2012 Audi A3
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2012 Audi A3. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
4 recalls name the 2012 Audi A3. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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 and remedy
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.
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.
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 and remedy
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.
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Owner complaints
43 complaints1 involved a crash2 involved a fire
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Exterior lighting
The tail light bulbs melts plastic and can cause fire. My light indicator came on. When I checked the bulb, the internal structure was melted. I ordered exact model from a junk yard. When I received, I noticed it had the same issue and the internal structure was melting from heat of light bulb. Both Left and Right Tail light structures were melting. Potential fire hazard.
- Air bags
air bag came on in dash. even though the air bag was recalled and fixed by dealer
- Air bags
This car was totally destroyed in 2012 and therefore no longer needs the airbag recall to be accomplished. please remove this recall notice from the database.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2012 audi A3. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v079000 (air bags); however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Audi carlsbad (5425 paseo…
TL* the contact owns a 2012 audi A3. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v079000 (air bags); however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Audi carlsbad (5425 paseo del norte, carlsbad, ca 92008, (760) 438-9490) was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not available for the recall remedy. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. The vin was not available.
- Air bags
I have had a recall on my vehicle and have been trying to get it replaced at audi since 2016, I have sent emails to the general manager and they kept saying "they do not have the airbags in stock". I have tried another auid and gert the same answer.
- Air bags
Takata recall I received recall information for the takata airbag in my vehicle. - I called audi stevens creek 888-462-7410 as instructed to schedule repair - audi said they are not doing the repair as no airbags have been provided by audi america - there IS no eta when repair may be done…
Takata recall I received recall information for the takata airbag in my vehicle. - I called audi stevens creek 888-462-7410 as instructed to schedule repair - audi said they are not doing the repair as no airbags have been provided by audi america - there IS no eta when repair may be done the stevens creek audi dealership refused to schedule my airbag repair. Audi claims airbags are not available for the audi A3 vehicles. audi's inability to repair the airbag as required by the safety recall should be noted in the file in case anything should happen to me or my wife while driving. Audi will be liable for damages for their inability to provide the airbag repair in a timely manor. thank you, [xxx] vin: [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *tr
- Fuel/propulsion system
Carbon buildup on fuel injectors after 60K, dealership IS denying extended warranty coverage. It's common issue with di engines, the manufacturer should be responsible for the maintenance.
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2012 audi A3. The contact received a recall notification for nhtsa campaign number: 18v082000 (air bags) and stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time to repair the vehicle. The dealer (rusnak pasadena audi, 267 w colorado boulevard…
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2012 audi A3. The contact received a recall notification for nhtsa campaign number: 18v082000 (air bags) and stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time to repair the vehicle. The dealer (rusnak pasadena audi, 267 w colorado boulevard, pasadena, ca 91105) confirmed that the part was not available to perform the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
- Air bags
Takata recall. last year I specifically made an appointment with audi tampa (105 e fowler ave, tampa, fl) for this purpose on august 9 2017. the service manager at the time, even though they knew why I was there said they had run out and not to worry that the recall isn't that bad. I am…
Takata recall. last year I specifically made an appointment with audi tampa (105 e fowler ave, tampa, fl) for this purpose on august 9 2017. the service manager at the time, even though they knew why I was there said they had run out and not to worry that the recall isn't that bad. I am frustrated that a year later I am reminded that this still hasn't been fixed by audi. as an active duty service member I don't have the time nor flexibility to chase audi down. I would expect that audi would be more concerned about this considering this IS an error in their design and impacts the quality and safety of their products.
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2012 audi A3. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 18v082000 (air bags); however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer…
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2012 audi A3. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 18v082000 (air bags); however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer (audi chandler, 7460 w orchid ln, chandler, az 85226, (480) 941-0000) was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not available for the recall remedy. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and was not able to confirm when the parts were to become available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2012 audi A3. Upon attempting to register the vehicle with the department of motor vehicles in california, the contact was made aware of nhtsa campaign number: 18v082000 (air bags). The parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the…
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2012 audi A3. Upon attempting to register the vehicle with the department of motor vehicles in california, the contact was made aware of nhtsa campaign number: 18v082000 (air bags). The parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair and was unable to register the vehicle due to an open recall. The contact called an unknown audi dealer in santa ana, ca and was informed that parts were expected to be available in april of 2018. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. *Tt *tr
- Electrical system · Electronic stability control (esc)
1.CAR slips on wet snow when applying brakes with brake assist on 2. 30 amp fuse for right side control module blows off every week after replacing to a black char
- Air bags
Takata recall. waiting over 10 months for recall replacement. Taking too long.
