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NHTSA recalls & complaints · 2001–2025

Audi A3 recalls, complaints and VIN decoding

NHTSA lists 20 recall campaigns and 728 owner complaints for the Audi A3, covering model years 2001 to 2025. The 2006 model year drew the most complaints (123), and Air Bags is the component owners name most often.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint flat files, updated September 25, 2026.

Decode your Audi A3 VIN

See the model year, plant and build details of one vehicle, then the recalls for its exact year.

  • 20 recall campaigns on file
  • 728 owner complaints (unverified reports to NHTSA)
  • 22 model years with data (2001–2025)
  • most complaints: 2006 (123 for that model year)
  • top component: Air Bags (338 complaints)
  • latest recall 24V251000 (reported Apr 3, 2024)
  • 21 complaints reporting a crash (2.9%)
  • 5 complaints reporting a fire (0.7%)
  • 11 complaints reporting an injury (1.5%)
  • 0 complaints reporting a death (0.0%)

Audi A3 complaints by model year

21 model years · NHTSA complaints

The 2006 model year has the most complaints: 123 of 728, or 16.9%. Next come 2015 (92) and 2016 (81). The fewest are for 2024, with 1 complaint.

Owner complaints per model yearHighest yearOther years
Audi A3 owner complaints to NHTSA by model year, 2001–2025Column chart of 728 complaints across 25 model years. The highest is 2006 with 123. The full figures are in the table below the chart.2001: 1 complaint120012002: 0 complaints20022003: 2 complaints220032004: 6 complaints620042005: 0 complaints20052006: 123 complaints12320062007: 52 complaints5220072008: 43 complaints4320082009: 47 complaints4720092010: 50 complaints5020102011: 43 complaints4320112012: 43 complaints4320122013: 20 complaints2020132014: 0 complaints20142015: 92 complaints9220152016: 81 complaints8120162017: 44 complaints4420172018: 33 complaints3320182019: 10 complaints1020192020: 16 complaints1620202021: 0 complaints20212022: 9 complaints920222023: 7 complaints720232024: 1 complaint120242025: 5 complaints52025
Show the figures for all 21 model years
Audi A3 complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Audi A3 complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Model yearComplaintsReporting a crashReporting a fireReporting an injuryReporting a death
200111000
200320000
200460000
20061233020
2007520000
2008432000
2009475030
2010501010
2011430100
2012431200
2013200000
2015920000
2016813210
2017441020
2018331020
2019100000
2020161000
202290000
202370000
202410000
202552000
All model years728215110

Crash, fire, injury and death columns count complaints that report at least one of them, not people.

Most-reported Audi A3 components

top 15 · NHTSA categories

Air Bags is the component named most often, in 338 complaints (46.4% of all 728), followed by Power Train (126) and Electrical System (86).

Components named most often in Audi A3 complaints (top 15)
Components named most often in Audi A3 complaints (top 15)
ComponentComplaintsShare of complaints
Air Bags33846.4%
Power Train12617.3%
Electrical System8611.8%
Fuel/Propulsion System7510.3%
Engine598.1%
Unknown or Other385.2%
Exterior Lighting294.0%
Fuel System, Gasoline233.2%
Seat Belts202.7%
Seats202.7%
Fuel System, Diesel182.5%
Engine and Engine Cooling162.2%
Vehicle Speed Control141.9%
Tires131.8%
Service Brakes121.6%

One complaint can name several components, so the shares add up to more than 100%. Component names are NHTSA’s top-level categories.

What NHTSA owner complaints mean

These figures count complaints that vehicle owners and other members of the public have submitted to NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. NHTSA uses complaints, together with other data, to spot safety issues that may warrant an investigation and to check whether existing recalls go far enough.

