Owners have filed 134 complaints
about the 2015 Audi A3 with NHTSA between 2020 and 2026.
The largest single group is the airbags.
Across this model's run it ranks 5 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 — 100
Against the median year of the Audi A3. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 0
0% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 26
15% 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
23.8%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
11.9%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
47.5%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
1426.4%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1222.6%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
1426.4%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
59.4%
150,000+ miles
11.9%
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.
Jan 2020peak 7Aug 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2015 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.
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...
Recalls on the 2015 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.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 202409586,308 units in Canada
Fuel System
Issue: On certain vehicles, a seal for the suction jet pump inside the fuel tank could fail. As a result, fuel may flow directly into the evaporative emission control system (EVAP). If this happens, fuel could leak from the charcoal canister. Note: This problem could cause a fuel odor, the fuel nozzle to stop early and/or fuel to spill when refueling. Safety Risk: A fuel leak can create the risk of a fire. Corrective Actions: The company will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the suction jet pump.
Recall 2020353132,432 units in Canada
Label
Issue: On certain vehicles, the warning label for the engine block heater cable is written in English only. As a result, a French user may not receive important safety information about how to use the engine block heater. A label that is not provided in both official languages could create confusion. Safety Risk: User confusion could increase the risk of injury when trying to use the block heater. Corrective Actions: The company will mail each owner a new label for the block heater cable. If you would like help installing the label, you can contact a dealer for assistance.
Recall 201930815,723 units in Canada
Airbag
Issue: On certain vehicles, there could be a loose wiring connection for the passenger occupant detection system (PODS). This could cause the airbag system to turn off the passenger-front airbag even though the seat may be occupied. Note: This problem would cause an error message to display on the instrument panel and a warning chime to sound. The airbag indicator light would also display "passenger airbag off". Safety Risk: An airbag that is turned off could increase the risk of injury to a passenger in a crash. Corrective Actions: The company will notify owners by mail and instruct them to take their vehicle to a dealer to install a new connector for the passenger occupant detection system. The wiring will also be re-routed under the seat.
Recall 2017229394 units in Canada
Label
On certain vehicles, the certification label may have an incorrect vehicle production date printed on it, contrary to the requirements of the standard. Correction: Dealers will install an overlay label containing the correct information.
Recall 201643033,894 units in Canada
Fuel System
On certain vehicles, the suction pump inside the fuel tank designed to purge fuel from the evaporative emissions (EVAP) system may be compromised. This could cause fuel to flow directly into the EVAP system which could, over time, accumulate and cause a leak through the charcoal canister filter element. Leaking fuel, in the presence of an ignition source, could lead to a fire causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will replace the suction pump inside the fuel tank.
Recall 2015583239 units in Canada
Airbag
Certain vehicles may have been manufactured with an incorrect or out of specification stitching in the driver and/or front passenger seat cover. In the event of a crash, this could prevent the side impact airbag from deploying correctly which could increase the risk of injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the driver and/or passenger seat back covers as necessary.
Recall 20151611,203 units in Canada
Fuel System
On certain vehicles, improper nickel plating of certain fuel pump internal components could contaminate the pump, potentially resulting in an inoperative fuel pump. This could result in a no-start condition, or an engine stall without warning and without the ability to restart the vehicle, which could increase the risk of a crash. Correction: Dealers will replace the fuel pump.
