO OPEN. FRONT AND SIDE DAMAGE TO BODY OF CAR

Reported
Jul 2018
Incident date
Jun 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash 1 injuries
Open ODI 11111224 at NHTSA →
Air BagsNov 2017 · ODI 11045383Details +

TAKATA RECALL I HAD TAKEN MY AUTOMOBILE TO AUDI OF NATICK IN NATICK, MASSACHUSETTS FOR SERVICE TWICE IN THE SPRING OF 2017, ONCE AT THE END OF MAY, AND ONCE MORE LATER IN JUNE. BOTH TIMES THE DEALERSHIP OFFERED A "CHECK FOR ACTIVE RECALLS" INCLUDED WITH SERVICE. BOTH TIMES THE DEALERSHIP DID NOT REPORT ANY ACTIVE RECALLS. I ONLY RECENTLY FOUND OUT THAT THE RECALL FOR THE TAKATA AIRBAGS IN MY VEHICLE WAS POSTED TO AUDI IN FEBRUARY OF 2016. I KNOW THE REPLACEMENT WORK WAS NEVER PERFORMED FOR MY PARTICULAR CAR. I THINK THIS BEHAVIOR ON THE PART OF THE DEALERSHIP, AUDI OF NATICK IS NEGLIGENT, AND VERY DANGEROUS.

Reported
Nov 2017
Incident date
Jun 2017
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11045383 at NHTSA →
Air BagsNov 2017 · ODI 11043268Details +

TAKATA RECALL I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE 04/28/2016 BUT I HAVE NOT BEEN CONTACTED TO HAVE THE AIRBAG REPLACED.

Reported
Nov 2017
Incident date
Apr 2016
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11043268 at NHTSA →
Power TrainSep 2017 · ODI 11024192Details +

AT SLOW SPEEDS & WHEN STOPPED WITH VEHICLE IN GEAR (DRIVE OR REVERS) THE TRANSMISSION JERKS, CLUNKS, FEELS LIKE IT'S ENGAGING AND DISENGAGING. IT IS DANGEROUS - ESPECIALLY WHEN STOPPED OR PARKING AS THE VEHICLE WILL SUDDENLY LUNGE FORWARD OR BACKWARD DEPENDING ON THE GEAR YOU ARE IN. UNFORTUNATELY IT HAS ONLY RESULTED IN DAMAGE TO MY OWN VEHICLE - NOT TO ANOTHER VEHICLE OR PERSON.

Reported
Sep 2017
Incident date
Aug 2017
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11024192 at NHTSA →
Air BagsJun 2017 · ODI 11000718Details +

I'VE BEEN CALLING FOR MONTHS & MONTHS TO HAVE THIS RECALL FIXED. I'M ALWAYS TOLD THAT PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE. I NEED TO HAVE THIS FIXED!! IT'S A SAFETY ISSUE. FORD SHOULD FIND A SOLUTION FOR THIS PROBLEM OR OFFER TO REPLACE THE CAR AT NO COST TO ME. I FEAR THAT IF THIS PART IS NOT REPLACED, THAT MY FAMILY MAY BE HARMED BY THE RUPTURED INFLATOR. SEE THE RECALL NOTICE BELOW: NHTSA RECALL NUMBER: OPENS NEW WINDOW TAKES AWAY FROM VIN LOOKUP SECTION> 16V079 RECALL DATE: FEBRUARY 9, 2016 MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBER: 69N2 SUMMARY: TAKATA HAS REPORTED THAT THE DRIVER FRONTAL AIRBAG INFLATOR COULD POTENTIALLY RUPTURE IF THE VEHICLE IS INVOLVED IN A CRASH WHERE THE FRONTAL AIRBAGS ARE DESIGNED TO DEPLOY. IN THE EVENT OF AN INFLATOR RUPTURE, METAL FRAGMENTS COULD PASS THROUGH THE AIRBAG CUSHION MATERIAL, WHICH MAY RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH TO VEHICLE OCCUPANTS. SAFETY RISK: AS REPORTED BY TAKATA: IN THE EVENT OF AN INFLATOR RUPTURE, METAL FRAGMENTS COULD PASS THROUGH THE AIRBAG CUSHION MATERIAL, WHICH MAY RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH TO VEHICLE OCCUPANTS. REMEDY: REPLACE DRIVER AIRBAG INFLATOR. RECALL STATUS: RECALL INCOMPLETE

Reported
Jun 2017
Incident date
Feb 2016
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11000718 at NHTSA →
Power TrainMay 2017 · ODI 10983383Details +

FULL TRANSMISSION FAILURE.

Reported
May 2017
Incident date
Apr 2017
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10983383 at NHTSA →
Air BagsDec 2016 · ODI 10937155Details +

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 AUDI A3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V079000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. 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. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 05/10/17*LJ UPDATED 06/23/2017 *JS

Reported
Dec 2016
Incident date
Dec 2016
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10937155 at NHTSA →
Air BagsOct 2016 · ODI 10917726Details +

TAKATA AIRBAGS: AUDI NOTIFIED ME OF THE RECALL IN FEBRUARY 2016 BUT SAID THERE WAS NO FIX. THE AUDI SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I BOUGHT THE CAR TOLD ME THE REPLACEMENT PARTS MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE FOR 2 TO 2 AND 1/2 YEARS. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE MY CAR; I WANT IT FIXED.

