2022 Audi A3 Owner Complaints

On March 22, 2026, my Check Engine light came on while driving my 2022 Audi A3. Prior to this, I had been noticing a slight jerk when accelerating from a stop. Because Audi dealerships charge approximately $250 just to read diagnostic codes, I went to Discount Auto Parts, where they retrieved code P27F500 — indicating the gear shift lock solenoid is stuck in the open position. I then contacted my Audi dealership and asked directly whether this required a software update or if the gear selector was physically failing. They refused to give me a straight answer. I separately spoke with an Audi service technician who confirmed that the 2022 Audi A3 is well known to have this exact issue. My own research confirmed that this defect is widespread across both Audi and Volkswagen vehicles sharing the same platform. My vehicle is only 3 years old with no history of abuse or neglect. Repair estimates for this known manufacturer defect range from $1,500 to $2,000, which is unacceptable for a defect that appears to be a manufacturing issue, not owner caused damage. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this as a potential safety defect and consider requiring Audi to issue a recall or provide repairs at no cost to affected owners.

NHTSA ID

11726245

Incident

Mar 22, 2026

I get an error message that says: Selector Lever Malfunction. Currently the car is still drivable it is an issue with the transmission/gear shifter for transmission. This could cause serious injury if the transmission decided to stop working/communicating with the sensor while driving. Currently it states that it is safe to drive, however I could be on my way home and have it switch without warning. Based on research online, this error has effected many people with the same exact year, make, and model as my car. Where this could effect the transmission it could cause serious safety issues for myself and any other drivers on the road it if suddenly decides to change from, Okay to drive and Not okay to drive. It did not cause an incident with me, however there is large potential that it could cause an incident. I feel this should be investigated to prevent possibly injury or even worse, death if it impacts the operation of the vehicle while someone is driving.

NHTSA ID

11713636

Incident

Jan 25, 2026

I was driving my car on a city street when it all of sudden stopped. The car died without warning. I was about to complete a left hand turn into a shopping center parking lot. Thankfully there was not traffic headed towards me at the time or my son and I could have been hit. There wasn't any traffic nearby behind me. Should there have been, we likely would have been struck from the rear.The way the car just put us down like that is very dangerous. I am being told it may be an alternator issue.

NHTSA ID

11702558

Incident

Nov 24, 2025

Installed two brand new batteries. The new batteries won't stay charged. The car cut off suddenly while I was driving. Many codes started flashing rapidly. The brake makes a clicking when trying to restart the car. The car wouldn't start.

NHTSA ID

11701640

Incident

Nov 21, 2025

Car intermittently doesn’t go into park and rolls

NHTSA ID

11691435

Incident

Jul 7, 2025

While driving the alternator failed. The battery also failed. Multiple instances at the dealer trying to repair.

NHTSA ID

11541559

Incident

Jul 13, 2023

The contact owns a 2022 Audi A3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 22V652000 (Air Bags) and 22V823000 (Back Over Prevention) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID

11493657

Incident

Sep 7, 2022

The contact owns a 2022 Audi A3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V652000 (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. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID

11492097

Incident

Nov 3, 2022

The contact owns a 2022 Audi A3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V515000 (Seat Belts) and 22V652000 (Air Bags) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The contact stated that the front and rear seat belts had malfunctioned. The seat belts would lock in position not enabling the passenger to release themselves from the seat belts. The seat belts sometimes fail to tighten and secure the passenger while seated. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 26,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID

11487318

Incident

Jul 28, 2022

Mileage

26,000 mi