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2012 audi A3. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v079000 (air bags); however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer…
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2012 audi A3. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v079000 (air bags); however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer (audi south burlington, 1325 shelburne rd, south burlington, vt 05403 (802) 861-3010, was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not available for the recall remedy. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and were not able to confirm when the parts were to become available. The contact also mentioned that he inquired about a loaner vehicle but was denied via the dealer and the manufacturer. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
- Air bags
Takata recall. Recall dated february 2016. It IS now june 2017. This IS an unacceptably long time for both audi and takata.
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2012 audi A3. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v079000 (air bags); however, the part for the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. Parts distribution disconnect.
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2012 audi A3. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v079000 (air bags). The part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
- Air bags
Takata recall: I was notified about the takata airbag recall by letter over one year ago. I have tried to schedule appointments to have the airbag replaced on two different occasions at two different audi dealerships. both dealerships stated that they do not have the parts and do not know when…
Takata recall: I was notified about the takata airbag recall by letter over one year ago. I have tried to schedule appointments to have the airbag replaced on two different occasions at two different audi dealerships. both dealerships stated that they do not have the parts and do not know when the parts will be available. this IS an unreasonable amount of time to wait for a repair especially considering that the current airbag in my car IS a potential safety risk that when inflated during a crash could shoot metal fragments into vehicle occupants (me!). the lack of response from the manufacturer IS unacceptable and irresponsible. I expect an expedient investigation and resolution to this safety hazard.
- Air bags
Tamara recall. I received a letter february of 2016 notifying me that there was a recall on the airbags in my car which could lead to serious injury or death. One year later there IS still no solution from audi to repair the problem. I feel like I am driving a time bomb. IS there anything I can do?
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2012 audi A3. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v079000 (air bags) and stated that the part was not available within a reasonable time frame to schedule the recall repair. The dealer and the interim recall notification did not give a…
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2012 audi A3. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v079000 (air bags) and stated that the part was not available within a reasonable time frame to schedule the recall repair. The dealer and the interim recall notification did not give a specific date for when the part would become available. The manufacturer could not provide an estimated date for when the contact's vehicle would receive the recall repair. The contact was not experiencing a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
- Air bags
Takata recall I feel paranoid,scared and worried to drive anywhere in my car, this IS negligence and it has taken almost 2 years and nothing IS going on. I cant believe such a company isnt being forced to produce new bags!!! Its absurd.
- Air bags
Takata recall. am very annoyed and angry at how long this IS taking. I feel very unsafe on the road and its not ok, its neglect! I got a letter in april 2016 and still nothing has been done. I contacted consumer affairs and bbb and they cant do much either.
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
After starting the car and moving a short distance, the dash display showed multiple warnings regarding the exterior lights. Approximately 12 exterior lights had all gone out at once. After some research on the issue I checked the fuse box in the engine bay and fuse F16 (30A) had melted with…
After starting the car and moving a short distance, the dash display showed multiple warnings regarding the exterior lights. Approximately 12 exterior lights had all gone out at once. After some research on the issue I checked the fuse box in the engine bay and fuse F16 (30A) had melted with residue on the contact but not failed. The contact on the fuse box also had residue and the surrounding plastic was melted as well. The same exact issue occurred on my 2009-2011 VW tiguan and a recall was issued (nhtsa campaign number: 13v569000 and VW recall number: 97z9/2v). The part recalled in the tiguan IS the same exact part used in the 2012 audi A3 (part #: 1k0937125d). Aoa should recall the part as was done by VW. There are multiple safety issues that are caused by this failure such as loss of exterior lighting while driving at night and possibility of fire caused by overheating. Attached are photos of the melted fuse and fuse box as well as the VW tiguan recall notice. *tr
- Air bags
Takata recall. my car IS not safe to drive. I'm making car payments on it and cannot drive it. the airbags need to be fixed.
