Owners have filed 46 complaints
about the 2016 Audi A3 Cabriolet with NHTSA between 2016 and 2024.
The largest single group is the airbags.
Across this model's run it ranks 2 of 4 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 46
Against the median year of the Audi A3 Cabriolet. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 34
6.5% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
68% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2016 compares with every other Audi A3 Cabriolet
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
411.8%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
38.8%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
1338.2%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
514.7%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
411.8%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
25.9%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
38.8%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Apr 2016peak 5Jun 2024
NHTSA investigations into the 2016 Audi A3 Cabriolet
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
RQ23007Opened 12 Dec 2023Closed 1 Jul 2024FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS:CANISTER
Fuel Leak due to Suction Jet Pump Failure within Fuel Tank (Remedy Effectiveness of Recall 16V647)
On December 12, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened RQ23-007 to investigate the remedy repair effectiveness and scope of Volkswagen (VW) recall 16V-647. Recall 16V-647 was issued on September 2, 2016, for a defective suction jet pump (SJP) inside the fuel tank. Failure of the SJP could lead to a fuel leak from the vehicle. This recall covered certain model year (MY) 2015-2016 Volkswagen Golf and Audi A3 passenger car vehicles. The recall remedy repair replaced SJP Version 1.0 with an improved version, Version 1.1. The SJP is designed to purge fuel from the evaporative emiss...
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 3 milesSouth Chicago Hieghts., ILFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 AUDI A3. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED. ALSO, AN ABNORMAL CLICKING NOISE AND SMOKE WERE PRESENT COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (FLETCHERS JONES AUDI CHICAGO, 1111 N. CLARK ST, CHICAGO, IL) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE EXHAUST WAS FAULTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3. *TT CONSUMER HAS STATED THE PROBLEM IS STILL OCCURING AND SMOKING IS GETTING WORSE. DEALER REFUSES TO REPLACE OR REPAIR THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #11154777 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 3 milesSouth Chicago Hieghts., ILFire
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 AUDI A3. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED. ALSO, AN ABNORMAL CLICKING NOISE AND SMOKE WERE PRESENT COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (FLETCHERS JONES AUDI CHICAGO, 1111 N. CLARK ST, CHICAGO, IL) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE EXHAUST WAS FAULTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3. *TT CONSUMER HAS STATED THE PROBLEM IS STILL OCCURING AND SMOKING IS GETTING WORSE. DEALER REFUSES TO REPLACE OR REPAIR THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #11154777 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 45,000 milesSharon, MAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2016 AUDI A3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, IT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. IT WAS UNKNOWN HOW THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000.
NHTSA complaint #10948733 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 35,000 milesNew Kent, VA
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3 Cabriolet. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was previously taken to the local dealer, where it was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V198000 (Air Bags). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, Audi Richmond (12592 Broad St., Richmond, VA 23233), where it was determined that the module connected to the sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.
NHTSA complaint #11597002 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,500 milesRedondo Beach, CA
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3. The contact stated while driving at unknown speed the message, "Oil Level Sensor System Fault" was displayed. The message was display on several occasions while the contact was driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the mechanic stated that several fault codes were displayed. The mechanic informed the contact that replacing the sensor might fix the failure and the part was replaced. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started to stall, and the message was displayed again. The contact stated that the failure recurred several times. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle for the vehicle to operate as needed. The vehicle was towed to another independent mechanic where the failure was unknown, and the mechanic had the vehicle taken to a different mechanic. The independent mechanic informed the contact that the gear shifter had failed to shift from park when the vehicle was started. The contact was informed that the vehicle needed to be towed to the dealer. The vehicle was towed to a dealer but was not yet diagnosed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,500.
NHTSA complaint #11580553 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 147,000 milesRedlands, CA
STEERING
The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3. The contact stated while driving at slow speeds and making a U-turn, the "Steering Defect; Do Not Drive" message was displayed. The power steering warning light was illuminated. The steering wheel turned in the other direction when the vehicle struck the curb. While making a left turn, the steering wheel pulled hard to the right. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 147,000.
