Owners have filed 66 complaints
about the 2009 Audi A3 with NHTSA between 2009 and 2022.
The largest single group is the airbags.
Across this model's run it ranks 2 of 16 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 — 57
Against the median year of the Audi A3. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
24.2% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 39
23% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
411.4%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
12.9%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
38.6%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
25.7%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
925.7%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
822.9%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
720.0%
150,000+ miles
12.9%
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.
May 2009peak 6Dec 2022
NHTSA investigations into the 2009 Audi A3
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.
PE11023Opened 2 Aug 2011Closed 2 Dec 2011FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
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 fr...
PE09035Opened 17 Jul 2009Closed 19 Nov 2009POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
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...
Recalls on the 2009 Audi A3
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
18V082000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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.
16V913000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Volkswagen Jetta A5 Sedan, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen, Eos, GTI, Rabbit and Audi A3 vehicles, and 2010 Volkswagen Golf A6 vehicles. The Antilock Brake System (ABS) control unit may fail during ABS or Electronic Stability Control (ESC) activation, possibly causing a loss of vehicle control.
Risk: A loss of vehicle control can increase the risk of a crash.
16V079000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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.
09V377000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
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.
09V333000
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
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.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 201805926,340 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, could eventually degrade the propellant contained in the driver frontal airbag. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. As a result, if the vehicle were involved in a collision that warrants airbag deployment, fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants, and the airbag assembly could be damaged, preventing proper function. These issues could increase the risk of injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the driver frontal airbag inflator. Note: Canadian climate results in the propellant degrading slowly. The recall is being conducted as a precaution to address future risk, and is expected to replace airbag inflators before their function would be affected. Additional Note: For the Audi A4, S4, A5 and S5 models, this campaign only affects the Cabriolet versions of these models. Also to Note: This recall supersedes the Audi brand vehicles subject to recall 2016-064 (Audi Recall 69N1) and 2016-065 (69N2). Audi brand vehicles completed under the previous 2016-064 and 2016-065 recalls require repair under this recall, as the previous recall remedy was an interim repair. Interim repair parts must be replaced with final repair parts.
Recall 201662912,205 units in Canada
Brakes
On certain vehicles, a fault within the antilock brake system (ABS) may cause the module to fail during ABS and/or electronic stability control (ESC) activation. This will cause warning lights for ABS, brake and the ESC systems to illuminate. If this happens, the brake system related vehicle stabilizing functions (ABS/ESC) may not be available, increasing the risk of a loss of vehicle control and could lead to a crash causing injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will update the ABS control module with improved diagnostic capability to detect insufficient PCU ground connection. ABS modules with insufficient ground connections will be replaced.
Recall 201606515,039 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, the driver frontal airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment. Increased pressure may cause the inflator to rupture, which could allow fragments to be propelled toward vehicle occupants, increasing the risk of injury. This could also damage the airbag module, which could prevent proper deployment. Failure of the airbag to fully deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant. Correction: Dealers will replace the front driver airbag inflator. Note: This only affects the Cabriolet versions of the Audi A4 and S4 models.
Recall 20092782,662 units in Canada
Fuel System
On certain Audi A3 Quattro, TT Quattro and TT Quattro roadster, the closing force of an internal spring of the fuel tank ventilation valve is not adequate enough to hold the valve closed under extreme conditions. During certain driving manoeuvres, liquid fuel may enter the fuel tank venting system and migrate into the evaporative system, saturating the carbon canister. Should this occur while driving, the vehicle may experience performance issues (i.e. vehicle jerking) and the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) in the instrument cluster could illuminate. In certain instances, fuel could leak from the evaporative system leak detection pump filter. A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a vehicle fire causing property damage, personal injury or death. Correction: Dealers will replace the fuel tank ventilation valve with an improved version.
Recall 20092493,467 units in Canada
Powertrain
On certain Audi A3, TT, TT Roadster, and Volkswagen EOS, Golf wagon, GTI, Jetta and Jetta wagon equipped with a Direct-Shift Gearbox (DSG), the wiring harness of a temperature sensor in the DSG may have connector wires that were insufficiently crimped during assembly. As such, the temperature sensor could falsely detect a high gearbox oil temperature, causing the transmission to abruptly shift to the Neutral position. A loss of propulsion, in conjunction with traffic and road conditions, and the driver's reactions, could increase the risk of a crash causing personal injury or death. Correction: Dealers will reprogram the transmission control module with updated software..