Reported
Oct 2016
Incident date
Feb 2016
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10917726 at NHTSA →
Air BagsOct 2016 · ODI 10916833Details +

I PLAN TO TRADE MY CAR IN WITHIN 2 MONTHS. THE DEALERSHIP SAID I WILL GET LESS FOR MY TRADE IN BECAUSE OF THE RECALL HAS NOT BEEN RESOLVED. THE TAKATA AIRBAG IS BEYOND MY CONTROL AND I SHOULD NOT BE THE ONE ENDANGERED OR SUFFER A MONETARY LOSS. I BELIEVE THAT AUDI SHOULD PROVIDE CASH REIMBURSEMENT FOR ANY LOSS.

Reported
Oct 2016
Incident date
Oct 2016
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10916833 at NHTSA →
Air BagsSep 2016 · ODI 10908394Details +

TAKATA RECALL. AUDI HAS NOT NOTIFIED ME OF THE DEFECT, NOR HAS IT OFFERED TO CORRECT IT.

Reported
Sep 2016
Incident date
Sep 2016
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10908394 at NHTSA →
Air BagsAug 2016 · ODI 10899223Details +

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 AUDI A3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V079000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. 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. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Reported
Aug 2016
Incident date
Apr 2016
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10899223 at NHTSA →
Air BagsAug 2016 · ODI 10898503Details +

TAKATA RECALL - TAKATA HAS REPORTED THAT THE DRIVER FRONTAL AIRBAG INFLATOR COULD POTENTIALLY RUPTURE IF THE VEHICLE IS INVOLVED IN A CRASH WHERE THE FRONTAL AIRBAGS ARE DESIGNED TO DEPLOY. IN THE EVENT OF AN INFLATOR RUPTURE, METAL FRAGMENTS COULD PASS THROUGH THE AIRBAG CUSHION MATERIAL, WHICH MAY RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH TO VEHICLE OCCUPANTS. AUDI NOTIFIED ME OF THE FAULTY AIRBAG SYSTEM, BUT HAS FAILED TO REMEDY THIS SAFETY RECALL FOR MY VEHICLE. I AM AT RISK EVERYDAY I GET BEHIND THE WHEEL.

Reported
Aug 2016
Incident date
Feb 2016
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10898503 at NHTSA →
EngineAug 2015 · ODI 10748774Details +

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 AUDI A3. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE STARTED TO JERK VIOLENTLY. THE CONTACT SHUT THE ENGINE OFF, BUT WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE DIAGNOSED. THEN THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO STATED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,000.

Reported
Aug 2015
Incident date
Jul 2015
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10748774 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemApr 2015 · ODI 10711859Details +

PASSENGER HEADLIGHT, FOGLIGHT AND TURN SIGNAL BEGAN TO REPEATEDLY CYCLE OFF AND ON, THEN EVENTUALLY DIED. OPENING FUSE BOX IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT REVEALED A MELTED FUSE (F16). THIS SAME MELTED FUSE PROBLEM AFFECTS MULTIPLE OTHER VW AUTOMOBILES SUCH AS THE TIGUAN, JETTA, AND GOLF. THERE IS A RECALL OUT ON THE TIGUAN ONLY WHICH SHOULD BE EXPANDED TO OTHER MODELS USING THE SAME FUSE BOX, IRRESPECTIVE OF MAKE/MODEL. *TR

Reported
Apr 2015
Incident date
Apr 2015
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10711859 at NHTSA →
Fuel SystemJan 2015 · ODI 10671226Details +

DURING THE MORNING RUSH HOUR COMMUTE, WHILE TRAVELING AT 60MPH ON EAST BOUND HIGHWAY 70 (AT THE 70/270 INTERCHANGE) IN ST. LOUIS, MO THE GLOW PLUG LIGHT STARTED FLASHING AND ALL ENGINE POWER WAS LOST. I WAS LUCKY TO HAVE BEEN ABLE TO SAFELY MANEUVER THE CAR 4 LANES TO THE FAR RIGHT SHOULDER AND TURN ON THE HAZARD LIGHTS. ANY ATTEMPT TO RESTART THE CAR WAS NOT SUCCESSFUL. AS THE OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE WAS 3 DEGREES (-9 WITH WINDCHILL) I IMMEDIATELY CONTACTED A TOWING SERVICE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT VW/AUDI SHOP, WHERE THEY INFORMED ME THAT THE HPFP (HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP) HAD FAILED AND WILL REQUIRE ITS REPLACEMENT AS WELL AS THE REST OF THE FUEL SYSTEM ($6,000-$8,000 REPAIR ESTIMATE). *TR

Reported
Jan 2015
Incident date
Jan 2015
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10671226 at NHTSA →
Fuel/Propulsion SystemNov 2014 · ODI 10653233Details +

WHILE DEPARTING A PARKING LOT ONTO A PRIMARY ROAD, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE GLOW PLUG LIGHT BEGAN FLASHING; THE CAR IMMEDIATELY BEGAN LOSING POWER. I RETURNED TO PARKING AND THE CAR WAS TOWED TO AN AUDI DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS A FAILED HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP. *TR

Reported
Nov 2014
Incident date
Oct 2014
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10653233 at NHTSA →
Power TrainSep 2014 · ODI 10637672Details +

AUTOMOBILE WAS TRAVELING ON BQE IN NEW YORK CITY AT ABOUT 50 MPH WHEN THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AND REFUSED TO SHIFT INTO GEAR. ALL FORWARD POWER WAS LOST. THE DRIVER ROLLED THE CAR ONTO THE RIGHT LANE AS THERE WAS NOT A SHOULDER. THE DRIVER STOPPED THE CAR AND TURNED IT OFF. THEN TURNED THE CAR ON AND WAS ABLE TO GAIN POWER AND DRIVE. THE AUDI REPAIR SERVICE CENTER INDICATED A FAULTY MECHATRONIC OR DSG UNIT, WHICH MATCHES THE RECALL 09V-333. AUDI INSISTS THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL LISTED ABOVE. *TR

Reported
Sep 2014
Incident date
Aug 2014
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10637672 at NHTSA →
Fuel SystemJul 2014 · ODI 10617638Details +

TL8 THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 AUDI A3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GLOW PLUG SENSOR ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE APPROACHING A TRAFFIC LIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE RESTARTED AND WAS TOWED TO A DEALER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 11V490000 (FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL) AND 09V377000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 101,000.

