FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
2015 Audi A3
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 89 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2015 Audi A3, most frequently naming the airbags, fuel system and electrical categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 577 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.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 2020 | 3 | 3 |
| Feb 2020 | 3 | 6 |
| Mar 2020 | 1 | 7 |
| Apr 2020 | 2 | 9 |
| May 2020 | 2 | 11 |
| Jun 2020 | 3 | 14 |
| Jul 2020 | 1 | 15 |
| Aug 2020 | 2 | 17 |
| Sep 2020 | 4 | 21 |
| Oct 2020 | 1 | 22 |
| Nov 2020 | 1 | 23 |
| Dec 2020 | 1 | 24 |
| Jan 2021 | 3 | 27 |
| Mar 2021 | 1 | 28 |
| Apr 2021 | 2 | 30 |
| May 2021 | 1 | 31 |
| Jun 2021 | 2 | 33 |
| Jul 2021 | 2 | 35 |
| Sep 2021 | 1 | 36 |
| Oct 2021 | 1 | 37 |
| Nov 2021 | 3 | 40 |
| Dec 2021 | 1 | 41 |
| Jan 2022 | 3 | 44 |
| Feb 2022 | 1 | 45 |
| Mar 2022 | 1 | 46 |
| May 2022 | 1 | 47 |
| Jun 2022 | 2 | 49 |
| Jul 2022 | 1 | 50 |
| Sep 2022 | 5 | 55 |
| Oct 2022 | 4 | 59 |
| Nov 2022 | 1 | 60 |
| Feb 2023 | 2 | 62 |
| Apr 2023 | 1 | 63 |
| May 2023 | 1 | 64 |
| Jun 2023 | 1 | 65 |
| Jan 2024 | 1 | 66 |
| Feb 2024 | 1 | 67 |
| May 2024 | 3 | 70 |
| Jul 2024 | 2 | 72 |
| Sep 2024 | 1 | 73 |
| Oct 2024 | 2 | 75 |
| Jan 2025 | 1 | 76 |
| Jun 2025 | 1 | 77 |
| Jul 2025 | 1 | 78 |
| Aug 2025 | 2 | 80 |
| Sep 2025 | 1 | 81 |
| Oct 2025 | 1 | 82 |
| Dec 2025 | 1 | 83 |
| Jan 2026 | 1 | 84 |
| Feb 2026 | 1 | 85 |
| Mar 2026 | 1 | 86 |
| Apr 2026 | 1 | 87 |
| Jun 2026 | 2 | 89 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Airbags4536.9%
- Fuel system1814.8%
- Electrical1713.9%
- Interior & seats108.2%
- Seat belts108.2%
- Engine97.4%
- Powertrain (other)54.1%
- Body & structure21.6%
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
2 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.govAIR BAGS:ON-OFF SWITCH ASSEMBLY; AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
Safety investigations
NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.