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Plano, TX
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My 2015 Audi A3 was subject to a fuel suction jet pump safety recall. Before the recall repair was available, the vehicle developed a fuel leak and fuel-spilling problem. Audi inspected the vehicle in XXX and documented that its Tech Line advised replacing the fuel tank and all attaching components, with a quoted cost of approximately $5,730. I was unable to afford this repair and questioned why the fuel tank needed replacement. Audi subsequently performed the suction jet pump recall repair in August 2024. However, the fuel problem did not resolve. After the recall repair, I was told the vehicle continued to spill fuel during testing and that the only solution was still replacement of the fuel tank. I was allowed to drive the vehicle home with approximately one gallon of fuel, after which it remained inoperable for approximately two years. In XXX, an independent repair facility inspected the vehicle. The original fuel tank was NOT replaced. Instead, the facility removed the fuel tank to access and replace the suction jet pump and related components. The vehicle was restored to normal operation, and since that repair there have been no fuel leaks, fuel spilling, or related problems. The original factory fuel tank remains installed. The independent repair therefore resolved the same fuel-related problem without replacing the fuel tank that Audi had diagnosed as faulty. The vehicle required numerous tows during the period when I attempted to have the problem diagnosed and repaired. Audi's recall remedy did not resolve the fuel-system safety problem, and the vehicle remained unusable until the suction jet pump was replaced independently. The fuel leak was documented on video: [XXX] Audi inspected the vehicle after the leak occurred. The problem was ultimately corrected only after the suction jet pump was replaced independently, without replacing the original fuel tank. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11757884 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fredericksburg, VA
ENGINE
I have an appointment at Audi of Richmond on Wednesday 08/19/26 and was told to have the car there on Tuesday the day before the appointment to fix the recalls. I called Audi USA roadside assistance and also the actual dealership about a complimentary tow based of the fact the reason it stop driving was because of one of the recalls. They said they can’t cover it because they can’t confirm that was the cause that keeps it from driving which confuses me because a fuel pump recall should trigger a stop drive anyway because of fire hazard at the very least. I will upload pictures of the scanner codes that let me know it was the fuel pump recall.
NHTSA complaint #11757471 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fredericksburg, VA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I have an appointment at Audi of Richmond on Wednesday 08/19/26 and was told to have the car there on Tuesday the day before the appointment to fix the recalls. I called Audi USA roadside assistance and also the actual dealership about a complimentary tow based of the fact the reason it stop driving was because of one of the recalls. They said they can’t cover it because they can’t confirm that was the cause that keeps it from driving which confuses me because a fuel pump recall should trigger a stop drive anyway because of fire hazard at the very least. I will upload pictures of the scanner codes that let me know it was the fuel pump recall.
NHTSA complaint #11757471 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,000 milesCarrollton, TX
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns 2015 Audi A3. The contact stated while parked and when attempting to input fuel into the vehicle the fuel hose sprayed fuel into the contact's clothing and shoes and began to leak under the vehicle near the rear tires. An independent mechanic was contacted. The contact mention the failure has occurred on several different occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the fuel system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was relating the failure NHTSA Campaign Number:24V110000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and they informed him to the local dealership. The failure mileage was 75,000.
NHTSA complaint #11741854 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 134,000 milesJacksonville, FL
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2015 Audi A3. The contact stated that when filling the fuel tank, fuel leaks out of the vehicle. The failure would occur as soon as the contact filled the tank with about $ 3 worth of fuel. The contact recalled that previously, they struggled to open the fuel cap. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, diagnosed that the suction pump had failed. The issue related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V110000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed, and a case was opened. The manufacturer confirmed that the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was 134,000.
NHTSA complaint #11741459 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Palm Beach, FL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
the jet fuel pump is on the recall list for front wheel drive audi a 3 cars - they are only including vin numbers for that type of car - mine is all wheel drive and even though i have the same faulty part in my car they will not take responsibility for it - which is why there is a class action law suit against audi america now - so i am filing all of the things that i can to help in resolving the issue of them misrepresenting a car for a 2nd time to me and selling me something that is unsafe and undriveable. my safety has been put at risk every time i have gotten in this car - it has stopped working on the highway several times putting me at risk. when i come to a light or try to pull out of a parking spot i can't move the car, it shakes and stops driving. this has happened to me more times than i can count and now it doesn't drive at all. this has been confirmed by an auto body shop that has been helping me - this car has been in their shop more times than i can count and i have not been able to drive the car for months - they finally did some research and found the class action law suit against audi for the jet fuel pump. i have already spent money to fix other parts like the reg fuel pump which the dealership also lied to me about before purchasing it. i have brought this issue to the attention of audi usa and they refuse to take responsibility even though when i called them a few months ago they said originally this was a sales problem - and if it was a manufacturing problem they would be able to do something about it - now when i have proof it is in fact a manufacturing problem and defect and there is a law suit against them for this same thing - they will won't help or take any responsibility. yes there were problems soon after i bought the car. it took a while to figure out what was going on as i mentioned it had been in and out of the shop several times before we learned of the real issue and of the defective part, recall, and lawsuit.