Reported
Jul 2014
Incident date
Jul 2014
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10617638 at NHTSA →
Fuel SystemJul 2014 · ODI 10614953Details +

HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP FAILURE. SITTING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. SECOND TIME WAS IN MAY 2014 AT ABOUT 40,000 MILES. BOTH TIMES THE CAR STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. AUDI REPLACED THE ENTIRE FUEL SYSTEM FROM THE INJECTORS TO THE FUEL TANK. I HAVE SPOKEN TO A FEW OTHER AUDI OWNERS AT THE DEALER WHO HAVE HAD MULTIPLE DIESEL FUEL PUMP FAILURES ON TDI CARS AND SUVS. *TR

Reported
Jul 2014
Incident date
Aug 2010
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10614953 at NHTSA →
Power TrainJul 2014 · ODI 10609735Details +

GOING 55 MILE AN HOUR, REAR TURBO SEAL GOES OUT, SUCKS ENGINE OIL OUT OF CRANKCASE. I COAST TO A STOP. LOAD ON A TRAILER. HAUL TO A AUDI DEALER. STILL UNDER WARRANTY THEY REPLACE ENGINE. NOW THEY SAY TRANSMISSION IS NOT REPAIRABLE. NOW I HAVE TO PAY FOR NEW TRANSMISSION. DRIVE TRAIN WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. NEVER BUY ANOTHER AUDI AGAIN. AUDI HAS HAD THE CAR FOR 2 MONTHS STILL DON'T HAVE THE CAR BACK. *TR

Reported
Jul 2014
Incident date
Jun 2014
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10609735 at NHTSA →
Fuel/Propulsion SystemJul 2014 · ODI 10608307Details +

ON MY WAY TO WORK MY CAR STALLED /LOST POWER ,GLOW PLUG LIGHT WENT ON THEN I COULDN'T RESTART MY CAR. I HAD TO TOW MY CAR TO MY DEALER WHERE I BOUGHT MY CAR. THE NEXT DAY THEY CALLED ME THAT THEY HAVE TO ORDER ALOT OF PARTS AND REPLACE ENTIRE FUEL SYSTEM: FUEL PUMP, HPFP, FUEL LINE INJECTORS AND SEALS AND THEY HAVE TO CLEAN THE TANK! I WOULD LIKE TO INFORM YOU THAT I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER AND ONLY ME WAS USING THAT CAR. I HAVE NEVER USED ANYTHING BUT HIGH QUALITY DIESEL FUEL FROM SHELL GAS STATION LOCATED ON DEMPSTER STREET IN SKOKIE,IL. I BUY ULSD ONCE A MONTH AND HAVE ALL THE RECEIPTS FROM THIS YEAR ( AND IF NECESSARY FROM DAY ONE FROM MY BANK CREDIT CARD HISTORY) BECAUSE OF THIS I AM 100% SURE THAT ANY CLAIM THAT I USED WRONG FUEL IS WITHOUT BASE. IF THE ULTRALOW SULFUR DIESEL FUEL RECOMMENDED BY CAR MANUFACTURERS DOESN'T MUCH SPECIFICATION THIS SHOULD BE RESOLVED BEFORE PUTTING DIESEL CAR ON THE MARKET.I WOULD LIKE TO MENTION THAT ALL MAINTENANCE ON MY CAR WAS DONE ON TIME AT AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIPS.I CHANGE OIL EVERY 4K MILES INSTEAD 10K AS MANUFACTURER RECOMMENDING MY AUDIS' WARRANTY EXPIRES NEXT MONTH AND I HOPE THAT AUDI WILL EXTENDED MY WARRANTY FOR ANOTHER 4 YEARS/50K MILES!!! IF NOT I HAVE TO GET RID OF MY CAR THAT I WAS PLANNING TO KEEP FOR LONG TIME. BAD HPFP CRAFTSMANSHIP AND DESIGN SHOULD BE CORRECTED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE IF AUDI/VW WANTS TO SELL DIESEL CARS IN US! *TR

Reported
Jul 2014
Incident date
Jul 2014
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10608307 at NHTSA →
Fuel SystemApr 2014 · ODI 10584339Details +

2010 TDI AUDI A3. UPON ACCELERATION THE CAR HESITATED AND THE ENGINE STARTED JERKING. THE "GLOW PLUG" LIGHT STARTED BLINKING THEN THE CAR STARTED LOOSING POWER AND CAME TO A STOP. COULD NOT RESTART. HAD THE CAR TOWED TO MECHANIC WHO TOLD ME TO HAVE IT TOWED TO DEALERSHIP THAT IT WAS A MANUFACTURER PROBLEM. HAD IT TOWED TO DEALERSHIP WHICH TOLD ME THAT I HAD PUT BAD DIESEL IN IT AND IT CAUSED METAL PARTICLES TO CIRCULATE IN THE FUEL SYSTEM DOING CATASTROPHIC DAMAGE. EVERYTHING THAT THE DIESEL HAD TOUCHED WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. I TOLD DEALERSHIP THAT I ONLY USE DIESEL FROM THERE LIST OF "GOOD" DIESEL STATIONS. THEY WANT TO CHARGE ME $7,345 TO FIX. IF THEY PUT THE SAME PARTS BACK IN IT TO REPAIR IT, WHAT IF IT HAPPENS AGAIN???? I HAVE HAD THIS CAR SERVICED BY THE BOOK - THIS SHOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS. THIS NEEDS INVESTIGATING. *TR

