Model-year record

2011 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.
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Complaints filed
42
Reports to NHTSA, 2011
Safety recalls
4
NHTSA campaigns on record
NHTSA crash test
Not rated
Overall NCAP rating
Combined MPG
24
EPA estimate
Known issues
Air Bags issues lead owner complaints (48% of 42 reports), followed by electrical system (10%).
+ 3 more component categories with fewer reports.
Share of all 42 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11425738, ODI 11173905, ODI 11151824, ODI 11140633, ODI 11140271.
Individual complaint reports(42)
Showing the 42 most recent reportsElectrical SystemMar 2023 · ODI 11514484Details +Close −
answering questions above: -body control module fuse, possibly engine comopartment fuse box itself -intermittent exterior lighting outages -no dealer / independent service center has inspected -not been inspected by anyone -no warnings, just bulb-out warnings once the issue started longform description: Last week, I was experiencing intermittent light outages on the right side of my car (2011 audi a3 TDI) . It started wednesday 3/22, during my morning commute to work, when I was exiting highway and turned on my right turn signal all the exterior lights on the right side of my car started flickering, and stopped. Same thing happened the next morning, except worse, applying my brakes would disable my right headlight. I stopped driving until the weekend when I drove over to get my car scanned for errors by a buddy of mine who has a diagnostic tool. It pointed to the body control module. With the car on, he gave the body control module fuse a light wiggle, and smoke started pouring out. He turned the car off and took out the fuse, one of the contacts melted into two pieces, and the plastic housing the fuse is full of bubbles. It seems that the engine fuse box for this car is poorly designed, and audi knows this as they've updated the part, but no recall was started. A recall was initiated for a similar issue on Tiguans manufactured around the same time (Recall no. 13V569000). Crazy to think that while I was driving around, there could have been smoke pouring out of my engine compartment fuse box, seems pretty dangerous. And I'm not the only one as people online call this the "infamous audi/vw melted fuse box issue".
- Reported
- Mar 2023
- Incident date
- Mar 2023
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
SteeringJul 2021 · ODI 11425743Details +Close −
ESP malfunctioned while driving on highway: tires braked several times rapidly on one side without warning, making car difficult to control. Immediately took foot off gas and had to steer out of a small fishtail. At the time I was driving at normal speed, not cornering aggressively or anything, on a smooth dry road. In heavy traffic or on a wet road this could have resulted in a crash. On just a couple occasions shortly before this occurred, while going around corners at highway or near-highway speeds there was a sensation that the steering direction suddenly "slipped" a notch, with a sort of thunk from the tires. At the time I attributed it to unseen road bumps, but after experiencing the more serious failure I realized it was the same asymmetrical braking just on a smaller scale. No warning lights gave any indicator of this dangerous sensor fault. During the most serious incident, the ESP light flickered briefly but that is the only time any lights appeared at all. I would expect this system to "fail safe" by deactivating, rather staying active and risking loss of control. Dealer garage said the problem "might" be the ESP sensor yaw rate sensor (G202) but can't guarantee that will fix it. I found several reports online of others experiencing loss of control due to Audi A3 ESP malfunction: 1) https://www.audi-sport.net/xf/threads/esp-driving-me-nuts.225172/ 2) https://www.audi-sport.net/xf/threads/yaw-sensor-g202-replacement-location.350445/ 3) http://www.vask.org.nz/index.php?topic=41577.0
- Reported
- Jul 2021
- Incident date
- Oct 2020
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Air BagsJul 2021 · ODI 11425738Details +Close −
Airbag warning light came on. Dealer said passenger seat occupancy sensor must be replaced, at cost of $1500-3000 since it's 5 months past my warranty. Numerous Audi models from 2012 onward have a recall for this sensor, but not my 2011 model (yet). Other automakers have extended their warranty for this safety-critical part -- BMW to 15 years, for example. Technicians could not tell me if the sensor error means all airbags are disabled, passenger airbag only is disabled, or passenger airbag is always-on (dangerous for children).
- Reported
- Jul 2021
- Incident date
- Aug 2017
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Fuel/Propulsion SystemJan 2020 · ODI 11297247Details +Close −
MY SON WAS DRIVING MY 2011 AUDI A3 TDI TO THE GYM AT NIGHT WHEN HE CALLED ME THE CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE AND HAD A WARNING LIGHT COME ON. I TOLD HIM TO GOOGLE IT AND HE FOUND OUT IT WAS A GLOW PLUG INDICATOR. I TOLD HIM TO CONTINUE DRIVING IT IN THE LIMP MODE. THE CAR DIED WHILE MOVING AND MY SON WAS ABLE TO COAST INTO A PARKING LOT. THIS COULD OF BEEN A DIFFERENT STORY ON A BUSY INTERSTATE. I HAD TO PICK HIM UP AND HAD THE CAR TOWED IN THE MORNING. TO FIND OUT THIS CAR IS NOTORIOUS FOR CATASTROPHIC HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP FAILURE AND THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED. WHEN I SAY CATASTROPHIC, METAL IS SHREDDED AND GOES INTO THE INJECTORS AND CONTAMINATES EVERYTHING THAT CARRIES FUEL. IT IS ABOUT A 7K TO 8K REPAIR. I HAVE USED NOTHING BUT LOW SULFUR DIESEL. IT'S RIDICULOUS A RECALL HASN'T BEEN ISSUED TO PREVENT THIS ISSUE. SINCE THIS HAPPENED I HAVE FOUND COMPLAINTS SCATTERED THROUGHOUT THE INTERNET.
