2016 Audi A3 Reliability Report

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

Good

Ranks 6th of 16 A3 years we score.

Owner complaints: 135; 28 are recall notices
Per 10,000 cars: 30.2; 35,455 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 0.86×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 30; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 6
NHTSA crash rating: 5★; overall, out of 5

← 2015 A3 2017 A3 →

Should You Buy the 2016 Audi A3?

Yes, with the usual checks. Our reliability score for the 2016 Audi A3 is 72 out of 100, which rates Good. Owners reported about as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 6th of the 16 A3 years we score.

The most reported problem is the occupant sensor, mostly stopped working (30 of 135 complaints). Owners also complain about airbag warning lights and the fuel system. 30 of the 135 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.

It has 6 recalls. Audi also offers three warranty extensions that may still apply, for problems with the transmission, engine and driver assistance systems. NHTSA rates it 5 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. For comparison, the 2015 scores 69 and the 2017 scores 71.

Before you buy, check that the recalls were done, ask an Audi dealer about warranty extension AWA-20-03 and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.

Pros

Good reliability score of 72
No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls
5-star NHTSA overall crash rating
3 Audi warranty extensions may cover repairs

Cons

Passenger airbag sensor: stopped working30 complaints
Airbag warning light12 complaints
Fuel system: a leak9 complaints

How the 2016 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	0.70×	−9
Everyday problems	1.2×	−5
Problems in the last two years	0.87×	−8
Recalls	1.0×	−6
Score		72

What Owners Report

We read all 135 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2016 Audi A3, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first. A complaint that describes more than one problem is counted under each, so the counts add up to more than 135.

Passenger airbag sensor: stopped working
30 complaints (22%)
A feature that stopped working, problems that come and go and warning lights. In 13 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 43,000 miles.
Airbag warning light
12 complaints (9%)
Warning lights and problems that come and go. Median mileage when it started: about 45,000 miles.
Fuel system: a leak
9 complaints (7%)
A leak, cannot fill tank, fuel comes back out and fuel nozzle clicks off while refueling. 1 of these 9 complaints describes a serious outcome: a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 62,000 miles.
Dual-clutch transmission: harsh or delayed shifts
8 complaints (6%)
Harsh or delayed shifts, failure or loss of drive and warning lights. 3 of these 8 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
EVAP system: a leak
7 complaints (5%)
A leak and a failure that needed a new part. 1 of these 7 complaints describes a serious outcome: a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 41,000 miles.
Fuel leak
6 complaints (4%)
A leak, tank not accepting fuel, spills over and gasoline sprays out of filler neck when refueling.
Tires: parts breaking or coming apart
5 complaints (4%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, damage and shattering or cracking. 2 of these 5 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a tow.
Engine: hard starting
4 complaints (3%)
Hard starting, smoke or a burning smell and stalling. 1 of these 4 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 52,000 miles.
Loss of power (cause not stated)
4 complaints (3%)
A loss of power. 3 of these 4 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Rearview camera: works on and off
4 complaints (3%)
Problems that come and go and a feature that stopped working.
Stall (cause not stated)
4 complaints (3%)
Stalling. 3 of these 4 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Cooling system: smoke or a burning smell
3 complaints (2%)
Smoke or a burning smell, a leak and warning lights. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: a tow.
Several warning lights at once
3 complaints (2%)
Warning lights.
Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil
3 complaints (2%)
Burning or using oil.
Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking
3 complaints (2%)
Shattering or cracking.

Show 7 more problems

A/C: stopped working
2 complaints (1%)
A feature that stopped working and problems that come and go.
Airbags: no deployment in a crash
2 complaints (1%)
No deployment in a crash.
Engine failure
2 complaints (1%)
A failure that needed a new part and locking up. Both describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Engine overheating
2 complaints (1%)
Overheating. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving.
Fuel pump failure
2 complaints (1%)
A failure and a leak.
Car not starting (cause not stated)
2 complaints (1%)
Delayed ready state after start and the car not starting. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: a car that would not start.
Shifter or park: warning lights
2 complaints (1%)
Warning lights and a feature that stopped working.

Reported Once (22)

Show the 22 problems reported once

Check engine light (cause not stated)
Engine (misfire codes): rough running or misfires
Engine oil leak
Exhaust or catalytic converter failure
Exterior trim: parts breaking or coming apart
Frontal airbags: works on and off
Fuel gauge or level sensor failure
High-pressure fuel pump: a leak
Hybrid battery failure
Ignition coils or spark plugs failure
Electrical problems (not described)
Hood switch: warning lights
Parking sensors: the system not working when needed
Powertrain system failure
Rear washer hose: stopped working
Suction jet pump (fuel tank) failure
Suspension: unusual noises
Vehicle fire (cause not stated)
Seat belts: warning lights
Steering: loss of steering control
Turbocharger: a loss of power
Warning lights (cause not stated)

How the 2016 Audi A3 Compares With Other Years

The other A3 years of the 3rd generation (8V), 2015 to 2020, and the years just before and after it.

Year	Rating	Score	Vs average	Per 10k cars	Recalls	Most reported problem
2020	Good	78	0.51×	10.6	3	Dual-clutch transmission failure
2019	Good	78	0.46×	13.1	4	Airbag warning light failure
2018	Good	73	0.74×	22.4	7	Passenger airbag sensor: warning lights
2017	Good	71	1.1×	34.6	5	Passenger airbag sensor: warning lights
2016 This year	Good	72	0.86×	30.2	6	Passenger airbag sensor: stopped working
2015	Caution	69	0.94×	40.9	7	Passenger airbag sensor: stopped working

See every A3 year

2016 Audi A3 Recalls

Six recalls cover the 2016 Audi A3. The most recent was issued in February 2024: “Fuel Leak from Fuel Tank Suction Pump Failure.” A VIN check at NHTSA shows which are still open on a given car.