Reported
Apr 2014
Incident date
Apr 2014
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10584339 at NHTSA →
Fuel SystemMar 2014 · ODI 10573440Details +

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 AUDI A3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWEDTO THE NEAREST DEALER WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT THE FUEL PUMP SUFFERED AN INTERNAL FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,000. UPDATED 04/29/14*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED AUDI PAID FOR THE REPAIRS. UPDATED 06/03/14

Reported
Mar 2014
Incident date
Mar 2014
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10573440 at NHTSA →
Fuel SystemMar 2014 · ODI 10567992Details +

CHECK VEHICLE (COIL) LIGHT FLASHED. VEHICLE LOST POWER AND STALLED WHILE DRIVING ON CALIFORNIA HWY 1. WAS ABLE TO COAST VEHICLE TO SAFE PLACE. DEALER DIAGNOSED FAILED DIESEL FUEL PUMP, SAID PUMP WAS DISINTEGRATED. SERVICE ADVISOR ADVISED THAT ENTIRE FUEL SYSTEM WOULD BE REPLACED BY AUDI. *TR

Reported
Mar 2014
Incident date
Mar 2014
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10567992 at NHTSA →
Fuel SystemMay 2013 · ODI 10514315Details +

CAR STARTED BUT MADE HORRIBLE RATTLING SOUND THEN DIED AND WOULD NOT START AGAIN. CAR LEFT ME STRANDED OVER 60 MILES FROM HOME ON A SUNDAY NIGHT ON THE MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND WITH A YOUNG CHILD. THE CAR HAD TO BE TOWED TO DEALERSHIP IN AUSTIN. DUE TO THE LATE HOUR AND HOLIDAY, NO WAY TO RENT A CAR TO GET HOME, SO I HAD TO HAVE SOMEONE COME AND GET US. I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP THE FUEL PUMP WENT OUT AND BASICALLY EXPLODED SENDING METAL FIBERS INTO ENGINE AND OTHER SYSTEMS. GIVEN ESTIMATE OF $7,500.00 TO FIX THE CAR. SERVICE DEPARTMENT ACKNOWLEDGED THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED BEFORE BUT REFUSED TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR SINCE MY EXTENDED WARRANTY ENDED AT 100,000 MILES, AND MY CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTY BY 4,600 MILES. IT IS A DESIGN FLAW, THAT IF THE FUEL PUMP GOES BAD IN A DIESEL ENGINE THAT IT WILL DO SO MUCH DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE. *TR

Reported
May 2013
Incident date
May 2013
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10514315 at NHTSA →
Fuel/Propulsion SystemMay 2013 · ODI 10512294Details +

WAS DRIVING ALONG AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS WHEN GLOW BULB INDICATOR CAME ON IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWED BY LOSS OF POWER TO ACCELERATOR. WAS ABLE TO GET OFF THE HIGHWAY AFTER ABOUT 4 MILES AND CAR THEN EXPERIENCED COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE AND WAS ROLLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. ENGINE WOULD NOT TURN OVER AFTER TWO ATTEMPTS TO RESTART THE ENGINE. CAR WAS TOWED TO LOCAL SERVICE AT AUDI DEALERSHIP. SERVICE DEPARTMENT FROM LOCAL DEALERSHIP DESCRIBED THE CAUSE OF ENGINE FAILURE WAS DUE TO METAL FILINGS FOUND THROUGHOUT THE FUEL SYSTEM CAUSED EITHER BY FUEL PUMP FAILURE, OR BAD BATCH OF DIESEL FUEL. *TR

Reported
May 2013
Incident date
May 2013
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10512294 at NHTSA →
Fuel SystemOct 2012 · ODI 10480997Details +

THIS COMPLAINT RELATES TO A TDI VERSION OF THE AUDI A3. WHILE DRIVING MY KIDS TO SCHOOL, THE CAR STOPPED DEAD AND WOULD NOT RESTART. ON INSPECTION BY AN AUDI DEALER IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP HAD FAILED. THE PUMP FAILURE CAUSED METAL PARTICLES FROM THE PUMP ITSELF TO CIRCULATE IN THE FUEL SYSTEM DOING CATASTROPHIC DAMAGE TO THE FUEL SYSTEM AND POWER TRAIN. AS OF THIS DATE, THE CAR HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP FOR REPAIR LONGER THAN TWO WEEKS WITH NO ESTIMATED DATE OF COMPLETION. WE EXPERIENCED A SIMILAR CATASTROPHIC FUEL PUMP FAILURE WITH OUR AUDI Q7 TDI IN JUNE OF 2012 WHICH REQUIRED A NEW ENGINE, FUEL SYSTEM AND OTHER PARTS (SEE ODI # 10480946). ACCORDING TO THE DEALER, THE REASON FOR THE DELAY IN REPAIRING THE A3 RELATES TO THE LARGE NUMBER OF CARS WITH SIMILAR FUEL SYSTEM FAILURES WHICH HAS CAUSED A SCARCITY OF PARTS. WE HAVE BEEN TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT THIS SAME PROBLEM IS HAPPENING TO TDI VEHICLES FROM BOTH VOLKSWAGEN AND AUDI. I AM NO ENGINEER, BUT WIDESPREAD FUEL SYSTEM FAILURES SEEM POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS TO DRIVERS AND THEIR PASSENGERS. THIS PROBLEM DESERVES AN INVESTIGATION. *TR

