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 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 — 35 distinct reports on file.
20% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 16 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow 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, 20251001
18% of complaints: electrical system — 14 distinct reports on file.
11% of complaints: engine — 9 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIREShow 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, 20210920
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, 20200630
8% of complaints: power train — 6 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 21V198000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 22V543000 — check if this car was fixed
Fuel Leak due to Suction Jet Pump Failure within Fuel Tank (Remedy Effectiveness of Recall 16V647)
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.
Campaign 24V110000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2016 Audi A3 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (35 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (16 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (14 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 21V198000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V543000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 24V110000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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 44% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2016 Audi A3 have?
3 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.