The rear wiper hose is consistently getting completely clogged so that no fluid comes out when the spray mechanism is engaged. The dealership has replaced it for a fee two or three times. At the last service they told us they cleaned it and did not charge a fee. However, within two months it was clogged again. I have noticed that the issue is more likely to occur after (intentionally or accidentally) using the rear window defroster. I am therefore wondering whether the hose is made of a plastic that is too soft, causing it to change shape as a response to the defroster heat.
Visibility & wipers
2016 Audi A3 Visibility problems
Owners have filed 3 complaints about the 2016 Audi A3's visibility & wipers with NHTSA - 3% of all its complaints, most recently on June 12, 2025. Windshields, wipers, defrosters, mirrors, backup cameras and glare.
- Complaints
- 3
- Recalls
- 0
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Visibility complaints
Rearview backup camera is intermittently inoperative. Cannot use camera to see what is behind the car. Dealer inspected, duplicated and confirmed problem. Dealer at first ignored. Once out of warranty, dealer duplicated problem. It is a known problem. Manufacturer issued Technical Service Bulletin: 91 16 87 2045730/1 November 7, 2016.
Audi etron sunroof exploded while driving. While futzing with the windows trying to stop the "woop woop woop" air pressure thing that happens when the windows are partially open, the sunroof exploded out of the car. Sounded like a gunshot, happened in a split second, scared the bejesus out of me. The entire center of the sunroof disappeared instantly. The dealer says to replace it might take weeks, and cost thousands. Apparently, they have to replace all of the glass on the roof, take off the doors, and gut the interior roof. Argh
Audi A3 visibility complaints by year
A3 visibility 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