Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 15 of 25 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Air Bags. Review the 13 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Engine. Review the 5 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Power Train. Review the 3 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
0 crash reports0 fire reports0 injury reports
What owners actually said
25 reports
55,000 miles · Apr 4, 2022
Air Bags
The contact owns a 2017 Audi A3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V198000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amoun…
Read full complaint
The contact owns a 2017 Audi A3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V198000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the passenger’s side air bag warning light was displayed and an audible alert was heard while driving. The failure mileage was 55,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA ODI #11459513
Mileage unknown · Dec 8, 2021
Air Bags
The contact owns a 2017 Audi A3. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. There was an abnormal buzzing sound detected. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21V198000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact called the local dealer who stat…
Read full complaint
The contact owns a 2017 Audi A3. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. There was an abnormal buzzing sound detected. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21V198000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact called the local dealer who stated that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified but, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA ODI #11443041
57,000 miles · Nov 16, 2021
Power Train
The contact owns a 2017 Audi A3. The contact stated that while placing the gear shifter into PARK, the vehicle would reverse. The "Put Vehicle In Park Immediately" warning message was displayed, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The contact was able to restart t…
Read full complaint
The contact owns a 2017 Audi A3. The contact stated that while placing the gear shifter into PARK, the vehicle would reverse. The "Put Vehicle In Park Immediately" warning message was displayed, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and drive it to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer-scheduled for the vehicle to be towed to an authorized dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.
NHTSA ODI #11440657
65,000 miles · Oct 8, 2021
Seat Belts
The contact owns a 2017 Audi A3. The contact stated that the front driver’s side seat belt buckle locking mechanism malfunctioned, and the seat belt could not be securely latched. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the seat belt needed to be replaced. The failure was not yet repaired. The manufacturer w…
Read full complaint
The contact owns a 2017 Audi A3. The contact stated that the front driver’s side seat belt buckle locking mechanism malfunctioned, and the seat belt could not be securely latched. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the seat belt needed to be replaced. The failure was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 65,000.
NHTSA ODI #11436047
Mileage unknown · Jul 30, 2021
Air Bags
2017 AUDI A3. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO PASSENGER OCCUPANT DETECTION SYSTEM SAFETY RECALL. THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER ADVISED THERE WAS NO FIX FOR THE PODS SYSTEM AND IT WAS UNKNOWN WHEN IT WOULD BE AVAILABLE. THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO USE THE PASSENGER SEAT.
NHTSA ODI #11427134
Mileage unknown · Jul 1, 2021
Air Bags
The contact owns a 2017 Audi A3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign number: 21V198000 (Air Bags). The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The part was not available for the repair. The contact had not exp…
Read full complaint
The contact owns a 2017 Audi A3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign number: 21V198000 (Air Bags). The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The part was not available for the repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available. Due to the Issue with the recall, loss of use of the passenger seat, and a transmission issue, I decided to trade my 2017 Audi A3 in for a more reliable and safer car. P0DS & thermostat were replaced. That was in November of last year. I believe I am entitled to compensation for loss of use under the State's Lemon Law.
NHTSA ODI #11423126
Mileage unknown · Sep 16, 2019
Air Bags
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 AUDI A3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V474000 (AIR BAGS) WAS RECEIVED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED IN REFERENCE TO THE RECALL. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA ODI #11255847
Mileage unknown · Apr 19, 2019
Engine
I WILL BE DRIVING AND STOP AT A STOP SIGN AND WHEN I GO LET MY FOOT OFF THE BREAK TO START DRIVING AGAIN MY CAR THEN SPAZZES AND SAYS PLEASE SHIFT CAR INTO PARK AND I AM UNABLE TO DIVE MY CAR AND I HAVE TO RESTART IT A FEW TIMES TO BE ABLE TO DRIVE AGAIN. IT IS VER SCARY BECAUSE EVERY TIME IT HAPPENS I AM IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFI…
