Audi A3 Complaints

905 consumer complaints on file.

#11771178October 14, 2026
AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SEATS
My 2016 Audi A3 (VIN [XXX]) underwent Safety Recall 69BY on XXX, to correct a defect in the front passenger occupant detection system (PODS), including replacement of the occupant detection sensor. Less than two years later, the same safety-system malfunction returned. The vehicle intermittently displays "Safety system: system fault," "Audi pre sense: system fault," and "Passenger airbag off." These warnings appear unpredictably and sometimes clear temporarily before returning. This malfunction creates a serious safety risk because the vehicle may fail to recognize a front-seat passenger and disable the passenger airbag during a collision. We cannot safely use the front passenger seat. On XXX, at 74,151 miles, Audi Marin diagnosed the malfunction and documented fault codes B102202, B102229, and B12251B. The dealership confirmed that diagnostic testing continued to indicate a faulty passenger occupant sensor (G128) and recommended replacement. Audi Marin's service manager informed us that Audi has redesigned the replacement component, but the updated part is on an extended backorder from [XXX]. The dealership cannot currently complete the repair. Audi of America acknowledged the prior recall repair but referred repair coverage decisions to the dealership, citing the expired warranty. The vehicle remains unrepaired and is available for inspection. I request that NHTSA investigate whether the remedy installed under Safety Recall 69BY is failing prematurely, allowing the original passenger airbag safety defect to recur. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11770801October 13, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES
My Audi automatically applies the brakes while reversing. When this happens, I’m unable to immediately drive the vehicle. This is an ongoing problem that has not been resolved, and I’m increasingly concerned about the safety implications.just recently experienced while making a U turn.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11770604October 12, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I was driving my vehicle on the [XXX] like normal and suddenly my car stopped accelerating at 70 MPH and displayed a message stating to stop vehicle, transmission malfunction. There were 2 cars that almost hit me while I was trying to get over to the side of the road due to the car barely having any power. The car also displayed a checked engine light and an eps warning. This all happened within one minute. I towed It to Rocco European garage in [XXX] where It was concluded that solenoid shift for the transmission has failed and is stuck. I was told that now the car isn’t technically drivable any longer distance and should have It towed again until it’s fixed to prevent further damage. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11767925September 29, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The central locking system in my 2026 Audi A3 fails, causing the vehicle to physically unlock itself after I lock it and leave it parked. The myAudi app sends “Vehicle unlocked” and “Vehicle not fully locked” alerts. On multiple occasions I returned to find the vehicle genuinely unlocked after locking it and leaving the key fob inside my home. A remote lock command through the app returns “Vehicle was locked successfully,” confirming the vehicle was physically unsecured. The dealer inspected the vehicle, scanned for faults, operated the locking system, and left it locked for several days but could not duplicate the issue. Audi corporate support acknowledged “abnormalities on the backend” but directed me back to the dealer. The condition is intermittent and occurs after the vehicle has been parked for an extended period. It remains unresolved. Safety risk: the vehicle can be left unsecured while unattended, allowing unauthorized entry or theft. First occurred around 741 miles and continues. The component is available for inspection. No warning lamps appeared; only app messages and physical confirmation. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealer multiple times and is part of an open corporate case.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11767086September 26, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The Audi has problems filling fuel, it doesn't allow you to put any gallon of gasoline, the gasoline gun jumps, I don't know what's going on.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11766708September 24, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, STEERING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
On XXX while driving my 2024 Audi A3 at highway speeds on a live freeway, the vehicle suffered a sudden and catastrophic electrical system failure. The dashboard immediately displayed critical warning indicators, including "Electrical Malfunction" and "Battery Malfunction” and “Drive system Malfunction.” Without further warning, the vehicle's engine completely stalled and shut down while moving in active traffic. Due to the total loss of electrical power, the vehicle immediately lost all power steering assistance and power braking assistance, causing the steering wheel and brake pedal to severely stiffen and become nearly unresponsive. I was forced to navigate a rolling, unpowered vehicle across highway lanes without steering or braking assistance to reach safety, creating a severe and life-threatening hazard to myself, my [XXX] son that was in the vehicle and other motorists. The vehicle currently has approximately 60,000 miles. This sudden shutdown mirrors the well-documented Belt Starter Generator (BSG) and alternator manufacturing defects that Audi has previously acknowledged and recalled in other model lines, but which are clearly actively failing in 2024 model year vehicles as well. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11765831September 21, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
BSG/alternator faulty. Started displaying “electrical malfunction!” Had to stop immediately before immediate shut down on road. Problem had been known on hybrid models of Audi specially larger models. Recall/TSB have been opened for those vehicles. Vehicle was inspected by dealership. No prior warning other than that immediate red warning.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11762865September 8, 2026
