- The problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2015 Passat, 2011-2014 Golf A6, and 2011-2013 Audi A3 diesel vehicles, thought to have been previously repaired under one of the Takata air bag recalls. The driver's side air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
- The risk
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- The fix
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's side air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began December 20, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69R6, 69Q8, 69Q9, and 69Y5.
Vehicle safety record
2013 Audi A3 Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 20 complaints about the 2013 Audi A3 with NHTSA, most often about the airbags (10) and the engine & cooling (4). It is covered by 3 recalls, the latest in December 2019 for the inflator module. For comparison, the 2012 has 43.
NHTSA data checked
BFewer problems than a typical A3 year, for its age
#192 most complained-about 2013 vehicle
- Complaints
- 20
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2013 Audi A3 problems
Share of all 20 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2013 Audi A3 recalls 3
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2006-2013 Audi A3, 2007-2009 A4 Cabriolet and S4 Cabriolet, 2008 RS4 Cabriolet, 2009-2012 Q5, and 2010-2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet and S5 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
- The risk
- In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
- The fix
- Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 23, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69R6. Note: This recall partially supersedes recall 16V-078.
- The problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2006 Volkswagen Passat sedans and wagons, 2005-2013 Audi A3, and 2006-2009 Audi A4 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
- The risk
- In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- The fix
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began March 2017. Volkswagen owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Audi owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
What owners say
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20 complaints about the 2013 Audi A3
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
The contact owns a 2013 Audi A3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly went into LIMP Mode with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the glow plugs failed to function and became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to several dealers, where it was diagnosed with exhaust system failure. The contact was informed that the exhaust system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 128,000.
Car stalled in fast moving traffic, and then lurched forward. In the stall the car behind me almost ran into me. In the lurch, I almost rear ended someone. Fortunate that both times there was no collision. Took the vehicle to Audi and the car has been diagnosed with failed mechatronic - a $4,000 repair. It was shared that this is a known issue with Audi for my model year (faulty mechatronic), and as such has been recalled in several countries, but not the US. I called Audi USA and was informed that yes it is a...
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known issue and has been recalled in other countries, but that NHTSA has not required Audi USA to open a recall here, and so they can't help me. I'm asking for some assistance. Thank you very much
Intermittent problems with exterior lighting. I already replaced one of the rear license plate lights (not a bulb issue) and am now experiencing rear passenger side tail light issues where the tail light and directional signal cease working during the driving process and then start working at random. This appears to be a similar electrical issue like the license plate light. The tail light & directional signal failure are dangerous as the failures occur without warning while the car is being driven.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 audi a3. While driving various speeds, the vehicle shifted into first gear without warning. The vehicle was taken to audi temecula (40955 temecula center dr, temecula, ca 92591, (951) 200-8100) where it was diagnosed that the dps filter needed to be replaced; however, the parts to do the repair were not available. The failure recurred multiple times. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and provided case number: 190810653. The failure mileage was approximately 69,500.
Takata recall - dealer informed me the recall part has been unavailable for 1 year and will continue to be unavailable for an additional 2 - 6 months. No recall maintence is able to be scheduled. The risk associated with this recall is death to the driver. Unacceptable.
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2013 audi a3. The contact received a recall notification for nhtsa campaign number: 18v084000 (air bags) and stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time to repair the vehicle. The dealer (audi minneapolis, 9393 wyzata blvd, golden valley, mn 55426) confirmed that parts were not available to perform the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2013 audi a3. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 18v082000 (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. Royal automotive group (1525 howard street, san francisco, california, (415) 241-8100) was made aware of the recall and stated that the parts were unavailable. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Takata inflator replacement issue on 12/31/2017 I was driving in los angeles under normal conditions when suddenly there was a hissing noise and some kind of particulate matter spewed from around the steering column where there is a join with the wheel. This was directed at my face for 10-15 seconds which I breathed in as I was driving. I am also "concerned" about the nature and contents of the particulate matter, and, that the airbag might not function properly in an accident or that it might inflate without any reason of its own accord. *Tt *tr
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2013 audi a3. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v079000 (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.
We have not yet heard from audi or takata when this recall will be performed. Because this car is driven by teenagers, we are very concerned and anxious to get this recall done. Please advise. Thanks, nick p.S. Note that the car was purchased used and was first registered and driven in new jersey from 2013-2016
Takata recall- 16v079 recall date: february 9, 2016 my vehicle is almost 4 years old and no due diligence has been taken to remedy this unsafe and possibly defective airbag.
Nothing has happened yet, but my airbag was recalled 6 months ago and I haven't been notified of any fix available. Please advise.
