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2011 Audi A3Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 43 owner complaints about the 2011 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.

2011 Audi A3
54
CarFlaw IndexSolid year13% below the A3 median · #10 of 14 years by complaints
Safety recalls4Lowest repair rate 40%Owner complaints431 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage48kAir bags, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through March 29, 2023. Updated daily. Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Complaints by system

Where the 2011 Audi A3 has problems

43 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Air bags200
Fuel/propulsion system61
Engine60
Fuel system, diesel40
Electrical system41
Exterior lighting31
Power train30
Structure10
Vehicle speed control10
3 other systems30

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

4 recalls

2011 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.

65%repaired · 2021 Q1

Driver side: inflator module

Recall 19V-862 · Dec 4, 2019 · 226 vehicles · 147 repaired

Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

75%repaired · 2020 Q3

Driver side: inflator module

Recall 18V-082 · Jan 30, 2018 · 162,782 vehicles · 122,309 repaired

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…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

40%repaired · 2018 Q2

Driver side: inflator module

Recall 16V-079 · Feb 10, 2016 · 151,767 vehicles · 61,266 repaired

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…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Fuel system, diesel

Recall 11V-490 · Oct 3, 2011 · 168,275 vehicles

Risk. DUE TO THE RESONANCE CONDITION, INJECTOR LINE NUMBER 2 COULD DEVELOP SMALL CRACKS WHICH COULD LEAD TO FUEL LEAKAGE.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

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

2011 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

2011 Audi A3 safety ratings

2011 Audi A3 4 DR AWD 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
2 investigations

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 2011 Audi A3, and the recalls they led to.

  1. High-Pressure Fuel Pump FailureEA11003 · closed Mar 27, 2015
    No recall
  2. Diesel Fuel Injector Line LeakagePE11023 · closed Dec 2, 2011
    Led to recall 11V-490
In owners' words

What A3 owners report

Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

Airbag warning light came on. Dealer said passenger seat occupancy sensor must be replaced, at cost of $1500-3000 since it's 5 months past my warranty. Numerous Audi models from 2012 onward have a recall for this sensor, but not my 2011 model (yet). Other automakers have extended their warranty for…
Complaint 11425738 · Jul 20, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 AUDI A3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V082000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. AUDI FLATIRONS (13321 W MIDWAY BLVD, BROOMFIELD, CO 80020, [PHONE]) WAS…
Complaint 11173905 · Feb 4, 2019
TAKATA RECALL. I HAVE RECEIVED NUMEROUS NOTICES FROM AUDI AND THE SECRETARY OF STATE'S OFFICE THAT MY A3 IS RECALLED FOR THE AIRBAG REPLACEMENT. I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO SCHEDULE THIS SINCE JUNE WITH AUDI OF KALAMAZOO, MY LOCAL DEALER. THEY SCHEDULE APPOINTMENTS FOR THIS 6 WEEKS OUT. THEY HAVE TWICE…
Complaint 11151824 · Nov 15, 2018 · 56,000 miles

Own a 2011 A3?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.