2016 Audi A3 Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 37about this part
- Share
- 45%of 83 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 44,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 37 complaints about the air bags of the 2016 Audi A3, 45% of the 83 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 44,000 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.
“I went in to get the pods connector recall work done. Before this work was done the passenger airbag would go on and off intermittently, however, now the passenger airbag is always off. They are saying that the connector is a separate problem from the weight sensor. The pods system has been recalled in other Audi models for this very problem.”
NHTSA complaint #11388378, filed 2021-01, 47,000 miles“When a person or item is in the front passenger seat there will be an intermittent error and the passenger side airbag will disable. It doesn't happen every time but as time goes on it happens more often.. I've contacted 'Audi chattanooga' about the issue and they say a recall to fix said problem has already been completed yet the problem persists.”
NHTSA complaint #11360733, filed 2020-09, 32,000 miles“The airbag light is on, it beeps a warning, the message 'Audi pre sense system fault' and the 'passenger airbag is off' light is on when there is someone in the seat. This is indicating that the airbag safety system is not functioning. The dealer has stated that there are no open recalls for the vehicle. The warnings are visible while parked (stationary) and while driving (in motion) and also the same with the warning beeps; while parked and while driving.”
NHTSA complaint #11372933, filed 2020-11, 33,468 miles“Check engine light cuts on with overheating and eps error when starting car sometimes. When you shut off car it cuts off and returns to normal. It started last year and has continued, I was told it may be a sensor shortage.”
NHTSA complaint #11365628, filed 2020-10, 80,000 miles“I've been told by the dealer that a fix for the PODS system recall is still not available. This is after almost a year and a half of the issue being known. My car is now regularly illuminating the airbag light and beeping for the passenger to put the seat belt on even if no one is using the seat. This is becoming very annoying and I'm told there is no way to fix this.”
NHTSA complaint #11491529, filed 2022-10Related recalls
- 22V543000Jul 27, 2022Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2016 Audi TT Roadster, TT Coupe, S3 Sedan, R8 Coupe, A3 Sedan, A3 Etron, A3 Cabriolet…Covers: Audi A3 2016, Volkswagen E-Golf 2016, Golf 2016 +7 more
- 21V198000Mar 22, 2021Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Audi S3 Sedan, A3 Sedan, 2016-2018 A3 Etron, 2017-2020 RS3 Sedan, and 2015-2019 A3…Covers: Audi A3 2015–2020, S3 2015–2020, RS 3 2017–2020 +1 more
Related service bulletins
- 11030980Mar 2, 2026The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued an urgent warning regarding counterfeit replacement airbag inflators that are being installed in used…
- 11003002Jun 26, 2024This bulletin provides information when the airbag warning light is on, DTC B13BCF2 stored in the airbag control module.
- 11002933Jun 26, 2024This bulletin provides information when the airbag warning light is on, DTC B13BCF2 stored in the airbag control module.
Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 3 | 33% |
| 2020 | 9 | 56% |
| 2019 | 3 | 30% |
| 2018 | 17 | 52% |
| 2017 | 16 | 36% |
| 2016 | 37 | 45% |
| 2015 | 45 | 48% |
| 2013 | 10 | 50% |
| 2012 | 31 | 72% |
| 2011 | 20 | 47% |
| 2010 | 13 | 26% |
| 2009 | 22 | 47% |
| 2008 | 24 | 56% |
| 2007 | 32 | 62% |
| 2006 | 56 | 46% |
Other parts of the 2016 Audi A3
20 complaintsElectrical system
16 complaintsEngine
9 complaintsOther or unknown
9 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
6 complaintsEngine cooling
4 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaintsSeats
2 complaintsSuspension
2 complaintsTires
2 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2016 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