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.
Engine & cooling
2013 Audi A3 Engine problems
Owners have filed 4 complaints about the 2013 Audi A3's engine & cooling with NHTSA - 20% of all its complaints, most recently on March 16, 2026. Stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating, head gaskets, timing chains and engine failure.
- Complaints
- 4
- Recalls
- 0
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Engine complaints
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.
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 engine complaints by year
A3 engine problems, every yearSource: 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