Reported
Oct 2012
Incident date
Oct 2012
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10480997 at NHTSA →
EngineApr 2012 · ODI 10456903Details +

WHILE DRIVING ON LOCAL ROADS, ENGINE LOST POWER AND STOPPED RUNNING SUDDENLY. I WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE CAR AFTER A MINUTE OR SO AND CONTINUED MY TRIP TO WORK. CAR IS AN AUTOMATIC AND THE ENGINE JUST QUIT LIKE A MANUAL LEFT IN GEAR AT A STOP SIGN...A SHUDDER THEN NOTHING. NOT SURE IF RELEVANT, BUT I COULD ONLY RESTART THE CAR AFTER COMPLETELY TURNING IT OFF AND REMOVING THE KEY. *JS

Reported
Apr 2012
Incident date
Apr 2012
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10456903 at NHTSA →
Fuel SystemFeb 2012 · ODI 10446661Details +

I OWN A 2010 AUDI A3 TDI. I WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET IN NORMAL TRAFFIC, BEGAN FEELING HESITATION/JERKING IN THE ENGINE, THEN THE "GLOW PLUG" LIGHT CAME ON JUST BEFORE THE ENGINE STOPPED RUNNING. ULTIMATELY THE CAR STALLED WITHIN 30 SECONDS FOLLOWING INITIAL HESITATION IN A MOVING LANE OF TRAFFIC. I WAS BARELY ABLE TO GET THE CAR TO COAST UP INTO A PARKING LOT TO SAFETY AND HAD TO BE TOWED INTO THE DEALER. IT WAS IN FOR REPAIR FOR APPROXIMATELY ONE WEEK. METAL SHAVINGS WERE FOUND IN THE FUEL FILTER INITIALLY THEN THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE FUEL SYSTEM, INCLUDING THE FUEL TANK WHICH ALSO HAD TO BE REPLACED. SERVICEMEN FIRST SUSPECTED I HAD ACCIDENTALLY PUT UNLEADED IN IT WHICH WAS ABSOLUTELY NOT THE CASE THOUGH I HAVE HEARD FROM OTHER OWNERS WHO WERE ACCUSED OF THE SAME AND FORCED TO PAY OUT OF POCKET FOR REPAIR. I AM THE ONLY DRIVER AND ONLY GO TO HIGHEST QUALITY STATIONS WITH LABELS OF "ULTRA-LOW SULFUR DIESEL". IF IT DOESN'T STATE THAT THEN I HAVE GONE ELSEWHERE. EVERYTHING FUEL-RELATED WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. REPAIRMEN WERE UNABLE TO TELL ME HOW THE METAL SHAVINGS CAME ABOUT THOUGH THEY WERE INSISTENT IT WOULDN'T HAPPEN AGAIN. I HAVE SERIOUS DOUBTS SINCE THEY DID REPORT, AFTER I QUESTIONED THEM, THAT THE EXACT SAME PARTS REPLACED THE OLD ONES. I AM A HIGH MILEAGE DRIVER WHICH IS WHY I PURCHASED A DIESEL ENGINE. MY WARRANTY WILL SOON EXPIRE. WHEN THE SAME ISSUE OCCURS AGAIN, IF I STILL OWN THE VEHICLE, I GUESS I WILL HAVE TO COME OUT OF POCKET OVER $8000 WHICH WAS THE ESTIMATE ON PAPER FROM THE DEALER. I HOPE AUDI FURTHER INVESTIGATES THE PROBLEM VERY SOON AND ISSUES A RECALL SO I CAN HAVE PEACE OF MIND! *TR *KB

Reported
Feb 2012
Incident date
Jan 2012
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10446661 at NHTSA →
Power TrainNov 2011 · ODI 10437213Details +

THE CAR HAS AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION THAT DOWNSHIFTS ON ITS OWN FROM AUTOMATIC (D) TO M1 (THE LOWEST MANUAL GEAR). WHEN THIS HAPPENS THE CAR IMMEDIATELY SLOWS AND THE ENGINE RPMS INCREASE TOWARD THE RED LINE. IT HAPPENS ABOUT EVERY 250 MILES OR SO, USUALLY WHEN I AM GOING ABOUT 20-25 MILES AN HOUR IN CITY DRIVING. THE LAST TIME IT HAPPENED, I WAS HOLDING A CUP OF COFFEE AND IT SPILLED OVER MY LAP. I AM WORRIED THAT IT COULD HAPPEN WHEN ANOTHER CAR IS FOLLOWING CLOSELY AND RESULT IN A REAR END COLLISION. THERE WOULD BE NO WARNING OF THE SLOW DOWN TO THE OTHER DRIVER SINCE THE BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD NOT GO ON. *TR

Reported
Nov 2011
Incident date
Nov 2010
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10437213 at NHTSA →
Fuel SystemOct 2011 · ODI 10433092Details +