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Bayside, NYCrash
POWER TRAIN
vehicle switched into neutral and accelerated Unable to control or stop Crashed into bush 2014 AUDI checked said no issuue Vehicle switches gear unexpectedly on highway and slows and drags Audi checked Said normal 9/3 2022 foot on break to a full stop at a light Anothet auto in front Audi suddenly switched gear and started to accelerate Would not stop Crashed into car in front Gear stayed frrozen in neutral for a few mimutes.
NHTSA complaint #11482996 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bayside, NYCrash
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
vehicle switched into neutral and accelerated Unable to control or stop Crashed into bush 2014 AUDI checked said no issuue Vehicle switches gear unexpectedly on highway and slows and drags Audi checked Said normal 9/3 2022 foot on break to a full stop at a light Anothet auto in front Audi suddenly switched gear and started to accelerate Would not stop Crashed into car in front Gear stayed frrozen in neutral for a few mimutes.
NHTSA complaint #11482996 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bayside, NYCrash
ENGINE
vehicle switched into neutral and accelerated Unable to control or stop Crashed into bush 2014 AUDI checked said no issuue Vehicle switches gear unexpectedly on highway and slows and drags Audi checked Said normal 9/3 2022 foot on break to a full stop at a light Anothet auto in front Audi suddenly switched gear and started to accelerate Would not stop Crashed into car in front Gear stayed frrozen in neutral for a few mimutes.
NHTSA complaint #11482996 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesBethel, CTCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2009 AUDI A3. WHILE DRIVING ON A HILL, THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE STOPPED DUE TO BLACK ICE. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT END COLLISION WITH A TELEPHONE POLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SALVAGE YARD WHERE IT WAS DEEMED DESTROYED. AUDI FAIRFIELD (435 COMMERCE DR, FAIRFIELD, CT) WAS CONTACTED, BUT DID NOT COMMUNICATE WITH THE CONTACT IN REGARDS TO THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THERE WAS AN INTERIM REPAIR FOR THE TAKATA RECALL FOUR MONTHS PRIOR TO THE CRASH. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THERE WAS ONE INJURY THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE CONTACT SUFFERED MILD BRUISING FROM CONTACTING THE STEERING COLUMN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 90,000. *TT NEITHER AUDI OR TAKATA ACKNOWLEDGES THE AIRBAG RECALL FIX AS BEING INADEQUATE.
NHTSA complaint #11080419 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,000 milesFairfield, CACrash
SERVICE BRAKES
ACCORDING TO THE PUBLICATION I FOUND HTTPS://STATIC.NHTSA.GOV/ODI/RCL/2016/RCLRPT-16V913-3524.PDF MY CAR VIN IS LISTED AS PART OF A RECALL FOR THE ABS CONTROL MODULE. I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT 18 MONTHS AGO WHERE THIS EXACT PROBLEM OCCURRED. THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME WAS CUT OFF AND SLAMMED ON HIS BRAKES. I HAD TO BRAKE QUICKLY AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONTROL THE CAR. BOTH MY ABS AND ESC WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON. I DID NOT THINK ABOUT ANY MECHANICAL PROBLEM UNTIL I READ ABOUT THE RECALL. NOW AUDI HAS INFORMED ME THAT MY CAR IS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO GET ANY INFORMATION HOW THIS WAS DETERMINED. AS THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN I NEED TO KNOW WHY MY CAR IS NOT PART OF THE RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #11010070 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 87,000 milesNEW Boston, NHCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2009 AUDI A3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH, THE ABS AND THE ESC WARNING LIGHTS FLICKERED. AS A RESULT, THE BRAKE PEDAL AND ACCELERATOR PEDAL FAILED TO ENGAGE AND CAUSED THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO A TREE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED A MILD CONCUSSION AND BODY BRUISING THAT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND DEEMED DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V913000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,000.
NHTSA complaint #10948798 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 67,000 milesAurora, CO
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:ABS WARNING LIGHT
The contact owns a 2009 Audi A3. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 MPH, the traction control and ABS control module warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no additional assistance was provided. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V913000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control). The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.
