2011 Audi A3
This year's complaint volume is within 30% 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
- 43
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 2
- Top problem
- Air bags
Campaigns on file for 2011
Opened by NHTSA
47% of complaints
Complaints per year
2011: 43 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
47% · 20 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Audi refuses to replace citing lack of parts yet keeps sending me notices to replace. This is wasting a lot of time for both parties.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-10-15
Tl* Takata recall. The contact owns a 2011 Audi A3. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16V079000 (Air bags); however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-08-01
Fuel/propulsion system
14% · 6 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Audi A3. While driving at various speeds, the headlights suddenly shut off and the service vehicle sensor light illuminated.
NHTSA ODI report, 2015-10-08
Also filed under Electrical system and exterior lighting
Engine
14% · 6 reportsFuel system, diesel
9% · 4 reportsShow complaint excerpts
1) normal driving. 2) fuel pump failure resulting in total fuel system failure. 3) fuel pump and entire fuel delivery system replaced.
NHTSA ODI report, 2011-07-27
Electrical system
9% · 4 reportsSafety timeline
4 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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I
2011-02-07Engineering analysisClosed 2015-03-27 High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure
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I
2011-08-02Preliminary evaluationClosed 2011-12-02 Diesel Fuel Injector Line Leakage
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R
2011-11-15Fuel system, diesel11V490000 Volkswagen is recalling certain model 2009-2012 jetta and jetta sportwagen vehicles, manufactured from May 2008 through September 2011, model year 2010-2012 Volkswagen golf vehicles, manufactured…
Remedy: Volkswagen will install an improved fuel injector line for the number 2 cylinder on certain vehicles and will install vibration dampers on all of the injector lines. Volkswagen and Audi will notify…
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R
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.
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2019-12-20Air bags19V862000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2015 Passat, 2011-2014 Golf A6, and 2011-2013 Audi A3 diesel vehicles, thought to have been previously repaired under one of the Takata air bag recalls.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's side air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began December 20, 2019.
Buy-smart checklist
2011 Audi A3 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 20 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 11V490000 · Fuel system, diesel
- Recall 16V079000 · Air bags
- Recall 18V082000 · Air bags
- Recall 19V862000 · Air bags
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2011 Audi A3 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2011 Audi A3 is rated "typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2011 Audi A3?
- The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 47% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2011 Audi A3 have?
- 4 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.