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2013 audi a3. The contact stated that the recall notice for nhtsa campaign number: 16v079000 (air bags) was received in april of 2016. After contacting the dealer and the manufacturer on multiple occasions, the contact was informed that the parts needed to repair the vehicle were still not available and no estimated time for receiving the parts could be given. The contact had not experienced a failure. Updated 10/04/16*lj updated 09/1/2017*js
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 audi a3. While driving 45 mph, the panoramic sun roof fractured without warning. The contact was not injured. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 51,580.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 audi a3. The contact received a recall notice for nhtsa campaign number: 16v061000 (air bags). The part was unavailable. The manufacturer was notified. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
2013 Audi a3 tdi., Serviced for 65k maintenance 10/31/15. Next day , the car began abruptly loosing forward momentum under acceleration, and died in an intersection. Towed to audi, and they told me it was bad diesel. They flushed the diesel and replaced the fuel pump. (Kroger denied my bad diesel claim.) On 11/2/15, the check engine light came on, same issues. Dealer told me it was the engine speed sensor and replaced it. One month later, 11/6/15, my check engine light came on again, with the glow plug light...
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flashing. This time the dealer said it is was throttle sensor fault. They had to order the part, and told me it was 'safe to drive'. In the time between, I would regularly experience the loss of forward momentum while accelerating up hills. I had the work done 1/7/16. 9 Days later after the throttle sensor replacement, saturday, 1/16/16, while I was driving, the car began unexpectedly losing acceleration in an extreme fashion, and stalled out twice within a 15 minute drive. It had been suddenly and briefly losing acceleration when accelerating while going uphill for several days. It also stalled out while accelerating into an intersection (extremely dangerous) and while parking. I had an error # p2101, and it would not accelerate past 40 mph while going uphill until I stopped and restarted the car. On 1/18 (monday) I took my car into audi service. They have had it until now, 2/9/16, and have replaced the entire computer, and it has not fixed the issue. They were able to replicate the issue, but have not been able to find a solution. They now say that they recommend replacing the engine wiring harness. This is a concerning safety issue, given the abrupt drop in acceleration going uphill, the loss of acceleration and the multiple stalls while driving.
Purchased used 2013 audi a3 tdi 3 months ago. Only use diesel fuel. Driving onto i80 west when I heard/felt car hiccup, lost power. Coasted to stop sign, tried multiple time but would not start. Towed to dealer who informed me that fuel pump (hpfp) had come apart spewing metal shards into system and that entire system had to be replaced. Research showing documented failures in vw tdi (same engine) hpfp in 2010, 2011 and 2012. Is system safe? *Tr
While at a complete stop at a red light, I felt what I can only describe as a "clunk" and the battery light on my dashboard illuminated. The car had stalled, and I had to restart the car entirely in order to continue on my way. *Tr
While driving in seattle's notorious stop and go traffic, my a3 tdi, has stalled. It acts as if I have "dropped" the clutch, which is impossible being an automatic!!. This has happened to me on two occasions. There is less than 5k miles on my new car. Both time it has gone immediately into university audi. First time, no answers. Still waiting on diagnostics from today's episodes. *Tr
After driving on the highway for about 18 miles, took an exit and stopped at a traffic light. When the light changed to green I entered the intersection and the engine stalled without any indication of a problem. I was able to start the engine right away. *Tr
Audi A3: every year compared
All A3 years2013 Audi A3 vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 Audi A3 | 20 | 3 | B | |
| 2013 Audi A4 | 111 | 0 | C | Compare |
| 2013 Audi Q5 | 92 | 5 | F | Compare |
| 2013 Audi A6 | 52 | 6 | D | Compare |
| 2013 Audi A8 | 50 | 6 | F | Compare |
| 2013 Audi A8L | 47 | 0 | F | Compare |
| 2013 Audi A5 | 38 | 3 | F | Compare |
| 2013 Audi A7 | 19 | 5 | D | Compare |
| 2013 Audi Allroad | 13 | 1 | D | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 2013 Audi A3
Does the 2013 Audi A3 have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2013 Audi A3: inflator module (December 2019); inflator module (January 2018); inflator module (February 2016). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Audi A3?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the airbags (10), engine & cooling (4), fuel system (3).
How many complaints has the 2013 Audi A3 had?
20 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on October 10, 2012 and the latest on March 16, 2026. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2013 Audi A3 a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 64 out of 100 (grade B: fewer problems than a typical Audi A3 year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Audi A3 years have the most complaints?
2015 (180), 2006 (123), 2016 (115). See every Audi A3 year compared.
What should I do if my 2013 Audi A3 has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data