Engine complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 14% | — |
| 2022 | 1 | 11% | — |
| 2020 | 1 | 6% | — |
| 2018 | 4 | 12% | 40,000 miles |
| 2017 | 9 | 20% | 47,000 miles |
| 2016 | 13 | 16% | 75,000 miles |
| 2015 | 10 | 11% | 91,000 miles |
| 2013 | 4 | 20% | 70,000 miles |
| 2011 | 6 | 14% | 50,000 miles |
| 2010 | 6 | 12% | 39,000 miles |
| 2009 | 6 | 13% | 95,000 miles |
| 2008 | 2 | 5% | 51,000 miles |
| 2007 | 5 | 10% | 65,000 miles |
| 2006 | 7 | 6% | 72,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Hello, I dropped my car off at Audi and Dominion in San Antonio Texas on Thursday July 10th for a repair this was a recall for the fuel pump system in something in the mechatronic controls. They had my car until Saturday I was informed that the repairs were done under warranty. Then on Saturday July 19th as I began to drive the vehicle a alert for my transmission malfunction appeared on my dashboard and I Lost first gear. I had my car taken to Audi on Dominion where I was informed by several service staff that this is a common malfunction after the last software update that was done the week prior and that it could take up to 48 hours to do the repair and recall warranty work on my vehicle. Audi on Dominion has had my vehicle for 5 days and has not given me an answer as to know whether or not the repairs will be approved as this is covered under my extended warranty. …
I was driving on the freeway at 60 mph when I received a warning code of a transmission problem. The code said the car was driveable but I should take it in for service. About 1-2 minutes after that the car lost all power. Unfortunately I broke down in the left lane in a construction zone without a shoulder. The state patrol had to temporarily shut down all three lanes of the highway to push me out of the traffic lane I was blocking. That was unsafe for me and for the state patrol and for the tow truck driver. The car was up to date on all recommended service, had been acting normally until the moment it failed, had not given me any warnings and is only 6 years old. I had the car towed to the dealer and the dealer reported that the Mechatronic unit (transmission computer) failed. Replacing the Mechatronic took a week and cost $5000.
This is the second failed (1/1/2022) camshaft position sensor on separate cylinder (#4), p/n 06E-103-697-AE. First one failed 3/05/2021. There are 8 of these adjusters on the particular engine. I have asked the dealer to retain the part. Safety is related to engine operation...malfunction indicator light is lit and vehicle/engine fails emissions inspection. Problem has been confirmed by dealer, Audi Silver Spring, MD. Vehicle is being repaired by Audi dealer at my cost. Second time $500. Yes, engine malfunction indicator light is on and vehicle fails emission inspection.
Car has constant pedal sensor issue. Audi is refusing to look at the car because the car keeps stating it has fixed the issue. This has become quite a problem for my family the car will abruptly stopped while driving and stay stuck in 2nd gear. Once the car sits it will resets, it will then drive normal but after a certain amount of miles it will do the same thing again.
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 had failed and needed to be replaced. Additionally, the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V474000 (AIR BAGS); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 44,000.
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.
The contact owns a 2015 Audi A3. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated and the engine overheated. There was an abnormal sound coming from the transmission. Additionally, the vehicle was consuming abnormal amounts of coolant without signs of a coolant leak. The contact stated that the engine seized. The coolant reservoir was inspected and there was no coolant in the reservoir. While attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact recently replaced the coolant pump, coolant control valve and the expansion tank. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. …
I have an appointment at Audi of Richmond on Wednesday 08/19/26 and was told to have the car there on Tuesday the day before the appointment to fix the recalls. I called Audi USA roadside assistance and also the actual dealership about a complimentary tow based of the fact the reason it stop driving was because of one of the recalls. They said they can't cover it because they can't confirm that was the cause that keeps it from driving which confuses me because a fuel pump recall should trigger a stop drive anyway because of fire hazard at the very least. I will upload pictures of the scanner codes that let me know it was the fuel pump recall.
Frequently asked questions
Which Audi A3 years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2016 (13), 2015 (10), 2017 (9), 2006 (7) and 2009 (6) model years. Engine complaints make up 16% of all complaints for the 2016.
Is there a recall for Audi A3 engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for any Audi A3 model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Audi A3 engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 65,000 miles; 43% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the engine (6 mentions), followed by the cooling system › hoses/lines/piping/fittings (1).
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.