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2017 Audi A3

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2017 Audi A3 do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 26.5.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

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: 8 of 44 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 16 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Fuel/propulsion System. Review the 15 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 12 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

1 crash reports0 fire reports2 injury reports

What owners actually said

44 reports
Mileage unknown · Jun 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 Apr…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11743858

Mileage unknown · Feb 20, 2026
Fuel/propulsion System

While driving at highway speeds, a warning light appeared as well as an alert indicating the car was limited to no more than 4000rpm. After coming to a stop, a strong smell of gasoline was noticed in the passenger compartment. Continued driving home uneventfully but the strong smell of gas persisted. The next day I drove the car…

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While driving at highway speeds, a warning light appeared as well as an alert indicating the car was limited to no more than 4000rpm. After coming to a stop, a strong smell of gasoline was noticed in the passenger compartment. Continued driving home uneventfully but the strong smell of gas persisted. The next day I drove the car to a mechanic. Their inspection notes the following: The technician verified the customer concern of a fuel smell. He performed a fault scan, finding codes for low fuel pressure. He inspected the vehicle, finding a major fuel leak under the intake manifold, most likely from a cracked fuel rail. The system is supposed to operate at 125 bar of fuel pressure, but is currently at 9-11 bar. The high pressure fuel pump is operating at 100% duty cycle, which means it has overheated and been damaged. Metal shavings from the fuel pump then ends up inside of the injectors, ruining them. The low pressure fuel pump may be ok, but it is unclear at this time. **RECOMMEND REPLACING FUEL RAIL, HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP, INJECTORS WITH SEALS, AND PRESSURE SENSOR **MAY NEED LOW PRESSURE FUEL PUMP They also noted that the leaking fuel could cause a fire hazard. The fact that this fuel leak happened at only 98,750 miles and that the car continued to be drivable with fuel spraying all over the engine compartment is extremely concerning.

NHTSA ODI #11719288

Mileage unknown · Dec 7, 2025
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemSeatsInjury

In August 2025, my 2017 Audi A3 (VIN [XXX] ) experienced repeated stalling, strong gasoline odors inside the cabin, and a check engine light immediately after Audi completed recall-related service. The safety issue was later confirmed by the dealership to be caused by a failed suction jet pump (NHTSA Recall 24V110), which allowe…

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In August 2025, my 2017 Audi A3 (VIN [XXX] ) experienced repeated stalling, strong gasoline odors inside the cabin, and a check engine light immediately after Audi completed recall-related service. The safety issue was later confirmed by the dealership to be caused by a failed suction jet pump (NHTSA Recall 24V110), which allowed fuel to enter the EVAP system and leak into the rear seat area and cabin. The leak was so severe that the rear seat and flooring had to be replaced due to fuel saturation. Before the problem was properly identified, I was repeatedly told the issue was “just the gas cap,” despite reporting fuel smell, rapid fuel loss after filling the tank, and the check engine light. During this time, I unknowingly drove a vehicle with a significant fire hazard. The cabin fumes caused physical symptoms and unsafe driving conditions. I was not notified of this recall at the time I purchased the vehicle in March 2022, nor was I notified of a second recall affecting the passenger occupant detection system (69BY), despite having purchased a one-year maintenance warranty. I only became aware of the recalls after experiencing the hazardous symptoms described above. The problem was confirmed and reproduced by the Audi dealership. Fuel odor, fuel loss, and warning lights first appeared within 24 hours after the initial service visit, and the safety defect was later linked to the recall-related component failure. This defect presented a serious risk of fire and exposure to gasoline fumes to both myself and other road users. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11703596

Mileage unknown · Jan 24, 2025
Electrical System

The Vehicle Electrical System Control Module J519 had a fault that prevented using many vehicle functions - no interior lights, no heated seats, dashboard and navigation screen too dim to read in daylight.

