2011 Audi A3 Reliability Report

NHTSA data as of Oct 15, 2026Published Oct 19, 2026

Caution

Ranks 12th of 16 A3 years we score.

Owner complaints: 43; 15 are recall notices
Per 10,000 cars: 42.1; 6,657 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 1.2×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 12; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 4
NHTSA crash rating: –

← 2010 A3 2012 A3 →

Should You Buy the 2011 Audi A3?

Only after careful checks. Our reliability score for the 2011 Audi A3 is 68 out of 100, which rates Caution. Owners reported about 1.2 times as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 12th of the 16 A3 years we score.

The most reported problem is the wiring, fuses or body control module, mostly damage (5 of 43 complaints). Owners also complain about the fuel system and the dual-clutch transmission. 12 of the 43 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.

It has 4 recalls. Audi also offers nine warranty extensions that may still apply, for problems with the engine, fuel system and airbags. For comparison, the 2010 scores 57 and the 2012 scores 76.

Before you buy, check that the recalls were done, ask an Audi dealer about warranty extension AWA-17-10 and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.

Pros

No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls
9 Audi warranty extensions may cover repairs

Cons

Wiring, fuses or body control module: damage5 complaints
Fuel system: damage4 complaints
Dual-clutch transmission: harsh or delayed shifts3 complaints

How the 2011 A3 Earned Its Score

Every model year starts at 100. Each part takes points away when this year has more problems than the average car of the same age. How we score

Score breakdown
Item	Vs average	Points lost
Starting score		100
Serious problems	1.2×	−18
Everyday problems	1.1×	−8
Problems in the last two years	Not counted	–
Recalls	0.93×	−6
Score		68

Problems in the last two years are not counted for the 2011 A3. If it were exactly average, its 6,657 cars would draw about 1.0 complaints in two years at this age, too few to compare. Their 30% moves to serious and everyday problems, which count for 80% of this score instead of 50%.

What Owners Report

We read all 43 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2011 Audi A3, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first.

Wiring, fuses or body control module: damage
5 complaints (12%)
Damage. 2 of these 5 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of visibility. Median mileage when it started: about 75,000 miles.
Fuel system: damage
4 complaints (9%)
Damage. 3 of these 4 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 43,000 miles.
Dual-clutch transmission: harsh or delayed shifts
3 complaints (7%)
Harsh or delayed shifts and slipping. 2 of these 3 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 38,000 miles.
Fuel pump failure
3 complaints (7%)
A failure that needed a new part and parts breaking or coming apart. Median mileage when it started: about 34,000 miles.
High-pressure fuel pump: parts breaking or coming apart
3 complaints (7%)
Parts breaking or coming apart and a failure. 2 of these 3 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 50,000 miles.
Fuel injector: parts breaking or coming apart
2 complaints (5%)
Parts breaking or coming apart and damage. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving.
Stall (cause not stated)
2 complaints (5%)
Stalling. Both describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.

Reported Once (6)

Show the 6 problems reported once

Cooling system: a leak
Engine: damage
Fuel leak
Passenger airbag sensor: warning lights
Stability control (ESC): the system acting on its own
Turbocharger: damage

How the 2011 Audi A3 Compares With Other Years

The other A3 years of the 2nd generation (8P), 2006 to 2013, and the years just before and after it.

Year	Rating	Score	Vs average	Per 10k cars	Recalls	Most reported problem
2013	Good	71	0.99×	29.4	3	Dual-clutch transmission: harsh or delayed shifts
2012	Good	76	0.60×	18.0	4	Wiring, fuses or body control module: damage
2011 This year	Caution	68	1.2×	42.1	4	Wiring, fuses or body control module: damage
2010	Avoid	57	3.1×	84.2	5	Fuel pump: parts breaking or coming apart
2009	Caution	60	2.3×	77.7	5	Dual-clutch transmission: harsh or delayed shifts
2008	Caution	68	1.2×	37.4	3	Dual-clutch transmission: harsh or delayed shifts
2007	Good	71	0.92×	34.7	3	Dual-clutch transmission: harsh or delayed shifts
2006	Caution	61	2.2×	71.3	4	Dual-clutch transmission: failure or loss of drive

See every A3 year

2011 Audi A3 Recalls

Four recalls cover the 2011 Audi A3. The most recent was issued in December 2019: “Driver Side Air Bag Inflator May Explode.” A VIN check at NHTSA shows which are still open on a given car.

Driver Side Air Bag Inflator May Explode
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 19V862000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Dec 4, 2019. By the first quarter of 2021, 65% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Driver's Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture, January 2018
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 18V082000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jan 30, 2018. By the third quarter of 2020, 75% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Driver's Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture, February 2016
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 16V079000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Feb 10, 2016. By the second quarter of 2018, 40% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Diesel Fuel Injection Lines
Due to the resonance condition, injector line number 2 could develop small cracks which could lead to fuel leakage. Leaking fuel in the presence of an ignition source, may lead to a fire.
NHTSA 11V490000 Owner letter (PDF)Issued Oct 3, 2011.