- Air bags
Takata recall repair not available in a timely manner. It's been 7 months since we received the notice of recall, but no solution IS yet available.
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Diesel Fuel Injector Line Leakage
By letter dated October 3, 2011, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VW) notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that it will conduct a safety recall to address a defect in approximately 168,275 model year (MY) 2009-2012 Volkswagen Jetta, Jetta Sportwagen, Golf, and Audi A3 vehicles equipped…
By letter dated October 3, 2011, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VW) notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that it will conduct a safety recall to address a defect in approximately 168,275 model year (MY) 2009-2012 Volkswagen Jetta, Jetta Sportwagen, Golf, and Audi A3 vehicles equipped with the 2.0L TDI Common Rail Clean Diesel engine (NHTSA Recall No. 11V-490).The recalled Jetta and Jetta Sportwagen vehicles were built from May 2008 through September 2011, the Golf vehicles were built from May 2009 through September 2011, and the Audi A3 vehicles were built from September 2009 through September 2011.According to Volkswagen, in U.S. applications of the above cited TDI vehicles including engine codes CJAA and CBEA, 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 on the fuel line which a small number of parts (based on the statistic spread of line strength) cannot withstand over its lifetime.As a contributing factor, VW indicated that a supplier used tube material with scratch marks from a grinding process during certain production periods.Lines manufactured in these periods were installed in vehicles produced in the following 10 months:December 2008, January-February 2009, October 2009, March-April 2010 and September-December 2010.Injector lines using this material exhibit a significantly higher failure rate.Dealers will replace injector line #2 in all vehicles built in these months.In addition, as a precautionary measure, all recalled vehicles will have vibration dampers installed on all four fuel injector lines.Analysis of NHTSA complaints, VW complaints, VW field reports and warranty claims found allegations of injector line leakage in 443 subject vehicles.The leaking line was not identified in 62 of the vehicles.For the 381 that did provide information about which injector lines were leaking and/or replaced, 358 (94%) involved an injector line #2 leak/repair.Almost three-quarters of the injector line #2 leak/repair incident vehicles were built in the 10 months identified by VW, which accounted for approximately one-quarter of the recalled vehicles.The failure rate for injector line #2 in vehicles built in the 10 months affected by the supplier line scratching issue is 6.0 incidents per thousand vehicles (IPTV).The failure rate for injector line #2 in other production months of recalled vehicles is 0.8 IPTV.The leak/repair rates for the other injector lines are all well under 1 IPTV.The action taken by Volkswagen is sufficient to resolve the issues raised by this investigation. The agency will continue to monitor this issue and reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances. Accordingly, this investigation is closed.
- High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure
The Office of Defects Investgation (ODI) opened EA11-003 on February 7, 2011, based on 160 complaints to ODI and Volkswagen involving high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failures in model year (MY) 2009 through 2010 Volkswagen Jetta and Golf and Audi A3 TDI vehicles and questions regarding fuel sample results provided by…
The Office of Defects Investgation (ODI) opened EA11-003 on February 7, 2011, based on 160 complaints to ODI and Volkswagen involving high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failures in model year (MY) 2009 through 2010 Volkswagen Jetta and Golf and Audi A3 TDI vehicles and questions regarding fuel sample results provided by Volkswagen as part of its response to PE10-034.During EA11-003, ODI analyzed design information, field experience and test data for MY 2009 through 2012 Volkswagen Jetta, Golf and Touareg and Audi A3 and Q7 vehicles equipped with TDI engines. Volkswagen has not identified any design or manufacturing defects in the subject TDI Clean Diesel pumps and has stated that the subject pumps were designed, tested and approved for use in the United States market, with substantial design margins for fuels that are out of specification.Volkswagen believes that misfueling with gasoline is the primary cause of HPFP drivetrain failures in the field.Only the Q7 vehicles were built with misfuel protection devices.In May 2013 Volkswagen initiated a service campaign to install misfuel protection devices in all MY 2009 through 2012 Jetta, Golf and A3 vehicles.Volkswagen implemented misfuel protection devices in all of the subject models beginning in MY 2013. ODI?s analysis of HPFP drivetrain failure incidents indicates that most failures do not result in engine stall while driving and, when pump drivetrain failure does result in stall while driving, it is usually preceded by numerous warning symptoms (e.g., glow plug warning lamp, chime, limp mode, and driveability symptoms).The failure data for the subject vehicles show relatively low stalling rates (less than one percent at three years in service) for each of the pump designs used in the subject vehicles.There have been no reports of crashes, injuries or fatalities related to the alleged defect. Based on these facts, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist.The agency will continue to monitor complaints and other information relating to the alleged defect in the subject vehicles and take further action in the future if warranted.For additional information, see the closing report in the document file for EA11-003.