Read full complaint
I WILL BE DRIVING AND STOP AT A STOP SIGN AND WHEN I GO LET MY FOOT OFF THE BREAK TO START DRIVING AGAIN MY CAR THEN SPAZZES AND SAYS PLEASE SHIFT CAR INTO PARK AND I AM UNABLE TO DIVE MY CAR AND I HAVE TO RESTART IT A FEW TIMES TO BE ABLE TO DRIVE AGAIN. IT IS VER SCARY BECAUSE EVERY TIME IT HAPPENS I AM IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC AND I CAN'T MOVE. IT'S ALWAYS HAPPENED WHEN I AM AT A LIGHT OR A STOP SIGN. IT HAS HAPPENED A TOTAL OF 10 TIMES SINCE I HAVE HAD MY CAR AND WHEN I BROUGHT IT TO AUDI THEY TOLD ME THERE'S NOTHING WRONG WITH MY CAR
NHTSA ODI #11202561
5,000 miles · Dec 22, 2017
Visibility/wiper
THE CAR PURCHASED IN DEC 2016. WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE WHEN IT WAS RAINING OUTSIDE; DRIVERS VISIBITY REDUCED GREATLY, MAKING THE CAR UNSAFE TO DRIVE. AUDI REPLACED THE WIPERS BUT DENIED THERE WAS ANY PROBLEM! THOUGH, AVOIDING DRIVING IN THE RAIN, I COMPLIANED TO AUDI SEVERAL TIMES. IT WAS IN AUGUST OF 2017, WHEN AUDI FINALLY…
Read full complaint
THE CAR PURCHASED IN DEC 2016. WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE WHEN IT WAS RAINING OUTSIDE; DRIVERS VISIBITY REDUCED GREATLY, MAKING THE CAR UNSAFE TO DRIVE. AUDI REPLACED THE WIPERS BUT DENIED THERE WAS ANY PROBLEM! THOUGH, AVOIDING DRIVING IN THE RAIN, I COMPLIANED TO AUDI SEVERAL TIMES. IT WAS IN AUGUST OF 2017, WHEN AUDI FINALLY ADMITTED TO ME, THEY HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE WINDSHIELD. THEIR SOLUTION WAS TO PUT SOME "FILM" ON THE WINDSHEILD" IN MY VIEW, THERE SHOULD BE A MAJOR RECALL ON ALL 2017 AUDI A3 FOR WINDSHEILD REPLACEMENT. DOES ANYONE KNOW, HOW MANY ACCIDENTS WERE CAUSED IN THIS VEHICLE DUE TO POOR VISIBILTY? PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS MATTER. I TRULY BELEIVE THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM. ALSO, IF A "FILM" IS APPLIED WILL THAT COMPROMISE THE INTEGRITY OF THE WINDSHEILD IN THE FUTURE? WHTA IF THE FILM WEARS OFF, ETC. MY WINDSHIELD CRACKED, THE DEALER SAYS ROAD DEBRIS CAUSED IT.
NHTSA ODI #11056111
Mileage unknown · Oct 12, 2017
Air BagsEngine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 AUDI A3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER (AUDI WEST HOUSTON, 15865 KATY FWY, HOUSTON, TX 77094, (855) 627-2941) MADE NO MENTION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V508000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) BEFORE SELLING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V196000 (AIR BAGS) OF…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 AUDI A3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER (AUDI WEST HOUSTON, 15865 KATY FWY, HOUSTON, TX 77094, (855) 627-2941) MADE NO MENTION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V508000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) BEFORE SELLING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V196000 (AIR BAGS) OF WHICH THE CONTACT WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE MANUFACTURER AND THE DEALER (AUDI CENTRAL HOUSTON, 2120 SOUTHWEST FWY, HOUSTON, TX 77098, (855) 627-5368) STATED THAT THE RECALL REPAIRS WERE NOT COMPLETED PRIOR TO SELLING THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Audi S3 Sedan, 2015-2019 A3 Sedan and A3 Cabriolet, 2016-2018 A3 e-tron, and 2017-2019 RS3 vehicles. An improper electrical contact may cause the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) to falsely detect a malfunction and deactivate the passenger air bag.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the connector and reroute the cable, free of charge. The recall began September 12, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 69Z4.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Audi A3 Cabriolet and A3 Sedan vehicles. The Engine Control Unit (ECU) software may misinterpret the flywheel rotation on engine start-up as a "knocking" condition, and the adjusted air/fuel mixture may result in an engine stall.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the ECU software, free of charge. The recall began September 19, 2017. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 24DF.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Audi A3 and S3 Sedan vehicles. In a lower-speed crash situation, the air bag control unit software may deploy the passenger frontal air bag improperly if the front seat passenger is sitting on the edge of the seat or is laying in the seat with the seat reclined. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the air bag deploys with more force than intended, it can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will update the air bag control module software, free of charge. The recall began April 20, 2017. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69Q3.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
1
RQ23007 · 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 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.
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.
Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly
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.
Fuel System, Gasoline
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.
2017 Audi A3 Cabriolet Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year