repaired · 2026 Q2
Fuel system, gasoline
Risk. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
2016 Audi A3Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 84 owner complaints about the 2016 Audi A3, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 3 safety recalls, and for recall 24V-110 the manufacturer reports only 57% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 9, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2016 Audi A3 has problems
84 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
37Air bags
17Fuel/propulsion system1 crash/fire/injury
16Electrical system
9Engine2 crash/fire/injury
6Power train
4Engine and engine cooling
4Fuel system, gasoline
2Visibility/wiper
2Seat belts
1310 other systems4 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 37 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 17 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 16 | 0 |
| Engine | 9 | 2 |
| Power train | 6 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 4 | 0 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 4 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 2 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 2 | 0 |
| 10 other systems | 13 | 4 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2016 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 · 2025 Q2
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
repaired · 2024 Q2
Air bags: on-off switch assembly
Risk. A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
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
2016 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
2016 Audi A3 safety ratings
2016 Audi A3 C AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Optional
- Lane departure warning: Optional
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2016 Audi A3, and the recalls they led to.
- Fuel Leak due to Suction Jet Pump Failure within Fuel Tank (Remedy Effectiveness of Recall 16V647)Led to recall 24V-110
In owners' words
What A3 owners report
Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
My 2016 Audi A3 (VIN [XXX]) underwent Safety Recall 69BY on XXX, to correct a defect in the front passenger occupant detection system (PODS), including replacement of the occupant detection sensor. Less than two years later, the same safety-system malfunction returned. The vehicle intermittently…
The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3. The contact stated that the front passenger’s side air bag occupant sensor failed to identify a passenger seat in the seat. A dealer was contacted. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that PODS…
The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the front passenger’s seat air bag sensor had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V198000…
Own a 2016 A3?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.