AUDI A3 CABRIOLET · model year

2016 AUDI A3 CABRIOLET

46 NHTSA complaints, and 3 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2016AUDIA3 CABRIOLET carries 46 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 0 crashes, 3 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2016 A3 CABRIOLET is air bags with 15 filings, followed by fuel/propulsion system (6) and engine (6). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 3 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 9 investigation files overlapping the 2016 A3 CABRIOLET. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

46
Complaints
0
Crashes
3
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

46 filings

Crashes Reported

0 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
AIR BAGS15
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM6
ENGINE6
POWER TRAIN3
UNKNOWN OR OTHER3
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2
TIRES1
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM1
STRUCTURE:BODY1
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:FUEL GAUGE1
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP1
WHEELS:RIM1

Recalls (3)

19V47400019/06/2019

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Audi S3 Sedan, 2015-2019 A3 Sedan and A3 Cabriolet, 2016-2018 A3 e-tron, and 2017-2019 RS3 vehicles. An improper electrical contact may cause the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) to falsely detect a malfunction and de

16V64700007/09/2016

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Volkswagen Golf, Golf SportWagen, GTI, Audi A3 sedan and A3 Cabriolet vehicles. Due to a problem with the suction pump inside the fuel tank, fuel may flow into the evaporative emissions (EVAP) system.

16V64200006/09/2016

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2016 TT roadster, A3 cabriolet, A3 sedan and A3 e-tron, 2016-2017 TT coupe, 2017 A4 sedan and Q7 and 2015-2017 Q3 vehicles. The affected vehicles may have been programmed with new software that inadvertently makes the sid

Recent Complaints

20240626AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3 Cabriolet. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was previously taken to the local dealer, where it was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V198000 (Air Bags). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, Audi Richmond (12592 Broad St., Richmond, VA 23233), where it was determined that the module connected to the sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.

Mileage: 35,000

20240401ENGINE

The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3. The contact stated while driving at unknown speed the message, "Oil Level Sensor System Fault" was displayed. The message was display on several occasions while the contact was driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the mechanic stated that several fault codes were displayed. The mechanic informed the contact that replacing the sensor might fix the failure and the part was replaced. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started to stall, and the message was displayed again. The contact stated that the failure recurred several times. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle for the vehicle to operate as needed. The vehicle was towed to another independent mechanic where the failure was unknown, and the mechanic had the vehicle taken to a different mechanic. The independent mechanic informed the contact that the gear shifter had failed to shift from park when the vehicle was started. T

Mileage: 100,500

20230830STEERING

The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3. The contact stated while driving at slow speeds and making a U-turn, the "Steering Defect; Do Not Drive" message was displayed. The power steering warning light was illuminated. The steering wheel turned in the other direction when the vehicle struck the curb. While making a left turn, the steering wheel pulled hard to the right. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 147,000.

Mileage: 147,000

20230830ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3. The contact stated while driving at slow speeds and making a U-turn, the "Steering Defect; Do Not Drive" message was displayed. The power steering warning light was illuminated. The steering wheel turned in the other direction when the vehicle struck the curb. While making a left turn, the steering wheel pulled hard to the right. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 147,000.

Mileage: 147,000

20230417WHEELS:RIM

The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle drove over a massive pothole in the roadway. The contact pulled over to assess the vehicle and discovered that the front passenger’s rim had detached the vehicle. Additionally, the oil pan was punctured, causing oil to leak from the vehicle. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to his residence where it remained in his possession. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 63,000.

Mileage: 63,000

20230216FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP

The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3. The contact stated while refueling the vehicle, gasoline sprayed out from the fuel filler neck. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed of a malfunction with the filler neck. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 8,000.

Mileage: 8,000

20220819AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3. The contact stated the front passenger’s side air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V198000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. Parts distribution disconnect.

20220812ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:FUEL GAUGE

2016 AUDI A3. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO DEFECTIVE GAS GAUGE. THE CONSUMER REFERENCED AUDI SAFETY RECALL 20Y5. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE EXHIBTED THE SAME FAILURE BUT, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE REPAIRED AT A LOCAL MECHANICS SHOP. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO BE INCLUDED IN AND REIMBURSED FOR THE RECALL REPAIR

20220812AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V198000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

20220708AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V198000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time to complete the recall repair. The contact stated that the warning message "System Failure - Replace Sensor" would illuminate and the seat belt chime reminder would engage whenever the front passenger’s seat was unoccupied and the seat belt was not buckled. The dealer was notified and informed the contact that the part to do the recall repair was not available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

Mileage: 42,000

20220506AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V198000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

20220408AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3. The contact received a notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V198000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer twice for regular maintenance and was notified both times that parts for the recall were not yet available. The contact also stated that the passenger’s side air bag light had illuminated on the instrument panel. The manufacturer had been notified of the recall. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the repair. The failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect.

20220103AIR BAGS

The contact and his wife own a 2016 Audi A3. The contact had received a recall notice for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V198000 (Air Bags). The dealer was contacted and informed that the parts remained unavailable despite the letter that stated otherwise. The contact also stated that the passenger occupant detection system (PODS) was inactive and that the passenger air bag warning light had illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

Mileage: 20,000

20211108AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V198000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the front passenger’s side air bag warning light was illuminated, and the State Inspector informed her that the vehicle would fail inspection if the recall repair was not completed. The dealer was notified of the failure but did not provide any assistance. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 55,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Mileage: 55,000

20211019FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, he started to smell gasoline fumes inside the vehicle. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to drive to a nearby gas station and noticed a fuel leak. The contact was able to drive to his destination. The contact stated he replaced the fuel cap and evaporator air filter, the fuel pressure sensor, and the evaporator purge valve but continued to experience the failure. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V647000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

Mileage: 65,000

20211013AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V198000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the passenger’s side air bag warning light was illuminated. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Mileage: 65,000

20210923AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V198000 (Air Bags) however, the dealer informed the contact that parts for the recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

20210831ENGINE

The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 21V198000 (Air Bags) and 19V474000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who declined to repair the vehicle for unknown reasons however, the dealer received payment. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed that the ignition coil needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available for NHTSA campaign number: 21V198000 (Air Bags) and Parts distribution disconnect for NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V474000 (Air Bags).

Mileage: 84,000

20210831AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 21V198000 (Air Bags) and 19V474000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who declined to repair the vehicle for unknown reasons however, the dealer received payment. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed that the ignition coil needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available for NHTSA campaign number: 21V198000 (Air Bags) and Parts distribution disconnect for NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V474000 (Air Bags).

Mileage: 84,000

20210805AIR BAGS

Takata recall. The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21V198000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact called the local dealer who stated the parts were not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware if the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.

Compare 2016AUDIA3 CABRIOLET to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2016 AUDI A3 CABRIOLET have?
The 2016 AUDI A3 CABRIOLET has 46 NHTSA complaints, 0 crashes, 3 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2016 AUDI A3 CABRIOLET?
Yes, the 2016 AUDI A3 CABRIOLET has 3 recall(s). The most common affected component is AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 AUDI A3 CABRIOLET?
The most-complained component for the 2016 AUDI A3 CABRIOLET is AIR BAGS with 15 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM and ENGINE.
Is the 2016 AUDI A3 CABRIOLET safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.