NHTSA complaint #11728851 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Ysidro, CA
POWER TRAIN
Blown turbo with propeller broken off lodged into the pre-catalytic converter, which caused damage to the catalytic converter/exhaust requiring a new turbo and a complete new catalytic converter and exhaust system. They also found major oil leaking from the upper timing cover gaskets, which I later found documented on the accounting service record as not repaired at that time few months from my purchase. These known engine damages were a major contributor to the engine failures that I’m faced with today. Oil starvation from known oil leaks, damaged gaskets, and failing parts caused oil starvation of the turbo, constant overheating with coolant and oil problems since purchasing the car and which ultimately froze the turbo and snapped the propeller. I’m still struggling without an operating vehicle for over a year, and trying to afford these expensive repairs, which should’ve been covered under the 15 year PZEV warranty and/or recalls of these known parts failures. It was at the dealership in plenty of time for the SMOG certification, which was the sole reason for the appointment and it being at AudiSD, which they refused to do. These are extremely expensive repairs, these are known issues with several class action lawsuits and recalls behind them, yet they simply refuse to take ownership, deny any support, and making excuses for their lack of responsibility. I asked several times for them to do the right thing, take the car back and refund my money or give me an equivalent car to what I was promised when I purchased it, they refused and no management has been involved. I deserve to be compensated for my time over the last several years dealing with these repeated issues, compensation for all the parts I have been forced to buy, refunded the amounts I’ve paid for technicians to truly diagnose the problem and for the repairs I’ve yet to be able to afford, as well as the towing and other charges I have incurred as a result of purchasing this vehicle from AudiSD
NHTSA complaint #11723149 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Ysidro, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Blown turbo with propeller broken off lodged into the pre-catalytic converter, which caused damage to the catalytic converter/exhaust requiring a new turbo and a complete new catalytic converter and exhaust system. They also found major oil leaking from the upper timing cover gaskets, which I later found documented on the accounting service record as not repaired at that time few months from my purchase. These known engine damages were a major contributor to the engine failures that I’m faced with today. Oil starvation from known oil leaks, damaged gaskets, and failing parts caused oil starvation of the turbo, constant overheating with coolant and oil problems since purchasing the car and which ultimately froze the turbo and snapped the propeller. I’m still struggling without an operating vehicle for over a year, and trying to afford these expensive repairs, which should’ve been covered under the 15 year PZEV warranty and/or recalls of these known parts failures. It was at the dealership in plenty of time for the SMOG certification, which was the sole reason for the appointment and it being at AudiSD, which they refused to do. These are extremely expensive repairs, these are known issues with several class action lawsuits and recalls behind them, yet they simply refuse to take ownership, deny any support, and making excuses for their lack of responsibility. I asked several times for them to do the right thing, take the car back and refund my money or give me an equivalent car to what I was promised when I purchased it, they refused and no management has been involved. I deserve to be compensated for my time over the last several years dealing with these repeated issues, compensation for all the parts I have been forced to buy, refunded the amounts I’ve paid for technicians to truly diagnose the problem and for the repairs I’ve yet to be able to afford, as well as the towing and other charges I have incurred as a result of purchasing this vehicle from AudiSD
NHTSA complaint #11723149 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Ysidro, CA
ENGINE
Blown turbo with propeller broken off lodged into the pre-catalytic converter, which caused damage to the catalytic converter/exhaust requiring a new turbo and a complete new catalytic converter and exhaust system. They also found major oil leaking from the upper timing cover gaskets, which I later found documented on the accounting service record as not repaired at that time few months from my purchase. These known engine damages were a major contributor to the engine failures that I’m faced with today. Oil starvation from known oil leaks, damaged gaskets, and failing parts caused oil starvation of the turbo, constant overheating with coolant and oil problems since purchasing the car and which ultimately froze the turbo and snapped the propeller. I’m still struggling without an operating