NHTSA complaint #11497222 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 67,000 milesAurora, CO
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC):CONTROL MODULE
The contact owns a 2009 Audi A3. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 MPH, the traction control and ABS control module warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no additional assistance was provided. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V913000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control). The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.
NHTSA complaint #11497222 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bayside, NYCrash
POWER TRAIN
vehicle switched into neutral and accelerated Unable to control or stop Crashed into bush 2014 AUDI checked said no issuue Vehicle switches gear unexpectedly on highway and slows and drags Audi checked Said normal 9/3 2022 foot on break to a full stop at a light Anothet auto in front Audi suddenly switched gear and started to accelerate Would not stop Crashed into car in front Gear stayed frrozen in neutral for a few mimutes.
NHTSA complaint #11482996 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bayside, NYCrash
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
vehicle switched into neutral and accelerated Unable to control or stop Crashed into bush 2014 AUDI checked said no issuue Vehicle switches gear unexpectedly on highway and slows and drags Audi checked Said normal 9/3 2022 foot on break to a full stop at a light Anothet auto in front Audi suddenly switched gear and started to accelerate Would not stop Crashed into car in front Gear stayed frrozen in neutral for a few mimutes.
NHTSA complaint #11482996 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bayside, NYCrash
ENGINE
vehicle switched into neutral and accelerated Unable to control or stop Crashed into bush 2014 AUDI checked said no issuue Vehicle switches gear unexpectedly on highway and slows and drags Audi checked Said normal 9/3 2022 foot on break to a full stop at a light Anothet auto in front Audi suddenly switched gear and started to accelerate Would not stop Crashed into car in front Gear stayed frrozen in neutral for a few mimutes.
NHTSA complaint #11482996 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ridgecrest, CA
POWER TRAIN
I had purchased the car back in August 17th 2021 my power steering my brakes my airbag light and the fuel system fuel leak started happening all at once water was draining out of the middle of the engine . It overheating the engine speed ball down and I automatically I instantly pulled over and turned it off and towed it home 2 days after I bought it. these are also recalls my Audi 2009-a3 2.0 tfsi s tronic has been sitting in my friends driveway for 7 months now because I cannot take the car anywhere I cannot move the car anywhere I cannot start the car and I don't know what else to do so I do need your help I should be eligible it says my VIN number matches the eligible subject vehicle my VIN number is in your system but my car is not showing up it shows up but it's not showing up as a recall or included in the class action settlement if you have any questions please call me [XXX] at [XXX] if you have any input thank you. I do love my Audi I love it very much the day I got to drive it and the only day I got to drive it I was very happy I thought with it until I get it fixed I will not be happy again INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11456529 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ridgecrest, CA
AIR BAGS
I had purchased the car back in August 17th 2021 my power steering my brakes my airbag light and the fuel system fuel leak started happening all at once water was draining out of the middle of the engine . It overheating the engine speed ball down and I automatically I instantly pulled over and turned it off and towed it home 2 days after I bought it. these are also recalls my Audi 2009-a3 2.0 tfsi s tronic has been sitting in my friends driveway for 7 months now because I cannot take the car anywhere I cannot move the car anywhere I cannot start the car and I don't know what else to do so I do need your help I should be eligible it says my VIN number matches the eligible subject vehicle my VIN number is in your system but my car is not showing up it shows up but it's not showing up as a recall or included in the class action settlement if you have any questions please call me [XXX] at [XXX] if you have any input thank you. I do love my Audi I love it very much the day I got to drive it and the only day I got to drive it I was very happy I thought with it until I get it fixed I will not be happy again INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11456529 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ridgecrest, CA
ENGINE
I had purchased the car back in August 17th 2021 my power steering my brakes my airbag light and the fuel system fuel leak started happening all at once water was draining out of the middle of the engine . It overheating the engine speed ball down and I automatically I instantly pulled over and turned it off and towed it home 2 days after I bought it. these are also recalls my Audi 2009-a3 2.0 tfsi s tronic has been sitting in my friends driveway for 7 months now because I cannot take the car anywhere I cannot move the car anywhere I cannot start the car and I don't know what else to do so I do need your help I should be eligible it says my VIN number matches the eligible subject vehicle my VIN number is in your system but my car is not showing up it shows up but it's not showing up as a recall or included in the class action settlement if you have any questions please call me [XXX] at [XXX] if you have any input thank you. I do love my Audi I love it very much the day I got to drive it and the only day I got to drive it I was very happy I thought with it until I get it fixed I will not be happy again INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11456529 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gastonia, NC
POWER TRAIN
DSG transmission will abruptly shift down to first gear and would not respond in any other gear. The shift indicator in the dashboard will light up and blink and the check engine light will come on. There are no warnings before this happens and it will happen at random times. It has happen in separate occasions while traveling at different speeds. When this happens while traveling it creates a dramatic reduction on vehicle speed almost causing the vehicle traveling behind me to rear end me. Once stopped the car will only engage when put on D and will stay at a low gear causing the RPMs to red line even at low speeds making it unsafe to drive due to only being able to reach 5 to 10 MPH. A scan was performed and codes P1814 Press. Ctrl. Valve 1 Open circuit/short implausible signal, and, P1835 Press. Ctrl. Valve 5 Short circuit to B+. This fault is random and there is no warning or indication of when it may happen making the vehicle unsafe at any speed.
