2017 Audi A3

44 complaints on file, page 1 of 3.

1. Filed Jun 13, 2026Failure Apr 27, 2026Suwanee, GAFuel/propulsion system

   RECALL CAMPAIGN 20YF; DESCRIPTION- SUCTION JET PUMP I was not made aware of the recall until fuel began gushing out of my passenger side rear. The Audi dealership was aware of the recall in July of 2025 when I had routine maintenance at the service department, however it was not addressed. Fast forward to the fuel leak in April 2026, I was informed by the repair reps that the leak was due to a failed charcoal canister. I attempted several times to notify my advisor and manager that the recall addresses that the suction pump defect can cause fuel to flow into the EVAP system causing leaks through the charcoal canister. I was told that this was impossible and repair costs would not be waived. I also reached out to the Audi consumer line and was told that only the dealership could have fees waived even though the representative agreed that my issue was due to the failed suction pump.

   NHTSA complaint 11743858
2. Filed Feb 20, 2026Failure Feb 13, 2026Seattle, WAFuel/propulsion system

   While driving at highway speeds, a warning light appeared as well as an alert indicating the car was limited to no more than 4000rpm. After coming to a stop, a strong smell of gasoline was noticed in the passenger compartment. Continued driving home uneventfully but the strong smell of gas persisted. The next day I drove the car to a mechanic. Their inspection notes the following: The technician verified the customer concern of a fuel smell. He performed a fault scan, finding codes for low fuel pressure. He inspected the vehicle, finding a major fuel leak under the intake manifold, most likely from a cracked fuel rail. The system is supposed to operate at 125 bar of fuel pressure, but is currently at 9-11 bar. The high pressure fuel pump is operating at 100% duty cycle, which means it has overheated and been damaged. Metal shavings from the fuel pump then ends up inside of the injectors, ruining them. The low pressure fuel pump may be ok, but it is unclear at this time. **RECOMMEND REPLACING FUEL RAIL, HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP, INJECTORS WITH SEALS, AND PRESSURE SENSOR **MAY NEED LOW PRESSURE FUEL PUMP They also noted that the leaking fuel could cause a fire hazard. The fact that this fuel leak happened at only 98,750 miles and that the car continued to be drivable with fuel spraying all over the engine compartment is extremely concerning.

   NHTSA complaint 11719288
3. Filed Dec 7, 2025Failure Aug 1, 2025Littleton, COEngine, Fuel/propulsion system, Seats1 injured

   In August 2025, my 2017 Audi A3 (VIN [XXX] ) experienced repeated stalling, strong gasoline odors inside the cabin, and a check engine light immediately after Audi completed recall-related service. The safety issue was later confirmed by the dealership to be caused by a failed suction jet pump (NHTSA Recall 24V110), which allowed fuel to enter the EVAP system and leak into the rear seat area and cabin. The leak was so severe that the rear seat and flooring had to be replaced due to fuel saturation. Before the problem was properly identified, I was repeatedly told the issue was “just the gas cap,” despite reporting fuel smell, rapid fuel loss after filling the tank, and the check engine light. During this time, I unknowingly drove a vehicle with a significant fire hazard. The cabin fumes caused physical symptoms and unsafe driving conditions. I was not notified of this recall at the time I purchased the vehicle in March 2022, nor was I notified of a second recall affecting the passenger occupant detection system (69BY), despite having purchased a one-year maintenance warranty. I only became aware of the recalls after experiencing the hazardous symptoms described above. The problem was confirmed and reproduced by the Audi dealership. Fuel odor, fuel loss, and warning lights first appeared within 24 hours after the initial service visit, and the safety defect was later linked to the recall-related component failure. This defect presented a serious risk of fire and exposure to gasoline fumes to both myself and other road users. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

   NHTSA complaint 11703596
4. Filed Jan 24, 2025Failure Dec 12, 2024Milwaukee, WIElectrical system

   The Vehicle Electrical System Control Module J519 had a fault that prevented using many vehicle functions - no interior lights, no heated seats, dashboard and navigation screen too dim to read in daylight.