vehicle for over a year, and trying to afford these expensive repairs, which should’ve been covered under the 15 year PZEV warranty and/or recalls of these known parts failures. It was at the dealership in plenty of time for the SMOG certification, which was the sole reason for the appointment and it being at AudiSD, which they refused to do. These are extremely expensive repairs, these are known issues with several class action lawsuits and recalls behind them, yet they simply refuse to take ownership, deny any support, and making excuses for their lack of responsibility. I asked several times for them to do the right thing, take the car back and refund my money or give me an equivalent car to what I was promised when I purchased it, they refused and no management has been involved. I deserve to be compensated for my time over the last several years dealing with these repeated issues, compensation for all the parts I have been forced to buy, refunded the amounts I’ve paid for technicians to truly diagnose the problem and for the repairs I’ve yet to be able to afford, as well as the towing and other charges I have incurred as a result of purchasing this vehicle from AudiSD
NHTSA complaint #11723149 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rehoboth, MA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Safty issue with standard equipment, backup camera stopped working. Safty feature now unavailable. Told by dealer that it's a common issue. Will fail Massachusetts inspection because the camera is standard safety equipment. Told I need a new 5f module and they are back ordered at audi which tells me it's a major problem since they can't supply them now, should be a recall on this unit....
NHTSA complaint #11716929 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,000 milesAtlanta, GA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2015 Audi A3. The contact stated that on several occasions, while adding fuel to the vehicle, there was a clicking sound before the fuel started spilling onto the ground from the filler neck. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired; however, the dealer stated that the failure might be associated with a breather issue within the fuel tank and that the breather part might need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle suddenly jerked, lost power, and a rattling sound came from the engine compartment. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Additionally, there was a leak underneath the driver’s side rear wheel and a trail of condensation coming from the fuel tank, extending outside of the vehicle on the floor of the garage. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
NHTSA complaint #11711428 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wilmington, IL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Smelt like something was burning and the smell was coming out of vents. Looked online and found that people have been having issues with the auxiliary heater for the HVAC to help the car warm up faster. I check mine and found that the connector was staring to melt. Seems like it could be a potential fire hazard if not caught soon enough.
NHTSA complaint #11702870 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pompano Beach, FL
SEATS
Airbag pressure sensing fault in passenger seat. Fix is $1,800
NHTSA complaint #11695232 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pompano Beach, FL
AIR BAGS
Airbag pressure sensing fault in passenger seat. Fix is $1,800
NHTSA complaint #11695232 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Irpin, MI
SEATS
Subject: Complaint regarding refusal to perform recall repairs outside the U.S. – VIN [XXX] Dear NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, I am the owner of an Audi A3, model year 2015, VIN [XXX] . According to the NHTSA database, my vehicle is subject to two open recall campaigns: – 69BY / 21V198 – Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) – 20YF / 24V110 – EVAP Suction Pump I currently reside in Ukraine, where the vehicle has been legally imported and registered. Despite the recalls being active and safety-related, the official Audi importer and dealers in Ukraine have refused to perform the repairs free of charge. They argue that these recalls apply only to the U.S. market and therefore decline service, which contradicts the global principle of mandatory recall repairs. This situation puts me and other drivers at risk, as the unresolved recall issues directly affect vehicle safety. I kindly ask NHTSA to review this case and provide guidance on ensuring that recall obligations are respected internationally, or to instruct Audi AG / Audi of America to facilitate the execution of these recalls regardless of the vehicle’s current market. Attached, please find copies of my correspondence with Audi dealers in Ukraine and Audi of America. Thank you for your assistance. Best regards, [XXX] Ukraine Phone: [XXX] Email: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11689623 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Irpin, MI
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Subject: Complaint regarding refusal to perform recall repairs outside the U.S. – VIN [XXX] Dear NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, I am the owner of an Audi A3, model year 2015, VIN [XXX] . According to the NHTSA database, my vehicle is subject to two open recall campaigns: – 69BY / 21V198 – Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) – 20YF / 24V110 – EVAP Suction Pump I currently reside in Ukraine, where the vehicle has been legally imported and registered. Despite the recalls being active and safety-related, the official Audi importer and dealers in Ukraine have refused to perform the repairs free of charge. They argue that these recalls apply only to the U.S. market and therefore decline service, which contradicts the global principle of mandatory recall repairs. This situation puts me and other drivers at risk, as the unresolved recall issues directly affect vehicle safety. I kindly ask NHTSA to review this case and provide guidance on ensuring that recall obligations are respected internationally, or to instruct Audi AG / Audi of America to facilitate the execution of these recalls regardless of the vehicle’s current market. Attached, please find copies of my correspondence with Audi dealers in Ukraine and Audi of America. Thank you for your assistance. Best regards, [XXX] Ukraine Phone: [XXX] Email: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11689623 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tallahassee, FL
POWER TRAIN
My 2015 Audi A3 1.8T is experiencing the exact same failure symptoms and operational hazards as those described in Audi’s own Warranty Extension U49, which covers certain 2017 and 2018 Audi A3 and A3 Cabriolet 2.0 TFSI models. According to Audi’s bulletin, vehicles with faulty mechatronic units are eligible for replacement under an extended warranty due to safety concerns — sudden loss of drive, vehicle being stuck in neutral, and PRNDS flashing while in traffic. My vehicle is now exhibiting these identical symptoms: (1) Sudden disengagement of all gears while driving when it tries to go to fourth gear. At this point, there is a (2) flashing PRNDS indicator and “Reverse Gear Not Available” message. (3) Loss of ability to accelerate in moving traffic, requiring emergency maneuvers, and halting traffic. (4) Temporary restoration of function after shutting off and restarting the engine, only for the problem to happen again. (5) Check Engine Light. This is a serious safety hazard that puts both the driver and other road users at risk. The only reason my vehicle is excluded from the coverage appears to be its model year (2015), despite the fact that the mechatronic unit and failure mode are identical to the covered 2017–2018 vehicles. I believe Audi overlooked this issue in other year models and, as such, I respectfully request that the NHTSA investigate why Audi is limiting this safety-related repair to only certain VIN ranges and model years, when vehicles just a couple of years older are exhibiting the exact same dangerous defect. A sudden loss of propulsion at highway speeds is a serious risk that warrants broader manufacturer accountability. The company should fix this issue as soon as possible.
NHTSA complaint #11680457 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tallahassee, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My 2015 Audi A3 1.8T is experiencing the exact same failure symptoms and operational hazards as those described in Audi’s own Warranty Extension U49, which covers certain 2017 and 2018 Audi A3 and A3 Cabriolet 2.0 TFSI models. According to Audi’s bulletin, vehicles with faulty mechatronic units are eligible for replacement under an extended warranty due to safety concerns — sudden loss of drive, vehicle being stuck in neutral, and PRNDS flashing while in traffic. My vehicle is now exhibiting these identical symptoms: (1) Sudden disengagement of all gears while driving when it tries to go to fourth gear. At this point, there is a (2) flashing PRNDS indicator and “Reverse Gear Not Available” message. (3) Loss of ability to accelerate in moving traffic, requiring emergency maneuvers, and halting traffic. (4) Temporary restoration of function after shutting off and restarting the engine, only for the problem to happen again. (5) Check Engine Light. This is a serious safety hazard that puts both the driver and other road users at risk. The only reason my vehicle is excluded from the coverage appears to be its model year (2015), despite the fact that the mechatronic unit and failure mode are identical to the covered 2017–2018 vehicles. I believe Audi overlooked this issue in other year models and, as such, I respectfully request that the NHTSA investigate why Audi is limiting this safety-related repair to only certain VIN ranges and model years, when vehicles just a couple of years older are exhibiting the exact same dangerous defect. A sudden loss of propulsion at highway speeds is a serious risk that warrants broader manufacturer accountability. The company should fix this issue as soon as possible.
NHTSA complaint #11680457 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 122,000 milesCarlsbad, NM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2015 Audi A3. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated and the engine overheated. There was an abnormal sound coming from the transmission. Additionally, the vehicle was consuming abnormal amounts of coolant without signs of a coolant leak. The contact stated that the engine seized. The coolant reservoir was inspected and there was no coolant in the reservoir. While attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact recently replaced the coolant pump, coolant control valve and the expansion tank. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V619000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN, nor the model were included. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 122,000.
NHTSA complaint #11679093 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Great River, NY
STRUCTURE:BODY
The plastic roof trim panel on my 2015 Audi A3 is peeling and deteriorating significantly. This is not painted metal—it’s a separate, non-paintable plastic component that runs along the sunroof and roofline. The surface began flaking and lifting over time, and multiple independent body shops confirmed the panel is failing structurally and cannot be refinished—it must be replaced. While this may appear cosmetic, it’s not. The panel helps protect the roof seam and substructure. Its failure opens the door to water intrusion, corrosion, and potential roof integrity compromise—a serious safety concern, particularly in the event of a rollover or high-impact collision. Other owners of vehicles built on the same MQB/8V platform—including the VW Golf and SEAT Leon (not sold in the U.S., but structurally similar)—have reported identical issues, often followed by cracking or detachment of the panel. Despite multiple attempts to resolve this, Audi of America has been largely uncooperative. Their warranty process requires a diagnosis from a dealership, but most Audi dealers do not perform bodywork and refer customers to third-party shops—whose assessments Audi then refuses to accept. I’ve been left in a loop with no meaningful support, despite the issue being widespread and well-documented. I believe this is a design or materials defect that should be reviewed before it leads to broader safety or structural failures. See the below URL's for similar issues. [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] Excuse the shortened URL's, I need to meet your character count. I also cannot seem to upload images (despite being under the file size). I can email them later. I do find it interesting how all the affected cars seem to be blue (or at least darker in color). Perhaps excess heat is causing the issue? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11676430 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bessemer, AL
AIR BAGS
For recall 21V198-69BY, I took my car to Audi of Birmingham on recall. They provided me a service form to show the repair had been made, but my passenger side air bag off light is still on because they didn't make the repair. It wasn't brought to my attention until I took my car for another repair job and the didn't make that repair, either.
NHTSA complaint #11666282 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Baltimore, MD
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Since 2021-2022 I have had several issues with my reservoir tank. This tank holds my coolant and has leaked continuously. They had a settlement for this problem but omitted the a3. I paid Audi dealership $ 1,600.00 to fix the problem a few years ago and have been having the same problem ever since. A few months after I paid for this problem Audi had a settlement for the reservoir tank and I was denied reimbursement because I owned a a3 and a3’s were not included in the settlement but a3 ‘s still had the reservoir problem as well. I contacted Audi USA on several occasions and still have been disregarded but Audi USA wants you to pay for the diagnostic first at the dealership just for them to even look at the immediate problem. I just contacted Audi USA again 1/29/25 because now I have to put my car in the shop again to get it fixed but the coolant constantly leaks and Audi service shop wants me to pay for it and I feel that I should not have to pay for (their )problem again and the same problem over and over. At this point the coolant is pouring out like water and I must get my car to the shop immediately because the engine light comes on stating no coolant running hot and this is how the Audi cars catch on fire.Please investigate this !!!! I refuse to give Audi any more of my money when they should be held responsible. I can’t find my receipt of date and amount paid but I can get this info from the dealership. I’m tired of going in a circle with this same car issue. I want my car fix and my settlement reimbursement.
