Most common 2016 Audi A3 Sportback E-Tron problems
Share of the 2 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Audi A3 Sportback E-Tron complaints by model year
Best A3 Sportback E-Tron years: 2018. Compare all years →
2016 Audi A3 Sportback E-Tron recalls (3)
Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2016 Audi TT Roadster, TT Coupe, S3 Sedan, R8 Coupe, A3 Sedan, A3 Etron, A3 Cabriolet, 2016 Golf Sportwagen, Golf R, Golf GTI, Golf A7, and E Golf vehicles. During air bag deployment, the front passenger air bag may explode or deploy improperly.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front-passenger air bag module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 16, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298.
Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classification › Front passenger
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Audi S3 Sedan, A3 Sedan, 2016-2018 A3 Etron, 2017-2020 RS3 Sedan, and 2015-2019 A3 Cabriolet vehicles. The passenger occupant detection system (PODS) may malfunction and switch off the passenger air bag even when the seat is occupied.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the PODS sensor mat and update the PODS control module, free of charge. Owners letters were mailed December 23, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classification
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Audi S3 Sedan, 2015-2019 A3 Sedan and A3 Cabriolet, 2016-2018 A3 e-tron, and 2017-2019 RS3 vehicles. An improper electrical contact may cause the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) to falsely detect a malfunction and deactivate the passenger air bag.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the connector and reroute the cable, free of charge. The recall began September 12, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2016 Audi A3 Sportback E-Tron a good car?
That is a low number of complaints for a car on sale this long. So far owners have filed 2 complaints with NHTSA.
What is the most common problem with the 2016 Audi A3 Sportback E-Tron?
The wheels & tires — 1 complaint, 50% of all complaints for this model year. Next is the windows, wipers & sunroof (1).
How many recalls does the 2016 Audi A3 Sportback E-Tron have?
There are 3 recalls for the 2016 Audi A3 Sportback E-Tron, the most recent from July 27, 2022 (inflator module). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Audi A3 Sportback E-Tron?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2018. See the full Audi A3 Sportback E-Tron years comparison.
At what mileage do 2016 Audi A3 Sportback E-Tron problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 10,000 miles; 100% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.