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AUDI · vehicle model

AUDI A3 SPORTBACK E-TRON

4 NHTSA complaints and 2 safety recalls across model years 2016–2017.

Complaints
4
Recalls
2
Model years
2

The AUDIA3 SPORTBACK E-TRON appears in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database with 4 consumer safety complaints and 2 recall campaigns across 2 model years (2016–2017). That averages roughly 2 complaints per model year. Report counts can differ between model years for many reasons; this dataset does not establish the cause of a difference.

Complaint volume on a nameplate alone is not a reliability verdict: a long-running bestseller can accumulate more filings than a low-volume niche model because more vehicles are on the road. The table below shows report counts and published NHTSA crash-test ratings side by side for each model year.

NHTSA has 9 investigation files tied to this model. Investigation records, complaint reports, and recall campaigns each provide different context. Use the official NHTSA VIN lookup and the underlying notices to research a specific vehicle; PlainCars does not infer a vehicle-risk or pricing conclusion from these records.

Complaints by Year

YearComplaints
20172
20162

Compare AUDIA3 SPORTBACK E-TRON to Similar Vehicles

AUDIA3 SPORTBACK E-TRON vs VOLVOWAH → AUDIA3 SPORTBACK E-TRON vs VOLVOS60CC → AUDIA3 SPORTBACK E-TRON vs VOLVOXC60PHEV → AUDIA3 SPORTBACK E-TRON vs VOLVOXC60MHEV →

NHTSA Investigations

EA22001Engineering AnalysisClosed2022-04-04

Engine Stall - Turbo Failure

PE21009Preliminary EvaluationClosed2021-03-29

Engine Stall - Turbo Failure

EA04017Engineering AnalysisClosed2004-06-30

STUCK-OPEN THROTTLE

PE04023Preliminary EvaluationClosed2004-03-05

STUCK-OPEN THROTTLE

EA03025Engineering AnalysisClosed2003-11-25

DRIVERS SIDE DASH FIRE

PE03035Preliminary EvaluationClosed2003-07-25

DRIVERS SIDE DASHBOARD FIRE

DP87007Defect PetitionClosed1986-12-16

1980 AUDI 5000 SUDDEN ACCELERATION

DP87002Defect PetitionClosed1986-10-30

1979-86 AUDI 4000 SUDDEN ACCELERATION

EA85037Engineering AnalysisClosed1985-07-31

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES

Frequently Asked Questions

How reliable is the AUDI A3 SPORTBACK E-TRON?▼
The AUDI A3 SPORTBACK E-TRON has received 4 NHTSA complaints spanning model years 2016 to 2017, with 2 recalls. That averages about 2 complaints per model year.
What years of AUDI A3 SPORTBACK E-TRON are available?▼
PlainCars has complaint and recall data for the AUDI A3 SPORTBACK E-TRON from 2016 to 2017 (2 model years). Select any year to see component-level complaint breakdowns and safety ratings.
Does the AUDI A3 SPORTBACK E-TRON have safety ratings?▼
NHTSA safety ratings (NCAP 5-star program) are available for many AUDI A3 SPORTBACK E-TRON model years from 2011 onward. Select a specific year to see front crash, side crash, and rollover ratings where available.
What are the most common AUDI A3 SPORTBACK E-TRON complaints?▼
NHTSA complaints for the AUDI A3 SPORTBACK E-TRON are categorized by component, common areas include engine, transmission, electrical system, airbags, and brakes. Select a model year for a detailed component-by-component breakdown.
How do I check if my AUDI A3 SPORTBACK E-TRON has been recalled?▼
Visit the year-specific page on PlainCars to see all recalls for your model year, or enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov for official recall status and available remedies.
Data sources

Data vintage: August 2026. 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.

Every figure on PlainCars is rendered directly from NHTSA complaint and safety data, no number is typed in by an editor. AUDI A3 SPORTBACK E-TRON totals are aggregated from the linked NHTSA model-year rows; no figure is typed in by an editor. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error. Data current as of August 2026.