   NHTSA complaint 11638367
5. Filed Jan 21, 2025Failure Jan 20, 2025west hills, CAPower train

   Car throws P2884 and the internal combustion motor will not start. The issue is gone into detail here: [XXX] recommendation is swapping out mechatronic unit for the upgraded unit. Since the unit is prone to failure this really should be a recall. It happens on all cars 2016/2017 years right around 60k miles. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

   NHTSA complaint 11637424
6. Filed Dec 19, 2024Failure Dec 12, 2024Houston, TXAir bags, Automatic emergency braking, Warnings

   Passenger airbags, and emergency braking have been failing, i would have to be aware in advance if my vehicle needs to be checked, my safety and my passengers safety is in danger because incase i need to brake quickly but dont have the reaction time to do so i will crash since emergency brake doesnt work, and my passengers would be at high risk because of failing airbags, im unsure if the problem has been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center, the problem has not yet been inspected there were other symptoms like my sensors going off or the car telling me some assists were malfunctioning in heavy rain or when the car is dirty

   NHTSA complaint 11631547
7. Filed Oct 1, 2024Failure Sep 16, 2024Mission, TXElectrical system, Engine, Unknown or other

   The Audi San Juan -Texas Address: 1001 East Expressway 83 ,San Juan, Tx. 78589 .Do not want repair my car for a recall WATER PUMP and in the future can cause fire .Audi A3 2017

   NHTSA complaint 11617608
8. Filed Jul 17, 2024Failure Feb 5, 2024Porter, TXFuel/propulsion system

   The car started having issues around February 2024. The car first started misfiring and dying at stops which was a safety issue. When parked I noticed that there was an excessive amount of fuel that started coming out of the charcoal canister, another problem that could have resulted in the car catching on fire. The car could not be filled up with more fuel as there was pressurized fuel coming out through the fuel filler neck when the cap was removed. The problem was determined to be related to the currently active recall. I waited for 5 months for there to be a fix for the recall without being able to use the vehicle. I finally got tired of waiting and had my mechanic repair it. The fuel tank and charcoal canister were replaced and the old parts are available for inspection by interested authorities upon request. The car is now fully functional again after replacement of those components.

   NHTSA complaint 11603049
9. Filed May 29, 2024Failure Sep 11, 2023Worcester, MAWarningsCrash1 injured

   I recently was involved in a collision where my car going at 30 mph collided with. Car that was completely stopped that I unfortunately didn’t see I’ve previously been warned by the safety system where it’s saved me by first audio warning and then immediately breaking allowing me to avoid collision unfortunately prior to the accident I never had any issues but occasionally noticed that the Audi Pre Sense could be triggered occasionally when I was driving on the highway and the police were using radars to control speeding cars I could occasionally see the light safety system alert me but almost immediately disappeared I’m assuming the radar could affect the safety system since the indicator picked up that a few times but only popped up warning and said it was currently restricted but never did anything as I’m sure it knew it wasn’t needing to break however I have concerns about the safety system and it’s lack of safety especially the last incident where I was traveling in a completely straight direction and hit the car in front of me that was stopped in traffic the safety system never worked properly and I seem to have the same issue even now with the system but won’t work and doesn’t do anything to alert me to potential problems anymore I’m not sure the account cause of the failure but Audi of America hasn’t been really responsive with my safety concerns and won’t return my phone calls or email I’ve recently been notified of a potential class action complaint which involves the very same safety concerns that Audi is being sued

   NHTSA complaint 11591374
10. Filed May 20, 2024Failure May 1, 2022Wendell, NCAir bags, Electrical system, Seat belts

    Recall on this vehicle several years ago. Taken to the Audi dealership for repairs of the recall. No change after recall repairs completed. The airbag and seatbelt warning lights have continued to light up.