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2015 Audi A3. The contact stated that the dealer had previously repaired the vehicle under NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V110000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the vehicle was not driven until a year later after the recall repair due to medical issues. The contact stated that while refueling the vehicle, fuel was backing up in the fuel filler neck. Additionally, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled and failed to exceed 30 MPH. There was a fuel odor coming from the vehicle, and the fuel and check engine warning lights were illuminated. A family friend diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the suction jet pump had failed. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone and email. The failure mileage was approximately 94,242.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11757884August 19, 2026
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)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11757471August 17, 2026
ENGINE, 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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11751789July 21, 2026
AIR BAGS, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3. The contact stated that the front passenger’s side air bag occupant sensor failed to identify a passenger seat in the seat. A dealer was contacted. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that PODS had failed and needed to be replaced. Additionally, the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V474000 (AIR BAGS); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 44,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11751873July 21, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
On two separate occasions, approximately four months apart in spring and summer 2026, while turning left across oncoming traffic at a green light, the vehicle's brakes applied hard on their own with no driver input. Each time the vehicle came to an abrupt halt mid-turn for roughly one second before releasing. On both occasions a driver-assistance warning message displayed on the dashboard at the time of the event. Because this occurred while turning in front of oncoming traffic, it created a serious risk of a collision. The exact dates were not recorded. These events occurred after a battery replacement performed at the dealership in February 2026. This is reported so it is on record under this vehicle's VIN and can be compared against similar reports of unintended or self-activating braking on this platform.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11750651July 15, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
My 2025 Audi A3 has been experiencing severe and recurring 'phantom braking' issues, where the vehicle violently and unexpectedly engages the emergency braking system without any obstacles present. This poses an immediate, life-threatening risk of being rear-ended at high speeds. Despite formally notifying Volkswagen Group of America via certified mail in May 2026, the vehicle has not been successfully repaired. The situation escalated on July 4, 2026, when the vehicle suffered a complete breakdown during operation and had to be towed to Audi Sugar Land, where it remains out of service. The manufacturer is refusing to repurchase this unsafe vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11745097June 18, 2026
ENGINE
Coolant Water Pump and Thermostat -- Coolant temperature indicator gauge runs from normal to high after about 10-15 miles drive. Coolant levels are good and no signs of leak. Engine light is activated along with warning messages. Engine Warning: Drive System Malfunction. Please call for service. The vehicle goes into "Limp Mode" and warns to not exceed 4,000 rpm. I am in the process of having this repaired by a mechanic. FYI--- There was a previous RECALL for this in 2017. Clearly the problem still occurs.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11743858June 13, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
RECALL CAMPAIGN 20YF; DESCRIPTION- SUCTION JET PUMP I was not made aware of the recall until fuel began gushing out of my passenger side rear. The Audi dealership was aware of the recall in July of 2025 when I had routine maintenance at the service department, however it was not addressed. Fast forward to the fuel leak in April 2026, I was informed by the repair reps that the leak was due to a failed charcoal canister. I attempted several times to notify my advisor and manager that the recall addresses that the suction pump defect can cause fuel to flow into the EVAP system causing leaks through the charcoal canister. I was told that this was impossible and repair costs would not be waived. I also reached out to the Audi consumer line and was told that only the dealership could have fees waived even though the representative agreed that my issue was due to the failed suction pump.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11743138June 10, 2026
ENGINE
At 70,000 miles with only one owner, it develops transmission problems, making it unsafe to drive and control the car; control of the car is lost. Here is the link from the Dealer [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11741854June 3, 2026
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11741459June 2, 2026
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11738157May 15, 2026
BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS
The Park Assist function caused me to have an incident with my vehicle when parking. I safely engaged the autopark function and followed the prompts for the car to proceed with the parking. Suddenly, when reversing the car violently accelerated, making it impossible to brake or stop the collision with the parked car. The Park Assist failed. The safety of pedestrians was put at risk, as people were walking around the area of the collision. Audi has been contacted with no current response to the issue. No warning lights other than the prompt to follow instructions.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11735828May 5, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STEERING
Dealer is refusing to acknowledge the known BSG defect (TSB 2058831/13) and is instead attempting to charge for secondary electrical failures (ABS/AC) caused by the primary charging system failure. 2023 Audi A3 2.0T, VIN [XXX] . Recurring 48V BSG (Belt Starter Generator) failure causing complete loss of power steering and brake assist. First documented under warranty October 29, 2025 at 45,500 miles at Audi Livermore (RO #XXX) — 48V battery at 0%, fault code P0A7D00. Dealer only recharged battery and erased codes without replacing BSG. Vehicle became completely undriveable March 22, 2026 with cascading electrical failures including CELO state, ABS failure, and complete loss of power steering and brake assist — a dangerous safety condition. Vehicle has been at Audi Livermore since March 26, 2026 — 40 days — unrepaired. Audi is now attempting to charge $3,751.70 for consequential faults caused by the unrepaired BSG. Open Audi Corporate Case #XXX. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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