2006 Audi A3
This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2001 | 1 |
| 2003 | 2 |
| 2004 | 6 |
| 2005 | 0 |
| 2006 | 123 |
| 2007 | 52 |
| 2008 | 43 |
| 2009 | 47 |
| 2010 | 50 |
| 2011 | 43 |
| 2012 | 43 |
| 2013 | 20 |
| 2015 | 89 |
| 2016 | 80 |
| 2017 | 44 |
| 2018 | 33 |
| 2019 | 10 |
| 2020 | 16 |
| 2022 | 9 |
| 2023 | 6 |
| 2024 | 1 |
| 2025 | 3 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
44% of complaints: air bags — 54 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I totaled my car about two weeks ago, and none of my passenger side airbags deployed. (Front passenger, front side, or Rear passenger side)
NHTSA ODI report, 20240212
I totaled my car about two weeks ago. And none of my passenger side airbags deployed ( front , front side, nor rear passenger side)
NHTSA ODI report, 20240212
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2006 AUDI A3. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THREE OCCUPANTS WERE INJURED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20151105
17% of complaints: power train — 21 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
I HAVE AN AUDI A3 2006. SEVERAL YEARS AGO (END OF 2009/BEGINNING OF 2010), I STARTED FEELING AND HEARING A CLUNKING NOISE AND THE CAR WOULD LUNGE FORWARD A FEW INCHES WHEN APPROACHING STOP SIGNS OR RED LIGHTS AND DOWNSHIFTING FROM 2ND TO 1ST GEAR.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120802
11% of complaints: power train — 14 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
1) NO PROBLEM LEADING UP TO TRANSMISSION FAILURE. 3 MONTHS AND 7100 MILES. 2) TRANSMISSION FAILED MID-COMMUTE HOME FROM WORK...CAR STILL IN SHOP, WILL TAKE AT LEASE A FEW WEEKS TO FIX DUE TO LACK OF PARTS 3) NOTHING DONE...PARTS ARE ON ORDER. *JB
NHTSA ODI report, 20060713
8% of complaints: exterior lighting — 10 distinct reports on file.
5% of complaints: electrical system — 6 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, DURING PRODUCTION OF THE AIR BAG, EITHER THE LEFT OR THE RIGHT SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAG INFLATION MODULE MAY LEAK.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAG FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AUDI AT 1-800-822-2834.
Campaign 06V293000 — check if this car was fixed
VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006 THROUGH 2010 AUDI A3, TT, AND TT ROADSTER PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 29, 2005 AND AUGUST 26, 2009. THE CLOSING FORCE OF AN INTER
Remedy: VOLKSWAGEN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND AUDI DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK VENTILATION VALVE WITH AN IMPROVED VALVE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 16, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AU
Campaign 09V377000 — check if this car was fixed
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2006 Volkswagen Passat sedans and wagons, 2005-2013 Audi A3, and 2006-2009 Audi A4 Cabriolet vehicles.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began March 2017. Volkswagen owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.
Campaign 16V079000 — check if this car was fixed
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2006-2013 Audi A3, 2007-2009 A4 Cabriolet and S4 Cabriolet, 2008 RS4 Cabriolet, 2009-2012 Q5, and 2010-2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet and S5 Cabriolet vehicles.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 23, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
Campaign 18V082000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2006 Audi A3 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (54 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (21 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (14 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 06V293000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09V377000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V079000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18V082000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2006 Audi A3 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2006 Audi A3 is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2006 Audi A3?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 44% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2006 Audi A3 have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.