NHTSA complaint #11541630 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 147,000 milesRedlands, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3. The contact stated while driving at slow speeds and making a U-turn, the "Steering Defect; Do Not Drive" message was displayed. The power steering warning light was illuminated. The steering wheel turned in the other direction when the vehicle struck the curb. While making a left turn, the steering wheel pulled hard to the right. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 147,000.
NHTSA complaint #11541630 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 63,000 milesSan Antonio, TX
WHEELS:RIM
The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle drove over a massive pothole in the roadway. The contact pulled over to assess the vehicle and discovered that the front passenger’s rim had detached the vehicle. Additionally, the oil pan was punctured, causing oil to leak from the vehicle. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to his residence where it remained in his possession. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 63,000.
NHTSA complaint #11517382 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 8,000 milesAustin, TX
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3. The contact stated while refueling the vehicle, gasoline sprayed out from the fuel filler neck. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed of a malfunction with the filler neck. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 8,000.
NHTSA complaint #11507697 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Acworth, GA
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3. The contact stated the front passenger’s side air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V198000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11480115 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Goodyear, AZ
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V198000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11479028 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fountain Hills, AZ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:FUEL GAUGE
2016 AUDI A3. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO DEFECTIVE GAS GAUGE. THE CONSUMER REFERENCED AUDI SAFETY RECALL 20Y5. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE EXHIBTED THE SAME FAILURE BUT, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE REPAIRED AT A LOCAL MECHANICS SHOP. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO BE INCLUDED IN AND REIMBURSED FOR THE RECALL REPAIR
NHTSA complaint #11478951 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 42,000 milesPelham, NH
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V198000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time to complete the recall repair. The contact stated that the warning message "System Failure - Replace Sensor" would illuminate and the seat belt chime reminder would engage whenever the front passenger’s seat was unoccupied and the seat belt was not buckled. The dealer was notified and informed the contact that the part to do the recall repair was not available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11472867 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Antonio, TX
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V198000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11463661 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Los Altos, CA
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3. The contact received a notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V198000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer twice for regular maintenance and was notified both times that parts for the recall were not yet available. The contact also stated that the passenger’s side air bag light had illuminated on the instrument panel. The manufacturer had been notified of the recall. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the repair. The failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11460153 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 20,000 milesRamsey, NJ
AIR BAGS
The contact and his wife own a 2016 Audi A3. The contact had received a recall notice for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V198000 (Air Bags). The dealer was contacted and informed that the parts remained unavailable despite the letter that stated otherwise. The contact also stated that the passenger occupant detection system (PODS) was inactive and that the passenger air bag warning light had illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11445944 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 55,000 milesHyde Park, MA
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V198000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the front passenger’s side air bag warning light was illuminated, and the State Inspector informed her that the vehicle would fail inspection if the recall repair was not completed. The dealer was notified of the failure but did not provide any assistance. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 55,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11439790 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,000 milesJacksonville, FL
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, he started to smell gasoline fumes inside the vehicle. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to drive to a nearby gas station and noticed a fuel leak. The contact was able to drive to his destination. The contact stated he replaced the fuel cap and evaporator air filter, the fuel pressure sensor, and the evaporator purge valve but continued to experience the failure. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V647000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
NHTSA complaint #11437383 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,000 milesPhoenix, AZ
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V198000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the passenger’s side air bag warning light was illuminated. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11436608 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houston, TX
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V198000 (Air Bags) however, the dealer informed the contact that parts for the recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11434060 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 84,000 milesBeaver, PA
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 21V198000 (Air Bags) and 19V474000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who declined to repair the vehicle for unknown reasons however, the dealer received payment. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed that the ignition coil needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available for NHTSA campaign number: 21V198000 (Air Bags) and Parts distribution disconnect for NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V474000 (Air Bags).
NHTSA complaint #11431217 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 84,000 milesBeaver, PA
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 21V198000 (Air Bags) and 19V474000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who declined to repair the vehicle for unknown reasons however, the dealer received payment. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed that the ignition coil needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available for NHTSA campaign number: 21V198000 (Air Bags) and Parts distribution disconnect for NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V474000 (Air Bags).