IN 30-35 MPH TRAFFIC, GLOW-PLUG LIGHT BEGAN FLASHING. I PULLED OVER, CHECKED THE MANUAL, AND CALLED THE DEALERSHIP. I WAS TOLD THE CAR WAS SAFE TO DRIVE, AND WAS GIVEN A SERVICE APPOINTMENT FOR THE FOLLOWING MORNING. UPON RESTARTING THE CAR, I NOTICED NOT ONLY THE FLASHING GLOW-PLUG LIGHT, BUT THE CHECK-ENGINE LIGHT, WHICH HAD COME ON AS WELL. ALSO, WHEN I PULLED OUT, POWER SEEMED LIMITED AND ACCELERATION DIFFICULT. NOW ON A TWO LANE COUNTRY ROAD WITH NO SHOULDER, I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AGAIN, AND WAS TOLD TO STOP THE CAR IMMEDIATELY AND HAVE IT TOWED IN. SINCE I WAS CLOSE TO HOME, AND UNABLE TO FIND A GOOD PLACE TO STOP, I DROVE HOME. THE FOLLOWING MORNING, THE CAR WOULD NOT START, AND AUDI SENT A TOW TRUCK. THE CAR WAS NOT LOOKED AT FOR 24 HOURS (TDI-TRAINED MECHANICS IN A MEETING OR SOME SUCH), BUT ON THURSDAY I GOT A REPORT. THE FUEL PUMP HAD FAILED CATASTROPHICALLY, SENDING METAL DEBRIS THROUGHOUT THE FUEL SYSTEM. TOTAL REPLACEMENT OF THE FUEL SYSTEM WAS REQUIRED, INCLUDING THE FUEL TANK. THE FIRST-SUSPECTED CAUSE -CONTAMINATED FUEL- HAD BEEN RULED OUT. I WAS TOLD THE FAILURE WAS A 1-IN-100,000 FLUKE, BUT NOTHING ABOUT THE FACT THAT THERE HAD BEEN OVER 100 COMPLAINTS TO THE NHTSA AS OF EARLY 2011, PROMPTING AN NHTSA INVESTIGATION. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) *TT

Reported
Oct 2011
Incident date
Oct 2011
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10433092 at NHTSA →
Fuel SystemAug 2011 · ODI 10418288Details +

2010 AUDI A3 TDI HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP FAILURE AT 10,000 MI. *TR

Reported
Aug 2011
Incident date
Jul 2011
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10418288 at NHTSA →
Fuel SystemAug 2011 · ODI 10417207Details +

OUR 2010 AUDI A3 TDI DEISEL LOST POWER WHILE TRAVELING AT 65 MPH ON AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY. AFTER PULLING OVER, WE WERE UNABLE TO RESTART THE CAR. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO AN AUDI DEALER WHO INFORMED US THAT THE FUEL PUMP HAD FAILED DUE TO "CONTAMINATED FUEL". WE HAD PUT BRAND NAME DIESEL INTO THE TANK ON EVERY REFILL AND HAVE THE RECEIPTS TO PROVE IT. *TT

Reported
Aug 2011
Incident date
Jul 2011
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10417207 at NHTSA →
Fuel SystemJun 2011 · ODI 10408862Details +

WHILE DRIVING ON TO A FREE WAY ON RAMP AT ABOUT 25-30MPH, THE ENGINE INDICATOR COME ON AND STARTED TO FLASH, ALMOST IMMEDIATELY THE CAR STALL IN THE MIDDLE OF MOVING TRAFFIC. I DID MY BEST TO STEER THE CAR INTO A SAFE AREA WITH NO POWER STEERING BEFORE IT CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. I TRIED CRANKING THE ENGINE A COUPLE OF TIMES BUT IT WOULD NOT RESTART. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION TO BE IN, WITH FAST MOVING VEHICLES PASSING BY AT HIGH SPEED, I WAS LUCKY ENOUGH THAT I DID NOT GET REAR ENDED OR CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. TOWED THE CAR TO AUDI OF LOS ANGELES BUT IT WAS ALREADY CLOSED. THEY LOOKED AT IT THE NEXT MORNING AND FOUND METAL SHAVINGS IN THE DIESEL FILTER POD. THEY TOLD ME THAT THE PUMP MIGHT GAVE OUT, THEY HAVE TO SEND FUEL SAMPLES TO GET IT ANALYZE. THIS CAR IS ONLY A YEAR OLD, HOW CAN THE PUMP,FAIL ALREADY? *TR

Reported
Jun 2011
Incident date
Jun 2011
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10408862 at NHTSA →
Power TrainJun 2011 · ODI 10406790Details +

THERE IS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM OF APPLYING GAS AND NOT MOVING; THE ENGINE REVS, BUT DOES NOT MOVE FORWARD. THIS HAS HAPPENED FROM A FULL STOP OR ALMOST A FULL STOP, WHEN TRYING TO TURN ACROSS ONCOMING TRAFFIC AND WHILE CROSSING A BUSY INTERSECTION. ALMOST HAD TWO ACCIDENTS IN ONE DAY. AUDI DEALERSHIP SAYS THAT IF THEY CANNOT DUPLICATE THE SITUATION, THEY CANNOT DO ANYTHING. I LEFT MY CAR FOR THEIR SERVICE MANAGER TO DRIVE INDEFINITELY. IT IS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS INTERMITTENT PROBLEM. THIS IS A 2010, 2.0T. *TR

Reported
Jun 2011
Incident date
Jun 2010
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10406790 at NHTSA →
Fuel SystemMar 2011 · ODI 10393533Details +

DRIVING ON LOCAL STREET AT ~35MPH, CAR SUDDENLY WOULD NOT ACCELERATE, LOSS POWER, THEN STALLED. UNABLE TO RESTART ENGINE. *TR

Reported
Mar 2011
Incident date
Mar 2011
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10393533 at NHTSA →
Fuel SystemFeb 2011 · ODI 10380120Details +

