The vehicle dossier US · 2016

2016 Audi
A3Problems & recalls

81 distinct owner reports in the NHTSA snapshot. Air bags appears in 36 of them. Explore what was reported—and which official actions are on file.

Snapshot Sep 28, 2026Live NHTSA complaint API How this dossier is compiled

01 / Owner-reported evidence

What owners reported.

Categories attached to 81 distinct reports. A report can mention more than one component, so category totals can overlap.

Air bags36 reports
Fuel system20 reports
Other components19 reports
Electrical system15 reports
Engine13 reports
Transmission & drivetrain6 reports
Visibility2 reports
Suspension2 reports
Body & structure1 reports
See original component labels
AIR BAGS36
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM16
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM14
ENGINE9
UNKNOWN OR OTHER8
POWER TRAIN6
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE4
SEAT BELTS2
VISIBILITY/WIPER2
SUSPENSION2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING2
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:CRITICAL FASTENERS1
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH1
TIRES1
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION:SEALS/GASKETS1
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL1
SEATS1
BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING1
TIRES:SIDEWALL1
TIRES:TREAD/BELT1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY1
STRUCTURE:BODY1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING1

These are reports made to NHTSA, not verified diagnoses. More reports can reflect more vehicles, more time on the road, or greater reporting activity.

The reporting timeline

When reports arrived.

Reports by year filed, not by the year a problem occurred. Showing the latest 8 years with reports.

Year filed (last two digits)Latest report: Jul 21, 2026
Mileage, where supplied

62,300 miles is the median among 17 reports with usable mileage. The middle half spans 41,259–77,000 miles.

This describes the submitted reports. It does not predict when a vehicle will fail.

02 / Official safety campaigns

3 recall campaigns on file.

A campaign can cover only certain production dates or configurations. The count does not tell you whether an individual car has an open recall.

Feb 14, 2024 Safety recallFUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINECampaign 24V110000

Reported concern

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain front-wheel drive 2015-2020 Audi A3 Sedan, 2015-2019 Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI, 2018 Golf Sportwagen GP, 2018-2019 Golf Sportwagen A7, 2015-2017 Golf Sportwagen, 2015-2020 Golf GTI, and 2015-2020 Golf A7 vehicles. Due to a problem with a suction jet pump seal inside the fuel tank, fuel may flow into the evaporative emissions (EVAP) system and possibly leak out of the charcoal canister.

Manufacturer’s stated response

Dealers will replace the suction pump, free of charge. Final owner notification letters for Audi owners were mailed on July 25, 2024. Final owner letters for VW owners were mailed on August 13, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are VW: 20UF/Audi: 20YF. Vehicles that were previously recalled under 16V-647 will need to have the new remedy completed. This recall expands and replaces previous recall number 16V-647.

Manufacturer campaign: VW: 20UF/AUDI:20YF

Read campaign 24V110000 at NHTSA
Jul 27, 2022 Safety recallAIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULECampaign 22V543000

Reported concern

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2016 Audi TT Roadster, TT Coupe, S3 Sedan, R8 Coupe, A3 Sedan, A3 Etron, A3 Cabriolet, 2016 Golf Sportwagen, Golf R, Golf GTI, Golf A7, and E Golf vehicles. During air bag deployment, the front passenger air bag may explode or deploy improperly.

Manufacturer’s stated response

Dealers will replace the front-passenger air bag module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 16, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69DY and 61C1.

Manufacturer campaign: 69DY, 61C1

Read campaign 22V543000 at NHTSA
Mar 22, 2021 Safety recallAIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGERCampaign 21V198000

Reported concern

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Audi S3 Sedan, A3 Sedan, 2016-2018 A3 Etron, 2017-2020 RS3 Sedan, and 2015-2019 A3 Cabriolet vehicles. The passenger occupant detection system (PODS) may malfunction and switch off the passenger air bag even when the seat is occupied.

Manufacturer’s stated response

Dealers will replace the PODS sensor mat and update the PODS control module, free of charge. Owners letters were mailed December 23, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 69BY.

Manufacturer campaign: 69BY

Read campaign 21V198000 at NHTSA
Check this car’s VIN at NHTSA

03 / The manufacturer’s record

Instructions. Updates. Responses.

499 distinct communications list this model-year. Showing the latest 12. A matching model-year does not establish that every engine, trim or reported symptom is covered.

Aug 26, 2026 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsTSB_2074436_3This bulletin provides information when the horn sound quality is poor.NHTSA ID 11036917

This bulletin provides information when the horn sound quality is poor.

Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11036917 at NHTSA
Aug 24, 2026 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsTSB_2068629_3This bulletin provides informaiotn when there are rattling/grinding noises reported from the front end.NHTSA ID 11036907

This bulletin provides informaiotn when there are rattling/grinding noises reported from the front end.