2011 Audi A3 Warranty Extensions and Programs

Audi has nine warranty extensions for the 2011 Audi A3, separate from its recalls. They are for problems with the engine, fuel system and airbags. Whether one applies to a car depends on its VIN, which an Audi dealer can check.

Warranty extensionAudi AWA-17-10
Emissions and engine warranty after 2.0 TDI fix
The problem:
Under a recall, these 2.0 TDI diesels got an emissions fix. Audi then extended the emissions warranty and added a warranty for the engine's core parts.
The fix:
An Audi dealer repairs covered emissions parts, core engine parts and the transmission. If a repair keeps the car 3 hours or more, a free loaner or rental is offered.
Who qualifies:
2010 to 2013 A3 2.0 TDI, engine code CBEA, fixed under the emissions recall. The 4-year term may instead count from first resale. Totaled cars qualify unless earlier damage caused the failure. Ask an Audi dealer for the exact terms.
Coverage:
10 years or 120,000 miles from the in-service date, or 4 years or 48,000 miles from the fix, each whichever comes first. The longer applies.
Audi's bulletin (PDF)
Warranty extensionAudi AWA-15-03
Faulty fuel injector causing misfire
The problem:
A 2.0 TFSI fuel injector can be faulty. It causes a minor misfire and turns on the check engine light, and the car can fail an emissions test.
The fix:
An Audi dealer diagnoses the fuel injectors and replaces any faulty injector for free.
Who qualifies:
Certain 2008 to 2012 Audis with the 2.0 TFSI engine, codes CAEB, CBFA or CCTA. An owner letter also lists CETA. Ask an Audi dealer whether a CETA car qualifies. Damage from a tuned engine computer is not covered.
Coverage:
10 years or 120,000 miles from the original in-service date, whichever comes first.
Audi's bulletin (PDF)
Warranty extensionAudi AWA-15-02
Faulty intake manifold on the 2.0 TFSI
The problem:
The intake manifold on the 2.0 TFSI engine can be faulty. Fault codes then turn on the check engine light, and the car can fail an emissions test.
The fix:
An Audi dealer diagnoses the intake manifold and replaces it for free if it is faulty.
Who qualifies:
Certain 2008 to 2012 Audis with the 2.0 TFSI engine, codes CBFA, CCTA or CETA. Other causes of the warning light and damage from tuned engine computers are not covered.
Coverage:
10 years or 120,000 miles from the original in-service date, whichever comes first.
Audi's bulletin (PDF)
Warranty extensionAudi AWA-15-08
2.0 TDI engine exhaust flap failure
The problem:
The engine exhaust flap on the 2.0 TDI diesel can work poorly and turn on the check engine light. Audi found no effect on how the car drives.
The fix:
An Audi dealer diagnoses the exhaust flap and replaces it for free if needed.
Who qualifies:
Certain 2010 to 2013 A3 2.0 TDI diesels, engine code CBEA. Other causes of the warning light and damage from tuned engine computers are not covered.
Coverage:
10 years or 120,000 miles from the original in-service date, whichever comes first.
Audi's bulletin (PDF)
Warranty extensionAudi AWA-15-05
TDI high-pressure fuel pump failure
The problem:
The high-pressure fuel pump on the TDI diesel can fail. The car goes into limp mode and warning lights come on. Driving on risks total pump failure.
The fix:
An Audi dealer checks the fuel filler neck and tests a fuel sample. If the car meets the conditions, the dealer replaces the pump for free.
Who qualifies:
Certain 2010 to 2012 A3 TDI and 2009 to 2012 Q7 TDI. The fuel must be the correct type and not contaminated. An A3 also needs an Audi-approved misfueling guard. Documents conflict on whether a Q7 needs its factory guard.
Coverage:
10 years or 120,000 miles from the original in-service date, whichever comes first.
Audi's bulletin (PDF)
Warranty extensionAudi AWA-15-11
2.0 TFSI injection pump fault, low fuel pressure
The problem:
The engine computer's signal to the in-tank fuel pump can lower fuel pressure at the fuel rail. Fault codes then turn on the check engine light.
The fix:
An Audi dealer diagnoses the injection pump and replaces it under the extended warranty if needed.
Who qualifies:
Certain 2011 and 2012 A3 with the 2.0 TFSI engine. Other causes of the warning light and damage from tuned engine computers are not covered.
Coverage:
10 years or 120,000 miles from the original in-service date, whichever comes first.
Audi's bulletin (PDF)
Warranty extensionAudi AWA-18-15
Timing chain or tensioner failure, 2.0 engine
The problem:
The timing chain or its tensioner on the 2.0 EA888 engine can fail. A failed timing chain can also damage the engine.
The fix:
An Audi dealer repairs or replaces a failed timing chain or tensioner. Audi pays 25 to 100 percent of engine damage it caused, based on age and mileage.
Who qualifies:
Certain 2008 to 2013 Audis with the 2.0 EA888 engine in the class action settlement. The owner must show on-time oil changes during their ownership, within 10 percent, or sign a sworn statement if records are lost.
Coverage:
10 years or 100,000 miles from the in-service date, whichever comes first.
Audi's bulletin (PDF)
Warranty extensionAudi AWA-19-06
Engine water pump failure, 2.0 engine
The problem:
The main engine water pump on the 2.0 EA888 engine can fail. A failed water pump can also damage the engine.
The fix:
An Audi dealer repairs or replaces a failed water pump. Audi pays 5 to 100 percent of engine damage it caused, based on age and mileage.
Who qualifies:
Certain 2008 to 2014 Audis with the 2.0 EA888 engine in the class action settlement. The owner needs records showing the right coolant was used and checked on schedule, within 10 percent, or a signed declaration. Totaled cars are excluded.
Coverage:
10 years or 100,000 miles from the original in-service date, whichever comes first.
Audi's bulletin (PDF)
Warranty extensionAudi AWA-22-04
Takata driver or passenger airbag inflator failure
The problem:
The driver or passenger Takata airbag inflator can fail from a defect. This extension is for cars in the Takata inflator recall.
The fix:
An Audi dealer diagnoses the inflators and replaces a failed inflator for free. Inoperable or totaled cars and salvage, rebuilt or flood titles are not covered.
Who qualifies:
Cars in the Takata recall. After the main term, coverage lasts 75,000 miles from the recall repair or a time limit, whichever is greater: November 10, 2023, or 2 years if repaired after November 10, 2021.
Coverage:
10 years from the recall repair or 150,000 miles from the original in-service date, whichever comes first. Then a further period applies.
Audi's bulletin (PDF)

