2016 Audi A3 Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 16about this part
- Share
- 19%of 83 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 77,258miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the electrical system of the 2016 Audi A3, 19% of the 83 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 77,258 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Vehicle was garaged and functioning under normal conditions. Appx. 64000 miles. When the car was turned on and put in reverse, the rearview camera's view was moderately visible, but garbled past any useful view. This did appear to happen after the trunk was simply opened and shut before getting in the car, although that should hardly affect the ability for the camera to work or not. The next time I started the car, I did not open the trunk, and the problem persisted. The time after that, I opened the trunk and shut it and it went away. Then it came back. …”
NHTSA complaint #11288953, filed 2019-12, 64,000 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“Audi baton rouge informed me there is a problem with coolant migration at coolant tank connector (coolant could leak into wire harness) and cause severe damage to electrical system want $300 +_ to repair. Since this is not something caused under normal conditions or negligence on my part I do not feel I should be responsible for cost of repair, should be a recall on Audi”
NHTSA complaint #11432451, filed 2021-09“Air bag light comes on when no on is in the passenger seat, the coolant light is coming on saying turn engine off when my coolant level is fine, the suspension cracks even though I have had this checked by Audi in Birmingham, Al. multiple times.”
NHTSA complaint #11467920, filed 2022-06“I purchased my 2016 Audi A3 in April of 2020 from Audi San Diego. Less than a year later, I was getting airbag warning lights on my dash, as well as constant warning sounds when driving. I brought my vehicle into Audi San Diego, and they fixed the issue free of charge. A few months later, I started getting the same warning lights/sounds - this time, the passenger airbag was turning on and off even while somebody was sitting in the passenger seat. I received a recall letter in the mail shortly thereafter. …”
NHTSA complaint #11477424, filed 2022-08Related 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
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 20% |
| 2023 | 4 | 57% |
| 2022 | 4 | 44% |
| 2020 | 1 | 6% |
| 2019 | 1 | 10% |
| 2018 | 4 | 12% |
| 2017 | 12 | 27% |
| 2016 | 16 | 19% |
| 2015 | 17 | 18% |
| 2012 | 6 | 14% |
| 2011 | 4 | 9% |
| 2010 | 2 | 4% |
| 2009 | 5 | 11% |
| 2008 | 1 | 2% |
| 2007 | 1 | 2% |
| 2006 | 6 | 5% |
Other parts of the 2016 Audi A3
37 complaintsFuel system
20 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 27, 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