Every 2018 Audi A3 recall
Each campaign as NHTSA published it: what is wrong, what can happen, and the fix. Newest first.
Fuel System, Gasoline · NHTSA 24V110000
Feb 14, 2024Fuel System, Gasoline
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain front-wheel drive 2015-2020 Audi A3 Sedan, 2015-2019 Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI, 2018 Golf Sportwagen GP, 2018-2019 Golf Sportwagen A7, 2015-2017 Golf Sportwagen, 2015-2020 Golf GTI, and 2015-2020 Golf A7 vehicles. 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.
- Risk
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the suction pump, free of charge. Final owner notification letters for Audi owners were mailed on July 25, 2024. Final owner letters for VW owners were mailed on August 13, 2024. 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 VW: 20UF/Audi: 20YF. Vehicles that were previously recalled under 16V-647 will need to have the new remedy completed. This recall expands and replaces previous recall number 16V-647.
Full recall details for 24V110000 →Air Bags · NHTSA 21V198000
Mar 22, 2021Air Bags:Sensor:Occupant Classification:Front Passenger
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Audi S3 Sedan, A3 Sedan, 2016-2018 A3 Etron, 2017-2020 RS3 Sedan, and 2015-2019 A3 Cabriolet vehicles. The passenger occupant detection system (PODS) may malfunction and switch off the passenger air bag even when the seat is occupied.
- Risk
- A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the PODS sensor mat and update the PODS control module, free of charge. Owners letters were mailed December 23, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 69BY.
Full recall details for 21V198000 →Air Bags · NHTSA 19V474000
Jun 19, 2019Air Bags:Sensor:Occupant Classification
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Audi S3 Sedan, 2015-2019 A3 Sedan and A3 Cabriolet, 2016-2018 A3 e-tron, and 2017-2019 RS3 vehicles. An improper electrical contact may cause the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) to falsely detect a malfunction and deactivate the passenger air bag.
- Risk
- A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
- Fix
- Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the connector and reroute the cable, free of charge. The recall began September 12, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 69Z4.
Full recall details for 19V474000 →Seats · NHTSA 18V803000
Nov 14, 2018Seats:Mid/Rear Assembly
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen e-Golf and Golf R vehicles, and Audi A3 Sedan and RS3 vehicles. The rear seat frame head restraint guide sleeves may be incorrectly welded to the seat frame.
- Risk
- If the guide sleeves are incorrectly welded, in the event of a crash, the rear seat head restraints may have reduced stability, increasing the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Volkswagen and Audi will notify their owners, and dealers will inspect the guide sleeves for incorrect welds, replacing the rear seat frame, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 28, 2018. 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 72H8 (VW) and 72H9(Audi).
Full recall details for 18V803000 →
2018 Audi A3 complaints and service bulletins
Owners filed 45 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Audi A3, reporting 1 crashes, 2 injuries. Audi has issued at least 641 technical service bulletins (repair instructions to dealers) for this model year. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is the manufacturer’s admission of a safety defect.
Most-reported components
- Air Bags24
- Electrical System5
- Fuel/Propulsion System5
- Engine4
- Power Train4
- Tires4
Service bulletins by component
- Equipment (357)
- Electrical System (346)
- Unknown Or Other (199)
- Structure (127)
- Suspension (106)
- Power Train (93)
Read Audi A3 owner complaints and bulletins, every year
NHTSA defect investigations covering the 2018 Audi A3
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation lists this model year in 2 investigations. An investigation is not a recall; it is how NHTSA decides whether one is needed.
- Fuel Leak due to Suction Jet Pump Failure within Fuel Tank (Remedy Effectiveness of Recall 16V647)
RQ23007Opened Dec 12, 2023Closed Jul 1, 2024
- Pedestrian alert sounds
DP22005Opened Jan 27, 2023Closed Aug 7, 2023
What people reported
Owners have filed 45 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Audi A3. A few in their own words, shortened. Complaints are unverified and are not proof of a defect or of any recall.
“The contact owns a 2018 Audi A3. The contact stated after parking the vehicle, a bystander alerted the contact that there was fuel leaking from the rear passenger's side near the fuel tank. The contact drove the vehicle to a gas station and was unable to refuel the vehicle.”
2018 AUDI A3 CABRIOLETApr 15, 2024
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11583078
Injury reported
“The vehicle pre-sense stopped the vehicle due to the detection of an object however, there was no object. This happened going forward and in reverse multiple times, causing the car to come to a sudden, abrupt stop even at speeds in excess of 30mph.”
2018 AUDI A3Apr 12, 2024
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11582606
“The contact owns a 2018 Audi A3. The contact stated while driving in a parking lot, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the battery was drained, and the vehicle failed to restart. The contact jumpstarted the vehicle. The battery was replaced. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated.”
2018 AUDI A3 CABRIOLETNov 15, 2023
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11555311
Injury reportedCrash
“My wife was impacted on the drivers side very hard by another vehicle, enough to total the car, and the side airbags did not deploy”
2018 AUDI A3Sep 19, 2021
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11433490
“Coolant Water Pump and Thermostat -- Coolant temperature indicator gauge runs from normal to high after about 10-15 miles drive. Coolant levels are good and no signs of leak. Engine light is activated along with warning messages. Engine Warning: Drive System Malfunction. Please call for service.”
2018 AUDI A3Jun 18, 2026 · FL
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11745097
Check your A3 by VIN
Not every 2018 Audi A3 is in every recall. Enter your 17-character VIN to see the recalls on record for your exact vehicle, then confirm which are still open at NHTSA.gov or with any Audi dealer.
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