Is the 2016 Audi A3 Cabriolet reliable?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Audi A3 Cabriolet?

The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 42% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2016 Audi A3 Cabriolet have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

2016 Audi A3 Cabriolet

○ Not enough data

2016 Audi A3 Cabriolet
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:54:46.588Z

Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 36
Recalls: 3
Investigations: 1
Top problem: Air bags

Complaints per year

2016: 36 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2015	87
2016	36
2017	25
2018	12
2019	4

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Air bags

42% · 15 reports

Show complaint excerpts

The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3 Cabriolet. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the air bag warning light illuminated.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-06-26

Fuel/propulsion system

17% · 6 reports

Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2016 Audi A3. The contact stated that the fuel pump was failing. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer. The manufacturer was notified. The vehicle was not repaired.

NHTSA ODI report, 2016-10-31

Engine

17% · 6 reports

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2016 Audi A3. While operating the vehicle, the check engine indicator remained illuminated. Also, an abnormal clicking noise and smoke were present coming from the engine.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-11-29

Also filed under Engine and engine cooling

The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3. The contact stated while driving at unknown speed the message, "Oil Level Sensor System Fault" was displayed. The message was display on several occasions while the contact was driving.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-04-01

Twice I have experienced the random loss of power. The first time occurred on a local street, driving approximately 40 MPH, and all of a sudden the vehicle stuttered and lost power.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-02-06

Electrical system

11% · 4 reports

Most commonly citing fuel gauge and instrument cluster/panel.

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owned a 2016 Audi A3. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, it was informed that the vehicle caught on fire. It was unknown how the fire was extinguished. A police report was filed and there were no injuries reported.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-01-31

Power train

8% · 3 reports

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2016-10-31Engine and engine cooling, fuel system, gasoline16V647000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Volkswagen Golf, Golf SportWagen, GTI, Audi A3 sedan and A3 Cabriolet vehicles.

Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suction pump, free of charge. The recall began November 2016.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2016-11-01Electrical system, exterior lighting16V642000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2016 TT roadster, A3 cabriolet, A3 sedan and A3 e-tron, 2016-2017 TT coupe, 2017 A4 sedan and Q7 and 2015-2017 Q3 vehicles.

Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will upload revised software to correct the issue, free of charge. This recall began November 2016. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 97CB.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2019-09-12Air bags19V474000 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.

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2023-12-12Recall queryClosed 2024-07-01 Fuel Leak due to Suction Jet Pump Failure within Fuel Tank (Remedy Effectiveness of Recall 16V647)

Buy-smart checklist

2016 Audi A3 Cabriolet — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Air bags: 15 reports on file for this year.
Fuel/propulsion system: 6 reports on file for this year.
Engine: 6 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 16V647000 · Engine and engine cooling, fuel system, gasoline
Recall 16V642000 · Electrical system, exterior lighting
Recall 19V474000 · Air bags

FAQ

Is the 2016 Audi A3 Cabriolet reliable?: There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Audi A3 Cabriolet?: The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 42% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2016 Audi A3 Cabriolet have?: 3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.