Fuel Leak due to Suction Jet Pump Failure within Fuel Tank (Remedy Effectiveness of Recall 16V647)
On December 12, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened RQ23-007 to investigate the remedy repair effectiveness and scope of Volkswagen (VW) recall 16V-647. Recall 16V-647 was issued on September 2, 2016, for a defective suction jet pump (SJP) inside the fuel tank. Failure of the SJP could lead to a fuel leak from the vehicle. This recall covered certain model year (MY) 2015-2016 Volkswagen Golf and Audi A3 passenger car vehicles. The recall remedy repair replaced SJP Version 1.0 with an improved version, Version 1.1. The SJP is designed to purge fuel from the evaporative emissions (EVAP) system. VW’s recall filing stated the SJP may have been damaged during assembly, which could potentially allow fuel to flow directly into the EVAP system. Over time, the fuel could accumulate in, and cause a leak from, the charcoal canister filter element. ODI received consumer complaints of SJP failure leading to a fuel leak, refueling spit back, refueling shutoff, and/or fuel odor in vehicles previously repaired under recall 16V-647. Additional complaints alleging SJP failure leading to the previously stated outcomes were received in vehicles outside the scope of recall 16V-647, including MY 2016-2020 VW Golf and Audi A3 vehicles. VW issued recall 24V-110 on February 14, 2024, to address issues with SJPs Versions 1.0 and 1.1. The recall remedy replaces the SJP Version 1.0 or 1.1 with an improved version, Version 2.0. Recall 24V-110 covers certain MY 2015-2020 VW Golf (including Golf GTI), 2015-2020 Audi A3, and 2019-2020 VW Jetta GLI vehicles, including vehicle previously repaired under 16V-647. Vehicle owners were notified of this recall in April 2024 and VW’s projected date for owner notification of recall remedy availability is August 2024. In view of the recall being conducted by VW, ODI is closing this Recall Query (RQ). The Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
The contact owns 2015 Audi A3. The contact stated while parked and when attempting to input fuel into the vehicle the fuel hose sprayed fuel into the contact's clothing and shoes and began to leak under the vehicle near the rear tires. An independent mechanic was contacted. The contact mention the failure has occurred on several different occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the fuel system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was relating the failure NHTSA Campaign Number:24V110000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and they informed him to the local dealership. The failure mileage was 75,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11741854
- Incident
- Jun 1, 2026
- Mileage
- 75,000 mi
The contact owns a 2015 Audi A3. The contact stated that when filling the fuel tank, fuel leaks out of the vehicle. The failure would occur as soon as the contact filled the tank with about $ 3 worth of fuel. The contact recalled that previously, they struggled to open the fuel cap. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, diagnosed that the suction pump had failed. The issue related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V110000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed, and a case was opened. The manufacturer confirmed that the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was 134,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11741459
- Incident
- Feb 2, 2026
- Mileage
- 134,000 mi
the jet fuel pump is on the recall list for front wheel drive audi a 3 cars - they are only including vin numbers for that type of car - mine is all wheel drive and even though i have the same faulty part in my car they will not take responsibility for it - which is why there is a class action law suit against audi america now - so i am filing all of the things that i can to help in resolving the issue of them misrepresenting a car for a 2nd time to me and selling me something that is unsafe and undriveable. my safety has been put at risk every time i have gotten in this car - it has stopped working on the highway several times putting me at risk. when i come to a light or try to pull out of a parking spot i can't move the car, it shakes and stops driving. this has happened to me more times than i can count and now it doesn't drive at all. this has been confirmed by an auto body shop that has been helping me - this car has been in their shop more times than i can count and i have not been able to drive the car for months - they finally did some research and found the class action law suit against audi for the jet fuel pump. i have already spent money to fix other parts like the reg fuel pump which the dealership also lied to me about before purchasing it. i have brought this issue to the attention of audi usa and they refuse to take responsibility even though when i called them a few months ago they said originally this was a sales problem - and if it was a manufacturing problem they would be able to do something about it - now when i have proof it is in fact a manufacturing problem and defect and there is a law suit against them for this same thing - they will won't help or take any responsibility. yes there were problems soon after i bought the car. it took a while to figure out what was going on as i mentioned it had been in and out of the shop several times before we learned of the real issue and of the defective part, recall, and lawsuit.
