2011 Audi A3 Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 7%of 43 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 75,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2011 Audi A3, 7% of the 43 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 75,000 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.
“Intermittent failure of exterior lights to include headlights, turn signal lights, and brake lights during driving. The first occurrence was at night. Fault seems to be (engine) temperature dependent (I.e. - does not seem to occur when engine bay is cold). Issue continued to occur intermittently for several days (until the parts in the following description were replaced). The plastic housing for a 30 ampere fuse (position f16) in the engine compartment was partially melting. …”
NHTSA complaint #11217163, filed 2019-05, 68,630 miles“The contact owns a 2011 Audi A3. While driving at various speeds, the headlights suddenly shut off and the service vehicle sensor light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who discovered that a fuse panel had overheated and melted. The contact also indicated that the vehicle experienced fuel leaking within the engine compartment. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 75,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10780706, filed 2015-10, 75,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10251657Mar 9, 2024This bulletin provides information on visual concerns with the headlight lens.
- 10244595Oct 30, 2023This bulletin provides information pertaining to when there are foreign objects inside of a headlight or taillight.
- 10238194Jun 8, 2023This bulletin provides detailed information on the proper documentation of optical concerns for headlights and taillights.
- 10236599May 8, 2023This bulletin provides information for when car wash bristles become stuck in the body gap between the headlight and fender.
- 10236378May 8, 2023This bulletin provides details on how to properly document optical concerns in headlights and taillights for warranty submissions.
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 1 | 10% |
| 2018 | 1 | 3% |
| 2017 | 2 | 5% |
| 2016 | 1 | 1% |
| 2015 | 1 | 1% |
| 2013 | 1 | 5% |
| 2012 | 5 | 12% |
| 2011 | 3 | 7% |
| 2010 | 1 | 2% |
| 2009 | 2 | 4% |
| 2006 | 10 | 8% |
| 2004 | 1 | 17% |
Other parts of the 2011 Audi A3
20 complaintsFuel system
10 complaintsEngine
6 complaintsElectrical system
4 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2011 Audi A3
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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