3.6

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
36,050 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2011 Audi A3:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

problem #4

Aug 232014

A3 4-cyl Diesel

  • 34,300 miles
My A3 2011 Audi 2.0 tdi diesel would not start in a parking lot. Not the battery: Towed to the dealer. The dealer in honolulu, hi says I need the entire fuel system ( tank, lines, 2 fuel pumps ) replaced due to 'glitter like' particles in the fuel line. Fuel is being sent for analysis. I am using the recommended brand of diesel fuel ( shell ). fortunately I was not moving. Several other complaints list sudden engine failure due to fuel pump failure. Also fortunately, it is still under warranty.

- Ewa Beach, HI, USA

problem #3

Jun 252014

A3 4-cyl Diesel

  • 37,000 miles
Fuel pump imploded and sent shrapnel throughout the entire fuel system. Everything had to be replaced.

- Woodland Hills, CA, USA

problem #2

Sep 052013

A3 4-cyl Diesel

  • 62,000 miles
I own an Audi A3 2011, tdi. I had two similar incidents with the fuel injection system with this tdi. The first time it happened when the cars just passed the warranty period of 50,000 miles. I drove this car in city street and the "glow-plug? indicator light came on. I barely made it to the Audi service. They told me that I contaminated with unleaded fuel. I told the service manager that is not the case because I only use one gas station and usually, I used the same diesel pump. After Audi dealer talk to the Audi of America, they decided to pay for the repair, approximately $8,000. Then this is the second similar indecent. I started the engine and hear unusual clanking noise from the engine. I continued to drive the car in city street to my home. Then suddenly the ?glow plug? lights momentarily flashes. The engine dies immediate right after. I coast the car to the curb. I took the car into the dealer, and after a day, the service manager again told me that the fuel system was contaminated with unleaded fuel. I assured you that this is not the case because I am the only one who drove this car. The service manager told me that Audi did the analysis and it indicated that the fuel got contaminated, but continued to deny the accusation because I am very careful in using the ?ultra-low sulfur diesel" for my car. The first incident I only pour my diesel gas from shell station, but since the first incident had happened, I changed to chevron station. After one week, I called the service manager and ask him for the analysis of the contamination, and he said that he had sent to Audi in germany for report. Then I said I wanted the old injection system back so I can do an independent analysis, he also told me he sent the old parts back to germany for further analysis. I seriously doubted that the Audi dealer service department did any analysis.

- San Marino, CA, USA

problem #1

Jul 262011

A3 4-cyl Diesel

  • 10,900 miles
1) normal driving. 2) fuel pump failure resulting in total fuel system failure. 3) fuel pump and entire fuel delivery system replaced.

- Ventura, CA, USA