NHTSA complaint #11437903 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gastonia, NC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
DSG transmission will abruptly shift down to first gear and would not respond in any other gear. The shift indicator in the dashboard will light up and blink and the check engine light will come on. There are no warnings before this happens and it will happen at random times. It has happen in separate occasions while traveling at different speeds. When this happens while traveling it creates a dramatic reduction on vehicle speed almost causing the vehicle traveling behind me to rear end me. Once stopped the car will only engage when put on D and will stay at a low gear causing the RPMs to red line even at low speeds making it unsafe to drive due to only being able to reach 5 to 10 MPH. A scan was performed and codes P1814 Press. Ctrl. Valve 1 Open circuit/short implausible signal, and, P1835 Press. Ctrl. Valve 5 Short circuit to B+. This fault is random and there is no warning or indication of when it may happen making the vehicle unsafe at any speed.
NHTSA complaint #11437903 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mount Dora, FL
POWER TRAIN
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 CLUTCH TO OPEN AND CAN CAUSE THE DRIVER TO PERCEIVE THAT THE TRANSMISSION HAS SHIFTED INTO 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, THIS COULD LEAD TO A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
NHTSA complaint #11389974 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10,000 milesChicago, IL
POWER TRAIN
PURCHASED CAR IN 2010 WITH AROUND 10,000 MILES ON IT. A FEW MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE, VEHICLE WOULD HAVE A NOTICEABLE DECREASE IN POWER AND NOT ACCELERATE OVER ABOUT 40MPH. SOMETIMES AFTER SHUTTING CAR OFF AND RESTARTING PROBLEM WOULD GO AWAY, OTHER TIMES IT WOULD NOT. VEHICLE TAKEN TO AUDI DEALERSHIP CAR PURCHASED FROM FOR REPAIR AND INITIALLY REPORTED AS SENSOR PROBLEM AND REPAIRED. COUPLE WEEKS AFTER REPAIR CAR WOULD HAVE SAME PROBLEM, SO TAKEN BACK TO DEALERSHIP AND AGAIN REPAIRED SENSOR(S). WITHIN ABOUT THE FIRST YEAR AFTER PURCHASING, ISSUE HAPPENED MULTIPLE (+/-5) TIMES AFTER DEALERSHIP 'REPAIRED' WHAT THEY THOUGHT WAS THE PROBLEM AT THE PARTICULAR TIME. AFTER ABOUT 5/6 TIMES OF THIS HAPPENING DEALERSHIP TOOK A MORE IN DEPTH ATTEMPT AT FIGURING OUT WHAT PROBLEM REALLY WAS, TELLING ME THEY WERE WORKING DIRECTLY WITH AUDI & THEIR MECHANICS TO FIND AND FIX THE ACTUAL DEFECT. CAR WAS IN SHOP FOR AROUND 3 MONTHS FOR THIS REPAIR, WHICH THEY DETERMINED WAS ELECTRICAL AND DECIDED TO REWIRE THE ENTIRE CAR. IN THE MEANTIME, I MOVED OUT OF STATE TO START GRADUATE SCHOOL. I FINALLY GOT IT BACK A FEW MONTHS LATER AFTER HAVING TO PAY TO SHIP IT TO ME AND FOR A RENTAL WHILE WAITING. WITHIN A FEW MONTHS, CAR ONCE AGAIN HAD SAME EXACT PROBLEM. TOOK TO NEW LOCAL DEALERSHIP WHO ALSO DIAGNOSED ISSUE AS SENSOR(S) & 'REPAIRED' THEM. CONTINUED TO HAVE SAME PROBLEM EVERY FEW WEEKS, WOULD TAKE INTO DEALER FOR REPAIR, GET IT BACK, HAVE PROBLEM, TAKE TO DEALERSHIP, ETC. DEALERSHIP WOULD NOT ADDRESS CAR OVERALL BEING DEFECTIVE, THEY'D AVOID CONTACT, NOT RETURN CALLS, HANGUP ETC. CAR EVENTUALLY TRADED IN FOR NEW MAKE WHEN WARRANTY EXPIRED.
