The Lemon Index2016 Audi A3.
The 2016 Audi A3 is better than average by owner complaints: 22 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 54, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about fuel or ev drive system, it has 6 recalls, and it gets 26 to 39 mpg combined. It's the best Audi A3 year we track.
Better than average. 1.9× fewer complaints than average.
Worst year 2017
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 135 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Audi A3 year. 2016 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 19K to 65K miles on the car (51 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- airbags complaints mostly came at 32K–57K miles
Recalls 6
- fuel system, gasoline 2024
Due to a problem with a suction jet pump seal inside the fuel tank, fuel may flow into the evaporative emissions (EVAP) system and possibly leak out of the charcoal canister.
- airbags 2022
During air bag deployment, the front passenger air bag may explode or deploy improperly.
- airbags 2021
The passenger occupant detection system (PODS) may malfunction and switch off the passenger air bag even when the seat is occupied.
Show all 6 recalls
- airbags 2019
An improper electrical contact may cause the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) to falsely detect a malfunction and deactivate the passenger air bag.
- fuel system, gasoline 2016
Due to a problem with the suction pump inside the fuel tank, fuel may flow into the evaporative emissions (EVAP) system.
- electrical 2016
The affected vehicles may have been programmed with new software that inadvertently makes the side marker lights inoperative in conjunction with the parking lights or the headlights.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Audi told dealers about
Audi sent dealers 856 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- This bulletin contains instructions for using the UV additive to find engine oil leaks
- This condition may be caused when the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal are depressed…
- This Document informs dealers on the new oil consumption & piston fracture warranty extension…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- ClosedFuel leak due to suction jet pump failure within fuel tank (remedy effectiveness of recall 16v647)2023–2024
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audi A3 C AWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
| Audi A3 C FWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
| Audi A3 C FWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
| Audi A3 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Audi A3 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| A3 Sportback e-tron FWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2050–2450 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 1.4L 4-cyl, 1.8L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
A-recall suction pump smell inside car leak vap system gas a-recall side marker lights
2016 Audi A3 owner · NHTSA complaint 11011845
More owner reports
Vw bought back my 2016 a3 two years ago but I'm still receiving the recall information.
NHTSA complaint 11185773
Quick answers
Is the 2016 Audi A3 reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.9× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 54; 100 is average, lower is better).
What are the most common 2016 Audi A3 problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are fuel or ev drive system (27%), airbags (18%) and engine (18%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2016 Audi A3 have?
6 safety recalls (latest: fuel system, gasoline). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2016 Audi A3 get?
26 to 39 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2016 Audi A3 safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2016 Audi A3 problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 19,900 and 65,000 miles. The middle report was at 41,300 miles, from 51 complaints.
Does the 2016 Audi A3 have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 14% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2016 Audi A3 cost in fuel a year?
About $2050 to $2450 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2016 Audi A3 have?
1.4L 4-cyl, 1.8L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works