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.
- 11011303This bulletin provides information when the anti-theft alarm activates for no reason, or when the anti-theft alarm does not activate.
- 11011285This TSB Provides information when parking assistance provides false warnings.
- 11011282This bulletin provides information when speaker rattles, vibrations, or audio interference is noted.
- 11011240This bulletin provides information about professional noise analysis with the VAS 611 015 PICO-NVH tool
- 11009983Vehicle Concerns Before Recall Repair Available
- 11009941This bulletin provides diagnostic information regarding the locking system.
- 11009928This bulletin provides informatin when the engine does not run smoothly at idling speeds.
- 11009375This bulletin provides information pertaining to the GFF test plan required for A/C compressore replacements, regardless of the concern.
- 11009356This bulletin provides informaion regarding zirconium inserts in the bake piston for vehicle equipped with ceramic brakes.
- 11009351This bulletin provides information regarding the general approach to brakes rubbing.
- 11009348This bulleitn provides information when there is an implausible signal in the ABS/ESC speed sensor.
- 11009347This bulletin provides information when there are vibrations and rotational steering wheel vibrations.
- 11009327This bulletin provides information when ther is an Engine: start/stop system fault shown and start/stop system not is working; mileage below 50 km/32 miles.
- 11009313This bulletin provides guidance in order to provid informaiton regarding preparatoin when calling the Audi Technical Assistnce Center (TAC).
- 11009312This bulletin provides informationw hen there are car was brush bristles trapped in the seam between the headlight and fender.
- 11007345This bulletin proves information when the bluetooth does not work, adaption channel deactivated.
- 11007315This bulletin provides information vibrations and rotational steering wheel vibrations.
- 11007305This bulletin offers information about the basic information needed for technical requests for gaerbox complaints.
- 11007297This bulletin provides service information ror when the fuel tank cannot be fully filled.
- 11007264This bulletin proves information when the bluetooth does not work, adaption channel deactivated.
- 11007234This bulletin provides information vibrations and rotational steering wheel vibrations.
- 11007224This bulletin offers information about the basic information needed for technical requests for gaerbox complaints.
- 11007216This bulletin provides service information ror when the fuel tank cannot be fully filled.
- 11005935This bulletin provides informaiton when there are speaker rattles, vibrations or audio interference in the sound system.
- 11005911This bulletin provides informatin for the GFF test plan that is requied for AC compressor replacements.
- 11005884This bulletin provides service information pertaining to noises from wheel input shaft/drive shaft.
- 11005878This bulletin provides information about replacing the clutch end cover.
- 11005877This bulletin provides information about replacing the clutch end cover.
- 11005865This bulletin provides information when there are noises/vibration from the front of the vehicle while in dynamic mode.
- 11005861This bulletin provides information when there is a fault shown; Engine: start/stop system, and the start system is not working; mileage below 50 km/32 miles.
- 11005848This bulletin provides Audi technicians with information to prepare for contact to the Technical Assistance Center (TAC).
- 11003026This bulletin provides informationw hen there are optical concerns with the tail lights.
- 11003024This bulletin provides informaiton when there are speaker rattles, vibrations, or audio interference.A1
- 11003019This bulletin provides informaiton for when the horn sound quality is poor.
- 11002981This bulletin provides information when there are speaker rattles, vibration or audio interference.
- 11002957This bulletin provides informationw hen there are optical concerns with the tail lights.
- 11002955This bulletin provides informaiton when there are speaker rattles, vibrations, or audio interference.A1
- 11002950This bulletin provides informaiton for when the horn sound quality is poor.
- 11002912This bulletin provides information when there are speaker rattles, vibration or audio interference.
- 11002277This bulletin provides information when there is noise while steering.
Every Audi A3 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.