NHTSA ODI #11638367

Mileage unknown · Jan 21, 2025
Power Train

Car throws P2884 and the internal combustion motor will not start. The issue is gone into detail here: [XXX] recommendation is swapping out mechatronic unit for the upgraded unit. Since the unit is prone to failure this really should be a recall. It happens on all cars 2016/2017 years right around 60k miles. INFORMATION REDACT…

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Car throws P2884 and the internal combustion motor will not start. The issue is gone into detail here: [XXX] recommendation is swapping out mechatronic unit for the upgraded unit. Since the unit is prone to failure this really should be a recall. It happens on all cars 2016/2017 years right around 60k miles. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11637424

Mileage unknown · Dec 19, 2024
Air BagsForward Collision Avoidance

Passenger airbags, and emergency braking have been failing, i would have to be aware in advance if my vehicle needs to be checked, my safety and my passengers safety is in danger because incase i need to brake quickly but dont have the reaction time to do so i will crash since emergency brake doesnt work, and my passengers would…

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Passenger airbags, and emergency braking have been failing, i would have to be aware in advance if my vehicle needs to be checked, my safety and my passengers safety is in danger because incase i need to brake quickly but dont have the reaction time to do so i will crash since emergency brake doesnt work, and my passengers would be at high risk because of failing airbags, im unsure if the problem has been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center, the problem has not yet been inspected there were other symptoms like my sensors going off or the car telling me some assists were malfunctioning in heavy rain or when the car is dirty

NHTSA ODI #11631547

Mileage unknown · Oct 1, 2024
Electrical SystemEngineUnknown Or Other

The Audi San Juan -Texas Address: 1001 East Expressway 83 ,San Juan, Tx. 78589 .Do not want repair my car for a recall WATER PUMP and in the future can cause fire .Audi A3 2017

NHTSA ODI #11617608

Mileage unknown · Jul 17, 2024
Fuel/propulsion System

The car started having issues around February 2024. The car first started misfiring and dying at stops which was a safety issue. When parked I noticed that there was an excessive amount of fuel that started coming out of the charcoal canister, another problem that could have resulted in the car catching on fire. The car could no…

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The car started having issues around February 2024. The car first started misfiring and dying at stops which was a safety issue. When parked I noticed that there was an excessive amount of fuel that started coming out of the charcoal canister, another problem that could have resulted in the car catching on fire. The car could not be filled up with more fuel as there was pressurized fuel coming out through the fuel filler neck when the cap was removed. The problem was determined to be related to the currently active recall. I waited for 5 months for there to be a fix for the recall without being able to use the vehicle. I finally got tired of waiting and had my mechanic repair it. The fuel tank and charcoal canister were replaced and the old parts are available for inspection by interested authorities upon request. The car is now fully functional again after replacement of those components.

NHTSA ODI #11603049

Mileage unknown · May 29, 2024
Forward Collision AvoidanceCrashInjury

I recently was involved in a collision where my car going at 30 mph collided with. Car that was completely stopped that I unfortunately didn’t see I’ve previously been warned by the safety system where it’s saved me by first audio warning and then immediately breaking allowing me to avoid collision unfortunately prior to the acc…

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I recently was involved in a collision where my car going at 30 mph collided with. Car that was completely stopped that I unfortunately didn’t see I’ve previously been warned by the safety system where it’s saved me by first audio warning and then immediately breaking allowing me to avoid collision unfortunately prior to the accident I never had any issues but occasionally noticed that the Audi Pre Sense could be triggered occasionally when I was driving on the highway and the police were using radars to control speeding cars I could occasionally see the light safety system alert me but almost immediately disappeared I’m assuming the radar could affect the safety system since the indicator picked up that a few times but only popped up warning and said it was currently restricted but never did anything as I’m sure it knew it wasn’t needing to break however I have concerns about the safety system and it’s lack of safety especially the last incident where I was traveling in a completely straight direction and hit the car in front of me that was stopped in traffic the safety system never worked properly and I seem to have the same issue even now with the system but won’t work and doesn’t do anything to alert me to potential problems anymore I’m not sure the account cause of the failure but Audi of America hasn’t been really responsive with my safety concerns and won’t return my phone calls or email I’ve recently been notified of a potential class action complaint which involves the very same safety concerns that Audi is being sued

NHTSA ODI #11591374

Mileage unknown · May 20, 2024
Air BagsElectrical SystemSeat Belts

Recall on this vehicle several years ago. Taken to the Audi dealership for repairs of the recall. No change after recall repairs completed. The airbag and seatbelt warning lights have continued to light up.

NHTSA ODI #11589770

Official recalls

2

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.

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.