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2016 Audi A3 Cabriolet Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
36
Latest Jun 26, 2024
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
11
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
2

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2016 Audi A3 Cabriolet, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Airbags1535.7%
  • Engine614.3%
  • Electrical49.5%
  • Powertrain (other)37.1%
  • Other / unspecified12.4%
  • Steering12.4%
  • Driver assistance12.4%
  • Tires & wheels12.4%
  • Body & structure12.4%
  • Exterior lighting12.4%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

15
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3 Cabriolet. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was previously taken to the local dealer, where it was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V198000 (Air Bags). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, Audi Richmond (12592 Broad St., Richmond, VA 23233), where it was determined that the module connected to the sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.

NHTSA ID 11597002 · filed Jun 26, 2024

The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3. The contact stated the front passenger’s side air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V198000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID 11480115 · filed Aug 19, 2022
All 15 reports naming airbags

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3. The contact stated while refueling the vehicle, gasoline sprayed out from the fuel filler neck. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed of a malfunction with the filler neck. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 8,000.

NHTSA ID 11507697 · filed Feb 16, 2023

The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, he started to smell gasoline fumes inside the vehicle. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to drive to a nearby gas station and noticed a fuel leak. The contact was able to drive to his destination. The contact stated he replaced the fuel cap and evaporator air filter, the fuel pressure sensor, and the evaporator purge valve but continued to experience the failure. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V647000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

NHTSA ID 11437383 · filed Oct 19, 2021
All 8 reports naming fuel system

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3. The contact stated while driving at unknown speed the message, "Oil Level Sensor System Fault" was displayed. The message was display on several occasions while the contact was driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the mechanic stated that several fault codes were displayed. The mechanic informed the contact that replacing the sensor might fix the failure and the part was replaced. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started to stall, and the message was displayed again. The contact stated that the failure recurred several times. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle for the vehicle to operate as needed. The vehicle was towed to another independent mechanic where the failure was unknown, and the mechanic had the vehicle taken to a different mechanic. The independent mechanic informed the contact that the gear shifter had failed to shift from park when the vehicle was started. The contact was informed that the vehicle needed to be towed to the dealer. The vehicle was towed to a dealer but was not yet diagnosed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,500.

NHTSA ID 11580553 · filed Apr 1, 2024

The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 21V198000 (Air Bags) and 19V474000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who declined to repair the vehicle for unknown reasons however, the dealer received payment. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed that the ignition coil needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available for NHTSA campaign number: 21V198000 (Air Bags) and Parts distribution disconnect for NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V474000 (Air Bags).

NHTSA ID 11431217 · filed Aug 31, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3. The contact stated while driving at slow speeds and making a U-turn, the "Steering Defect; Do Not Drive" message was displayed. The power steering warning light was illuminated. The steering wheel turned in the other direction when the vehicle struck the curb. While making a left turn, the steering wheel pulled hard to the right. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 147,000.

NHTSA ID 11541630 · filed Aug 30, 2023

2016 AUDI A3. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO DEFECTIVE GAS GAUGE. THE CONSUMER REFERENCED AUDI SAFETY RECALL 20Y5. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE EXHIBTED THE SAME FAILURE BUT, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE REPAIRED AT A LOCAL MECHANICS SHOP. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO BE INCLUDED IN AND REIMBURSED FOR THE RECALL REPAIR

