2011 Audi A3 Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 23%of 43 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 49,300miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the fuel system of the 2011 Audi A3, 23% of the 43 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 49,300 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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.
“My son was driving my 2011 Audi A3 tdi to the gym at night when he called me the car would not accelerate and had a warning light come on. I told him to google it and he found out it was a glow plug indicator. I told him to continue driving it in the limp mode. The car died while moving and my son was able to coast into a parking lot. This could of been a different story on a busy interstate. I had to pick him up and had the car towed in the morning. To find out this car is notorious for catastrophic high pressure fuel pump failure and that is exactly what happened. …”
NHTSA complaint #11297247, filed 2020-01, 70,000 miles“My A3 2011 Audi 2.0 tdi diesel would not start in a parking lot. Not the battery: towed to the dealer. The dealer in honolulu,hi says I need the entire fuel system ( tank,lines, 2 fuel pumps ) replaced due to 'glitter like' particles in the fuel line. Fuel is being sent for analysis. I am using the recommended brand of diesel fuel ( shell ) . Fortunately I was not moving. Several other complaints list sudden engine failure due to fuel pump failure. Also fortunately, it is still under warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #10628306, filed 2014-08, 34,300 miles“I was at the tail end of a 400 mile trip-all freeway driving. After exiting the freeway, the car was slowly losing power. The glow plug light came on. Car stalled after 1/2 mile. I tried to restart it. It would not start. The glow plug and check engine light were on. Towed to dealership to find the high pressure fuel pump send metal into my fuel system and engine. I have just over 50,000 miles on the car. The repair is covered due to the faulty part. Audi should have to take the car back because they knew about this problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10807891, filed 2015-12, 50,100 miles“I was driving along the ny state thruway in albany at 65-70 miles an hour. I realized I was unable to accelerate and saw that the glow plug light was flashing. I slowed down and tried to move over to the right, but as I slowed, the car stalled and I was in the middle lane. I was in the middle lane with cars passing me on either side and I was unable to restart my car. It was so scary. I couldn't get out, I was alone. I didn't know what to do, I felt my life was in danger, unable to get out of my car. I got myself together enough to call aaa. They called the police to help me with traffic. …”
NHTSA complaint #10630242, filed 2014-09, 61,000 miles“I own an Audi A3 2011, tdi. I had two similar incidents with the fuel injection system with this tdi. The first time it happened when the cars just passed the warranty period of 50,000 miles. I drove this car in city street and the ?glow-plug? Indicator light came on. I barely made it to the Audi service. They told me that I contaminated with unleaded fuel. I told the service manager that is not the case because I only use one gas station and usually, I used the same diesel pump. After Audi dealer talk to the Audi of america, they decided to pay for the repair, approximately $8,000. …”
NHTSA complaint #10544337, filed 2013-09, 62,000 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
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 2011 Audi A3
20 complaintsEngine
6 complaintsElectrical system
4 complaintsExterior lighting
3 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 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