RoadVitals

2019 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.
10
Latest Dec 9, 2025
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 Feb 14, 2024
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.
1
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.
0

Overview

Our database contains 10 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2019 Audi A3, most frequently naming the fuel system, airbags and interior & seats categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 640 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

  • Fuel system428.6%
  • Airbags321.4%
  • Interior & seats214.3%
  • Powertrain (other)17.1%
  • Seat belts17.1%
  • Visibility17.1%
  • Electrical17.1%
  • Exterior lighting17.1%

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
24V110000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Feb 14, 2024
261,257 units potentially affected
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain front-wheel drive 2015-2020 Audi A3 Sedan, 2015-2019 Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI, 2018 Golf Sportwagen GP, 2018-2019 Golf Sportwagen A7, 2015-2017 Golf Sportwagen, 2015-2020 Golf GTI, and 2015-2020 Golf A7 vehicles. Due to a problem with a suction jet pump seal inside the fuel tank, fuel may flow into the evaporative emissions (EVAP) system and possibly leak out of the charcoal canister.
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
The 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. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are VW: 20UF/Audi: 20YF. Vehicles that were previously recalled under 16V-647 will need to have the new remedy completed. This recall expands and replaces previous recall number 16V-647.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Manufacturer number VW: 20UF/AUDI:20YFView on NHTSA.gov
22V815000

TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS

Oct 31, 2022
296,044 units potentially affected
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan LWB, Golf Sportswagen A7, Golf Alltrack, Golf R GP, Audi Q3, Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Jetta NF, Jetta GLI, Golf GTI, Atlas, Golf A7, Audi A3, 2020-2021 Atlas Cross Sport, and 2021 Atlas FL vehicles. The tire pressure monitoring system may not detect an air pressure loss in adequate time when deflating occurs among all four tires simultaneously. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."
The risk: An undetected sudden loss of pressure in all four tires increases the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will update the TPMS software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 18, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi’s customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are (Audi) 45J7, and (VW) 45J6 and 45J8.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Manufacturer number AU:45J7,VW:45J6,45J8View on NHTSA.gov
21V198000

AIR BAGS:ON-OFF SWITCH ASSEMBLY; AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER

Mar 22, 2021
153,152 units potentially affected
The defect: 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. The passenger occupant detection system (PODS) may malfunction and switch off the passenger air bag even when the seat is occupied.
The risk: A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
The 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.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Manufacturer number 69BYView on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

RQ23007ClosedRecall Query

Fuel Leak due to Suction Jet Pump Failure within Fuel Tank (Remedy Effectiveness of Recall 16V647)

Opened Dec 12, 2023
Closed Jul 1, 2024

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.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS:CANISTERLed to recall 24V110

Recent owner complaints

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

View all 10
Powertrain (other)
Filed Dec 9, 2025

The contact owns a 2019 Audi A3. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH for a 50-mile trip, the message "Transmission Failure" displayed, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The transmission then inadvertently switched from automatic to manual transmission mode and became stuck in second gear. Additionally, the vehicle jerked and decelerated to 35 MPH while driving. The contact activated the hazard lights before pulling over to the right shoulder to turn off the vehicle. The vehicle was restarted, but the failure persisted. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of fuel very quickly. The contact was able to drive to the destination. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who retrieved DTC: P173500 (Electrical Malfunction with the Position Sensor for Clutch 1 in the Transmission). The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, but no cause for the failure was found. The contact then drove the vehicle for a long distance at high speeds and was able to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who determined that the mechatronic hardware, DSG transmission cover, gasket, and fluid needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: 2058504/1 (Transmission malfunction, DTC P173500 and/or P173600 stored in the TCM). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the Technical Service Bulletin. The failure mileage was approximately 34,500.

NHTSA ID
11703985
Incident
Oct 24, 2025
Mileage
34,500 mi
Exterior lighting
Filed Jan 6, 2025

The headlight assembly failed and manufacturer accepts no responsibility and quoted astronomical repair cost. This should not have been an issue with such new components. I've seen many vehicles like mine with the same problem.

