2013 Audi A3
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
These records cover every 2013 Audi A3. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 2013 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.
Owner complaints
20 complaints
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system
The contact owns a 2013 Audi A3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly went into LIMP Mode with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the glow plugs failed to function and became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to…
The contact owns a 2013 Audi A3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly went into LIMP Mode with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the glow plugs failed to function and became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to several dealers, where it was diagnosed with exhaust system failure. The contact was informed that the exhaust system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 128,000.
- Power train · Unknown or other
Car stalled in fast moving traffic, and then lurched forward. In the stall the car behind me almost ran into me. In the lurch, I almost rear ended someone. Fortunate that both times there was no collision. Took the vehicle to Audi and the car has been diagnosed with failed mechatronic - a $4,000…
Car stalled in fast moving traffic, and then lurched forward. In the stall the car behind me almost ran into me. In the lurch, I almost rear ended someone. Fortunate that both times there was no collision. Took the vehicle to Audi and the car has been diagnosed with failed mechatronic - a $4,000 repair. It was shared that this is a known issue with Audi for my model year (faulty mechatronic), and as such has been recalled in several countries, but not the US. I called Audi USA and was informed that yes it is a known issue and has been recalled in other countries, but that NHTSA has not required Audi USA to open a recall here, and so they can't help me. I'm asking for some assistance. Thank you very much
- Exterior lighting
Intermittent problems with exterior lighting. I already replaced one of the rear license plate lights (not a bulb issue) and am now experiencing rear passenger side tail light issues where the tail light and directional signal cease working during the driving process and then start working at…
Intermittent problems with exterior lighting. I already replaced one of the rear license plate lights (not a bulb issue) and am now experiencing rear passenger side tail light issues where the tail light and directional signal cease working during the driving process and then start working at random. this appears to be a similar electrical issue like the license plate light. the tail light & directional signal failure are dangerous as the failures occur without warning while the car IS being driven.
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2013 audi A3. While driving various speeds, the vehicle shifted into first gear without warning. The vehicle was taken to audi temecula (40955 temecula center dr, temecula, ca 92591, (951) 200-8100) where it was diagnosed that the dps filter needed to be replaced; however…
TL* the contact owns a 2013 audi A3. While driving various speeds, the vehicle shifted into first gear without warning. The vehicle was taken to audi temecula (40955 temecula center dr, temecula, ca 92591, (951) 200-8100) where it was diagnosed that the dps filter needed to be replaced; however, the parts to do the repair were not available. The failure recurred multiple times. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and provided case number: 190810653. The failure mileage was approximately 69,500.
- Air bags
Takata recall - dealer informed me the recall part has been unavailable for 1 year and will continue to be unavailable for an additional 2 - 6 months. No recall maintence IS able to be scheduled. the risk associated with this recall IS death to the driver. Unacceptable.
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2013 audi A3. The contact received a recall notification for nhtsa campaign number: 18v084000 (air bags) and stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time to repair the vehicle. The dealer (audi minneapolis, 9393 wyzata blvd, golden valley…
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2013 audi A3. The contact received a recall notification for nhtsa campaign number: 18v084000 (air bags) and stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time to repair the vehicle. The dealer (audi minneapolis, 9393 wyzata blvd, golden valley, mn 55426) confirmed that parts were 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
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2013 audi A3. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 18v082000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Royal…
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2013 audi A3. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 18v082000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Royal automotive group (1525 howard street, san francisco, california, (415) 241-8100) was made aware of the recall and stated that the parts were unavailable. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
- Air bags
Takata inflator replacement issue on 12/31/2017 I was driving in los angeles under normal conditions when suddenly there was a hissing noise and some kind of particulate matter spewed from around the steering column where there IS a join with the wheel. This was directed at my face for 10-15…
Takata inflator replacement issue on 12/31/2017 I was driving in los angeles under normal conditions when suddenly there was a hissing noise and some kind of particulate matter spewed from around the steering column where there IS a join with the wheel. This was directed at my face for 10-15 seconds which I breathed in as I was driving. I am also "concerned" about the nature and contents of the particulate matter, and, that the airbag might not function properly in an accident or that it might inflate without any reason of its own accord. *Tt *tr
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2013 audi A3. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v079000 (air bags); however, 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. Parts distribution disconnect.
- Air bags
We have not yet heard from audi or takata when this recall will be performed. because this car IS driven by teenagers, we are very concerned and anxious to get this recall done. please advise. thanks, nick p.s. Note that the car was purchased used and was first registered and driven in new jersey from 2013-2016
- Air bags · Unknown or other
Takata recall- 16v079 recall date: february 9, 2016 my vehicle IS almost 4 years old and no due diligence has been taken to remedy this unsafe and possibly defective airbag.
- Air bags
Nothing has happened yet, but my airbag was recalled 6 months ago and I haven't been notified of any fix available. Please advise.
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2013 audi A3. The contact stated that the recall notice for nhtsa campaign number: 16v079000 (air bags) was received in april of 2016. After contacting the dealer and the manufacturer on multiple occasions, the contact was informed that the parts needed to…
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2013 audi A3. The contact stated that the recall notice for nhtsa campaign number: 16v079000 (air bags) was received in april of 2016. After contacting the dealer and the manufacturer on multiple occasions, the contact was informed that the parts needed to repair the vehicle were still not available and no estimated time for receiving the parts could be given. The contact had not experienced a failure. Updated 10/04/16*lj updated 09/1/2017*js
- Visibility › Sun/moon roof assembly
TL* the contact owns a 2013 audi A3. While driving 45 mph, the panoramic sun roof fractured without warning. The contact was not injured. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 51,580.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2013 audi A3. The contact received a recall notice for nhtsa campaign number: 16v061000 (air bags). The part was unavailable. The manufacturer was notified. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
- Vehicle speed control
2013 audi A3 tdi., serviced for 65K maintenance 10/31/15. Next day , the car began abruptly loosing forward momentum under acceleration, and died in an intersection. Towed to audi, and they told me it was bad diesel. They flushed the diesel and replaced the fuel pump. (Kroger denied my bad diesel…
2013 audi A3 tdi., serviced for 65K maintenance 10/31/15. Next day , the car began abruptly loosing forward momentum under acceleration, and died in an intersection. Towed to audi, and they told me it was bad diesel. They flushed the diesel and replaced the fuel pump. (Kroger denied my bad diesel claim.) on 11/2/15, the check engine light came on, same issues. dealer told me it was the engine speed sensor and replaced it. one month later, 11/6/15, my check engine light came on again, with the glow plug light flashing. This time the dealer said it IS was throttle sensor fault. They had to order the part, and told me it was 'safe to drive'. in the time between, I would regularly experience the loss of forward momentum while accelerating up hills. I had the work done 1/7/16. 9 days later after the throttle sensor replacement, saturday, 1/16/16, while I was driving, the car began unexpectedly losing acceleration in an extreme fashion, and stalled out twice within a 15 minute drive. It had been suddenly and briefly losing acceleration when accelerating while going uphill for several days. It also stalled out while accelerating into an intersection (extremely dangerous) and while parking. I had an error # p2101, and it would not accelerate past 40 mph while going uphill until I stopped and restarted the car. on 1/18 (monday) I took my car into audi service. They have had it until now, 2/9/16, and have replaced the entire computer, and it has not fixed the issue. They were able to replicate the issue, but have not been able to find a solution. They now say that they recommend replacing the engine wiring harness. this IS a concerning safety issue, given the abrupt drop in acceleration going uphill, the loss of acceleration and the multiple stalls while driving.
- Fuel/propulsion system
Purchased used 2013 audi A3 tdi 3 months ago. Only use diesel fuel. Driving onto I80 west when I heard/felt car hiccup, lost power. Coasted to stop sign, tried multiple time but would not start. Towed to dealer who informed me that fuel pump (hpfp) had come apart spewing metal shards into system…
Purchased used 2013 audi A3 tdi 3 months ago. Only use diesel fuel. Driving onto I80 west when I heard/felt car hiccup, lost power. Coasted to stop sign, tried multiple time but would not start. Towed to dealer who informed me that fuel pump (hpfp) had come apart spewing metal shards into system and that entire system had to be replaced. Research showing documented failures in VW tdi (same engine) hpfp in 2010, 2011 and 2012. IS system safe? *tr
- Fuel/propulsion system
While at a complete stop at a red light, I felt what I can only describe as a "clunk" and the battery light on my dashboard illuminated. The car had stalled, and I had to restart the car entirely in order to continue on my way. *tr
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system · Fuel system, diesel · Power train
While driving in seattle's notorious stop and go traffic, my A3 tdi, has stalled. it acts as if I have "dropped" the clutch, which IS impossible being an automatic!!. this has happened to me on two occasions. there IS less than 5K miles on my new car. both time it has gone immediately into university audi. first time, no answers. still waiting on diagnostics from today's episodes. *tr
- Engine
After driving on the highway for about 18 miles, took an exit and stopped at a traffic light. When the light changed to green I entered the intersection and the engine stalled without any indication of a problem. I was able to start the engine right away. *tr
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.
- 11011296This bulletin provides service-info relating to lithium-ion high-voltage batteries; determining energy content.
- 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.
- 11007354This bulletin provides service-info relating to lithium-ion high-voltage batteries; determining energy content.
- 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.
- 11007301This bulletin provides information when there are functional restrictions or driving behavior due to diesel detected in petrol.
- 11007297This bulletin provides service information ror when the fuel tank cannot be fully filled.
- 11007273This bulletin provides service-info relating to lithium-ion high-voltage batteries; determining energy content.
- 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.
- 11007220This bulletin provides information when there are functional restrictions or driving behavior due to diesel detected in petrol.
- 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.
Every Audi A3 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.