- Reported
- Jan 2020
- Incident date
- Jan 2020
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Exterior LightingMay 2019 · ODI 11217163Details +Close −
INTERMITTENT FAILURE OF EXTERIOR LIGHTS TO INCLUDE HEADLIGHTS, TURN SIGNAL LIGHTS, AND BRAKE LIGHTS DURING DRIVING. THE FIRST OCCURRENCE WAS AT NIGHT. FAULT SEEMS TO BE (ENGINE) TEMPERATURE DEPENDENT (I.E. - DOES NOT SEEM TO OCCUR WHEN ENGINE BAY IS COLD). ISSUE CONTINUED TO OCCUR INTERMITTENTLY FOR SEVERAL DAYS (UNTIL THE PARTS IN THE FOLLOWING DESCRIPTION WERE REPLACED). THE PLASTIC HOUSING FOR A 30 AMPERE FUSE (POSITION F16) IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WAS PARTIALLY MELTING. THE MELTED FUSE RESIDUE WORKED ITSELF INTO THE FUSE BOX TERMINALS (CAUSING DAMAGE OF THE FUSE BOX) AND CAUSING A FAULTY CONNECTION WHICH IN TURN CAUSED THE INTERMITTENT FAILURES OF THE EXTERIOR LIGHTS. I HAVE ATTACHED PICTURES OF THE F16 (POSITION) 30 AMPERE FUSE SHOWING ITS PARTIALLY MELTED PLASTIC BODY AND THE FUSE HOLDER BLOCK (ALSO WITH PARTIALLY MELTED CONTACT POSITION / TERMINAL AREA). UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION, THE FAULT IS EXACTLY THE SAME AS A CURRENT NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID 13V569000 FOR A VW (A SISTER COMPANY OF AUDI) IN BOTH THE FUSE LOCATION AND ITS AFFECTS. IT'S NOT UNCOMMON FOR VW AND AUDI TO USE SAME PARTS. FAILURE OF EXTERIOR LIGHTS (ESPECIALLY AT NIGHT) IS EXTREMELY HAZARDOUS. INTERNET SEARCH SHOW MULTIPLE OCCURRENCES OF THE SAME ISSUE FOR AUDI A3 (SIMILAR MODEL YEARS). OWNER HAS THE FAULTY PARTS (FOR YOUR INSPECTION IF NEED BE). THANK YOU.
- Reported
- May 2019
- Incident date
- May 2019
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Electrical SystemMay 2019 · ODI 11210671Details +Close −
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 AUDI A3. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH AT NIGHT, THE EXTERIOR LIGHTING POWERED OFF INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND POWERED OFF THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND WAS ABLE TO DRIVE NORMALLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED THREE TIMES. IN ADDITION, MULTIPLE ELECTRICAL WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED AND BOTH TURN SIGNALS, BRAKE LIGHTS, AND THE PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT STOPPED WORKING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AUDI OF MISSION VIEJO (LOCATED AT 28451 MARGUERITE PKWY, MISSION VIEJO, CA 92692, (949) 359-4053), WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE PLASTIC BODY OF FUSE F16 MELTED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.
- Reported
- May 2019
- Incident date
- May 2019
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Air BagsFeb 2019 · ODI 11173905Details +Close −
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 AUDI A3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V082000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. AUDI FLATIRONS (13321 W MIDWAY BLVD, BROOMFIELD, CO 80020, (866) 604-3244) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
- Reported
- Feb 2019
- Incident date
- Feb 2019
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Air BagsNov 2018 · ODI 11151824Details +Close −
TAKATA RECALL. I HAVE RECEIVED NUMEROUS NOTICES FROM AUDI AND THE SECRETARY OF STATE'S OFFICE THAT MY A3 IS RECALLED FOR THE AIRBAG REPLACEMENT. I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO SCHEDULE THIS SINCE JUNE WITH AUDI OF KALAMAZOO, MY LOCAL DEALER. THEY SCHEDULE APPOINTMENTS FOR THIS 6 WEEKS OUT. THEY HAVE TWICE CANCELLED MY APPOINTMENT THE DAY BEFORE THE SERVICE SAYING THAT THEY CAN'T GET THE PARTS. I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT WITH ANOTHER DEALER WHO REPORT THAT THEY HAVE NOT HAD SUCH TROUBLE GETTING THE PARTS. AUDI OF KALAMAZOO'S DELAY TACTICS HAVE UNNECESSARILY PUT MY FAMILY AT RISK.
- Reported
- Nov 2018
- Incident date
- Nov 2018
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Air BagsOct 2018 · ODI 11140633Details +Close −
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 AUDI A3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V082000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, 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 CONTACT CALLED DCH AUDI OXNARD AT (805) 288-7728 (LOCATED AT 1600 VENTURA BLVD, OXNARD, CA 93036) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
- Reported
- Oct 2018
- Incident date
- Oct 2017
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Air BagsOct 2018 · ODI 11140271Details +Close −
AUDI REFUSES TO REPLACE CITING LACK OF PARTS YET KEEPS SENDING ME NOTICES TO REPLACE. THIS IS WASTING A LOT OF TIME FOR BOTH PARTIES.
