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
- 123
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Air bags
Campaigns on file for 2006
None on file
46% of complaints
Complaints per year
2006: 123 complaints
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 | 92 |
| 2016 | 83 |
| 2017 | 44 |
| 2018 | 33 |
| 2019 | 10 |
| 2020 | 16 |
| 2022 | 9 |
| 2023 | 7 |
| 2024 | 2 |
| 2025 | 5 |
| 2026 | 2 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Air bags
46% · 56 reportsMost commonly citing on-off switch assembly and frontal.
Show 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, 2024-02-12
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, 2024-02-12
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, 2015-11-05
Power train
30% · 37 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.
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, 2012-08-02
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2006-07-13
Exterior lighting
8% · 10 reportsElectrical system
5% · 6 reportsFuel/propulsion system
4% · 5 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Driving on the freeway back to the hotel in las vegas from the west rim of the grand canyon, 100+ deg outside temp. Sudden fuel cut off/loss power for about 1 sec.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-05-13
Safety timeline
4 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2006Complaint volume 123 complaints filed for this model year.
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2006-08-31Air bags06V293000 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.
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2009-11-16Fuel system, gasoline09V377000 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…
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…
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2017-03-10Air bags16V079000 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.
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2018-02-23Air bags18V082000 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.
Buy-smart checklist
2006 Audi A3 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 56 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 37 reports on file for this year.
- Exterior lighting: 10 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 06V293000 · Air bags
- Recall 09V377000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 16V079000 · Air bags
- Recall 18V082000 · Air bags
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →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 46% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2006 Audi A3 have?
- 4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.