NHTSA complaint #11639543 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ronda, NC
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Shortly after starting the car, and while exiting a parking lot, the car stalled and lost engine power. I was able to start the car back up for long enough to be able to pull back into the parking lot however after the car got parked the engine refused to start and stay running for the next hour. After a check using OBD11, the codes were showing the cause of the original problem was low fuel pressure which ended up causing misfires. The only way I was able to get the car running and staying running was by purging the system repeatedly by turning on the ignition without starting the car. This has all happened once before while I was driving at relatively low speeds (around 25 MPH) in a town, and I had to go through the same process. No warning lights show for the first multiple attempts at starting the car until it consistently fails to start. No inspections have taken place.
NHTSA complaint #11621357 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mcdonough, GA
SEAT BELTS
Dear NHTSA, I am filing a complaint about the handling of a recall repair on my 2015 Audi A3 (VIN: [XXX] ) for the suction jet pump. The service experience has been frustrating and raises concerns about the repair’s quality. 1.First Visit - Inadequate Information: During my first visit to the service center, over an hour away, I was turned away because my fuel level was too high. I was never informed that my gas tank needed to be below a certain level for the repair, resulting in wasted time and travel. 2.Second Visit - Check Engine Light Still On: On my second visit, the suction jet pump was supposedly repaired, but my check engine light remained on. I had informed the service advisor that the light was related to an EVAP system malfunction, which I was told could be caused by a faulty suction jet pump. After speaking with multiple mechanics, I learned that a malfunctioning suction jet pump could cause fuel to enter the EVAP system, damaging parts like the purge valve or charcoal canister. 3.Unreasonable Charges: The service advisor insisted that the remaining EVAP issues were unrelated to the recall and wanted to charge $220 for another diagnostic and repairs, without even inspecting the car after the recall service. This seems unfair, as there’s no way to confirm without a proper check. 4.Missing Seat Belt Buckle: After the recall service, I discovered that the rear driver’s side seat belt buckle was missing. This is a major safety concern and needs to be addressed. I request NHTSA’s help in investigating the repair quality and ensuring these issues are resolved fairly. Thank you for your attention. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11618702 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mcdonough, GA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Dear NHTSA, I am filing a complaint about the handling of a recall repair on my 2015 Audi A3 (VIN: [XXX] ) for the suction jet pump. The service experience has been frustrating and raises concerns about the repair’s quality. 1.First Visit - Inadequate Information: During my first visit to the service center, over an hour away, I was turned away because my fuel level was too high. I was never informed that my gas tank needed to be below a certain level for the repair, resulting in wasted time and travel. 2.Second Visit - Check Engine Light Still On: On my second visit, the suction jet pump was supposedly repaired, but my check engine light remained on. I had informed the service advisor that the light was related to an EVAP system malfunction, which I was told could be caused by a faulty suction jet pump. After speaking with multiple mechanics, I learned that a malfunctioning suction jet pump could cause fuel to enter the EVAP system, damaging parts like the purge valve or charcoal canister. 3.Unreasonable Charges: The service advisor insisted that the remaining EVAP issues were unrelated to the recall and wanted to charge $220 for another diagnostic and repairs, without even inspecting the car after the recall service. This seems unfair, as there’s no way to confirm without a proper check. 4.Missing Seat Belt Buckle: After the recall service, I discovered that the rear driver’s side seat belt buckle was missing. This is a major safety concern and needs to be addressed. I request NHTSA’s help in investigating the repair quality and ensuring these issues are resolved fairly. Thank you for your attention. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11618702 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.