- Reported
- Oct 2018
- Incident date
- Oct 2018
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Air BagsOct 2018 · ODI 11140307Details +Close −
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 AUDI A3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V082000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. AUDI STEVENS CREEK (3350 STEVENS CREEK BLVD, SAN JOSE, CA 95117, (408) 244-5400) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
- Reported
- Oct 2018
- Incident date
- Feb 2018
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Air BagsAug 2018 · ODI 11115229Details +Close −
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 AUDI A3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V079000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED KEYES AUDI (5239 VAN NUYS BLVD, LOS ANGELES, CA, (818) 528-5931) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE ON BACKORDER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. *JS
- Reported
- Aug 2018
- Incident date
- Jan 2018
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Power TrainNov 2017 · ODI 11046384Details +Close −
VEHICLE DOES NOT SWITCH GEARS PROPERLY. ONCE DRIVE GEAR IS SELECTED THEN THE GEAR INDICATOR FLASHES (EX. THE D FLASHES OR P FLASHES). VEHICLE DOES NOT SWITCH GEARS UNTIL 5500 RPM IS REACHED. AND VEHICLE DOES NOT ENGAGE R GEAR ONCE CAR HAS BEEN IN DRIVE. HAVE TO TURN VEHICLE OFF AND BACK ON TO GET TO R. VEHICLE IS PRETTY MUCH NOT DRIVABLE IN CURRENT CONDITION AS IT NEEDS TO BE SHUT OFF AND TURNED ONE MULTIPLE TIMES JUST TO PARK THE CAR. SOMETIMES BEHAVES NORMALLY FOR SHORT BURSTS.
- Reported
- Nov 2017
- Incident date
- Dec 2016
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Air BagsJul 2017 · ODI 11003027Details +Close −
TAKATA RECALL. THE RECALL ON THIS AIRBAG ISSUED IN FEB 2016 AND I AM STILL BEING TOLD THAT THERE IS NO REMEDY AVAILABLE. NOTHING HAS HAPPENED YET, BUT I AM APPARENTLY DRIVING AROUND WITH AN AIRBAG THAT IS KNOWN TO BE HAZARDOUS.
- Reported
- Jul 2017
- Incident date
- Jul 2017
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Air BagsApr 2017 · ODI 10980969Details +Close −
UNABLE TO TRADE IN VEHICLE WITH DEALER. STATES ONLY VALUED AT $2500; $5000 LESS THAN ACTUAL TRADE IN VALUE. UNACCEPTABLE THAT AUDI DOES NOT STAND BY MISTAKE.
- Reported
- Apr 2017
- Incident date
- Apr 2017
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Air BagsMar 2017 · ODI 10966635Details +Close −
TAKATA RECALL: AUDI HAS BEEN UNABLE TO PROVIDE ANY INFORMATION AS TO WHEN THE TAKATA AIRBAG INFLATOR(S) WILL BE REPLACED. IT HAS BEEN APPROXIMATELY ONE YEAR, AND WE HAVE KEPT THE CAR GARAGED FOR FEAR OF SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT. AUDI HAS OFFERED NO INFORMATION THE STATUS OF THE RECALL, NO LOANER VEHICLE/RENTAL VEHICLE, AND APPEARS TO HAVE NO PLAN IN PLACE FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE AFFECTED AIRBAG INFLATOR(S).
- Reported
- Mar 2017
- Incident date
- Jul 2016
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Air BagsMar 2017 · ODI 10958884Details +Close −
I RECEIVED A LETTER AND EMAIL FROM MY DEALERSHIP AROUND THE BEGINNING OF FEBRUARY INFORMING ME THAT MY CAR HAD A DEFECTIVE TAKATA DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG AND TO COME IN AND TALK TO SOMEONE REGARDING MY OPTIONS. I SCHEDULED AN APPT WITH MY DEALERSHIP FOR FEBRUARY 25, 2017 AND MET WITH SARSI KAZIMI, SALES MANAGER, AT KEYES AUDI AT 5239 VAN NUYS BLVD, VAN NUYS, CA 91401. SARSI CONFIRMED THAT THERE IS NOT A REMEDY AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME, AND TRIED TO OFFER ME A TRADE-IN DEAL FOR MY CAR AGAINST ANOTHER AUDI. I CURRENTLY HAVE 1 1/2 YEARS MORE UNTIL FULL PAYOFF OF MY VEHICLE (CAR LOAN THROUGH MY CREDIT UNION, NOT THE DEALERSHIP). I INFORMED SARSI THAT I DIDN'T WANT TO LOCK MYSELF INTO A NEW LOAN FOR ANOTHER 5-7 YRS WHEN MY MINE IS ALMOST PAID OFF. THE FOLLOWING WEEK HE OFFERED ME A NEW LEASE OPTION