RoadVitals

2008 Audi A3

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

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.
43
Latest Dec 2, 2019
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
3
Latest Jan 30, 2018
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
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

Overview

Our database contains 43 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2008 Audi A3, most frequently naming the airbags, transmission and powertrain (other) categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 476 manufacturer communications are on file.

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

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Airbags2453.3%
  • Transmission1022.2%
  • Powertrain (other)36.7%
  • Engine24.4%
  • Fuel system12.2%
  • Suspension12.2%
  • Tires & wheels12.2%
  • Driver assistance12.2%

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

Safety recalls

3 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
18V082000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Jan 30, 2018
162,782 units potentially affected
The defect: 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. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
The risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
The 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. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69R6. Note: This recall partially supersedes recall 16V-078.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Manufacturer number 69R6View on NHTSA.gov
16V079000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Feb 10, 2016
151,767 units potentially affected
The defect: 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. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
The risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The 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. Audi owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.View on NHTSA.gov
09V377000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

Sep 30, 2009
10,200 units potentially affected
The defect: 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 INTERNAL SPRING OF THE FUEL TANK VENTILATION VALVE IS NOT ADEQUATE ENOUGH TO HOLD THE VALVE CLOSED UNDER EXTREME DRIVING CONDITIONS POSSIBLY ALLOWING FUEL TO LEAK.
The risk: IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A VEHICLE FIRE COULD OCCUR.
The 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 AUDI AT 1-800-253-2834.
VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INCManufacturer number 20Q3/J3View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 43
ElectricalFuel system
Filed Dec 2, 2019

THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO PROPERLY DIAGNOSE. MORE THAN ONE MECHANIC HAS TOLD ME THE CODE P0171 THAT READS AS THE DIAGNOSTIC DOES NOT CORRELATE WITH MY CAR AS MY CAR DOES NOT HAVE A PCV VALVE. THEY HAVE INSPECTED THE CAR TO LOOK FOR SIMILAR ISSUES AND HAVE FOUND NONE. YET THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT REMAINS ILLUMINATED. THERE WAS A RECALL REPORTED 09/30/2009 ON MY TYPE OF CAR UNDER CAMPAIGN 09V377000 BUT MY VIN IS NOT SHOWING AS AFFECTED BY THAT CAMPAIGN EVEN THOUGH THE CODE THAT IS COMING UP IS A SIMILAR ISSUE. I AM EXTREMELY CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF DRIVING MY CAR NOW. I CAN'T NOT REPAIR WHAT I CAN NOT DIAGNOSE. I BELIEVE THAT I AM AFFECTED BY THE RECALL.

NHTSA ID
11286439
Incident
Nov 23, 2019
Mileage
154,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Jun 28, 2019

TAKATA RECALL I RECEIVED NOTICE IN JANUARY OF 2019 THAT MY VEHICLE WAS HAVING A SECOND RECALL ON THE TAKATA AIRBAGS. I IMMEDIATELY ATTEMPTED TO HAVE THE REPAIR DONE AT MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP; I COULD NOT GET THROUGH. I THEN CONTACTED AUDI CORPORATE, WHO SAID THEY LEFT THE LOCAL DEALERSHIOP MESSAGES ON MY BEHALF; AGAIN NO RESPONSE. AFTER CALLING MULTIPLE OTHER DEALERSHIPS IN MY STATE, ONE A LITTLE OVER AN HOUR FROM ME ACTUALLY REPLIED TO MY MESSAGES. IT TOOK UNTIL JUNE TO GET THIS RECALL COMPLETED. NEITHER AUDI USA NOR IT'S LOCAL DEALERS SEEM TO CARE ABOUT PERFORMING A SAFETY RECALL IN A TIMELY MANNER.

NHTSA ID
11223096
Incident
Jan 7, 2019
Mileage
100,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed Jun 28, 2019

EXCESSIVE REAR SUBFRAME CORROSION THAT ISN'T BEING COVERED BY A 12 YEAR ANTI-CORROSION WARRANTY. THE SAFETY ISSUE STEMS FROM; A, A PROPER ALIGNMENT ISN'T POSSIBLE, B THE REAR SUBFRAME IS RESPONSIBLE FOR MAINTAINING THE REAR GEOMETRY OF THE VEHICLE, WHEELS, BRAKES AND SUSPENSION.

NHTSA ID
11223094
Incident
Jun 10, 2019
Mileage
110,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Nov 15, 2018

HI, I HAVE BEEN GETTING EMAILS FROM AUDI USA ABOUT N AIRBAG RECALL FOR MY AUDI A3 BUT EVERYTIME I CALL MY AUDI DEALERSHIP IN SANTA MONICA, CA THEY SAY THEY DON'T HAVE AT THE STORE TO TRY ANOTHER DEALERSHIP, I TOLD THEM TO CALL WHEN THEY HAVE IT AND IT HAS BEEN THREE MONTHS AND THEY STILL DON'T HAVE IT. I BOUGHT MY CAR THERE AND I GUESS THEIR COSTUMER SAFETY IS NOT IMPORTANT WHEN THEY HAVE TO DO IT FOR FREE. PLEASE HELP.