NHTSA complaint #11431217 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Seattle, WA
AIR BAGS
Takata recall. The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21V198000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact called the local dealer who stated the parts were not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware if the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11427865 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 24,000 milesHouston, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY. ALL OF A SUDDEN I HEARD A LOUD SOUND AND THE SUNROOF SHATTERED. IT WAS A SUNNY DAY AND THERE WAS NOT MUCH TRAFFIC ON THE FREEWAY. THE SUNROOF SHADE WAS DRAWN SO IT CAUGHT GLASS THAT COULD HAVE FALLEN INSIDE THE CAR. THERE WERE NO OTHER OBJECTS CAUGHT IN THE SHADE, ONLY GLASS. I DON'T THINK IT WAS POSSIBLE THAT ANYTHING HIT THE SUNROOF. I DID NOT SEE ANYTHING, THERE WASN'T TRAFFIC OVERHEAD, AND THERE WEREN'T ANY LARGE VEHICLES NEAR MY CAR. THE SUNROOF JUST SUDDENLY SHATTERED WITH A LOUD SOUND.
NHTSA complaint #11265720 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELK Grove Village, IL
AIR BAGS
I HAVE A 2016 AUDI A3 THAT HAS A CURRENT RECALL ON THE (PODS) SYSTEM AND THE DEALER AND AUDI USA TELLS ME THEY DO NOT HAVE THE PARTS AND HAVE NO IDEA WHEN IT WILL BE AVAILABLE! I DRIVE AND PICK UP MY 15 YEAR OLD GRANDSON TO SCHOOL EACH DAY AND I AM FEAR-FULL AUDI MUST BE MADE TO COME UP WITH THE PARTS. WHAT GOOD IS A RECALL BY NHTSA IF NOTHING GETS COMPLETED??
NHTSA complaint #11256484 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 32,000 milesBrea, CA
STRUCTURE:BODY
PURCHASED THIS CAR DECEMBER OF 2018 (6 MONTHS AGO), VEHICLE STILL UNDER WARRANTY. LATE JAN (A MONTH AFTER PURCHASE), WHILE DRIVING ON THE ROAD, THE LEFT SIDE BUMPER GRILLE, A LARGE PLASTIC PIECE FELL OFF. I THOUGHT IT WAS A FLUKE, SO I PURCHASED A REPLACEMENT PART AND PUT IT BACK INTO THE BUMPER. A MONTH LATER IN LATE MARCH, THAT SAME PIECE FELL OFF AGAIN WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY, CAUSED A LARGE BOOM NOISE AND WAS A HAZARD TO OTHER VEHICLES DRIVING AT HIGH SPEEDS ON THE FREEWAY. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE PART AGAIN. FAST FORWARD TO JUNE, THIS SAME PART ON THE RIGHT SIDE FELL OFF AGAIN WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AND CAUSING THE SAME ROAD HAZARD FOR ALL VEHICLES. IN SUMMARY, WITHIN A SPAN OF 6 MONTHS THIS PART HAD FELL OFF 3 TIMES. THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW IN THE BUMPER DESIGN OF THIS CAR AND NEED TO BE INVESTIGATED, OTHERWISE IT'S A MAJOR ROAD HAZARD TO HAVE CAR PARTS FALLING OFF AND FLYING ON THE FREEWAY.
NHTSA complaint #11230233 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 32,000 milesPlantation, FL
AIR BAGS
VW BOUGHT BACK MY 2016 A3 TWO YEARS AGO BUT I'M STILL RECEIVING THE RECALL INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #11185773 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Naples, NY
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
CAR STALLS AFTER RUNNING, STALLS AT INTERSECTIONS. NO WARNING LIGHTS SHOW ON THE DASH AND RESTART IS NOT IMMEDIATE. LAST EVENT WAS IN CITY STOPPED AT STOP SIGN, STALLED WHEN ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE. SAME SYMPTOMS AS IN RECALL 17V508000. THIS HAS HAPPENED NO FEWER THAN 20 TIMES OVER THE LAST 2 YEARS. TODAY'S DATE DOCUMENTED TODAY.
NHTSA complaint #11162057 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.