2010 Audi A3 Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 19about this part
- Share
- 38%of 50 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 39,100miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 19 complaints about the fuel system of the 2010 Audi A3, 38% of the 50 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 39,100 miles. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Our 2010 Audi A3 tdi deisel lost power while traveling at 65 MPH on an interstate highway. After pulling over, we were unable to restart the car. The car was towed to an Audi dealer who informed us that the fuel pump had failed due to contaminated fuel . We had put brand name diesel into the tank on every refill and have the receipts to prove it.”
NHTSA complaint #10417207, filed 2011-08, 50,611 miles“I own a 2010 Audi A3 tdi. I was driving on a city street in normal traffic, began feeling hesitation/jerking in the engine, then the glow plug light came on just before the engine stopped running. Ultimately the car stalled within 30 seconds following initial hesitation in a moving lane of traffic. I was barely able to get the car to coast up into a parking lot to safety and had to be towed into the dealer. It was in for repair for approximately one week. …”
NHTSA complaint #10446661, filed 2012-02, 39,100 miles“2010 tdi Audi A3. Upon acceleration the car hesitated and the engine started jerking. The glow plug light started blinking then the car started loosing power and came to a stop. Could not restart. Had the car towed to mechanic who told me to have it towed to dealership that it was a manufacturer problem. Had it towed to dealership which told me that I had put bad diesel in it and it caused metal particles to circulate in the fuel system doing catastrophic damage. Everything that the diesel had touched would have to be replaced. …”
NHTSA complaint #10584339, filed 2014-04, 78,500 miles“Car started but made horrible rattling sound then died and would not start again. Car left me stranded over 60 miles from home on a sunday night on the memorial day weekend with a young child. The car had to be towed to dealership in austin. Due to the late hour and holiday, no way to rent a car to get home, so I had to have someone come and get us. I was told by the dealership the fuel pump went out and basically exploded sending metal fibers into engine and other systems. Given estimate of $7,500.00 to fix the car. …”
NHTSA complaint #10514315, filed 2013-05, 104,600 miles“On my way to work my car stalled /lost power ,glow plug light went on then I couldn't restart my car. I had to tow my car to my dealer where I bought my car. The next day they called me that they have to order alot of parts and replace entire fuel system: fuel pump, hpfp, fuel line injectors and seals and they have to clean the tank! I would like to inform you that I am the original owner and only me was using that car. I have never used anything but high quality diesel fuel from shell gas station located on dempster street in skokie,il. …”
NHTSA complaint #10608307, filed 2014-07, 19,500 milesRelated recalls
- 11V490000Oct 3, 2011Volkswagen is recalling certain model 2009-2012 jetta and jetta sportwagen vehicles, manufactured from may 2008 through september 2011, model year 2010-2012…Covers: Audi A3 2010–2012, Volkswagen Jetta 2009–2012, Golf 2010–2012
- 09V377000Sep 30, 2009Volkswagen is recalling certain model year 2006 through 2010 audi a3, tt, and tt roadster passenger vehicles manufactured between september 29, 2005 and…Covers: Audi A3 2006–2010, TT 2008–2010
Related service bulletins
- 11020367Jun 26, 2025This bulletin provides information when there is corrosion on the exhaust tail pipes.
- 11007297Aug 8, 2024This bulletin provides service information ror when the fuel tank cannot be fully filled.
- 11007216Aug 8, 2024This bulletin provides service information ror when the fuel tank cannot be fully filled.
- 10231590Feb 6, 2023This bulletin contains instructions for when to add gasoline additives for cleaning the injectors.
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 4 | 40% |
| 2018 | 5 | 15% |
| 2017 | 15 | 34% |
| 2016 | 20 | 24% |
| 2015 | 22 | 24% |
| 2013 | 3 | 15% |
| 2012 | 4 | 9% |
| 2011 | 10 | 23% |
| 2010 | 19 | 38% |
| 2008 | 1 | 2% |
| 2007 | 1 | 2% |
| 2006 | 10 | 8% |
| 2004 | 1 | 17% |
Other parts of the 2010 Audi A3
13 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
11 complaintsEngine
4 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsElectrical system
2 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaintsTires
2 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2010 Audi A3
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