2016 Audi A3 Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 11%of 83 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 74,517miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the engine of the 2016 Audi A3, 11% of the 83 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 74,517 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 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.
“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“The suction jet pump inside the fuel tank is designed to purge fuel from the Evaporative Emissions (EVAP) system. This mechanism could leak and cause a fire. I have informed Audi about the issue but they indicated there isn't a fix for the repair currently. They even stated there isn't a deadline or date they could give me for the repair.”
NHTSA complaint #11605800, filed 2024-08“What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Power Train system failed also engine light is now on How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Me and my toddler were in the vehicle when it started to jerk in bad traffic. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, the mechanic said this is a serious problem and i should be concerned. He stated i should not drive my vehicle. It was inspected by a certified mechanic. …”
NHTSA complaint #11582005, filed 2024-04“At 100,000 miles my engine lost all compression in cylinder 4 causing the vehicle to suffer a serious lack of power and become a danger to drive. Upon further research I have found that this is not uncommon for the Audi/VW 2.0 Liter TFSI (direct injected) engines. It appears that injector issues lead to either lean or rich running conditions that essentially melt the pistons and/or rings. I did have to have the engine replaced as there was no way to reliably verify whether the engine could be re-built so another engine was sourced from a salvage yard. …”
NHTSA complaint #11501654, filed 2023-01“I have filed multiple complaints with you all regarding my concern for safety and anxiety each time I get behind the wheel of my car. I contacted Audi, National, local dealer and no help with National safety recall. My car has been presenting random electrical concerns. It has shown numerous check engine lights telling me to shut engine down immediately, my AC will shut off, my speed declines at times and becomes almost as if I’m losing control of the car. It has done this at a stop and also on the highway going 75. I have had to pullover many times. …”
NHTSA complaint #11433557, filed 2021-09Related service bulletins
- 11034657Jun 26, 2026This bulletin provides information when there is increased oil consumption; >0.5ltr/1000 km.
- 11034728Jun 10, 2026This bulletin provides informaiton when the engine is not running smoothly, misfiring.
- 11029368Feb 20, 2026This bulletin provides information on the use of the Audi frequencly analysis app, and where the application can be downloaded.
- 11029367Feb 20, 2026This bulletin provides information on VIN Plates, Safety Certification labels, and the ordering procedures.
- 11028398Jan 14, 2026This bulletin provides information regarding UV leak additive for finding oil leaks.
- 11027356Dec 11, 2025This bulletin provides information when there is increased oil consumption; >0.5ltr/1000 km.
- 11016532Mar 12, 2025This bulletin provides informatin when the engine does not run smoothly at idling speeds.
- 11012476Dec 5, 2024This bulletin provides information when the MIL is on; DTCs for misfire, air/fuel ratio imbalance, or lean fuel system stored in the ECM P030000.
- 11009928Oct 8, 2024This bulletin provides informatin when the engine does not run smoothly at idling speeds.
- 11009327Sep 24, 2024This bulletin provides information when ther is an Engine: start/stop system fault shown and start/stop system not is working; mileage below 50 km/32 miles.
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 14% |
| 2022 | 1 | 11% |
| 2020 | 1 | 6% |
| 2018 | 4 | 12% |
| 2017 | 9 | 20% |
| 2016 | 9 | 11% |
| 2015 | 9 | 10% |
| 2013 | 3 | 15% |
| 2011 | 6 | 14% |
| 2010 | 4 | 8% |
| 2009 | 5 | 11% |
| 2007 | 4 | 8% |
| 2006 | 3 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2016 Audi A3
37 complaintsFuel system
20 complaintsElectrical system
16 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