FOR THE A3 SPORTBACK ETRON, BUT THE PAYMENT WOULD BE HIGHER THAN MY CURRENT MONTHLY PAYMENT AT $399/MO, NOT TO MENTION, I WOULDN'T EVEN OWN THE CAR AT THE END OF THE LEASE. I TRIED TO MEET HIM WITH A REASONABLE OFFER FOR THE LEASE OPTION BUT HE WOULD NOT CONCEDE. I FELT MY OFFER WAS FAIR IN REGARDS TO THE AIRBAG NOT HAVING A REMEDY AT THIS TIME. I DID NOT WANT TO GO LOWER THAN MY CURRENT MONTHLY PAYMENT, SO I TOLD HIM I WAS WILLING TO LEASE A NEW A3 SPORTBACK FOR 3 YEARS, NO MONEY DUE AT SIGNING, 12,000 MILES/YEAR, FULLY LOADED, W/ NOTHING HIGHER THAN $350/MO. AUDI ALREADY HAD A CURRENT OFFER FOR SOMETHING SIMILARLY ADVERTISED. LEASE THE SAME CAR WITH MONTHLY AMOUNT $359 AND APPROXIMATELY $2600 DUE AT SIGNING (SEE ATTACHED). I FIGURED THIS WAS FAIR AND REASONABLE BASED ON COMPARISON TO THEIR CURRENT ADVERTISEMENT. HE CAME BACK WITH THE LOWEST HE COULD POSSIBLE GO WAS NO MONEY DOWN FOR THE STIPPED DOWN VERSION (NO ADDITIONAL "ADD-ONS"), AT $399/MO. HE WAS NOT WILLING TO BUDGE. I TOLD HIM I WAS NOT INTERESTED IN THIS DEAL AND WALKED OUT. PLEASE ADVISE ON HOW I SHOULD PROCEED.
- Reported
- Mar 2017
- Incident date
- Mar 2017
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Air BagsMar 2017 · ODI 10957949Details +Close −
MFTR HAS NOT REPLACED AIRBAG UNDER THIS RECALL
- Reported
- Mar 2017
- Incident date
- Mar 2017
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineFeb 2017 · ODI 10954795Details +Close −
COOLANT PUMP- AUDI ACTION CODE-19L2-"THE COOLANT PUMP MAY DEVELOP A SMALL LEAK OVER TIME." MY AUDI SUFFERED A COOLANT LEAK AND HAD TO FIX FOR $1100 IN DIAGNOSIS/REPAIRS. I REPAIRED IT ON MY OWN AND LATER I LEARNED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FROM AUDI. I NEED TO GET MY REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE MONEY I PUT UP TO FIX COOLANT LEAK.
- Reported
- Feb 2017
- Incident date
- Apr 2015
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Air BagsJan 2017 · ODI 10945150Details +Close −
I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM A DEALER IN HOUSTON, TX ON OCT 3, 2016. PRIOR TO PURCHASE, I SUBMITTED THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTATION AND NOTICE TO US CUSTOMS FOR EXPORT TO CANADA. I ALSO CONTACTED AUDI CANADA TO DETERMINE THAT THERE WERE NO OUTSTANDING RECALLS. THE VENDOR PROVIDED A TEMPORARY PERMIT FROM THE STATE OF TEXAS, WHICH PERMITTED US TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE HOME. WE IMPORTED THE VEHICLE INTO CANADA AT PORT HURON WITH NO COMPLICATIONS ON OCTOBER 21, 2016, PAYING THE REQUIRED DUTY AND HST. SEVERAL DAYS LATER, WE RECEIVED NOTICE FROM RIV THAT THEY COULD NOT ISSUE CLEARANCE, AS A RECALL FOR THE TAKATA AIRBAG REMAINED OUTSTANDING. RIV INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE MUST COMPLY WITHIN 45 DAYS OR BE RETURNED TO THE US. I ENQUIRED ABOUT RETURNING THE VEHICLE TO THE SELLING DEALER. HOWEVER, AS THE TEXAS TITLE HAS BEEN TRANSFERRED TO MY NAME, THE VEHICLE MUST NOW BE COMPLIANT FOR RESALE IN THE US. I HAVE MADE NUMEROUS INQUIRIES OF AUDI CANADA AND WHILE THEY HAVE ATTEMPTED TO BE HELPFUL, THEY INDICATE THAT NO REPLACEMENT PARTS ARE AVAILABLE AND NO DATE HAS BEEN PROVIDED REGARDING AVAILABILITY OF PARTS. I HAVE ALSO CONTACTED AUDI MISSISSAUGA, (WHO HAVE SERVICED OTHER AUDI VEHICLES FOR US), AS WELL, AS THE ORIGINAL SELLING DEALER IN SAN ANTONIO, TX, TO ASK THEM TO INCLUDE OUR VEHICLE IN THE QUEUE, SHOULD PARTS BECOME AVAILABLE. IN THE MEANTIME, THE VEHICLE SITS IN MY GARAGE, SOMEWHERE IN BUREAUCRATIC NO-MANS-LAND. WHILE I WOULD PREFER TO HAVE THE RECALL COMPLETED, I AM NOT CONCERNED ABOUT DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND ACCEPT THAT RESPONSIBILITY. ARE YOU AWARE OF OTHER OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD SIMILAR EXPERIENCE AND HAVE THEY BEEN ABLE TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE? OR, CAN YOU SUGGEST AN ALTERNATE COURSE OF ACTION THAT MAY LEAD TO A RESOLUTION?