NHTSA complaint #11322035 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10,000 milesChicago, IL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
PURCHASED CAR IN 2010 WITH AROUND 10,000 MILES ON IT. A FEW MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE, VEHICLE WOULD HAVE A NOTICEABLE DECREASE IN POWER AND NOT ACCELERATE OVER ABOUT 40MPH. SOMETIMES AFTER SHUTTING CAR OFF AND RESTARTING PROBLEM WOULD GO AWAY, OTHER TIMES IT WOULD NOT. VEHICLE TAKEN TO AUDI DEALERSHIP CAR PURCHASED FROM FOR REPAIR AND INITIALLY REPORTED AS SENSOR PROBLEM AND REPAIRED. COUPLE WEEKS AFTER REPAIR CAR WOULD HAVE SAME PROBLEM, SO TAKEN BACK TO DEALERSHIP AND AGAIN REPAIRED SENSOR(S). WITHIN ABOUT THE FIRST YEAR AFTER PURCHASING, ISSUE HAPPENED MULTIPLE (+/-5) TIMES AFTER DEALERSHIP 'REPAIRED' WHAT THEY THOUGHT WAS THE PROBLEM AT THE PARTICULAR TIME. AFTER ABOUT 5/6 TIMES OF THIS HAPPENING DEALERSHIP TOOK A MORE IN DEPTH ATTEMPT AT FIGURING OUT WHAT PROBLEM REALLY WAS, TELLING ME THEY WERE WORKING DIRECTLY WITH AUDI & THEIR MECHANICS TO FIND AND FIX THE ACTUAL DEFECT. CAR WAS IN SHOP FOR AROUND 3 MONTHS FOR THIS REPAIR, WHICH THEY DETERMINED WAS ELECTRICAL AND DECIDED TO REWIRE THE ENTIRE CAR. IN THE MEANTIME, I MOVED OUT OF STATE TO START GRADUATE SCHOOL. I FINALLY GOT IT BACK A FEW MONTHS LATER AFTER HAVING TO PAY TO SHIP IT TO ME AND FOR A RENTAL WHILE WAITING. WITHIN A FEW MONTHS, CAR ONCE AGAIN HAD SAME EXACT PROBLEM. TOOK TO NEW LOCAL DEALERSHIP WHO ALSO DIAGNOSED ISSUE AS SENSOR(S) & 'REPAIRED' THEM. CONTINUED TO HAVE SAME PROBLEM EVERY FEW WEEKS, WOULD TAKE INTO DEALER FOR REPAIR, GET IT BACK, HAVE PROBLEM, TAKE TO DEALERSHIP, ETC. DEALERSHIP WOULD NOT ADDRESS CAR OVERALL BEING DEFECTIVE, THEY'D AVOID CONTACT, NOT RETURN CALLS, HANGUP ETC. CAR EVENTUALLY TRADED IN FOR NEW MAKE WHEN WARRANTY EXPIRED.