DRIVING HOME AFTER DARK ON A LOCAL BOULEVARD AT ABOUT 45 MPH IN OUR AUDI A3 TDI. VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOST ALL ENGINE POWER. ENGINE SHUT DOWN COMPLETELY. WAS ABLE TO COAST TO SIDE OF ROAD. VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESTART. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DEALER. DEALER DETERMINED THAT THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP "EXPLODED" AND QUIT WORKING. THIS FAILURE CIRCULATED METAL PARTICLES THROUGH THE VEHICLE FUEL SYSTEM. THEY ARE STILL REVIEWING WITH THE AUDI, BUT DEALER SAID THAT THIS HAPPENED TO ANOTHER TDI NOT LONG AGO AND AUDI HAD THEM REPLACE THE ENTIRE FUEL SYSTEM FROM THE FUEL TANK TO THE INJECTORS. VEHICLE IS STALL AT DEALER WAITING ON PARTS. IF THIS HAD HAPPENED ON THE HIGHWAY IN TRAFFIC I DON'T BELIEVE I COULD HAVE COASTED TO THE SHOULDER AND WOULD HAVE BEEN STALLED IN TRAFFIC. *TR

Reported
Feb 2011
Incident date
Feb 2011
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10380120 at NHTSA →
Fuel SystemDec 2010 · ODI 10371068Details +

2010 AUDI A-3 TDI (DIESEL) STALLED WHILE DRIVING ON FREEWAY. WILL NOT START. TOWED TO STEVENS CREEK AUDI, CA. *TR

Reported
Dec 2010
Incident date
Dec 2010
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10371068 at NHTSA →
TiresNov 2010 · ODI 10363565Details +

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 AUDI A3 EQUIPPED WITH BRIDGESTONE POTENZA TIRES, TIRE SIZE 225/14/18. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH APPROACHING A STOP SIGNAL, THE CONTACT OBSERVED THAT THE TIRE PRESSURE INDICATOR DISPLAYED A LOW PRESSURE READING. IMMEDIATELY, THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE HAD SLIGHTLY FLATTENED; AND REPLACED WITH THE SPARE TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY REFERRED HIM TO A TIRE CENTER FOR THE TIRE DIAGNOSIS. THE TIRE CENTER INFORMED THAT THE TIRE SHREDDED FROM THE TIRE RIM. ALSO, THE OTHER THREE TIRES WERE NOT ROAD WORTHY AND THE SIDEWALL HAD BUBBLES. THE VEHICLE WAS INOPERABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THE DEFECT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,600. THE DOT NUMBER WAS EJT70CCJ3109.

Reported
Nov 2010
Incident date
Oct 2010
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10363565 at NHTSA →
Power TrainAug 2010 · ODI 10352993Details +

2010 AUDI A3 TDI HAS INTERMITTENT ACCELERATION PAUSING PROBLEMS. THE LACK OF POWER HAS BEEN EXPERIENCED FROM A DEAD STOP AND WHILE MERGING INTO FREEWAY TRAFFIC. THE PROBLEM IS RARE, BUT HAS BEEN A SAFETY CONCERN WHEN IT HAS HAPPENED. *TR

Reported
Aug 2010
Incident date
Aug 2010
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10352993 at NHTSA →
Engine And Engine CoolingJul 2010 · ODI 10341130Details +

THERE IS AN INTERMITTENT SUDDEN, AND BRIEF LOSS OF ACCELERATION FROM A COMPLETE STOP. THIS HAS HAPPEN TWICE. THE CAR HAS BEEN DRIVEN LESS THAN 2,000. ONE TIME THE POWER LOSS WAS FROM A TRAFFIC LIGHT. I STARTED TO MOVE, THERE WAS A PAUSE AND QUICKLY THE POWER RETURNED. THE SAME BEHAVIOR HAPPENED PULLING OUT OF A PARKING SPOT INTO TRAFFIC. THIS OCCURRENCE CREATED A DANGEROUS SITUATION. THIS IS AN A3 TDI (CLEAN DIESEL MODEL). *TR

Reported
Jul 2010
Incident date
Jul 2010
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10341130 at NHTSA →
Engine And Engine CoolingMar 2010 · ODI 10322590Details +

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 AUDI A3 QUATTRO. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH, THE ENGINE SHUT OFF COMPLETELY. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS BEFORE OR AFTER THE FAILURE; THE CONTACT HAD TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. HE ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE BUT IT WOULD NOT RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP BUT THE DEALER HAD NOT DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 215.

Reported
Mar 2010
Incident date
Mar 2010
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10322590 at NHTSA →

Recalls(5)

Open a recall to read what NHTSA says is wrong, what can happen, and how it gets fixed. Check the VIN and remedy eligibility with a dealer; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though a manufacturer may offer more coverage.

Air BagsOct 2016 · 16V079000Details +

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2006 Volkswagen Passat sedans and wagons, 2005-2013 Audi A3, and 2006-2009 Audi A4 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began March 2017. Volkswagen owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Audi owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.

Open full NHTSA recall record →
Fuel SystemMar 2011 · 11V490000Details +

VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL 2009-2012 JETTA AND JETTA SPORTWAGEN VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 2008 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2011, MODEL YEAR 2010-2012 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 2009 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2011, AND MODEL YEAR 2010-2012 AUDI A3 VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 2009 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2011, THAT ARE EQUIPPED WITH A 2.0L TDI COMMON RAIL DIESEL ENGINE/CLEAN DIESEL ENGINE. 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 IN THE FUEL LINE.

Risk: DUE TO THE RESONANCE CONDITION, INJECTOR LINE NUMBER 2 COULD DEVELOP SMALL CRACKS WHICH COULD LEAD TO FUEL LEAKAGE. LEAKING FUEL IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, MAY LEAD TO A FIRE.

