2016 Audi A3 Cabriolet recalls and problems

The 2016 Audi A3 Cabriolet has 3 safety recalls and 36 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Audi dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

0 / 2

Injuries / deaths

0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2016 Audi A3 Cabriolet vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2016 Audi A3 Cabriolet recalls

Recall 19V-474: Air Bags

Reported Jun 19, 2019 · 138,896 vehicles affected · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Problem: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Audi S3 Sedan, 2015-2019 A3 Sedan and A3 Cabriolet, 2016-2018 A3 e-tron, and 2017-2019 RS3 vehicles. An improper electrical contact may cause the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) to falsely detect a malfunction and deactivate the passenger air bag.

Risk: A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.

Fix: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the connector and reroute the cable, free of charge. The recall began September 12, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 69Z4.

Recall 16V-647: Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported Sep 7, 2016 · 110,042 vehicles affected · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Problem: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Volkswagen Golf, Golf SportWagen, GTI, Audi A3 sedan and A3 Cabriolet vehicles. Due to a problem with the suction pump inside the fuel tank, fuel may flow into the evaporative emissions (EVAP) system.

Risk: 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.

Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suction pump, free of charge. The recall began November 2016. Volkswagen owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298, Audi owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 20Y6 and 20Y5. This recall has been fully superseded by recall 24V-110.

Recall 16V-642: Exterior Lighting, Electrical System

Reported Sep 6, 2016 · 79,895 vehicles affected · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Problem: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2016 TT roadster, A3 cabriolet, A3 sedan and A3 e-tron, 2016-2017 TT coupe, 2017 A4 sedan and Q7 and 2015-2017 Q3 vehicles. The affected vehicles may have been programmed with new software that inadvertently makes the side marker lights inoperative in conjunction with the parking lights or the headlights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Risk: If the side marker lights do not illuminate, the vehicle may be less visible at night, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will upload revised software to correct the issue, free of charge. This recall began November 2016. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 97CB.

2016 Audi A3 Cabriolet problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Air Bags	15
Fuel/Propulsion System	6
Engine	6
Electrical System	4
Power Train	3
Unknown or Other	3
Fuel System, Gasoline	2
Tires	1
Vehicle Speed Control	1
Exterior Lighting	1
Engine and Engine Cooling	1
Structure	1

Most reported parts

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System — 1
Structure › Body — 1
Electrical System › Instrument Panel › Fuel Gauge — 1
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly › Filler Pipe and Cap — 1
Wheels › Rim — 1
Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 32,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2016 Audi A3 Cabriolet complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Engine · at 100,500 miles · reported Apr 1, 2024

The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3. The contact stated while driving at unknown speed the message, "Oil Level Sensor System Fault" was displayed. The message was display on several occasions while the contact was driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the mechanic stated that several fault codes were displayed. The mechanic informed the contact that replacing the sensor might fix the failure and the part was replaced. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started to stall, and the message was displayed again. The contact stated that…

Steering · at 147,000 miles · reported Aug 30, 2023

The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3. The contact stated while driving at slow speeds and making a U-turn, the "Steering Defect; Do Not Drive" message was displayed. The power steering warning light was illuminated. The steering wheel turned in the other direction when the vehicle struck the curb. While making a left turn, the steering wheel pulled hard to the right. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 147,000.

Wheels · at 63,000 miles · reported Apr 17, 2023

The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle drove over a massive pothole in the roadway. The contact pulled over to assess the vehicle and discovered that the front passengerâs rim had detached the vehicle. Additionally, the oil pan was punctured, causing oil to leak from the vehicle. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to his residence where it remained in his possession. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 63,000.

Fuel System, Gasoline · at 8,000 miles · reported Feb 16, 2023

The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3. The contact stated while refueling the vehicle, gasoline sprayed out from the fuel filler neck. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed of a malfunction with the filler neck. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 8,000.

Air Bags · reported Aug 19, 2022

The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3. The contact stated the front passengerâs side air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V198000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. Parts distribution disconnect.

Other Audi A3 Cabriolet years

2019 2018 201720162015

Compare all Audi A3 Cabriolet years · All Audi models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2016 Audi A3 Cabriolet have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2016 Audi A3 Cabriolet: 19V-474 (air bags), 16V-647 (fuel system, gasoline, engine and engine cooling), 16V-642 (exterior lighting, electrical system). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2016 Audi A3 Cabriolet?

Owners report air bags problems most often (15 reports), followed by fuel/propulsion system (6). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 32,000 miles.

Are Audi recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Audi dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.