NHTSA complaint #11322035 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10,000 milesChicago, IL
ENGINE
PURCHASED CAR IN 2010 WITH AROUND 10,000 MILES ON IT. A FEW MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE, VEHICLE WOULD HAVE A NOTICEABLE DECREASE IN POWER AND NOT ACCELERATE OVER ABOUT 40MPH. SOMETIMES AFTER SHUTTING CAR OFF AND RESTARTING PROBLEM WOULD GO AWAY, OTHER TIMES IT WOULD NOT. VEHICLE TAKEN TO AUDI DEALERSHIP CAR PURCHASED FROM FOR REPAIR AND INITIALLY REPORTED AS SENSOR PROBLEM AND REPAIRED. COUPLE WEEKS AFTER REPAIR CAR WOULD HAVE SAME PROBLEM, SO TAKEN BACK TO DEALERSHIP AND AGAIN REPAIRED SENSOR(S). WITHIN ABOUT THE FIRST YEAR AFTER PURCHASING, ISSUE HAPPENED MULTIPLE (+/-5) TIMES AFTER DEALERSHIP 'REPAIRED' WHAT THEY THOUGHT WAS THE PROBLEM AT THE PARTICULAR TIME. AFTER ABOUT 5/6 TIMES OF THIS HAPPENING DEALERSHIP TOOK A MORE IN DEPTH ATTEMPT AT FIGURING OUT WHAT PROBLEM REALLY WAS, TELLING ME THEY WERE WORKING DIRECTLY WITH AUDI & THEIR MECHANICS TO FIND AND FIX THE ACTUAL DEFECT. CAR WAS IN SHOP FOR AROUND 3 MONTHS FOR THIS REPAIR, WHICH THEY DETERMINED WAS ELECTRICAL AND DECIDED TO REWIRE THE ENTIRE CAR. IN THE MEANTIME, I MOVED OUT OF STATE TO START GRADUATE SCHOOL. I FINALLY GOT IT BACK A FEW MONTHS LATER AFTER HAVING TO PAY TO SHIP IT TO ME AND FOR A RENTAL WHILE WAITING. WITHIN A FEW MONTHS, CAR ONCE AGAIN HAD SAME EXACT PROBLEM. TOOK TO NEW LOCAL DEALERSHIP WHO ALSO DIAGNOSED ISSUE AS SENSOR(S) & 'REPAIRED' THEM. CONTINUED TO HAVE SAME PROBLEM EVERY FEW WEEKS, WOULD TAKE INTO DEALER FOR REPAIR, GET IT BACK, HAVE PROBLEM, TAKE TO DEALERSHIP, ETC. DEALERSHIP WOULD NOT ADDRESS CAR OVERALL BEING DEFECTIVE, THEY'D AVOID CONTACT, NOT RETURN CALLS, HANGUP ETC. CAR EVENTUALLY TRADED IN FOR NEW MAKE WHEN WARRANTY EXPIRED.
NHTSA complaint #11322035 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,120 milesLong Beach, CA
POWER TRAIN
DRIVING 30 MINUTES INTO THE HIGHWAY, THE VEHICLE DECIDED TO SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN "D" DRIVE AND IN MOTION. THE "PRNDS" STARTED FLASHING ON MY DASH, WHILE NOT LETTING ME ACCELERATE GOING 65MPH. I HAD TO QUICKLY SLOWDOWN, AND PULL OVER TO THE EMERGENCY LANE. THE VEHICLE SEEMS TO HAVE GONE INTO "LIMP MODE". AFTER TURNING OFF THE VEHICLE AND TURNING IT BACK ON, IT DROVE JUST FINE. THIS HAPPENED ONCE MORE 2 DAYS AGO. SEEMS LIKE IT COULD BE THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL UNIT, HOWEVER DEALER CANT DETERMINE THE FAULT WITHOUT A CODE. SCARED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE NOW.
NHTSA complaint #11300553 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,000 milesPickerington, OH
ENGINE
AUDI / VW HAD A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT ON THIS CARS TIMING CHAIN AND TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER. THE EXTENDED WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED. MINE BROKE AT 95000 MILES. SO I'M SURE THERE ARE OTHER AUDI OWNERS THAT DON'T EVEN KNOW THIS HAPPENED. THIS IS COSTING ME OVER 1000$. AND SHOULD OF BEEN A FULL RECALL, NOT THIS OTHER BS. IT IS LEAVING US HIGH AND DRY. I HOPE YOU CAN DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS. THANKS
NHTSA complaint #11245552 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 61,200 milesUpland, CA
POWER TRAIN
TRANSMISSION GOES INTO NEUTRAL WHILE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. ENGINE RPMS JUMP TO REDLINE WHILE CAR IS IN NEUTRAL, THEN GOES BACK INTO GEAR. HAS HAPPEN SEVERAL TIMES WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY. TRANSMISSION ALSO KICKS DOWN TO LOWEST GEAR WHEN COMING AT STOP, JERKING THE CAR WHILE BRAKING.
