2006 Audi A3 recalls and problems
The 2006 Audi A3 has 4 safety recalls and 123 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Audi dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2006 Audi A3 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2006 Audi A3 recalls
Recall 18V-082: Air Bags
Problem: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2006-2013 Audi A3, 2007-2009 A4 Cabriolet and S4 Cabriolet, 2008 RS4 Cabriolet, 2009-2012 Q5, and 2010-2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet and S5 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
Risk: 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.
Fix: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 23, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69R6. Note: This recall partially supersedes recall 16V-078.
Recall 16V-079: Air Bags
Problem: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2006 Volkswagen Passat sedans and wagons, 2005-2013 Audi A3, and 2006-2009 Audi A4 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Risk: 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.
Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began March 2017. Volkswagen owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Audi owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
Recall 09V-377: Fuel System, Gasoline
Problem: Volkswagen is recalling certain model year 2006 through 2010 audi a3, tt, and tt roadster passenger vehicles manufactured between september 29, 2005 and august 26, 2009. The closing force of an internal spring of the fuel tank ventilation valve is not adequate enough to hold the valve closed under extreme driving conditions possibly allowing fuel to leak.
Risk: In the presence of an ignition source, a vehicle fire could occur.
Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners and audi dealers will replace the fuel tank ventilation valve with an improved valve free of charge. The safety recall began on november 16, 2009. Owners may contact audi at 1-800-253-2834.
Recall 06V-293: Air Bags
Problem: On certain passenger vehicles, during production of the air bag, either the left or the right side curtain air bag inflation module may leak.
Risk: In the event of a crash, the air bag may not inflate as designed increasing the risk of injury to a seat occupant.
Fix: Dealers will replace the side curtain air bag free of charge. The recall began on august 31, 2006. Owners may contact audi at 1-800-822-2834.
2006 Audi A3 problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Air Bags | 56 | |
| Power Train | 37 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 10 | |
| Electrical System | 6 | |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 5 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 5 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 4 | |
| Suspension | 4 | |
| Engine | 3 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 2 | |
| Unknown or Other | 2 | |
| Equipment | 1 |
Most reported parts
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 14
- Power Train › Manual Transmission — 2
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 2
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System › Hoses/Lines/Piping/Fittings — 1
- Air Bags › On-Off Switch Assembly — 1
- Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner — 1
- Air Bags › Frontal — 1
- Suspension › Rear — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 72,000 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 2006 Audi A3 complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Audi A3 years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2006 Audi A3 have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2006 Audi A3: 18V-082 (air bags), 16V-079 (air bags), 09V-377 (fuel system, gasoline), 06V-293 (air bags). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2006 Audi A3?
Owners report air bags problems most often (56 reports), followed by power train (37). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 72,000 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.