  • They are reports, not findings. Each complaint is the submitter's own account. Its presence in the database does not mean NHTSA has confirmed a defect.
  • Counts are not defect rates. The data doesn't say how many vehicles were sold, so a raw count can't tell you what share of vehicles had a problem.
  • Popular models collect more complaints. A model sold in large numbers will usually gather more complaints than a rare one, simply because more people own it.
  • One complaint can name several components. Totals by component can therefore add up to more than the number of complaints.
  • Coverage starts in 1995. NHTSA's complaint file contains complaints received since January 1, 1995.

Use complaint patterns as a prompt for questions: whether a recall covers the issue, whether the vehicle you are considering has had the fix, and what a mechanic finds on inspection. For confirmed safety defects, see the recall list for this model.

Audi A3 recalls

20 campaigns · newest first

Every vehicle recall campaign NHTSA lists under the model name A3, newest first. The 20 campaigns cover model years 2005 to 2023. The 2022 model year appears in the most campaigns (6).

  • 20 recall campaigns
Audi A3 recall campaigns covering each model year
DecadeYears ending in 0Years ending in 1Years ending in 2Years ending in 3Years ending in 4Years ending in 5Years ending in 6Years ending in 7Years ending in 8Years ending in 9
2005: 1 campaign2006: 4 campaigns2007: 3 campaigns2008: 3 campaigns2009: 5 campaigns
2010: 5 campaigns2011: 4 campaigns2012: 4 campaigns2013: 3 campaigns2014: no campaigns2015: 2 campaigns2016: 3 campaigns2017: 2 campaigns2018: 2 campaigns2019: 3 campaigns
2020: 3 campaigns2021: no campaigns2022: 6 campaigns2023: 2 campaigns
Highlighted: the model year with the most campaigns.

  1. NHTSA campaign 24V251000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger

    Model year 2023

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2023 Audi S5 Cabriolet, A4 Allroad, Q5 Sportback, A3 Sedan, S5 Sportback, SQ7, TT Coupe, TT Roadster, RS5 Sportback, 2024 A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, Q8, RSQ8, 2023-2024 Q3, Q5, and Q7 vehicles. An electrical connection in the front passenger seat for the occupant detection system (ODS) control module may loosen and deactivate the front passenger air bag.

    Consequence:
    A deactivated front passenger air bag will not deploy during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the passenger seat occupant detection system control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 8, 2024. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69GU.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  2. NHTSA campaign 24V110000

    Reported

    Fuel System, Gasoline

    Model years 2015–2020

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain front-wheel drive 2015-2020 Audi A3 Sedan, 2015-2019 Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI, 2018 Golf Sportwagen GP, 2018-2019 Golf Sportwagen A7, 2015-2017 Golf Sportwagen, 2015-2020 Golf GTI, and 2015-2020 Golf A7 vehicles. Due to a problem with a suction jet pump seal inside the fuel tank, fuel may flow into the evaporative emissions (EVAP) system and possibly leak out of the charcoal canister.

    Consequence:
    A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the suction pump, free of charge. Final owner notification letters for Audi owners were mailed on July 25, 2024. Final owner letters for VW owners were mailed on August 13, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are VW: 20UF/Audi: 20YF. Vehicles that were previously recalled under 16V-647 will need to have the new remedy completed. This recall expands and replaces previous recall number 16V-647.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  3. NHTSA campaign 22V901000

    Reported

    Equipment › Other › Labels

    Model year 2023

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2023 Audi S3, RS3, and A3 vehicles. The Safety Certification label on the B-pillar is missing weight capacity information. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification."

    Consequence:
    Missing weight information may result in unintentional overloading of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Audi dealers will install an overlay label, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 27, 2023. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 50ZZ.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  4. NHTSA campaign 22V823000

    Reported

    Back Over Prevention › Display Function

    Model year 2022

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022 Golf R A8, Audi S3, RS3 Sedan, Q4 E-Tron SUV, A3 Sedan, and 2022-2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI, and ID4 vehicles. The rearview camera image may be blank or unresponsive when the vehicle is placed in reverse gear or when the park function is manually activated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