NHTSA complaint #11244641 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 109,000 milesElizabeth, NJ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 AUDI A3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ABS AND STABILITY CONTROL FAILED TO FUNCTION PROPERLY AND MADE THE VEHICLE UNSTABLE TO DRIVE. BELL AUDI (782 US-1, EDISON, NJ 08817, (732) 388-2800) AND THE MANUFACTURER INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V913000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL); ALTHOUGH, THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED THE SAME FAILURE AS THE RECALL CAMPAIGN. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE ABS CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING REPAIRED; HOWEVER, A SYSTEM ISSUE OCCURRED WITH THE SOFTWARE UPDATE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 109,000. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #11204416 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 109,000 milesElizabeth, NJ
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 AUDI A3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ABS AND STABILITY CONTROL FAILED TO FUNCTION PROPERLY AND MADE THE VEHICLE UNSTABLE TO DRIVE. BELL AUDI (782 US-1, EDISON, NJ 08817, (732) 388-2800) AND THE MANUFACTURER INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V913000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL); ALTHOUGH, THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED THE SAME FAILURE AS THE RECALL CAMPAIGN. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE ABS CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING REPAIRED; HOWEVER, A SYSTEM ISSUE OCCURRED WITH THE SOFTWARE UPDATE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 109,000. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #11204416 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 109,000 milesElizabeth, NJ
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 AUDI A3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ABS AND STABILITY CONTROL FAILED TO FUNCTION PROPERLY AND MADE THE VEHICLE UNSTABLE TO DRIVE. BELL AUDI (782 US-1, EDISON, NJ 08817, (732) 388-2800) AND THE MANUFACTURER INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V913000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL); ALTHOUGH, THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED THE SAME FAILURE AS THE RECALL CAMPAIGN. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE ABS CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING REPAIRED; HOWEVER, A SYSTEM ISSUE OCCURRED WITH THE SOFTWARE UPDATE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 109,000. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #11204416 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 105,100 milesDenver, CO
SERVICE BRAKES
ABS BRAKING SYSTEM SOFTWARE UPDATE DID NOT FIX BRAKES. RECALL SHOWS IF BRAKE MODULE IS BAD IT WOULD REPLACE. HOWEVER, THEY ONLY UPDATED THE SOFTWARE AND CLAIMED THE MODULE IS NOT INVOLVED IN THE RECALL. I DO NOT HAVE ABS BRAKES THAT ARE FUNCTIONAL.
NHTSA complaint #11203091 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pomona, CA
AIR BAGS
I HAVE BEEN RECEIVING NOTICES OF THE TAKATA AIRBAG RECALL REGULARLY FOR ALMOST A YEAR. SEVERAL MONTHS AGO, I ASKED TO BE NOTIFIED WHEN PARTS WERE AVAILABLE. HAVING NOT HEARD BACK FROM THE DEALER (BUT STILL RECEIVING NOTICES, THE LATEST ONE TODAY), I PLACED AN ORDER FOR THE PARTS IN MID-NOVEMBER 2018. STILL HAVE NOT HEARD BACK FROM THE DEALERSHIP.
NHTSA complaint #11165283 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 88,000 milesChatsworth, CA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
SAME ISSUE AS THE VW TIGUAN. FUSE F16 IN THE FUSE BOX IN THE ENGINE BAY. VW ISSUED A RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #11142459 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Granger, IN
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 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. THE CONTACT CALLED THE LOCAL DEALER (GURLEY LEEP MOTORWERKS, 4004 GRAPE RD, MISHAWAKA, IN 46545, (574) 254-7130) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE AND TO CALL BACK AT A LATER DATE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA complaint #11141864 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Darien, CT
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 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 AUDI GREENWICH AT (203) 930-7176 (LOCATED AT 181 WEST PUTNAM AVE, GREENWICH, CT 06830) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT ASSIST. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA complaint #11140033 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.