repaired · 2020 Q3
Driver side: inflator module
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…
2006 Audi A3Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 123 owner complaints about the 2006 Audi A3, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 4 safety recalls, and for recall 16V-079 the manufacturer reports only 40% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through August 29, 2024. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2006 Audi A3 has problems
123 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
56Air bags3 crash/fire/injury
37Power train
10Exterior lighting
6Electrical system
5Fuel system, gasoline
5Fuel/propulsion system
4Suspension
4Engine and engine cooling
3Engine
87 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 56 | 3 |
| Power train | 37 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 10 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 6 | 0 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 5 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 5 | 0 |
| Suspension | 4 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 4 | 0 |
| Engine | 3 | 0 |
| 7 other systems | 8 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
4 recalls
2006 Audi A3 recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2018 Q2
Driver side: inflator module
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…
no report yet
Storage: tank assembly
Risk. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A VEHICLE FIRE COULD OCCUR.
no report yet
Air bags: side/window
Risk. IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE AIR BAG MAY NOT INFLATE AS DESIGNED INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO A SEAT OCCUPANT.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Audi.
Best & worst years
2006 vs. every other A3 year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the A3 median. How we score
'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'15'16'17'18'19'20'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2006 Audi A3 safety ratings
2006 Audi A3 4-DR. w/SAB in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words
What A3 owners report
Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The contact owns a 2006 Audi A3. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the passenger’s side air bag warning light illuminated. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, he heard an abnormal rattling sound coming from the passenger’s side of the dashboard where the air bag was located.…
I totaled my car about two weeks ago. And none of my passenger side airbags deployed ( front, front side, nor rear passenger side)
I totaled my car about two weeks ago, and none of my passenger side airbags deployed. (Front passenger, front side, or Rear passenger side)
Own a 2006 A3?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.