    Consequence:
    An inoperative rearview camera display can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed to Audi owners February 14, 2023. Volkswagen owners will receive an owner notification letter once remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are (Volkswagen) 91EK and (Audi) 91EL.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  5. NHTSA campaign 22V815000

    Reported

    Tires › Pressure Monitoring and Regulating Systems

    Model years 2019–2020

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan LWB, Golf Sportswagen A7, Golf Alltrack, Golf R GP, Audi Q3, Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Jetta NF, Jetta GLI, Golf GTI, Atlas, Golf A7, Audi A3, 2020-2021 Atlas Cross Sport, and 2021 Atlas FL vehicles. The tire pressure monitoring system may not detect an air pressure loss in adequate time when deflating occurs among all four tires simultaneously. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."

    Consequence:
    An undetected sudden loss of pressure in all four tires increases the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will update the TPMS software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 18, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi’s customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are (Audi) 45J7, and (VW) 45J6 and 45J8.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  6. NHTSA campaign 22V806000

    Reported

    Equipment › Electrical › Infotainment › Video (TOUCH)Screen/Monitor/Unit; Back Over Prevention › Display Function

    Model year 2022

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021-2022 AUDI A8, A6 Allroad, E-TRON Quattro, 2022 S3, RSQ8, RS7, RS6 Avant, Q8, Q7, Q3, E-TRON Sportback Quattro, S5 Cabriolet, E-TRON GT, S5 Sportback, A7, A6, A5 Sportback, A5 Cabriolet, A4, A4 Allroad, A3, S8, SQ7, SQ8, S6, and S4 vehicles. The infotainment main unit may become damaged internally when the vehicle is shut off, resulting in an inoperative rearview camera display the next time the vehicle is started. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

    Consequence:
    An inoperative rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the infotainment main unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 6, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 91Ei.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  7. NHTSA campaign 22V652000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal

    Model year 2022

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022 Audi S3, A3, and RS3 vehicles. The front passenger air bag may have been folded incorrectly.

    Consequence:
    An incorrectly folded air bag can tear, prohibiting it from deploying properly during a crash, increasing the risk of an injury.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 13, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 69DZ.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  8. NHTSA campaign 22V543000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module

    Model year 2016

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2016 Audi TT Roadster, TT Coupe, S3 Sedan, R8 Coupe, A3 Sedan, A3 Etron, A3 Cabriolet, 2016 Golf Sportwagen, Golf R, Golf GTI, Golf A7, and E Golf vehicles. During air bag deployment, the front passenger air bag may explode or deploy improperly.

    Consequence:
    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.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the front-passenger air bag module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 16, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69DY and 61C1.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  9. NHTSA campaign 22V515000

    Reported

    Seat Belts › Pretensioner

    Model year 2022

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022 Audi S3 and A3 sedans. The retention force of the seat belt tensioner on the driver and front passenger seats may be inadequate to properly restrain the occupants during a crash.

    Consequence:
    Improperly restrained occupants have an increased risk of injury during a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the driver and front passenger seat belt assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 15, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 68i2.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  10. NHTSA campaign 22V224000

    Reported

    Child Seat › Vehicle Latch Anchor

    Model year 2022

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2022 A3 Sedan and S3 Sedan vehicles. The child seat anchorage fitting sleeves are incorrectly marked with a different symbol than the one described in the owner's manual. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems."

    Consequence:
    An incorrectly marked child restraint anchorage may cause confusion during child seat installation, resulting in a child seat being improperly secured and increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace all four fitting sleeves, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May24, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 72M7.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Show 10 more recalls

  1. NHTSA campaign 21V825000

    Reported

    Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera

    Model year 2022

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi A8 and S8, 2022 Audi A5 Sportback, A4 Sedan, E-Tron GT, Q3, Q5, RS6 Avant, A3 Sedan, S5 Sportback, Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RSQ8, SQ7, SQ8, and S3 Sedan vehicles. A software error may prevent the rear-view image from initially displaying when the vehicle begins to reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

    Consequence:
    A rear-view camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will update the infotainment unit parameters, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 9, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 91CR.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  2. NHTSA campaign 21V198000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger; Air Bags › On-Off Switch Assembly

    Model years 2015–2020

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Audi S3 Sedan, A3 Sedan, 2016-2018 A3 Etron, 2017-2020 RS3 Sedan, and 2015-2019 A3 Cabriolet vehicles. The passenger occupant detection system (PODS) may malfunction and switch off the passenger air bag even when the seat is occupied.