NHTSA ID
11634359
Incident
Jul 1, 2023
Fuel system
Filed May 24, 2024

The contact owns a 2019 Audi A3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V110000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID
11590650
Incident
May 6, 2024
Fuel system
Filed May 20, 2024

The contact owns a 2019 Audi A3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V110000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID
11589619
Incident
May 20, 2024
Fuel system
Filed Mar 4, 2023

My vehicle stalls while driving twice in a row several times a week. Check engine code P0148 indicating a fuel system error. Took my vehicle to the Audi Dealership but because my husband had cleared the code, nothing could be done. My vehicle stalling multiple times in a row, several times a week not only poses a safety risk to myself as the driver, but my passengers and other vehicles on the road. I am requesting an investigation into the faulty fuel systems of the 2019 Audi A3.

NHTSA ID
11510142
Incident
Mar 3, 2023
AirbagsInterior & seats
Filed Aug 19, 2022

Audi has stated there are no parts available to address the PODS recall 21V198 since March 2021. My dealership sold my vehicle to me at the end of my lease without having addressed this safety recall.

NHTSA ID
11480136
Incident
Mar 22, 2021
AirbagsSeat belts
Filed May 9, 2022

UNKNOWN

NHTSA ID
11463885
Incident
May 9, 2022
AirbagsElectricalInterior & seats
Filed May 11, 2021

I WAS DRIVING MY CAR WITH MY FRIEND IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. ALL OF A SUDDEN CAR STARTED MADE A BEEPING SOUND AND MY DASHBOARD SAID SOMETHING ABOUT SAFETY FEATURE BEING TURNED OFF/LIMITED. ALSO THE PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF LIGHT TURNED ON EVEN WHEN THE PASSENGER SEAT WAS OCCUPIED. THE VEHICLE WAS ALREADY IN MOTION. THIS CREATED AN UNSAFE SITUATION AS PASSENGER AIRBAG WAS OFF WHEN IT SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN. THE PASSENGER OCCUPANT DETECTION SYSTEM (PODS) DETECTED A MALFUNCTION AND SWITCH OFF THE PASSENGER AIRBAG EVEN THOUGH THE SEAT WAS BE OCCUPIED. I REACHED OUT TO AUDI REGARDING THIS AND THEY SAID THAT SINCE THE REPAIR IS NOT AVAILABLE YET I WILL HAVE TO WAIT. THE NHTSA RECALL NUMBER FOR THIS ISSUE IS 21V198. THE MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBER IS 69BY. I HAVE ATTACHED THE LATEST VIDEO OF THIS SITUATION. IF YOU LOOK AT THE VIDEO IT SHOWS THAT THE PASSENGER SEAT IS OCCUPIED AND STILL THE PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF LIGHT IS ON. THIS IS THE 3RD OCCURRENCE OF THIS ISSUE. I USE MY CAR DAILY AND SINCE THE REPAIR IS NOT AVAILABLE YET THIS MAKES MY CAR UNSAFE ON THE ROAD.

NHTSA ID
11416083
Incident
May 9, 2021
Mileage
13,500 mi

Manufacturer communications

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

TSB_2082846_1

This bulletin provides a statement regarding the bottleneck of supply for VW approved oil types VW 504.00 and VW 507.00.

TSB_2043424_20

SUSPENSION

This bulletin provides information when there are creaking/squeakignnoises from the front end on uneven roads.

TSB_2081573_4

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

This bulletin provides information when DTC B105A1A, B103E25 is stored in 0017; fuel tank level implausible.

TSB_2078648_2

STRUCTURE:BODY

This service information TSB provides warranty coverage information for vehicles with a broken sunroof panel.

TSB_2061464_12

SUSPENSION

This bulletin provides informaiotn regarding squeaking noises when steering or maneuvering.

TSB_2073282_1

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.

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
2019Viewing103149.2
2018332152.4
2017442152.4
2016813159.3
2015892152.4
2014000—
2013203046.0
2012434256.7
2011434251.0
2010505453.1
2009475259.5
2008433045.9
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.