    NHTSA complaint 11589770
11. Filed Apr 2, 2024Failure Oct 25, 2023Vernon Hills, ILElectrical system, Exterior lighting

    The passenger side break light and signal stop working occasionally. I took it to a certified Audi service center, and they were able to fix the issue but reported that the central wire system that makes the break light and signal work are defective and that the issue will continue given that the cables may move every time I close and open and close my truck as the cables run through there. This is a mayor safety issue.

    NHTSA complaint 11580639
12. Filed Mar 9, 2024Failure Feb 22, 2024Sacramento, CABody

    Panoramic sunroof spontaneously shattered while driving under normal conditions. This happened while I was driving on a freeway. Luckily I maintained my composure and safely drove home with broken glass all over myself. My car insurance paid for most of my sunroof replacement. There was no symptoms or warnings prior to this incident.

    NHTSA complaint 11576387
13. Filed Dec 20, 2023Failure Dec 5, 2023sierra madre, CAFuel/propulsion system

    The vehicle cabin started to smell like gas and the car would not accept fuel into the tank. Took to Audi/VW independent repair shop where they indicated fuel jet pump in gas tank was not working properly and that it had flooded various components with fuel (charcoal cannister, etc.). Directed us not to drive as it was a fire danger and said that we should send to Audi to see if they would cover this under warranty as it was a major emissions and safety problem. Towed to Audi dealer in Dallas. Dallas Audi dealer indicated this sounded like exactly what had happened for a recall issued for 2016 A3s. I learned this was subject to a warranty extension. Am working with the dealer who is trying to determine if that applies. Regardless, this is my daughter's car and a fuel leak with fumes in the cabin is a danger that should be fixed by recall.

    NHTSA complaint 11561079
14. Filed Dec 17, 2023Failure Oct 2, 2023Sunland, CAElectrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Power train

    The high voltage battery no longer charges to full. Only 7 out of 8 possible indicator bars are illuminated, the car now only shows 17-20 miles available. When I purchased the car 3 years ago, it showed 28-29 miles available. Car was at Audi dealership, got tested, Audi says it's within tolerance. I disagree, 30% to 40% of the capacity is lost so far. There are many more owners that are reporting the same issue on the Facebook Audi A3 group.

    NHTSA complaint 11560571
15. Filed Aug 16, 2023Failure May 11, 2021Northridge, CAAir bags, Electrical system, Power train

    “Transmission Malfunction/no reverse gear. Okay to continue driving” comes on constantly the past 2 years now. I’ve only had this vehicle 3 years. Yes , it is available for inspection. This puts my safety and the safety of my other passengers at risk because my vehicle will abruptly slow down in fast flowing traffic and it will uncontrollably accelerate when it’s time to come to complete stops. A local mechanic used a sensor to check for faulty defects and confirmed that my transmission is having sensor issues. There has never been any warning lamps , regarding this problem. There have been no prior warning messages regarding this issue. I purchased this vehicle from Audi Dealership in Van Nuys, CA in November 2020. I have had this vehicle less than 3 years & as of now , it has less than 35,000 miles on it.

    NHTSA complaint 11538951
16. Filed Jul 24, 2023Failure Sep 1, 2020palm coast, FLPower train

    This concerns a recall issued. Audi issued a recall/reimbursement for transmission failure. Mine failed. Car stopped in the middle of roadway. I had transmission repaired before recall was issued. I have attempeted reimbursement and am denied by audi due to my vehicle being a theft recovery. However they have performed multiple recalls on this vehicle since I have owned it with the theft recovery title. They also performed the transmission reprogram after I had it fixed at no charge. NHSTA itself states salvage/rebuilt title is no reason for not performing a recall except in exceptional circumstances when car is no longer drivable. I am asking for help in getting audi to honor the recall. Had I been on the highway I would have been smashed when the car shut down.