Remedy: VOLKSWAGEN WILL INSTALL AN IMPROVED FUEL INJECTOR LINE FOR THE NUMBER 2 CYLINDER ON CERTAIN VEHICLES AND WILL INSTALL VIBRATION DAMPERS ON ALL OF THE INJECTOR LINES. VOLKSWAGEN AND AUDI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS TO HAVE THE VEHICLES REPAIRED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING NOVEMBER 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.

Open full NHTSA recall record →
Power Train · 09V333000Details +

VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 AND 2010 PASSENGER CARS MANUFACTURED BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 2008 AND AUGUST 2009. THE WIRING HARNESS OF A TEMPERATURE SENSOR IN THE DIRECT SHIFT GEARBOX (DSG) MAY HAVE CONNECTOR WIRES THAT WERE INSUFFICIENTLY CRIMPED. 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.

Risk: THE ABRUPT SHIFT TO NEUTRAL COULD LEAD TO A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy: VOLKSWAGEN WILL REPROGRAM THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE WITH UPDATED SOFTWARE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 20, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.

Open full NHTSA recall record →
Fuel System · 09V377000Details +

VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006 THROUGH 2010 AUDI A3, TT, AND TT ROADSTER PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 29, 2005 AND AUGUST 26, 2009. THE CLOSING FORCE OF AN INTERNAL SPRING OF THE FUEL TANK VENTILATION VALVE IS NOT ADEQUATE ENOUGH TO HOLD THE VALVE CLOSED UNDER EXTREME DRIVING CONDITIONS POSSIBLY ALLOWING FUEL TO LEAK.

Risk: IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A VEHICLE FIRE COULD OCCUR.

Remedy: VOLKSWAGEN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND AUDI DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK VENTILATION VALVE WITH AN IMPROVED VALVE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 16, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AUDI AT 1-800-253-2834.

Open full NHTSA recall record →
Air Bags · 18V082000Details +

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2006-2013 Audi A3, 2007-2009 A4 Cabriolet and S4 Cabriolet, 2008 RS4 Cabriolet, 2009-2012 Q5, and 2010-2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet and S5 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.

Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 23, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69R6. Note: This recall partially supersedes recall 16V-078.

Open full NHTSA recall record →

A campaign can apply to this model year without being incomplete on a specific vehicle. Check the VIN with NHTSA or a dealer to confirm whether a particular car needs repair.

Investigations

4 NHTSA investigations on record

Investigations are agency reviews, not findings that a vehicle is defective.

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 A3 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.

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 results provided by Volkswagen as part of its response to PE10-034.During EA11-003, ODI analyzed design information, field experience and test data for MY 2009 through 2012 Volkswagen Jetta, Golf and Touareg and Audi A3 and Q7 vehicles equipped with TDI engines. Volkswagen has not identified any design or manufacturing defects in the subject TDI Clean Diesel pumps and has stated that the subject pumps were designed, tested and approved for use in the United States market, with substantial design margins for fuels that are out of specification.Volkswagen believes that misfueling with gasoline is the primary cause of HPFP drivetrain failures in the field.Only the Q7 vehicles were built with misfuel protection devices.In May 2013 Volkswagen initiated a service campaign to install misfuel protection devices in all MY 2009 through 2012 Jetta, Golf and A3 vehicles.Volkswagen implemented misfuel protection devices in all of the subject models beginning in MY 2013. ODI?s analysis of HPFP drivetrain failure incidents indicates that most failures do not result in engine stall while driving and, when pump drivetrain failure does result in stall while driving, it is usually preceded by numerous warning symptoms (e.g., glow plug warning lamp, chime, limp mode, and driveability symptoms).The failure data for the subject vehicles show relatively low stalling rates (less than one percent at three years in service) for each of the pump designs used in the subject vehicles.There have been no reports of crashes, injuries or fatalities related to the alleged defect. Based on these facts, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist.The agency will continue to monitor complaints and other information relating to the alleged defect in the subject vehicles and take further action in the future if warranted.For additional information, see the closing report in the document file for EA11-003.

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.

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 CONTROLLER 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 WELL

Crash-test ratings

2010 Audi A3 4-DR. w/SAB NHTSA source

Overall
Not rated
Frontal
Not rated
Side
Not rated
Rollover
Not rated

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).

Fuel economy by trim

TrimEngineDrivetrainCityHwyCombined
A32.0L 4-cylFront-Wheel Drive293732
A32.0L 4-cylFront-Wheel Drive213024
A32.0L 4-cylFront-Wheel Drive222824

EPA laboratory estimates by trim and engine. Actual mileage varies with driving, weather, load, and maintenance. EPA source.

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2010 Audi A3: frequently asked

What does the complaint record show for the 2010 Audi A3?

Owners filed 50 NHTSA complaints about the 2010 Audi A3. This is raw owner-reported complaint volume with no production or exposure normalization, so it is not a reliability score or a best/worst-year ranking.

What are the most common problems on the 2010 Audi A3?

The most-reported problem areas are Fuel System (32% of complaints) and air bags (26%).

How many recalls does the 2010 Audi A3 have?

5 recalls have been issued that affect the 2010 Audi A3, covering components such as air bags. Check the VIN with NHTSA and ask a dealer to confirm remedy eligibility; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though manufacturers may offer more coverage.

What gas mileage does the 2010 Audi A3 get?

The EPA rates the 2010 Audi A3 between 24 and 32 mpg combined, depending on trim and drivetrain.