2016 Audi A3
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than 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
- 83
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Air bags
Campaigns on file for 2016
Opened by NHTSA
45% of complaints
Complaints per year
2016: 83 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
45% · 37 reportsShow complaint excerpts
My 2016 Audi A3 (VIN [XXX]) underwent Safety Recall 69BY on XXX, to correct a defect in the front passenger occupant detection system (PODS), including replacement of the occupant detection sensor.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-10-14
Also filed under Electrical system
The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3. The contact stated that the front passengerâs side air bag occupant sensor failed to identify a passenger seat in the seat. A dealer was contacted. No warning light was illuminated.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-21
Also filed under Engine and engine cooling
Fuel/propulsion system
19% · 16 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Fuel leaked all my garage almost causing a fire in my home while I was sleeping. I have had the fuel tank replaced 3 times.
NHTSA ODI report, 2025-10-01
Electrical system
19% · 16 reportsMost commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery.
Engine
11% · 9 reportsShow complaint excerpts
I have filed multiple complaints with you all regarding my concern for safety and anxiety each time I get behind the wheel of my car. I contacted Audi, National, local dealer and no help with National safety recall.
NHTSA ODI report, 2021-09-20
Tl* the contact owns a 2016 Audi A3. The contact stated that while driving at 20 MPH, he noticed a burning smell in his vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 2020-06-30
Power train
7% · 6 reportsSafety timeline
3 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2016Complaint volume 83 complaints filed for this model year.
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2021-12-23Air bags21V198000 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.
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.
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2022-12-16Air bags22V543000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2016 Audi TT Roadster, TT Coupe, S3 Sedan, R8 Coupe, A3 Sedan, A3 Etron, A3 Cabriolet, 2016 Golf Sportwagen, Golf R, Golf GTI, Golf A7, and E Golf vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front-passenger air bag module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 16, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
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2023-12-12Recall queryClosed 2024-07-01 Fuel Leak due to Suction Jet Pump Failure within Fuel Tank (Remedy Effectiveness of Recall 16V647)
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2024-07-25Fuel system, gasoline24V110000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
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.
Buy-smart checklist
2016 Audi A3 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 37 reports on file for this year.
- Fuel/propulsion system: 16 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 16 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 21V198000 · Air bags
- Recall 22V543000 · Air bags
- Recall 24V110000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2016 Audi A3 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2016 Audi A3 is rated "worse than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2016 Audi A3?
- The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 45% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2016 Audi A3 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.