- Reported
- Jan 2017
- Incident date
- Sep 2016
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Air BagsDec 2016 · ODI 10934722Details +Close −
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 AUDI A3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V079000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED WAS UNAVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.....UPDATED 02/06/17 *BF UPDATED 09/08/2017 *JS
- Reported
- Dec 2016
- Incident date
- Jun 2016
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Air BagsSep 2016 · ODI 10909986Details +Close −
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 AUDI A3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION IF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V079000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PARTS NEEDED FOR THE RECALL REMEDY WERE STILL NOT AVAILABLE AND THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 12/01/16*LJ
- Reported
- Sep 2016
- Incident date
- Sep 2016
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Air BagsAug 2016 · ODI 10901953Details +Close −
TAKATA RECALL. NO REMEDY AVAILABLE APPARENTLY.
- Reported
- Aug 2016
- Incident date
- Aug 2016
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Air BagsAug 2016 · ODI 10901954Details +Close −
TAKATA RECALL
- Reported
- Aug 2016
- Incident date
- Aug 2016
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Air BagsAug 2016 · ODI 10893429Details +Close −
TAKATA AIRBAG I AM WRITING TO EXPRESS MY GREAT CONCERN ABOUT THIS POTENTIALLY LETHAL ISSUE WITH MY CAR. THIS RECALL IS OPEN SINCE FEBRUARY 2016 AND YET NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO RECTIFY THIS. I AM FORCED TO DRIVE A POTENTIALLY LETHALLY HARMFUL VEHICLE OVER THE LACK OF ABILITY BY THE MANUFACTURER TO REMEDY THE AIRBAG INFLATOR. I UNDERSTAND THE INVOLVED CONCERNS OF THE SURVIVABILITY OF TAKATA - HOWEVER MY PERSONAL LIFE COMES BEFORE THE ECONOMIC CONCERN OF THE CAR MANUFACTURER AND ITS SUPPLIERS.
- Reported
- Aug 2016
- Incident date
- Aug 2016
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Air BagsJun 2016 · ODI 10881408Details +Close −
TAKATA RECALL. A RECALL WAS ISSUED IN FEBRUARY 2016 FOR MY VEHICLE. I WAS NOTIFIED BY AUDI OF THE RECALL IN APRIL. I CONTACTED THE DEALER THEN AND WAS TOLD THERE WERE NO PARTS AVAILABLE. I CONTACTED AUDI WEST HOUSTON AGAIN ON JUNE 27, 2016 AND WAS TOLD THE ONLY REMEDY TO ME WAS A DISCOUNT ON A NEW CAR. I WAS TOLD THIS BY A SALESMAN AND BY THE GENERAL SALES MANAGER. I CONTACTED AUDI CUSTOMER SERVICE ON JUNE 29, 2016, AND THEY SAID THERE WERE NO PARTS AVAILABLE AND THEY DID NOT HAVE ANY IDEA WHEN THEY WOULD BE AVAILABLE. THEY SAID I COULD CONTINUE TO DRIVE THE CAR SINCE NO AUDI OR VW HAD EXPERIENCED AN AIR-BAG FAILURE. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE AND WOULD LIKE IT REPAIRED. I DON'T THINK IT'S RIGHT THAT AUDI HAS NOT REPAIRED A SINGLE VEHICLE UNDER THIS RECALL NOR CAN THEY ESTIMATE WHEN THEY WILL BEGIN REPAIRING THESE VEHICLES. WHY DOES SOMEONE HAVE TO BE KILLED IN AN AUDI/VW BEFORE THEY ARE FORCED TO PROVIDE REPAIRS OR ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION. THEIR APPROACH SEEMS TO BE TO "WAIT IT OUT" AND HOPE THAT PEOPLE WILL JUST BE FORCED TO BUY ANOTHER VEHICLE FROM THEM UNDER AN "INCENTIVE" PROGRAM THAT IS COMPLETELY INADEQUATE. I DON'T KNOW WHY I SHOULD BE FORCED TO BUY ANOTHER AUDI SIMPLY TO AVOID DRIVING AN UNSAFE VEHICLE. I WOULD RATHER HAVE THEM DISABLE THE AIRBAG THAN TAKE THE CHANCE THAT IT EXPLODES.
- Reported
- Jun 2016
- Incident date
- Jun 2016
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Air BagsMay 2016 · ODI 10862647Details +Close −
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 AUDI A3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V079000 (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 NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
- Reported
- May 2016
- Incident date
- Feb 2016
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineDec 2015 · ODI 10807891Details +Close −
I WAS AT THE TAIL END OF A 400 MILE TRIP-ALL FREEWAY DRIVING. AFTER EXITING THE FREEWAY, THE CAR WAS SLOWLY LOSING POWER. THE GLOW PLUG LIGHT CAME ON. CAR STALLED AFTER 1/2 MILE. I TRIED TO RESTART IT. IT WOULD NOT START. THE GLOW PLUG AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WERE ON. TOWED TO DEALERSHIP TO FIND THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP SEND METAL INTO MY FUEL SYSTEM AND ENGINE. I HAVE JUST OVER 50,000 MILES ON THE CAR. THE REPAIR IS COVERED DUE TO THE FAULTY PART. AUDI SHOULD HAVE TO TAKE THE CAR BACK BECAUSE THEY KNEW ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. INSTEAD OF DOING A RECALL, THEY ALLOWED THE CAR TO BE DRIVEN AND NOW MY ENGINE IS AFFECTED. I TRIED TO ARRANGE A TRADE-IN AT A LOCAL SUBARU DEALERSHIP AND THEY OFFERED ME LOW BLUE BOOK MINUS $10,000. MY CAR IS NOT ONLY UNDESIRABLE, BUT WORTHLESS.