- NHTSA ID
- 11728851
- Incident
- Jan 26, 2026
Blown turbo with propeller broken off lodged into the pre-catalytic converter, which caused damage to the catalytic converter/exhaust requiring a new turbo and a complete new catalytic converter and exhaust system. They also found major oil leaking from the upper timing cover gaskets, which I later found documented on the accounting service record as not repaired at that time few months from my purchase. These known engine damages were a major contributor to the engine failures that I’m faced with today. Oil starvation from known oil leaks, damaged gaskets, and failing parts caused oil starvation of the turbo, constant overheating with coolant and oil problems since purchasing the car and which ultimately froze the turbo and snapped the propeller. I’m still struggling without an operating vehicle for over a year, and trying to afford these expensive repairs, which should’ve been covered under the 15 year PZEV warranty and/or recalls of these known parts failures. It was at the dealership in plenty of time for the SMOG certification, which was the sole reason for the appointment and it being at AudiSD, which they refused to do. These are extremely expensive repairs, these are known issues with several class action lawsuits and recalls behind them, yet they simply refuse to take ownership, deny any support, and making excuses for their lack of responsibility. I asked several times for them to do the right thing, take the car back and refund my money or give me an equivalent car to what I was promised when I purchased it, they refused and no management has been involved. I deserve to be compensated for my time over the last several years dealing with these repeated issues, compensation for all the parts I have been forced to buy, refunded the amounts I’ve paid for technicians to truly diagnose the problem and for the repairs I’ve yet to be able to afford, as well as the towing and other charges I have incurred as a result of purchasing this vehicle from AudiSD
- NHTSA ID
- 11723149
- Incident
- Apr 9, 2025
Safty issue with standard equipment, backup camera stopped working. Safty feature now unavailable. Told by dealer that it's a common issue. Will fail Massachusetts inspection because the camera is standard safety equipment. Told I need a new 5f module and they are back ordered at audi which tells me it's a major problem since they can't supply them now, should be a recall on this unit....
- NHTSA ID
- 11716929
- Incident
- Feb 2, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Audi A3. The contact stated that on several occasions, while adding fuel to the vehicle, there was a clicking sound before the fuel started spilling onto the ground from the filler neck. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired; however, the dealer stated that the failure might be associated with a breather issue within the fuel tank and that the breather part might need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle suddenly jerked, lost power, and a rattling sound came from the engine compartment. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Additionally, there was a leak underneath the driver’s side rear wheel and a trail of condensation coming from the fuel tank, extending outside of the vehicle on the floor of the garage. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11711428
- Incident
- Jun 1, 2025
- Mileage
- 65,000 mi
Smelt like something was burning and the smell was coming out of vents. Looked online and found that people have been having issues with the auxiliary heater for the HVAC to help the car warm up faster. I check mine and found that the connector was staring to melt. Seems like it could be a potential fire hazard if not caught soon enough.
- NHTSA ID
- 11702870
- Incident
- Dec 3, 2025
Airbag pressure sensing fault in passenger seat. Fix is $1,800
- NHTSA ID
- 11695232
- Incident
- Oct 16, 2025
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
This bulletin provides a statement regarding the bottleneck of supply for VW approved oil types VW 504.00 and VW 507.00.
SUSPENSION
This bulletin provides information when there are creaking/squeakignnoises from the front end on uneven roads.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This bulletin provides informatoinw hent here are scratches or a coating on the cover of the instrument cluster, or particles inside of the housing.
STRUCTURE:BODY
This bulletin provides information when there is a film/visible rings on the clear glass cover of the headlight when the dipped beam is switched on.
ENGINE
This bulletin provides information when there is increased oil consumption; >0.5ltr/1000 km.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This bulletin provides information when there are noises from the area around the instrument cluster.
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
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations | Issue Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2025 | 5 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2024 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2023 | 6 | 2 | 0 | — |
| 2022 | 9 | 6 | 0 | — |
| 2021 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2020 | 16 | 3 | 1 | 54.1 |
| 2019 | 10 | 3 | 1 | 49.2 |
| 2018 | 33 | 2 | 1 | 52.4 |
| 2017 | 44 | 2 | 1 | 52.4 |
| 2016 | 81 | 3 | 1 | 59.3 |
| 2015Viewing | 89 | 2 | 1 | 52.4 |
| 2014 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2013 | 20 | 3 | 0 | 46.0 |
| 2012 | 43 | 4 | 2 | 56.7 |
| 2011 | 43 | 4 | 2 | 51.0 |
| 2010 | 50 | 5 | 4 | 53.1 |
| 2009 | 47 | 5 | 2 | 59.5 |
| 2008 | 43 | 3 | 0 | 45.9 |
| 2007 | 52 | 3 | 0 | 41.8 |
| 2006 | 123 | 4 | 0 | 45.0 |
| 2005 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 2004 | 6 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2003 | 2 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2002 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2001 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2000 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1999 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1998 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1997 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
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.