2011 Audi A3 NHTSA Investigations

NHTSA has opened two investigations that cover the 2011 Audi A3. One led to a recall and one closed without one.

High-pressure fuel pump failures and gasoline misfueling
Closed without a recall
NHTSA's engineering analysis studied fuel pump failures in 2009-2012 Audi A3 and Q7 diesels. Audi mainly blamed gasoline put in the tank and added misfuel protection devices to A3 cars in a 2013 service campaign. NHTSA found stalls rare, under one percent after three years, and usually preceded by warnings. NHTSA closed it, with no reported crashes or injuries.
NHTSA EA11003 Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Feb 7, 2011 to Mar 27, 2015
Diesel fuel injector line leaks
Led to a recall
NHTSA looked into diesel fuel injector line leaks on 2009-2012 Audi A3 cars with 2.0L TDI engines. Injector line 2 leaked most, especially on cars built in 10 months with scratched supplier tubing. Recall 11V-490 replaces that line on cars from those months and adds vibration dampers to all recalled cars. NHTSA closed it, calling the recall sufficient.
NHTSA PE11023 Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Aug 2, 2011 to Dec 2, 2011

Check Before You Buy

A checklist for the 2011 A3, from its four recalls, nine Audi warranty extensions that may still apply and the problems owners report most.

Confirm the Recalls Were Done

Ask the seller for proof that each of these recalls was repaired.

Driver Side Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA 19V862000
Driver's Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture, January 2018 NHTSA 18V082000
Driver's Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture, February 2016 NHTSA 16V079000
Diesel Fuel Injection Lines NHTSA 11V490000

Ask an Audi Dealer

Ask whether each of these warranty extensions applies to this VIN, and whether the work was done.

AWA-17-10: emissions and engine warranty after 2.0 TDI fix
AWA-15-03: faulty fuel injector causing misfire
AWA-15-02: faulty intake manifold on the 2.0 TFSI
AWA-15-08: 2.0 TDI engine exhaust flap failure
AWA-15-05: TDI high-pressure fuel pump failure
AWA-15-11: 2.0 TFSI injection pump fault, low fuel pressure
AWA-18-15: timing chain or tensioner failure, 2.0 engine
AWA-19-06: engine water pump failure, 2.0 engine
AWA-22-04: takata driver or passenger airbag inflator failure

On the Test Drive

Accelerate gently from a stop and again at 20 to 40 mph. Shudder, slipping or harsh shifts are warning signs. Ask for the transmission fluid records.
Confirm any fuel pump recall was done. Hard starting or stalling is a warning sign.

Ask the Seller

Ask whether any of these were ever repaired, and ask to see the receipts.

Wiring, fuses or body control module
Fuel system
Dual-clutch transmission
Also ask for the service records, especially oil changes and transmission fluid changes.

Before You Pay

Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic you choose.
Decode the VIN to confirm the model year, engine and trim.
Check the title for salvage, flood or rebuilt branding.

What to do next

All A3 Years →Best years and years to avoid, side by side.Compare With Other Years →Put up to four model years side by side.Find Warranty Extensions →Repairs Audi may still cover for this year.Decode a VIN →Confirm the exact year, engine and trim of a car.