- Reported
- Dec 2015
- Incident date
- Nov 2015
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Electrical SystemOct 2015 · ODI 10780706 · fireDetails +Close −
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 AUDI A3. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE HEADLIGHTS SUDDENLY SHUT OFF AND THE SERVICE VEHICLE SENSOR LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DISCOVERED THAT A FUSE PANEL HAD OVERHEATED AND MELTED. THE CONTACT ALSO INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED FUEL LEAKING WITHIN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.
- Reported
- Oct 2015
- Incident date
- Jan 2015
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- Fire
StructureApr 2015 · ODI 10704523Details +Close −
I RECENTLY STARTED TO USE THE BACK PART OF THE CAR, NEVER HAD USED IT BEFORE HAD ANOTHER CAR FOR DOGS AND BIKES. THE AREA WHERE THE SPARE TIRE IS MADE OUT OF CARDBOARD, WILL NOT HOLD 125 LAB DOG OR A BIKE. WENT TO DEALER SAID THEY WOULD REPLACE THE PIECE AND SPLIT THE COST. PIECE IS NOT BROKEN, 1/2 THE CAR IS NOT USABLE, IF I PUT MY 125 LAB BACK THERE SHE WOULD FALL INTO THE SPARE TIRE. AUDI DOES NOT THINK THIS IS A PROBLEM. IT IS DANGEROUS TO HAVE KIDS, BIKE OR DOGS BACK THERE. UNSAFE. I HAVE BEEN EMAILING AUDI CORPORATE AND DEALER- LOTS OF TALK AND NO SOLUTIONS. THE CAR IS WONDERFUL, THEY JUST FELL ASLEEP WHEN THEY MADE THE TRUNK AREA. DANGEROUS!! *TR
- Reported
- Apr 2015
- Incident date
- Mar 2015
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineOct 2014 · ODI 10641900Details +Close −
THE VEHICLE STARTED LOOSING POWER AND STALLING. THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME UP. I TOOK THE CAR THE DEALER. THEY DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS A HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL PUMP THAT HAS DISINTEGRATED AND DAMAGED THE ENTIRE FUEL SYSTEM. *TR
- Reported
- Oct 2014
- Incident date
- Sep 2014
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Vehicle Speed ControlSep 2014 · ODI 10630242Details +Close −
I WAS DRIVING ALONG THE NY STATE THRUWAY IN ALBANY AT 65-70 MILES AN HOUR. I REALIZED I WAS UNABLE TO ACCELERATE AND SAW THAT THE GLOW PLUG LIGHT WAS FLASHING. I SLOWED DOWN AND TRIED TO MOVE OVER TO THE RIGHT, BUT AS I SLOWED, THE CAR STALLED AND I WAS IN THE MIDDLE LANE. I WAS IN THE MIDDLE LANE WITH CARS PASSING ME ON EITHER SIDE AND I WAS UNABLE TO RESTART MY CAR. IT WAS SO SCARY. I COULDN'T GET OUT, I WAS ALONE. I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT TO DO, I FELT MY LIFE WAS IN DANGER, UNABLE TO GET OUT OF MY CAR. I GOT MYSELF TOGETHER ENOUGH TO CALL AAA. THEY CALLED THE POLICE TO HELP ME WITH TRAFFIC. I WAS PUSHED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD DODGING CARS AND TRYING NOT TO GET HIT. AAA CAME 1 HOUR LATER; IT WAS 12:00PM, HOT AND HUMID ON THE LABOR DAY HOLIDAY! THEY TOWED ME TO THE NEAREST AUDI DEALER WHICH WAS 20 MILES AWAY. I HAD TO PAY FOR THE EXTRA MILES. I AM 3 HOURS FROM HOME WITH NO IDEA WHAT I AM GOING TO DO. MY DAUGHTER HAD TO COME PICK ME UP AND DRIVE ME BACK HOME. NOW MY CAR IS IN ALBANY AND I AM IN MASSACHUSETTS. I DON'T KNOW WHAT IS WRONG WITH MY CAR OR HOW I AM GOING TO GET MY CAR BACK. THIS WAS A VERY SCARY, UNACCEPTABLE INCIDENT! *TR
- Reported
- Sep 2014
- Incident date
- Sep 2014
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Fuel SystemAug 2014 · ODI 10628306Details +Close −
MY A3 2011 AUDI 2.0 TDI DIESEL WOULD NOT START IN A PARKING LOT. NOT THE BATTERY: TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER IN HONOLULU,HI SAYS I NEED THE ENTIRE FUEL SYSTEM ( TANK,LINES, 2 FUEL PUMPS ) REPLACED DUE TO 'GLITTER LIKE' PARTICLES IN THE FUEL LINE. FUEL IS BEING SENT FOR ANALYSIS. I AM USING THE RECOMMENDED BRAND OF DIESEL FUEL ( SHELL ) . FORTUNATELY I WAS NOT MOVING. SEVERAL OTHER COMPLAINTS LIST SUDDEN ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO FUEL PUMP FAILURE. ALSO FORTUNATELY, IT IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. *TR
- Reported
- Aug 2014
- Incident date
- Aug 2014
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Fuel/Propulsion SystemJul 2014 · ODI 10608493Details +Close −