Fuel Leak from Fuel Tank Suction Pump Failure
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
NHTSA 24V110000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Feb 14, 2024. By the second quarter of 2026, 57% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Air Bag Inflator May Explode or Deploy Improperly
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in serious injury or death. An improper air bag deployment may not properly restrain the occupant, increasing their risk of injury in a crash.
NHTSA 22V543000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jul 27, 2022. By the second quarter of 2025, 62% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Passenger Air Bag May Deactivate, March 2021
A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
NHTSA 21V198000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Mar 22, 2021. By the second quarter of 2024, 67% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Passenger Air Bag May Deactivate, June 2019
A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
NHTSA 19V474000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jun 19, 2019. By the fourth quarter of 2020, 82% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Suction Pump May Allow Fuel into the EVAP System
As fuel accumulates in the EVAP system, it may leak out through the charcoal canister filter element. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
NHTSA 16V647000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Sep 7, 2016. By the first quarter of 2018, 88% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Side Marker Lights May Not Illuminate/FMVSS 108
If the side marker lights do not illuminate, the vehicle may be less visible at night, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 16V642000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Sep 6, 2016. By the first quarter of 2018, 95% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.

2016 Audi A3 Warranty Extensions and Programs

Audi has three warranty extensions for the 2016 Audi A3, separate from its recalls. They are for problems with the transmission, engine and driver assistance systems. Whether one applies to a car depends on its VIN, which an Audi dealer can check.

Warranty extensionAudi AWA-20-03
Gear shift micro switch failure
The problem:
The gear shift micro switch can fail. The bulletin does not describe the symptoms.
The fix:
An Audi dealer repairs or replaces a failed gear shift micro switch, with any parts and labor needed.
Who qualifies:
Certain 2015 to 2019 A3 and 2019 Q3. Cars already repaired still qualify, but totaled cars do not.
Coverage:
6 years or 60,000 miles from the original in-service date, whichever comes first.
Audi's bulletin (PDF)
Warranty extensionAudi AWA-24-01
High oil use or fractured pistons
The problem:
2012 to 2014 A4, A5, A6, Q5 and TT can use too much oil. On 2015 to 2017 A3 and 2016 to 2017 TT, a piston can fracture.
The fix:
Audi pays 75 percent of an Audi dealer's repair. Engine damage caused by the problem is paid at 25 to 100 percent, based on age and mileage.
Who qualifies:
Cars in the settlement class. The owner must prove oil maintenance within 10 percent of schedule during their ownership, or sign a sworn statement if records are missing. Ask an Audi dealer for the exact terms.
Coverage:
9 years or 90,000 miles from the in-service date, whichever comes first. Cars past 9 years on January 29, 2024 got until April 8, 2024.
Audi's bulletin (PDF)
Warranty extensionAudi AWA-24-04
Automatic emergency braking system faults
The problem:
The automatic emergency braking, or AEB, system can malfunction when its control unit, a camera, the LIDAR or a sensor fails.
The fix:
An Audi dealer repairs the AEB fault and Audi pays 75 percent of the cost. Damage from crashes, impacts, moved sensors or weather is not covered.
Who qualifies:
Certain Audis covered by the settlement, with a confirmed fault in the AEB control unit, cameras, LIDAR or sensors. If the new car warranty's time ran out by May 16, 2024, the extension's time limit was November 16, 2024.
Coverage:
Up to 12 months or 12,000 miles after the new car warranty ends. Ask an Audi dealer for the exact terms.
Audi's bulletin (PDF)

2016 Audi A3 NHTSA Investigations

NHTSA has opened one investigation that covers the 2016 Audi A3. It led to a recall.

Fuel leaks from an in-tank pump after recall repair
Led to a recall
NHTSA's recall query checked how well the repair for 2016 recall 16V-647 worked and whether it covered enough cars. Owners reported fuel leaks, fuel odor and refueling problems from a failed pump inside the fuel tank, including on repaired cars. Audi issued recall 24V-110 in February 2024 for 2015-2020 A3 cars, with an improved pump. NHTSA closed the query.
NHTSA RQ23007 Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Dec 12, 2023 to Jul 1, 2024

NHTSA Crash Test Ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for this model year. See the 2016 A3 ratings on NHTSA.gov.

4-door FWD, 4-door AWD and S3 4-door AWD

Overall5/5

Frontal crash4/5

Side crash5/5

Rollover4/5

Check Before You Buy

A checklist for the 2016 A3, from its six recalls, three 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.

Fuel Leak from Fuel Tank Suction Pump Failure NHTSA 24V110000
Air Bag Inflator May Explode or Deploy Improperly NHTSA 22V543000
Passenger Air Bag May Deactivate, March 2021 NHTSA 21V198000
Passenger Air Bag May Deactivate, June 2019 NHTSA 19V474000
Suction Pump May Allow Fuel into the EVAP System NHTSA 16V647000
Look up the VIN at NHTSA to see all 6 recalls and which are still open.

Ask an Audi Dealer

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

AWA-20-03: gear shift micro switch failure
AWA-24-01: high oil use or fractured pistons
AWA-24-04: automatic emergency braking system faults

On the Test Drive

With an adult in the front passenger seat, the passenger airbag-off light should stay off.
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.

Ask the Seller

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

Occupant sensor
Airbag warning lights
Fuel system
Also ask for the service records, especially oil 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.