    NHTSA complaint 11534031
17. Filed Jan 17, 2023Failure Jan 17, 2022Katy, TXElectrical system, Vehicle speed control

    While driving on highway 59 my vehicle began to jerk. I tried to accelerate and the vehicle would ramp but not move fast. My check engine light came on as well as the error code “transmission malfunction you continue to drive until engine is off.” After getting out of Houston, Texas rush hour traffic, I had my vehicle towed to a mechanic. The mechanic ran several tests and checked the engine. Upon diagnosing the vehicle, the scan tools gave a myriad of fault code relating to electrical valve faults. All of which clear when driving the vehicle again. The mechanic informed me the transmission was not the issue but the mechatronic system had failed due to a faulty part. The mechanic said the issue could be repaired but would likely occur again as Audi as a history of faulty mechatronic systems. The mechanic called an Audi dealership who stated Audi’s mechatronic control unite has not yet resolved the root cause failure at factory level, meaning all replacements and repair kit components still have the underlying defects that will cause malfunction, usually outside the short one-year manufacturer warranty. I believe Audi manufacturer knows their cars still have a defective part hence why an extended warranty on the mechatronic system is offered. Also, Audi vehicles made in 2016 were recalled due to a defective mechatronic system. My vehicle was made in early 2017. I called the Audi dealership to make them aware of the safety and they ignored me, and tried to sell me another vehicle. This is my second safety issue with Audi vehicles, the first being an expulsion safety issue. There is no way I am purchasing another Audi.

    NHTSA complaint 11502272
18. Filed Oct 12, 2022Failure Jun 1, 2022Santa Rosa, CAFuel/propulsion system, Power train

    2017 Audi A3 Etron Sportsback- Engine light turned on at 50k, when scanned for errors no codes. Then around 55k miles started to stall when slowing down or at a full stop. The car must be turned off then immediately go into drive. Felt very dangerous when driving in high traffic areas and areas with many stop lights/signs. Car error say Transmission Malfunction first then says something about Limited Power. We had changed ATF and filter, still had issues. Then it started to not allow to go into reverse. Issues were intermittently happening then became more constant. Finally towed to Audi dealer they are not 100% but they say a new transmission is needed. After seeing complaints of similar situation I think this should be a recall on the transmission for these cars.

    NHTSA complaint 11488888
19. Filed Oct 2, 2022Failure May 18, 2022Vernon Hills, ILAir bags, Electrical system

    Passenger air bag light intermittently comes on after starts. Car has been showing exact symptoms from the PODS recall since I bought it in May, and I’ve tried to have this fixed by 3 separate Audi dealerships, and none of them have been able to fix it. At this point, this recall has now been active for over a year and a half, and I think it is absolutely ridiculous to have a non-functioning passenger seat in a “practical” hatchback. Thus, at this point, I would like to escalate this further and potentially fight for a buyback, as this is a recall that both devalues the car AND puts my passenger (and potentially myself, as this one fault has most likely disabled the entire SRS; granted I don’t want to find out for myself) at risk. The “no-passenger” fix would have worked for 30-ish days while Audi worked for a fix, but 1.5 years is ABSOLUTELY UNREASONABLE and totally ridiculous for a $50,000+-MSRP luxury vehicle from the Volkswagen Audi Group.

    NHTSA complaint 11487560
20. Filed Sep 9, 2022Failure Sep 8, 2022Woodbridge, VAFuel/propulsion system

    Was trying to fill up my car at the gas station. The car would not accept any fuel. Frustrated, I went to try another gas station. Same thing happened. Went home to check and see what the problem was and gas started spewing out of the gas tank from where you fill it up with gas. Car (to my knowledge) has never been overfilled, by me. This is apparently a problem with the 2017 VW golf's as well (which run on the same platform as my Audi A3). It is a problem that most people are saying could be the Charcoal canister prematurely dying, or a suction pump dying, which is supposed to last the lifetime of the vehicle.

    NHTSA complaint 11483625