NHTSA ID 11478951 · filed Aug 12, 2022

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TWICE I HAVE EXPERIENCED THE RANDOM LOSS OF POWER. THE FIRST TIME OCCURRED ON A LOCAL STREET, DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE VEHICLE STUTTERED AND LOST POWER. IT APPEARED AS IF THE VEHICLE WAS SLOWING DOWN, NOT EVEN COASTING BUT SLOWING DOWN CONSIDERABLY. I WAS REQUIRED TO PULL ONTO A SIDE ROAD. I RESTARTED THE CAR AND THE ISSUE DISAPPEARED. THE SECOND TIME OCCURRED ON THE HIGHWAY DRIVING IN THE LEFT LANE AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH. SAME ISSUE, CAR STUTTERED AND THEN LOSS POWER. THE CAR'S SPEED SLOWED CONSIDERABLE FAST, FROM 70 TO 30 IN APPRXIMATELY 5-7 SECONDS. WITH THE INABILITY TO ACCELERATE ON A THREE LANE HIGHWAY, IT WAS DIFFICULT TO MAKE MY WAY TO THE SHOULDER ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ROAD. AFTER THE STUTTER, YOU CAN PRESS THE GAS PEDAL AND NOT ACCELERATION IS EXPERIENCED. I DID NOT NOTICE ANY WARNING LIGHTS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO AUDI TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE, AND THEIR RESPONSE WAS "WE DON'T SEE ANY FAULT CODES, THEREFORE WE HAVE NO RECORD OF IT HAPPENING", AND SENT ME OFF WITH A "GOOD LUCK" VEHICLE HAD APPRXIMATELY 12,000 MILES AND 15,000 MILES WHEN ISSUES OCCURRED. ALL DEALER RECOMMENDED MAINTANENCE WAS PERFORMED.

NHTSA ID 11067212 · filed Feb 6, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 AUDI A3. WHEN PLACING THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE, THE VEHICLE WOULD LUNGE OR ROLL FORWARD BEFORE REVERSING. THE MANUFACTURER AND AN UNKNOWN DEALER WERE CONTACTED, BUT COULD NOT PROVIDE A REMEDY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,000.

NHTSA ID 11021593 · filed Sep 5, 2017

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle drove over a massive pothole in the roadway. The contact pulled over to assess the vehicle and discovered that the front passenger’s rim had detached the vehicle. Additionally, the oil pan was punctured, causing oil to leak from the vehicle. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to his residence where it remained in his possession. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 63,000.

NHTSA ID 11517382 · filed Apr 17, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3. The contact stated while driving at slow speeds and making a U-turn, the "Steering Defect; Do Not Drive" message was displayed. The power steering warning light was illuminated. The steering wheel turned in the other direction when the vehicle struck the curb. While making a left turn, the steering wheel pulled hard to the right. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 147,000.

NHTSA ID 11541630 · filed Aug 30, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

I BOUGHT A CPO 2016 A3 1.8T FROM AUDI OF PALO ALTO ON MAY 20, 2017 WITH A LITTLE UNDER 19100 MILES. GREAT FAST CAR. UNTIL JUNE 17, 2017 WHEN IT HAD 19878 MILES. THE CAR STARTED TO STUTTER/SPUTTER/JERK WHILE ON THE FWY. I WAS GOING ABOUT 50-60MPH ON THE FWY, CRUISING, AND THEN IT STUTTERED. IT LOST THE POWER TO ACCELERATE TO KEEP UP THE FWY PACE AND IT SLOWED DOWN CONSIDERABLY SO I PULLED OVER. I HAD IT TOWED TO THE NEAREST DEALER (AUDI OF CONCORD). IT WAS THERE FROM 6/17 TO 6/29. DEALER SAID IT HAD A FAULTY TURBO, STATING THE WASTEGATE FAILED, SO THEY REPLACED THE ENTIRE TURBO. I GOT THE CAR BACK WITH ABOUT 20072 MILES, SO APPARENTLY THEY DID SOME ROAD TESTS. YESTERDAY, JULY 3, 2017, WHILE PICKING UP SOME GIFTS FOR MY DAUGHTER'S BIRTHDAY, THE ISSUE CAME BACK AGAIN. THIS TIME, MY WIFE AND 2 SMALL CHILDREN WERE IN THE CAR. WE WERE CRUISING AROUND 60-65 MPH. IT WAS SCARIER AS I HAD TO THINK FOR THEIR SAFETY FIRST AND FOREMOST. IMAGINE A CAR THAT SUDDENLY LOST ACCELERATION POWER ON THE FREEWAY AT AROUND 6:30PM. WE EASILY COULD HAVE GOTTEN REAR-ENDED. ANYWAY, I RESEARCHED ON AUDI'S RELIABILITY AND DID READ ON SOME COMMENTS ABOUT HOW LOUSY THEY ARE. I GAMBLED AND DECIDED TO BUY ONE ANYWAY. BOY DID I LOSE BIG. AT THIS POINT, I'D RATHER HAVE A KIA OR CHEVY.

