2016 Audi A3 Cabriolet Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 11%of 36 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 96,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the electrical system of the 2016 Audi A3 Cabriolet, 11% of the 36 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 96,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
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.
“The contact owned a 2016 Audi a3. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, it was informed that the vehicle caught on fire. It was unknown how the fire was extinguished. A police report was filed and there were no injuries reported. The vehicle was totaled. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 45,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10948733, filed 2017-01, 45,000 miles“The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3. The contact stated while driving at slow speeds and making a U-turn, the Steering Defect; Do Not Drive message was displayed. The power steering warning light was illuminated. The steering wheel turned in the other direction when the vehicle struck the curb. While making a left turn, the steering wheel pulled hard to the right. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 147,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11541630, filed 2023-08, 147,000 miles“There is no warning, and no ignition lockout, when the etron power port door and cover is left open at the front of the car. (the power port is how to recharge the batteries in the car). This allows water to be forced into the high voltage electrical system when driving in the rain, which could trigger an electrical fire or malfuction in the system and possibly explode the lithium ion batteries that power the car. The problem was fixed on the 2017 model, but there is no solution (yet) for a 2016 etron according to dealer.”
NHTSA complaint #10944395, filed 2017-01Related service bulletins
- 11035810Jul 9, 2026This bulletin provides informatoinw hent here are scratches or a coating on the cover of the instrument cluster, or particles inside of the housing.
- 11034643Jun 23, 2026This bulletin provides information when there are noises from the area around the instrument cluster.
- 11034634Jun 23, 2026This bulletin provides informationwhen noises/vibration are detected from front of vehicle in dynamic mode.
- 11033492May 22, 2026This bulletin provides informaiotn when the starter battery is discharged or defective.
- 11032165Apr 30, 2026This bulletin provides informaiotn when the starter battery is discharged or defective.
- 11031051Mar 20, 2026This bulletin provides informaiotn about various infortainment system complaints.
- 11030985Mar 17, 2026This bulletin provides information when the parking assistance gives false warnings.
- 11030984Mar 2, 2026This bulletin provides information when the parking assistance gives false warnings.
- 11029407Feb 17, 2026This bulletin provides informaiotn when the starter battery is discharged or defective.
- 11029370Feb 17, 2026This TSB provides information when there are noises from the area around the instrument cluster.
Electrical system: other model years
Other parts of the 2016 Audi A3 Cabriolet
15 complaintsFuel system
8 complaintsEngine
6 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsTires
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaintsWheels
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2016 Audi A3 Cabriolet
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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