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2016 Audi A3

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2016 Audi A3 do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 26.5.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 17 of 81 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 36 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Fuel/propulsion System. Review the 16 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 15 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

3 crash reports2 fire reports1 injury reports

What owners actually said

81 reports
Mileage unknown · Aug 1, 2024
EngineFuel/propulsion System

The suction jet pump inside the fuel tank is designed to purge fuel from the Evaporative Emissions (EVAP) system. This mechanism could leak and cause a fire. I have informed Audi about the issue but they indicated there isn't a fix for the repair currently. They even stated there isn't a deadline or date they could give me for t…

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The suction jet pump inside the fuel tank is designed to purge fuel from the Evaporative Emissions (EVAP) system. This mechanism could leak and cause a fire. I have informed Audi about the issue but they indicated there isn't a fix for the repair currently. They even stated there isn't a deadline or date they could give me for the repair.

NHTSA ODI #11605800

41,259 miles · Jul 30, 2024
Fuel System, Gasoline

The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized. The contact stated that there was an abnormally strong fuel odor inside the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that there was fuel leaking from the fuel tank. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was …

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The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized. The contact stated that there was an abnormally strong fuel odor inside the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that there was fuel leaking from the fuel tank. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed suction jet pump. The contact was informed that the fuel tank and the EVAP charcoal canister needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V110000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact expressed that the failure was very scary. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 41,259.

NHTSA ODI #11605359

Mileage unknown · Jul 3, 2024
Fuel/propulsion System

24V110-The suction jet pump inside the fuel tank, designed to purge fuel from the EVAP system is defected and if a specific seal inside an affected suction jet pump fails, the fuel may flow directly into the EVAP system. If this happens, fuel could accumulate in the EVAP system and may leak through the charcoal canister filter …

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24V110-The suction jet pump inside the fuel tank, designed to purge fuel from the EVAP system is defected and if a specific seal inside an affected suction jet pump fails, the fuel may flow directly into the EVAP system. If this happens, fuel could accumulate in the EVAP system and may leak through the charcoal canister filter element. Leaking fuel, in the presence of an ignition source, may result in a fire. My live and the live of my children is at risk every time I/we drive my car, due to the fact that my car could catch on fire. It is just a matter of time and I am not willing to risk getting caught in a fire, getting hurt or even dying inside my car. There is no repair available and I can not wait any longer. I am requesting replacement of my car ASAP

NHTSA ODI #11598704

Mileage unknown · May 1, 2024
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion System

EPC WARNING LIGHT IS COMING AND FUEL TANK NOT RESPONDING

NHTSA ODI #11586270

Mileage unknown · Apr 9, 2024
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Power Train system failed also engine light is now on How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Me and my toddler were in the vehicle when it started to jerk in bad traffic. Has the problem been reproduced or confir…

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What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Power Train system failed also engine light is now on How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Me and my toddler were in the vehicle when it started to jerk in bad traffic. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, the mechanic said this is a serious problem and i should be concerned. He stated i should not drive my vehicle. It was inspected by a certified mechanic. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No, everything happen at one time.

NHTSA ODI #11582005

Mileage unknown · Feb 26, 2024
Unknown Or Other

There is a current recall for 2015-2020 Audi A3 sedan models regarding the vehicles EVAP SYSTEM, and I believe my car is experiencing that same issue but my specific vehicle isn’t listed as it is a 2016 Audi A3 Premium Plus Sportback E-tron. My engine light is illuminated and when checked, the detecting device says the warning…

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There is a current recall for 2015-2020 Audi A3 sedan models regarding the vehicles EVAP SYSTEM, and I believe my car is experiencing that same issue but my specific vehicle isn’t listed as it is a 2016 Audi A3 Premium Plus Sportback E-tron. My engine light is illuminated and when checked, the detecting device says the warning is due to a small leak from the EVAP system in the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI #11574043