CAR STALLED DUE TO DEBRIS CLOGGING THE FUEL LINE AND FUEL COULD NOT GET TO THE ENGINE. I AM TOLD CAVITATION OCCURRED, RESULTING IN METAL SHARDS DAMAGING THE FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEM. ENTIRE FUEL SYSTEM NEEDED REPLACEMENT AFTER THE TANK. DEALER CHALLENGED WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR THE $10K REPAIR, SAYING THE STANDARD SERVICE ON THE FUEL FILTER DID NOT APPEAR TO HAVE BEEN PERFORMED. THE WARRANTY GOES TO 50K MILES, CAR WAS AT 48.5K MILES. THE OWNER'S WARRANTY BOOKLET DID NOT HAVE THE SAME SERVICE AS THE DEALER SAID SHOULD HAVE BEEN DONE--IT WAS A LESS FREQUENT INTERVAL. *JS
- Reported
- Jul 2014
- Incident date
- May 2014
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Fuel SystemJul 2014 · ODI 10607406Details +Close −
FUEL PUMP IMPLODED AND SENT SHRAPNEL THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE FUEL SYSTEM. EVERYTHING HAD TO BE REPLACED. *TR
- Reported
- Jul 2014
- Incident date
- Jun 2014
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Electrical SystemJun 2014 · ODI 10598963Details +Close −
SAME ISSUE AS CAMPAIGN 97Z9 ON THE VW TIGUAN WITH FUSE F16 ON THE FUSE PANEL IS MELTING. THE PART NUMBER IS THE SAME AS THE TIGUAN'S. 1K0937125D. *TR
- Reported
- Jun 2014
- Incident date
- Jun 2014
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Power TrainDec 2013 · ODI 10557106Details +Close −
THE CAR IS JERKING IN BETWEEN 1ST AND SECOND GEAR. SEEMS THE TRANSMISSION CANT DECIDE TO STAY IN 1ST OR SECOND. ALSO- THE CAR SHIFTS DOWN TO 1ST INAPPROPRIATELY QUICKLY. *TR
- Reported
- Dec 2013
- Incident date
- Nov 2013
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Fuel SystemSep 2013 · ODI 10544337Details +Close −
I OWN AN AUDI A3 2011, TDI. I HAD TWO SIMILAR INCIDENTS WITH THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM WITH THIS TDI. THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED WHEN THE CARS JUST PASSED THE WARRANTY PERIOD OF 50,000 MILES. I DROVE THIS CAR IN CITY STREET AND THE ?GLOW-PLUG? INDICATOR LIGHT CAME ON. I BARELY MADE IT TO THE AUDI SERVICE. THEY TOLD ME THAT I CONTAMINATED WITH UNLEADED FUEL. I TOLD THE SERVICE MANAGER THAT IS NOT THE CASE BECAUSE I ONLY USE ONE GAS STATION AND USUALLY, I USED THE SAME DIESEL PUMP. AFTER AUDI DEALER TALK TO THE AUDI OF AMERICA, THEY DECIDED TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR, APPROXIMATELY $8,000. THEN THIS IS THE SECOND SIMILAR INDECENT. I STARTED THE ENGINE AND HEAR UNUSUAL CLANKING NOISE FROM THE ENGINE. I CONTINUED TO DRIVE THE CAR IN CITY STREET TO MY HOME. THEN SUDDENLY THE ?GLOW PLUG? LIGHTS MOMENTARILY FLASHES. THE ENGINE DIES IMMEDIATE RIGHT AFTER. I COAST THE CAR TO THE CURB. I TOOK THE CAR INTO THE DEALER, AND AFTER A DAY, THE SERVICE MANAGER AGAIN TOLD ME THAT THE FUEL SYSTEM WAS CONTAMINATED WITH UNLEADED FUEL. I ASSURED YOU THAT THIS IS NOT THE CASE BECAUSE I AM THE ONLY ONE WHO DROVE THIS CAR. THE SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME THAT AUDI DID THE ANALYSIS AND IT INDICATED THAT THE FUEL GOT CONTAMINATED, BUT CONTINUED TO DENY THE ACCUSATION BECAUSE I AM VERY CAREFUL IN USING THE ?ULTRA-LOW SULFUR DIESEL? FOR MY CAR. THE FIRST INCIDENT I ONLY POUR MY DIESEL GAS FROM SHELL STATION, BUT SINCE THE FIRST INCIDENT HAD HAPPENED, I CHANGED TO CHEVRON STATION. AFTER ONE WEEK, I CALLED THE SERVICE MANAGER AND ASK HIM FOR THE ANALYSIS OF THE CONTAMINATION, AND HE SAID THAT HE HAD SENT TO AUDI IN GERMANY FOR REPORT. THEN I SAID I WANTED THE OLD INJECTION SYSTEM BACK SO I CAN DO AN INDEPENDENT ANALYSIS, HE ALSO TOLD ME HE SENT THE OLD PARTS BACK TO GERMANY FOR FURTHER ANALYSIS. I SERIOUSLY DOUBTED THAT THE AUDI DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT DID ANY ANALYSIS. *TR
- Reported
- Sep 2013
- Incident date
- Sep 2013
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineAug 2012 · ODI 10471151Details +Close −
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 AUDI A3 TDI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS IMMEDIATELY ABLE TO BE RESTARTED AND WAS THEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE A PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 17,000.
