2016 Audi A3 Fuel System Problems

20 owners have reported fuel & propulsion system problems with the 2016 Audi A3 to NHTSA — 24% of all 83 complaints for this model year. The typical failure happened around 75,000 miles. That ranks #2 of 13 A3 model years for fuel system complaints (a typical year has 5). One related recall has been issued.

20complaints
75ktypical miles
1related recalls
0crashes
1fires
0injuries

Mileage when the problem started

  • Under 25k
    00%
  • 25k–50k
    120%
  • 50k–75k
    240%
  • 75k–100k
    240%
  • 100k–150k
    00%
  • 150k+
    00%

Owner reports

Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2016 Audi A3 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).

The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized. The contact stated that there was an abnormally strong fuel odor inside the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that there was fuel leaking from the fuel tank. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed suction jet pump. The contact was informed that the fuel tank and the EVAP charcoal canister needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V110000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact expressed that the failure was very scary. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 41,259.

41,000 miles · Jun 2024

The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3. The contact stated that while refueling the vehicle, fuel started leaking from the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was sputtering while being started. The failure occurred intermittently. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact removed the EVAP hose and became aware that the hose was filled with gasoline. The contact became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V110000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the VIN was not included. The dealer was contacted and made aware of the failure. The dealer confirmed that there were no recalls on the VIN. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 95,000.

95,000 miles · Sep 2024

The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, there was a strong fuel odor coming from the vehicle, and the vehicle hesitated while starting. Additionally, the contact stated that the failure persisted before starting. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that there was an engine misfire and a leak in the fuel pump. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V647000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 92,000.

92,000 miles · Sep 2024

Cust gasoline is spilling out of the rear part of the unit. The following complaint, was escalated to AUDi USA related to recall of the suction pump, campaign number 16V647000. My vehicle was replaced or completed the recall on 2017, as requested, approximately 1 years or less of the purchase. Now my vehicle presents the same situation with only 32,000miles and Audi, may be a quotation over $5300 to repair a car that have the same behavior or symptoms that the suction pump recall, with its a safety recall. The car didn't present in the dashboard any flag of malfunction to advise of the danger situation, was in the store parking and one person point me that the car is spill gasoline. The car was moved in the trolley crane to the mechanic's shop. The mechanics, told me that Audi, is responsible for this situation because was a recall. …

Aug 2023

The component failing seems to be the fuel system. It is unsafe because the vehicle shoots out fuel all over the place (which is a fire hazard) when I attempt to add fuel to the car. Even though this problem (for our vehicle) is listed on an Audi Technical Service Bulletin, they said that they have nothing to do with the problem. Audi won't inspect the problem just said I have to pay for any repairs. There were no warning lamps, etc. One day the car just starting spitting gas out and has become progressively worse as time has passed. Can only add an extreme minimum amount (about $5.00 worth or less) of fuel to the fuel tank before it shoots out all over the place. The Audi Technical Service Bulletin is uploaded below. We purchased the 2016 car about two years ago but haven't driven it much until recently.

Jul 2022

Upon parking in my garage, the vehicle leaked fuel from the rear-wheel on passenger side. There were no warning lights to indicate the fuel line or other component was compromised or malfunction. The vehicle was towed to the Audi service center for inspection. The inspection revealed fuel was in the charcoal canister, filter and leak diagnostic pump; replacements were needed. Please see video: https://api.mykaarma.com/video-walkaround/details?inspection_uuid=62b08d040e1dff5107d5e511&fileType=image_and_video The fuel leak was similar to the 2016 Audi Recall 16V647000; it was due to a problem with the suction pump inside the fuel tank, fuel may flow into the evaporative emissions (EVAP) system. As fuel accumulated in the EVAP system, it leaked out through the charcoal canister filter element.

Jun 2022

24V110-The suction jet pump inside the fuel tank, designed to purge fuel from the EVAP system is defected and if a specific seal inside an affected suction jet pump fails, the fuel may flow directly into the EVAP system. If this happens, fuel could accumulate in the EVAP system and may leak through the charcoal canister filter element. Leaking fuel, in the presence of an ignition source, may result in a fire. My live and the live of my children is at risk every time I/we drive my car, due to the fact that my car could catch on fire. It is just a matter of time and I am not willing to risk getting caught in a fire, getting hurt or even dying inside my car. There is no repair available and I can not wait any longer. I am requesting replacement of my car ASAP

Jul 2024

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Power Train system failed also engine light is now on How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Me and my toddler were in the vehicle when it started to jerk in bad traffic. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, the mechanic said this is a serious problem and i should be concerned. He stated i should not drive my vehicle. It was inspected by a certified mechanic. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No, everything happen at one time.

Apr 2024

The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with the check engine and low oil warning lights illuminated. The contact also became aware that there was fuel leaking from the charcoal canister. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed and determined that the evaporative emissions and charcoal canister needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the fuel tank needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable.

Aug 2024

The suction jet pump inside the fuel tank is designed to purge fuel from the Evaporative Emissions (EVAP) system. This mechanism could leak and cause a fire. I have informed Audi about the issue but they indicated there isn't a fix for the repair currently. They even stated there isn't a deadline or date they could give me for the repair.

Jun 2024

Related recalls

Fuel system, gasoline

NHTSA recall 24V-110 · Feb 14, 2024 · 261,257 vehicles

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain front-wheel drive 2015-2020 Audi A3 Sedan, 2015-2019 Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI, 2018 Golf Sportwagen GP, 2018-2019 Golf Sportwagen A7, 2015-2017 Golf Sportwagen, 2015-2020 Golf GTI, and 2015-2020 Golf A7 vehicles.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the suction pump, free of charge. Final owner notification letters for Audi owners were mailed on July 25, 2024. Final owner letters for VW owners were mailed on August 13, 2024.

NHTSA investigations

Fuel Leak due to Suction Jet Pump Failure within Fuel Tank (Remedy Effectiveness of Recall 16V647)

NHTSA investigation RQ23007 · opened Dec 12, 2023 · closed Jul 1, 2024 · led to recall 24V-110

On December 12, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened RQ23-007 to investigate the remedy repair effectiveness and scope of Volkswagen (VW) recall 16V-647. Recall 16V-647 was issued on September 2, 2016, for a defective suction jet pump (SJP) inside the fuel tank. Failure of the SJP could lead to a fuel leak from the vehicle.

Fuel System complaints in other A3 years

’04’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’15’16’17’18’19’20’22’23’251101119104322201554
Fuel System complaints per model year, Audi A3.

Frequently asked questions

How common are fuel system problems on the 2016 Audi A3?

NHTSA has 20 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 2016 Audi A3, 24% of the model year's 83 complaints.

Is there a recall for 2016 Audi A3 fuel system problems?

Yes — NHTSA recall 24V-110 (fuel system, gasoline, Feb 14, 2024). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

At what mileage do 2016 Audi A3 fuel system problems start?

Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 75,000 miles.

Is it dangerous?

Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to fuel & propulsion system 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.