2003 Audi A3

Owner complaints

What owners report most

1. Air bags1
2. Power train1

Latest complaints

• May 26, 2016CA
  Air bags
  TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2003 audi A3. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v079000 (air bags) and the parts were not available within a reasonable time frame to schedule the recall repair so the contact was unable to determine when the vehicle would be…

  TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2003 audi A3. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v079000 (air bags) and the parts were not available within a reasonable time frame to schedule the recall repair so the contact was unable to determine when the vehicle would be repaired. The contact called the manufacturer and they were unable to provide a time frame or a specific date. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.

• Feb 3, 2014CA115,000 mi
  Power train
  TL* the contact owns a 2003 audi A3. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 mph, the vehicle independently shifted into neutral with the illumination of the check engine warning light. Additionally, the gear shifter lights illuminated displaying erroneous readings. The vehicle was…

  TL* the contact owns a 2003 audi A3. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 mph, the vehicle independently shifted into neutral with the illumination of the check engine warning light. Additionally, the gear shifter lights illuminated displaying erroneous readings. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who stated that the transmission would need replacing. The vehicle was then taken to an authorized dealer, who diagnosed that the transmission control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.

Service bulletins

Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.

• 10251027Tightening wheel bolts
• 10250950Tightening wheel bolts
• 10249085Google Maps Street View (NVLW))
• 10249054Due to new Minnesota state regulations regarding biofuels, biodiesel blends of B5 or less may not be available in the State of Minnesota.
• 10243930This bulletin provides information on the additional reporting requirements for safety related inquiries.
• 10243790Audi Elsa Newsletter
• 10243787Audi Elsa Newsletter
• 10243780Audi Elsa Newsletter
• 10243756Audi Elsa Newsletter
• 10231144Technical bulletins and updates
• 10231130Idenifying and mixing factory fill engine coolants
• 10231127ElsaPro Software update and technical bulletins
• 10228314The use of contaminated gasoline or gasoline with a low content of deposit control additives may result in one or more conditions.
• 10228302High quality media files (video and sound) are now integrated into technical service bulletins on a case-by-case basis. Media files can now be viewed on any smartphone or tablet.
• 10228297This Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) details the general process for carrying out a Software Version Management (SVM) software update for any TSB or Update.
• 10226529Vehicle lacks power or will not move after stop due to simultaneous depressing of the brake and accelerator pedals
• 10224993The use of contaminated gasoline or gasoline with a low content of deposit control additives may result in one or more conditions.
• 10224981High quality media files (video and sound) are now integrated into technical service bulletins on a case-by-case basis. Media files can now be viewed on any smartphone or tablet.
• 10224977A DTC with the description ?Invalid Data Record? is stored after an ECU has been replaced or updated.
• 10224976This Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) details the general process for carrying out a Software Version Management (SVM) software update for any TSB or Update.
• 10221966The use of contaminated gasoline or gasoline with a low content of deposit control additives may result in one or more conditions.
• 10221954High quality media files (video and sound) are now integrated into technical service bulletins on a case-by-case basis. Media files can now be viewed on any smartphone or tablet.
• 10221949This Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) details the general process for carrying out a Software Version Management (SVM) software update for any TSB or Update.
• 10216682Engine oils that meet Audi Oil Quality Standards.
• 10216662Discontinuation and mixing of Audi-approved engine coolants.
• 10216656Discontinuation and mixing of Audi-approved engine coolants.
• 10216638If the vehicle?s engine experienced a serious mechanical problem, it is possible that small pieces of metal debris resulting from the mechanical problem may have become deposited in the intake manifold, air intake hoses, exhaust manifolds, exhaust down-pipes, turbocharger, supercharger, and/or intercooler. If these pieces are not removed prior to the installation and operation of the replacement engine, the pieces may be drawn into the combustion chamber, which can cause a knocking noise and subsequent serious engine damage.
• 10212703Vehicle lacks power or will not move after stop due to simultaneous depressing of the brake and accelerator pedals
• 10210679This condition may be caused when the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal are depressed simultaneously. Drivers who drive with their left foot resting on the brake pedal are prone to experience this condition. With the introduction of Electronic Power Control (EPC) (no accelerator cable) to fuel injection systems, an engine RPM control feature has been incorporated into the engine electronic control system software. Customer states that the engine returns to idle speed of approximately 1,400 RPM although the accelerator is depressed, and/or the vehicle hesitates (lacks power on take-off).
• 10210650This condition may be caused when the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal are depressed simultaneously. Drivers who consciously or unconsciously drive with their left foot resting on the brake pedal are prone to experience this condition. With the introduction of Electronic Power Control (EPC) (no accelerator cable) to fuel injection systems, an engine RPM control feature has been incorporated into the engine electronic control system software. As a result, application of the brake and accelerator pedals at the same time (brake pedal with left foot and accelerator pedal with right foot) results in the following: ? Brake pedal function (normal at all times) overrides any throttle application. ? Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) will not be stored. ? When the brake pedal is applied while the accelerator is depressed, engine RPMs will return to idle speeds of 1400 RPMs after approximately two seconds. ? When the accelerator is applied while the brake pedal is depressed, the vehicle accelerates slower than usual (reduced engine torque).
• 10198567This informational bulletin explains how to order replacement VIN plates, Safety Certification Labels, etc.
• 10177406This informational bulletin states to not replace parts for the beveling groove as it is normal.
• 10172594This bulletin contains instructions for when to add gasoline additives for cleaning the injectors.
• 10155644This special notice is to inform dealers to return all part numbers listed in the document and order the superseded part numbers going forward.
• 10128422This circular contains important information regarding A3 e-tron tooling. Information will be covered in the subsequent sections depending on the dealership's current status.
• 10128350This informational bulletin contains all the the Audi Oil Quality Standards that should be used when doing an oil change.
• 10128222Due to increasing requests for high voltage personal protective equipment (HVE PPE) for dealer technicians working with high voltage vehicles (Hybrid, Plugin Hybrid, Electric Vehicle), the Volkswagen Tools and Equipment Team has identified two US based suppliers to support dealers in USA and Canada.
• 10128009This information TSB provides information regarding the correct way to torque adjust a wheel bolt.
• 10127856This informational bulletin contains technical information for when there is condensation visible on the inside of the headlight, taillight, fog light, side marker light, front turn signal, daytime running lights, and/or third brake light lens.
• 10124021VWGoA is pleased to inform you of the release and automatic delivery of new Required Special Tools used on Audi vehicles. Starting March 25, 2013, every Audi dealer will be shipped one AT-348 Special Tool Package, Freight F.O.B. Snap-On OEM and invoiced directly by the Audi Special Tools Program (Snap-On Business Solutions - SBS).

Every Audi A3 model year

Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.