Mileage unknown · Nov 18, 2023
Fuel/propulsion System

EL AUTO TIENE UN OLOR FUERTE A GAS Y CUANDO ME DETUVE VOTO GASOLINA POR LA PARTE DE ATRAS EN EL LADO TRASERO DEL PASAJERO. DESPUES INTENTE HECHARLE GAS Y SE LLENA EL CUELLO DEL TANQUE HASTA DESVOLDARSE. NO PERMITE LA ENTRADA DE GAS. AUTO NO TIENE CODIGO DE FALLA. ESTOY PREOCUPADO PORQUE ESTA SITUACION PODRIA OCACIONAR UN INCEND…

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EL AUTO TIENE UN OLOR FUERTE A GAS Y CUANDO ME DETUVE VOTO GASOLINA POR LA PARTE DE ATRAS EN EL LADO TRASERO DEL PASAJERO. DESPUES INTENTE HECHARLE GAS Y SE LLENA EL CUELLO DEL TANQUE HASTA DESVOLDARSE. NO PERMITE LA ENTRADA DE GAS. AUTO NO TIENE CODIGO DE FALLA. ESTOY PREOCUPADO PORQUE ESTA SITUACION PODRIA OCACIONAR UN INCENDIO. ENCONTRE UN RECALL 20Y6/20Y5 EL CUAL SE REFIERE A MI PROBLEMA. QIERO SABER SI ESTE RECALL ME APLICA. GRACIAS

NHTSA ODI #11555847

Mileage unknown · Nov 12, 2023
Fuel/propulsion System

Car start running loosing fuel.

NHTSA ODI #11554733

Mileage unknown · Nov 8, 2023
Power Train

I was entering the interstate and accelerating to merge with the traffic. When I reached about 70 mph the car stalled and a message appeared, transmission faulty, no reverse, safe to continue to drive. The car was drivable at a low speed and a high rpm. After having it towed to an Audi dealership, I was informed that the transmi…

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I was entering the interstate and accelerating to merge with the traffic. When I reached about 70 mph the car stalled and a message appeared, transmission faulty, no reverse, safe to continue to drive. The car was drivable at a low speed and a high rpm. After having it towed to an Audi dealership, I was informed that the transmission would need to be replaced. According to the dealership, the mechatronic unit was faulty due to an unknown short in the transmission.

NHTSA ODI #11554170

Mileage unknown · Oct 10, 2023
Fuel/propulsion System

Cust gasoline is spilling out of the rear part of the unit. The following complaint, was escalated to AUDi USA related to recall of the suction pump, campaign number 16V647000. My vehicle was replaced or completed the recall on 2017, as requested, approximately 1 years or less of the purchase. Now my vehicle presents the same s…

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Cust gasoline is spilling out of the rear part of the unit. The following complaint, was escalated to AUDi USA related to recall of the suction pump, campaign number 16V647000. My vehicle was replaced or completed the recall on 2017, as requested, approximately 1 years or less of the purchase. Now my vehicle presents the same situation with only 32,000miles and Audi, may be a quotation over $5300 to repair a car that have the same behavior or symptoms that the suction pump recall, with its a safety recall. The car didn't present in the dashboard any flag of malfunction to advise of the danger situation, was in the store parking and one person point me that the car is spill gasoline. The car was moved in the trolley crane to the mechanic's shop. The mechanics, told me that Audi, is responsible for this situation because was a recall. I called to Audi Puerto Rico, and uSA and told me that the car has 7 years, and it is out of warranty. I reiterated, that is a manufactured detects and Audi will be responsible because is a safety issue and the car didn’t present any advice of .

NHTSA ODI #11549263

Official recalls

3

24V110000 · Fuel System, Gasoline

Feb 14, 2024

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy: 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.

22V543000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Jul 27, 2022

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in serious injury or death. An improper air bag deployment may not properly restrain the occupant, increasing their risk of injury in a crash.

Remedy: 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.

21V198000 · Air BAGS:ON-OFF Switch Assembly; Air Bags:sensor:occupant Classification:front Passenger

Mar 22, 2021

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy: 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.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Air Bags:sensor:occupant Classification:front Passenger

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.

Consequence: A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy: 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.

Air BAGS:ON-OFF Switch Assembly

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.

Consequence: A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy: 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.

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)

Opened Dec 12, 2023 · Closed Jul 1, 2024

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline; Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:evaporative Emissions:canister; 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.

Additional source detail variants (3)

Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:evaporative Emissions:canister

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.