- Reported
- Aug 2012
- Incident date
- Aug 2012
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Equipment Adaptive/MobilityFeb 2012 · ODI 10447052Details +Close −
YOU MOBILE PHONE CONNECTS TO THE AUTOS RADIO SYSTEM. THE AUTOS DEFAULT RING VOLUME IS AT AN UNSAFE VOLUME AND CANNOT BE MODIFIED. TWO AUDIOLOGISTS HAVE BOTH ATTESTED TO THE FACT THAT THE VOLUME IS AT AN UNSAFE LEVEL. AUDI SAYS THE REALIZE THE PROBLEM, BUT WILL OFFER NO FIX. I AM CONCERNED FOR MY HEARING AND FOR MY WIFE AND CHILD. *TR
- Reported
- Feb 2012
- Incident date
- Oct 2011
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Fuel SystemJul 2011 · ODI 10415442Details +Close −
1) NORMAL DRIVING. 2) FUEL PUMP FAILURE RESULTING IN TOTAL FUEL SYSTEM FAILURE. 3) FUEL PUMP AND ENTIRE FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEM REPLACED. *TR
- Reported
- Jul 2011
- Incident date
- Jul 2011
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Power TrainMay 2011 · ODI 10399438Details +Close −
PURCHASED A NEW 2011 AUDI A3 TDI LAST SATURDAY. THE FOLLOWING FRIDAY WHILE PULLING OUT INTO AN INTERSECTION THE DSG TRANSMISSION BRIEFLY WENT INTO NEUTRAL AND I SAW THE TACHOMETER NEEDLE SHOOT UP AND HEARD THE ENGINE WHINE. I WAS IN MANUAL MODE AT THE TIME. I DOWN SHIFTED AND LET OFF THE GAS AND IT RE-ENGAGED. THE FOLLOWING DAY (TODAY) THE SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN. THIS TIME I WAS ALSO IN MANUAL MODE AND WAS AGAIN PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC FROM AN ALMOST COMPLETE STOP. I WILL BE CALLING THE DEALER MONDAY, BUT IN THE MEANTIME I HAVE SINCE LEARNED THAT THIS IS AN ONGOING AND KNOWN ISSUE WITH VW / AUDI DSG TRANSMISSIONS. *TR
- Reported
- May 2011
- Incident date
- May 2011
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Recalls(4)
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 BagsApr 2019 · 19V862000Details +Close −
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2015 Passat, 2011-2014 Golf A6, and 2011-2013 Audi A3 diesel vehicles, thought to have been previously repaired under one of the Takata air bag recalls. The driver's side air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp 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 side air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began December 20, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69R6, 69Q8, 69Q9, and 69Y5.
Open full NHTSA recall record →Air BagsOct 2016 · 16V079000Details +Close −
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 +Close −
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 →Air Bags · 18V082000Details +Close −
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
2 NHTSA investigations on record
Investigations are agency reviews, not findings that a vehicle is defective.
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.
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.
Crash-test ratings
2011 Audi A3 4 DR FWD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Not rated
- Frontal
- Not rated
- Side
- Not rated
- Rollover
- Not rated
2011 Audi A3 4 DR AWD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Not rated
- Frontal
- Not rated
- Side
- Not rated
- Rollover
- Not rated
Fuel economy by trim
| Trim | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A3 | 2.0L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 29 | 37 | 32 |
| A3 | 2.0L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Manual 6-spd | 21 | 30 | 24 |
| A3 | 2.0L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 22 | 28 | 24 |
EPA laboratory estimates by trim and engine. Actual mileage varies with driving, weather, load, and maintenance. EPA source.
Before you buy
Useful next checks
Federal records tell you about patterns. These checks can tell you more about the specific car in front of you.
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Compare the year-by-year record
Open another year for its own evidence-gated decision. TireKick does not crown a best year from raw complaint totals.
2011 Audi A3: frequently asked
What does the complaint record show for the 2011 Audi A3?
Owners filed 42 NHTSA complaints about the 2011 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 2011 Audi A3?
The most-reported problem areas are Air Bags (48% of complaints) and electrical system (10%).
How many recalls does the 2011 Audi A3 have?
4 recalls have been issued that affect the 2011 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 2011 Audi A3 get?
The EPA rates the 2011 Audi A3 between 24 and 32 mpg combined, depending on trim and drivetrain.