Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (front, side and curtain air bags, sensors and inflators).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2006 Audi A3 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer and was informed that parts were not available for repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V082000 (Air Bags); for the driver's side air bag, but the passenger's side air bag was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.
I totaled my car about two weeks ago, and none of my passenger side airbags deployed. (Front passenger, front side, or Rear passenger side)
I totaled my car about two weeks ago. And none of my passenger side airbags deployed ( front , front side, nor rear passenger side)
Takata recall - since the parts aren't available to repair my vehicle I haven't been able to sell it. I wanted to sell it since March and I believe the recall was announced in feb. The dealership can't fix it, won't take it in on trade or sell on consignment due to the recall. So I'm stuck, and the vehicle continues to depreciate and I really don't want to drive it. I acquired a company issued car in February so that prompted my to do something with my Audi. One thought was to keep it for my so to be 16 year old daughter as her car to drive to school, practice, etc. But with the discovery of the recall, I immediately decided against that...... So we are stuck with a vehicle that I still make payments on, and cover with insurance. …
Takata recall - we got a recall back in April about the air bag and when we called Audi, they said that they had no remedy planned as they were not having anecdotal problems reported. Then just last week, we missed out on a "sweet deal" from Audi to have our air bag replaced because they had told south orlando Audi to call customers and replace the first five air bags of the owners who responded. When we finally got a hold of someone in the service department, the "sweet deal" was gone. Needless to say that we are furious that our air bag was not one of the ones to be replaced. Living in florida, I feel as if we are driving around with a shrapnel grenade for an airbag just inches from our face. We have even called a lawyer and they have no interest in helping us either probably because they are waiting for us to get hurt by the airbag so they can get more money. …
Tl* the contact owned a 2006 Audi A3. While driving at approximately 35 MPH, another vehicle crashed into the contact's vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. Three occupants were injured. The contact sustained head, left arm, and left leg injuries that needed medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an unknown area. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN and failure mileage were unknown.
Takata recall. I live on the island of maui and the only authorized dealer to perform the safety recall of Takata inflators, is on oahu. Neither the dealer, or Audi of America, inc. Will pay for the shipping of the vehicle for this recall. This will cost hundreds of dollars for shipping both ways, and is only a temporary fix. Additional cost will be required when there is a "final remedy."
Replaced airbags by Audi are off and defective. Dealer requires hundreds of dollars to inspect bad airbag changed by recall of airbags. Airbag off warning light from replaced airbag changed by dealer. Incredible, replaced recalled airbags to have bad airbags installed and be charged hundreds of dollars by Audi dealer in latham new york.
Takata recall I live on the island of maui and Audi USA has still not provided service technicians to replace recalled Takata airbags. They expect residents to ship their cars to oahu at $600 for the recall! We have trained Audi service techs at the maui volkswagon dealer karmart, but Audi USA will not approve them to do the service.
"Takata recall" just contacted the Audi dealer in san antonio and the service department told they have no part to replace the airbags, which is totally unsat. Their contact information is: Audi north park , selma, san antonio tx [phone]
Related recalls
Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2006-2013 Audi A3, 2007-2009 A4 Cabriolet and S4 Cabriolet, 2008 RS4 Cabriolet, 2009-2012 Q5, and 2010-2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet and S5 Cabriolet vehicles.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 23, 2018.
Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2006 Volkswagen Passat sedans and wagons, 2005-2013 Audi A3, and 2006-2009 Audi A4 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began March 2017. Volkswagen owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.
Air bags › Side/window
On certain passenger vehicles, during production of the air bag, either the left or the right side curtain air bag inflation module May leak.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the side curtain air bag free of charge. The recall began on August 31, 2006. Owners May contact Audi at 1-800-822-2834.
Airbag complaints in other A3 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are airbag problems on the 2006 Audi A3?
NHTSA has 56 complaints about the air bags of the 2006 Audi A3, 46% of the model year's 123 complaints. The component named most often is on-off switch assembly (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Audi A3 airbag problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 18V-082 (inflator module, Jan 30, 2018); NHTSA recall 16V-079 (inflator module, Feb 10, 2016); NHTSA recall 06V-293 (side/window, Aug 7, 2006). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2006 Audi A3 airbag problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 120,000 miles, and 9% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 4 injuries to air bags problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.