Components: SUSPENSION. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11036907 at NHTSA
Aug 21, 2026 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsTSB_2069904_3This bulletin provides information for all models regarding brake sounds.NHTSA ID 11036911

This bulletin provides information for all models regarding brake sounds.

Components: SERVICE BRAKES. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11036911 at NHTSA
Aug 21, 2026 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsTSB_2069078_4This bulletin provides information on the zirconium insercts in the brake piston (ceramic brakes only).NHTSA ID 11036909

This bulletin provides information on the zirconium insercts in the brake piston (ceramic brakes only).

Components: SERVICE BRAKES. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11036909 at NHTSA
Aug 21, 2026 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsTSB_2068999_4This TSB describes a corrosion issue due to outside influence and the prohibition of warranty in these cases.NHTSA ID 11036908

This TSB describes a corrosion issue due to outside influence and the prohibition of warranty in these cases.

Components: STRUCTURE:BODY. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11036908 at NHTSA
Aug 21, 2026 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsTSB_2067132_4This bulletin provides information when there is corrosion on the friction survace of steel brake discs.NHTSA ID 11036906

This bulletin provides information when there is corrosion on the friction survace of steel brake discs.

Components: SERVICE BRAKES. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11036906 at NHTSA
Aug 20, 2026 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsTSB_2076945_2This bulletin provides information about leather care and seat repair.NHTSA ID 11036922

This bulletin provides information about leather care and seat repair.

Components: STRUCTURE:BODY. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11036922 at NHTSA
Aug 11, 2026 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsTSB_2079732_2This bulletin provides information when there is a paint issue on alloy wheels.NHTSA ID 11036934

This bulletin provides information when there is a paint issue on alloy wheels.

Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11036934 at NHTSA
Aug 11, 2026 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsTSB_2075120_3This bulletin provides information about the general approach for brake vibration concerns.NHTSA ID 11036921

This bulletin provides information about the general approach for brake vibration concerns.

Components: SERVICE BRAKES. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11036921 at NHTSA
Aug 11, 2026 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsTSB_20741717_15This bulletin provides information on the GFF test plan required for AC compressor replacements regardless of the concern.NHTSA ID 11036915

This bulletin provides information on the GFF test plan required for AC compressor replacements regardless of the concern.

Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11036915 at NHTSA
Aug 11, 2026 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsTSB_2072304_4This bulletin provides information when there is an ABS/ESC speed sensor implausible signal.NHTSA ID 11036914

This bulletin provides information when there is an ABS/ESC speed sensor implausible signal.

Components: SERVICE BRAKES. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11036914 at NHTSA
Jul 27, 2026 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsTSB_2082846_1This bulletin provides a statement regarding the bottleneck of supply for VW approved oil types VW 504.00 and VW 507.00.NHTSA ID 11035854

This bulletin provides a statement regarding the bottleneck of supply for VW approved oil types VW 504.00 and VW 507.00.

Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11035854 at NHTSA
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Records below contain the NHTSA bulk summary unless a document-reviewed explainer is linked. A service bulletin is not a safety recall or a promise of a free repair. Records may be revised or superseded; verify the current document with the manufacturer.

04 / Agency investigations

Official inquiries.

An investigation is an inquiry into a potential concern. Its presence does not establish a defect, and a closed case does not certify a car’s condition.

Opened Dec 12, 2023 ClosedFuel Leak due to Suction Jet Pump Failure within Fuel Tank (Remedy Effectiveness of Recall 16V647)RQ23007

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 emissions (EVAP) system. VW’s recall filing stated the SJP may have been damaged during assembly, which could potentially allow fuel to flow directly into the EVAP system. Over time, the fuel could accumulate in, and cause a leak from, the charcoal canister filter element. ODI received consumer complaints of SJP failure leading to a fuel leak, refueling spit back, refueling shutoff, and/or fuel odor in vehicles previously repaired under recall 16V-647. Additional complaints alleging SJP failure leading to the previously stated outcomes were received in vehicles outside the scope of recall 16V-647, including MY 2016-2020 VW Golf and Audi A3 vehicles. VW issued recall 24V-110 on February 14, 2024, to address issues with SJPs Versions 1.0 and 1.1. The recall remedy replaces the SJP Version 1.0 or 1.1 with an improved version, Version 2.0. Recall 24V-110 covers certain MY 2015-2020 VW Golf (including Golf GTI), 2015-2020 Audi A3, and 2019-2020 VW Jetta GLI vehicles, including vehicle previously repaired under 16V-647. Vehicle owners were notified of this recall in April 2024 and VW’s projected date for owner notification of recall remedy availability is August 2024. In view of the recall being conducted by VW, ODI is closing this Recall Query (RQ). The Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

Recorded closure: Jul 1, 2024

Campaign reference in the source: 24V110

Find investigation RQ23007

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