2016 Audi A3 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 7%of 83 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2016 Audi A3, 7% of the 83 complaints for this model year.
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.
“I was entering the interstate and accelerating to merge with the traffic. When I reached about 70 mph the car stalled and a message appeared, transmission faulty, no reverse, safe to continue to drive. The car was drivable at a low speed and a high rpm. After having it towed to an Audi dealership, I was informed that the transmission would need to be replaced. According to the dealership, the mechatronic unit was faulty due to an unknown short in the transmission.”
NHTSA complaint #11554170, filed 2023-11“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“The **mechatronic unit** (integrated into the S-Tronic dual-clutch transmission) is the primary component that fails. This unit controls gear shifts, clutch engagement, and hydraulic pressure within the transmission. Common failure points include: - Internal electronic control module (ECU) faults. - Malfunctioning solenoids or pressure valves. - Software glitches or calibration errors. **2. …”
NHTSA complaint #11643795, filed 2025-02“Fault codes: P072C00, P072B00, P174A00, P072600, P179D00, P173400. Name of codes in order above, Stuck in Gear 1, Stuck in Reverse, Valve 3 in partial transmission 1, Engine Speed Inp.Circ., Cooling oil valve, Starter release from the selector level sensor system.”
NHTSA complaint #11475539, filed 2022-07“Gearshifter sensor going off. Been told this shifter issue can cause car to shift into a different gear at any given moment. Read plenty of forums reporting the same thing.”
NHTSA complaint #11530946, filed 2023-07Related service bulletins
- 11033475May 6, 2026The high-voltage batteries in electric vehicles are subject to various ageing effects which could lead to the energy content (energy density) being reduced. This reduction in the…
- 11027358Dec 11, 2025This bulletin provides additoinal information to assist in determining the energy content of lithium-ion high-voltage batteries.
- 11011241Nov 25, 2024This bulletin provides information when the engine warning lamp lights up in the instrument cluster, and the vehicle has reduced power. DTCs P256300, P056E00, P00AF00.
- 11009318Sep 26, 2024This bulletin provides information when the engine warning lamp lights up in the instrument cluster, and the vehicle has reduced power. DTCs P256300, P056E00, P00AF00.
- 11007305Aug 8, 2024This bulletin offers information about the basic information needed for technical requests for gaerbox complaints.
- 11007224Aug 8, 2024This bulletin offers information about the basic information needed for technical requests for gaerbox complaints.
- 11005880Jul 31, 2024This bulletin provides information for when there is a leak from the end cover of the dual clutch.
- 11005878Jul 31, 2024This bulletin provides information about replacing the clutch end cover.
- 11005877Jul 31, 2024This bulletin provides information about replacing the clutch end cover.
- 11005861Jul 31, 2024This bulletin provides information when there is a fault shown; Engine: start/stop system, and the start system is not working; mileage below 50 km/32 miles.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 14% |
| 2022 | 2 | 22% |
| 2020 | 2 | 13% |
| 2019 | 1 | 10% |
| 2018 | 4 | 12% |
| 2017 | 6 | 14% |
| 2016 | 6 | 7% |
| 2015 | 5 | 5% |
| 2013 | 2 | 10% |
| 2011 | 3 | 7% |
| 2010 | 11 | 22% |
| 2009 | 15 | 32% |
| 2008 | 13 | 30% |
| 2007 | 16 | 31% |
| 2006 | 37 | 30% |
| 2004 | 1 | 17% |
Other parts of the 2016 Audi A3
37 complaintsFuel system
20 complaintsElectrical system
16 complaintsEngine
9 complaintsOther or unknown
9 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