NHTSA ID
11151819
Incident
Oct 8, 2018
Mileage
89,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Oct 12, 2018

I KEEP GETTING RECALL NOTICES, MONTH AFTER MONTH, FOR ABOUT 6 MONTHS. I HAD THE INTERIM REPAIR DONE, AND HAVE CALLED NOW AT LEAST THREE TIMES AND THEY KEEP TELLING ME THE PART IS NOT AVAILABLE YET. NOW I GET A NOTICE THAT SAYS TO REPAIR IMMEDIATELY EVEN IF AN INTERIM REPAIR WAS RECENTLY DONE. HOW DO I GET THIS DONE? I KEEP CALLING AND THEY KEEP TELLING ME THERE IS NO PARTS AVAILABLE YET. MY SON IS DRIVING THIS CAR NOW IN SPRINGFIELD, IL AND I AM WORRIED ABOUT HIS SAFETY.

NHTSA ID
11140073
Incident
Oct 12, 2018
Mileage
175,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Oct 12, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 AUDI A3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V082000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AUDI ROANOKE (LOCATED AT 2006 PETERS CREEK RD, ROANOKE, VA 24017, (540) 562-0099), BUT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ID
11139984
Incident
Oct 10, 2017
Airbags
Filed Jul 15, 2018

TAKATA RECALL I AM STILL RECEIVING NOTICES BY MAIL BUT NOTHING HAS HAPPENED YET. I CONTACTED MY LOCAL AUDI DEALER AND THEY STILL DON'T HAVE THE PARTS TO REPLACE MY AIRBAG. HOW MUCH LONGER CAN WAIT WITHOUT PUTTING MY FAMILY'S LIFE IN DANGER. THANK YOU

NHTSA ID
11111481
Incident
Jul 15, 2018
Airbags
Filed Nov 8, 2017

"TAKATA RECALL" ON MARCH 18, 2017, I WENT IN TO AUDI CALABASAS AND SPOKE WITH SCOTT GOMEZ, SERVICE ADVISOR, AND THE MANAGER ON DUTY THAT DAY, TO INQUIRE ON HAVING MY DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG REPLACE IN RESPONSE TO THE MANUFACTURER SAFETY RECALL ISSUED. HIS RESPONSE WAS TO TRY BACK LATER. HE SAID HE DID NOT EXPECT FOR ANY BAGS TO BE AVAILABLE FOR MONTHS. HE DID NOT SEEM CONCERNED. I SAID I WAS AFRAID OF THE DANGER OF IT GOING OFF IN A MINOR FENDER BENDER AND HE SAID THERE WERE NO REPORTS OF AUDI VEHICLES EXPERIENCING SUCH MAL-FUNCTIONS. I ASKED IF HE WAS NOT CONCERNED ABOUT THE LIABILITY SHOULD ONE SUCH ACCIDENT OCCUR INVOLVING THE RECALLED AIRBAG. HIS RESPONSE WAS CHILLING. HE SAID IT WOULD NOT BE AUDI'S FAULT. IT WOULD BE THE MANUFACTURER OF THE AIRBAG'S LIABILITY.

NHTSA ID
11044485
Incident
Mar 18, 2017

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

A9124632044694_3

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)

This bulletin provides information pertaining to MMI Navigation database concerns.

A912306202432310

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:PARKING ASSIST:SENSORS; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:PARKING ASSIST:SOFTWARE

This bulletin provides information when the parking assistance provides false warnings.

A9023562032113_8

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

This bulletin provides general information about the outside air temperature reading.

A0023812070568_2

EQUIPMENT

This bulletin provides information on the VAS 611 015 PICO-NVH tool for professional noise analysis.

A9423672071954_1

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS; EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS

This bulletin provides information pertaining to when there are foreign objects inside of a headlight or taillight.

A7423262071893_1

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

This bulletin provides damage assessment guidelines for textile seat covers.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Audi A3 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026000—
2025500—
2024100—
2023620—
2022960—
2021000—
2020163154.1
2019103149.2
2018332152.4
2017442152.4
2016813159.3
2015892152.4
2014000—
2013203046.0
2012434256.7
2011434251.0
2010505453.1
2009475259.5
2008Viewing433045.9
2007523041.8
20061234045.0
2005010—
2004600—
2003200—
2002000—
2001100—
2000000—
1999000—
1998000—
1997000—

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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.