    Consequence:
    A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the PODS sensor mat and update the PODS control module, free of charge. Owners letters were mailed December 23, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 69BY.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  3. NHTSA campaign 19V862000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module

    Model years 2011–2013

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2015 Passat, 2011-2014 Golf A6, and 2011-2013 Audi A3 diesel vehicles, thought to have been previously repaired under one of the Takata air bag recalls. The driver's side air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.

    Consequence:
    An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
    Remedy:
    Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's side air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began December 20, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69R6, 69Q8, 69Q9, and 69Y5.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  4. NHTSA campaign 18V082000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module

    Model years 2006–2013

    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.

    Consequence:
    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.
    Remedy:
    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.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  5. NHTSA campaign 16V913000

    Reported

    Electronic Stability Control (ESC); Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip

    Model year 2009

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Volkswagen Jetta A5 Sedan, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen, Eos, GTI, Rabbit and Audi A3 vehicles, and 2010 Volkswagen Golf A6 vehicles. The Antilock Brake System (ABS) control unit may fail during ABS or Electronic Stability Control (ESC) activation, possibly causing a loss of vehicle control.

    Consequence:
    A loss of vehicle control can increase the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will update the ABS control module software to improve the module's self-testing abilities. Any module that fails the new diagnostic test will be replaced. These repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began February 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  6. NHTSA campaign 16V079000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module

    Model years 2005–2013

    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.

    Consequence:
    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.
    Remedy:
    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.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  7. NHTSA campaign 11V490000

    Reported

    Fuel System, Diesel

    Model years 2010–2012

    Volkswagen is recalling certain model 2009-2012 jetta and jetta sportwagen vehicles, manufactured from May 2008 through September 2011, model year 2010-2012 Volkswagen Golf vehicles, manufactured from May 2009 through September 2011, and model year 2010-2012 Audi A3 vehicles, manufactured from September 2009 through September 2011, that are equipped with a 2.0L TDI common rail diesel engine/clean diesel engine. The fuel injection pulses could coincide with the natural frequency of the injector line #2, in specific load and RPM conditions. This resonance creates additional stress in the fuel line.

    Consequence:
    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.
    Remedy:
    Volkswagen will install an improved fuel injector line for the number 2 cylinder on certain vehicles and will install vibration dampers on all of the injector lines. Volkswagen and Audi will notify owners to have the vehicles repaired free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during November 2011. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  8. NHTSA campaign 09V377000

    Reported

    Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly

    Model years 2006–2010

    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.

    Consequence:
    In the presence of an ignition source, a vehicle fire could occur.
    Remedy:
    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.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  9. NHTSA campaign 09V333000

    Reported

    Power Train › Automatic Transmission

    Model years 2009–2010

    Volkswagen is recalling certain model year 2009 and 2010 passenger cars manufactured between September 2008 and August 2009. The wiring harness of a temperature sensor in the direct shift gearbox (DSG) may have connector wires that were insufficiently crimped. With insufficiently crimped connector wires, a temperature sensor has the potential to falsely detect a high gearbox oil temperature, causing the transmission to abruptly shift to neutral. If this happens, the selector lever position indicator within the instrument panel will flash. In addition, the "depress brake pedal" indicator light will be illuminated, alerting the driver to apply the brakes.

    Consequence:
    The abrupt shift to neutral could lead to a crash without warning.
    Remedy:
    Volkswagen will reprogram the transmission control module with updated software free of charge. The recall began on October 20, 2009. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  10. NHTSA campaign 06V293000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Side/Window

    Model year 2006

    On certain passenger vehicles, during production of the air bag, either the left or the right side curtain air bag inflation module may leak.

    Consequence:
    In the event of a crash, the air bag may not inflate as designed increasing the risk of injury to a seat occupant.
    Remedy:
    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.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Recall text is shown as NHTSA publishes it; older campaigns, which NHTSA stores in capital letters, are shown in sentence case. NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline, 1-888-327-4236, also answers recall questions.

How to read this recall list

This list shows every safety recall campaign NHTSA has on file for this make, model and model year. It is not specific to one vehicle: a recall often covers only vehicles built in a certain date range or with a certain part, and many of the vehicles it covers will already have been repaired.

What each recall field means
What each recall field means
FieldWhat it tells you
Campaign numberNHTSA's unique ID for the recall, such as 20V771000. Quote it to a dealer or when searching NHTSA's site.
ComponentThe system or part involved, for example air bags, brakes or electrical software.
SummaryWhat the defect or non-compliance is and which vehicles are covered.
ConsequenceThe safety risk if the problem isn't fixed.
RemedyWhat the manufacturer will do, such as a repair, replacement or software update, and whether it is free.
  • Some recalls carry an NHTSA consumer advisory, “Do Not Drive” or “Park Outside”. Follow it until the repair is done.
  • A single campaign often covers several models or model years, so the same campaign number can appear in more than one list.
  • Recalls are shown as NHTSA publishes them. Very recent campaigns may take time to appear.

Does your vehicle have an open recall? Only a VIN check can tell you. Enter the VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or on the manufacturer's website. Our VIN recall check guide explains what each option covers.

Audi A3 questions

5 questions

How many recalls does the Audi A3 have?

NHTSA lists 20 vehicle recall campaigns for the Audi A3, covering model years 2001 to 2025. The most recent, 24V251000, was reported on April 3, 2024 and is filed under “Air bags”. The 2022 model year is covered by the most campaigns (6).

Which Audi A3 model year has the most complaints?

The 2006 model year, with 123 of the 728 complaints in NHTSA’s file (16.9%). The next are 2015 (92) and 2016 (81). Complaint counts also reflect how many vehicles of each year were sold and how long they have been on the road, so they are not a reliability ranking.

What is the most common Audi A3 complaint?

Air Bags is the component named most often: 338 complaints, or 46.4% of all 728. Power Train (126) and Electrical System (86) follow. Complaints are unverified reports from owners, not confirmed defects, and one complaint can name several components.

Does every recall on this page apply to my Audi A3?

Not necessarily. Each campaign lists specific model years, and many cover only vehicles built in a certain period or fitted with a certain part; repairs already carried out aren’t shown. To see whether a recall is open on your vehicle, enter its VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or ask a Audi dealer.

How many Audi A3 complaints report a crash, fire, injury or death?

Of the 728 complaints, 21 report a crash, 5 a fire, 11 at least one injury and 0 at least one death. These figures count complaints, not people, and each complaint is the submitter’s own unverified account.

Other Audi models

8 models · most complaints first

The Audi models with the most NHTSA complaints, and the Audi VIN decoder with every Audi model page, WMI code and VIN note.

  • Audi A4 1995–2024 · 27 recalls · 2,893 complaints
  • Audi A6 1995–2026 · 54 recalls · 1,656 complaints
  • Audi Q5 2008–2026 · 33 recalls · 1,337 complaints
  • Audi Q7 2007–2026 · 32 recalls · 1,042 complaints
  • Audi S4 1995–2022 · 15 recalls · 560 complaints
  • Audi A5 2008–2026 · 19 recalls · 325 complaints
  • Audi TT 2000–2023 · 12 recalls · 319 complaints
  • Audi A8 1995–2026 · 31 recalls · 252 complaints

All Audi models and WMI codesLook up recalls by year

Data: NHTSA recalls and complaints flat files, updated September 25, 2026. Recall campaigns are vehicle (V) campaigns listed for this model name; complaints are counted once per NHTSA ODI number and model year.