NHTSA ID 11002951 · filed Jul 4, 2017

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

SINCE PURCHASING MY AUDI A3 ON 3/26/2016 I HAVE A FLAT TIRES IN 6 DAYS ON 4/2/16. CAR TIRES ARE OEM AND ARE CONTIPROCONTACT 225/40 18 92H. TIRE FAILURES HAD HAPPENED AT LOW SPEED (20-30 MPH) GOING OVER A POTHOLE. HOWEVER, I HAVE DRIVEN ON THESE SAME CANTON ANN ARBOR ROADS FOR 5 YEARS AND NEVER HAD TIRE DAMAGE FROM A POTHOLE BEFORE. I CONTACTED SEVERAL COMPANIES FOR TIRE REPLACEMENT AND ALL OF THEM SAID THAT THEY DON'T HAVE THESE TIRES IN STOCK AND THESE ARE DISCONTINUED TIRES. I ALSO FOUND THESE TIRES ON CLEARANCE AT SEARS. I DECIDED TO FILE A COMPLAIN AFTER I SEARCHED ONLINE AND FOUND OUT THAT OTHER PEOPLE ARE FACING THE SAME ISSUE WITH THE SAME BRAND AND SIZE. HTTP://M.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/AUDI/A3/2015/WHEELS_HUBS/WHEELS.SHTML THERE IS A RECALL IN CANADA ON THESE TIRES HTTP://WWWAPPS.TC.GC.CA/SAF-SEC-SUR/7/VRDB-BDRV/SEARCH-RECHERCHE/DETAIL.ASPX?LANG=ENG&MK=7041&MD=0&FY=0&TY=9999&FT=&LS=0&SY=0&RN=2015313&CF=SEARCHRESULT&PG=0 DEALERSHIP IS NOT OFFERING ANY SOLUTIONS. I AM SCARED TO DRIVE MY CAR.

NHTSA ID 10855077 · filed Apr 12, 2016

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

PURCHASED THIS CAR DECEMBER OF 2018 (6 MONTHS AGO), VEHICLE STILL UNDER WARRANTY. LATE JAN (A MONTH AFTER PURCHASE), WHILE DRIVING ON THE ROAD, THE LEFT SIDE BUMPER GRILLE, A LARGE PLASTIC PIECE FELL OFF. I THOUGHT IT WAS A FLUKE, SO I PURCHASED A REPLACEMENT PART AND PUT IT BACK INTO THE BUMPER. A MONTH LATER IN LATE MARCH, THAT SAME PIECE FELL OFF AGAIN WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY, CAUSED A LARGE BOOM NOISE AND WAS A HAZARD TO OTHER VEHICLES DRIVING AT HIGH SPEEDS ON THE FREEWAY. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE PART AGAIN. FAST FORWARD TO JUNE, THIS SAME PART ON THE RIGHT SIDE FELL OFF AGAIN WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AND CAUSING THE SAME ROAD HAZARD FOR ALL VEHICLES. IN SUMMARY, WITHIN A SPAN OF 6 MONTHS THIS PART HAD FELL OFF 3 TIMES. THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW IN THE BUMPER DESIGN OF THIS CAR AND NEED TO BE INVESTIGATED, OTHERWISE IT'S A MAJOR ROAD HAZARD TO HAVE CAR PARTS FALLING OFF AND FLYING ON THE FREEWAY.

NHTSA ID 11230233 · filed Jul 8, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

A-RECALL SUCTION PUMP SMELL INSIDE CAR LEAK VAP SYSTEM GAS A-RECALL SIDE MARKER LIGHTS

NHTSA ID 11011845 · filed Jul 31, 2017

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .