2015 Audi A3 Cabriolet Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 6%of 87 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 10,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2015 Audi A3 Cabriolet, 6% of the 87 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 10,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Tranmission issues. 51,000 miles and transmission is stuck in 1st gear. Driving normally one minute and it down shifts automatically to 2nd gear. Was driving normal on a local highway and was cruising until it suddenly started downshifting and transmission light comes on. All services have been completed per Audi.”
NHTSA complaint #11165008, filed 2019-01, 51,000 miles“The car has high idle RPM (900+), and therefore begins to accelerate as soon as brake is released. This makes parking or moving forward a small distance difficult and sometimes causes the driver to jam on brake with the sudden movement. If driver is not constantly aware of sudden movement car will hit things in front of it. We have been told by dealer and Audi USA that this condition cannot be corrected.”
NHTSA complaint #10667656, filed 2014-12, 100 miles“3 issues: 1. After initial start-up, the car jumps gears and jolts forward for the first 3-5 minutes of operation, especially at lower speeds. This has been consistent since the car was purchased brand new in january 2015. 2. Also, at higher speeds (65-85mph), the car shakes noticeably - the wheels/tires have been rotated and realigned multiple times but mechanics have said it is an internal transmission issue. 3. Lastly, the TPMS will come on every month and need resetting despite tire pressure being intact.”
NHTSA complaint #10732381, filed 2015-07, 10,000 miles“From day 1 of ownership of the car, there is an occasional delay from releasing the brakes until the car moves forward when in gear on a flat road, up to 2 seconds. On hilly roads, the car will roll in the direction of the hill until the gears actually engage. This is very dangerous when trying to get into moving traffic (e.g. Getting into a feeder road from a complete stop) or when driving in cities like san francisco. I have taken the car to Audi multiple times with this concern, have driven loaner a3 that did not experience this issue, but they never addressed this major issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11080095, filed 2018-03, 50 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11033475May 6, 2026The high-voltage batteries in electric vehicles are subject to various ageing effects which could lead to the energy content (energy density) being reduced. This reduction in the…
- 11027358Dec 11, 2025This bulletin provides additoinal information to assist in determining the energy content of lithium-ion high-voltage batteries.
- 11011241Nov 25, 2024This bulletin provides information when the engine warning lamp lights up in the instrument cluster, and the vehicle has reduced power. DTCs P256300, P056E00, P00AF00.
- 11009318Sep 26, 2024This bulletin provides information when the engine warning lamp lights up in the instrument cluster, and the vehicle has reduced power. DTCs P256300, P056E00, P00AF00.
- 11007305Aug 8, 2024This bulletin offers information about the basic information needed for technical requests for gaerbox complaints.
- 11007224Aug 8, 2024This bulletin offers information about the basic information needed for technical requests for gaerbox complaints.
- 11005878Jul 31, 2024This bulletin provides information about replacing the clutch end cover.
- 11005877Jul 31, 2024This bulletin provides information about replacing the clutch end cover.
- 11005861Jul 31, 2024This 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.
- 11005894Jul 27, 2024This bulletin provides information when there is visual damage on the steering wheel.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 2015 Audi A3 Cabriolet
38 complaintsFuel system
15 complaintsEngine
9 complaintsElectrical system
8 complaintsExterior lighting
5 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsWheels
4 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsElectronic stability control
2 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2015 Audi A3 Cabriolet
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology