Vehicle report
2019 Audi A3
Free recalls, owner complaints, and NHTSA safety ratings for the 2019 Audi A3, plus how to check this specific vehicle before you buy.
The 2019 Audi A3 has 3 NHTSA recalls on record and 12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Its overall NHTSA crash-test rating is not rated. Below is the full breakdown, plus how to check this specific vehicle by VIN before you buy in Alberta.
3
Open recalls
12
Complaints
Not Rated
Overall safety
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2019 Audi A3 recalls (3)
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
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.
Remedy: 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.
TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan LWB, Golf Sportswagen A7, Golf Alltrack, Golf R GP, Audi Q3, Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Jetta NF, Jetta GLI, Golf GTI, Atlas, Golf A7, Audi A3, 2020-2021 Atlas Cross Sport, and 2021 Atlas FL vehicles. The tire pressure monitoring system may not detect an air pressure loss in adequate time when deflating occurs among all four tires simultaneously. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."
Remedy: Dealers will update the TPMS software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 18, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audis customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are (Audi) 45J7, and (VW) 45J6 and 45J8.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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.
Remedy: 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.
2019 Audi A3 safety ratings
Not Rated
Overall
Not Rated
Front
Not Rated
Side
Not Rated
Rollover
Source: NHTSA NCAP ratings.
2019 Audi A3 owner complaints (12)
- POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2019 Audi A3. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH for a 50-mile trip, the message "Transmission Failure" displayed, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The transmission then inadvertently switched from automatic to manual transmission mode and became stuck in second gear. Additionally, the vehicle jerked and decelerated to 35 MPH while driving. The contact activated the hazard lights before pulling over to the right shoulder to turn off the vehicle. The vehicle was restarted, but the failure persisted. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of fuel very quickly. The contact was able to drive to the destination. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who retrieved DTC: P173500 (Electrical Malfunction with the Position Sensor for Clutch 1 in the Transmission). The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, but no cause for the failure was found. The contact then drove the vehicle for a long distance at high speeds and was able to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who determined that the mechatronic hardware, DSG transmission cover, gasket, and fluid needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: 2058504/1 (Transmission malfunction, DTC P173500 and/or P173600 stored in the TCM). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the Technical Service Bulletin. The failure mileage was approximately 34,500.
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The headlight assembly failed and manufacturer accepts no responsibility and quoted astronomical repair cost. This should not have been an issue with such new components. I've seen many vehicles like mine with the same problem.
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My vehicle stalls while driving twice in a row several times a week. Check engine code P0148 indicating a fuel system error. Took my vehicle to the Audi Dealership but because my husband had cleared the code, nothing could be done. My vehicle stalling multiple times in a row, several times a week not only poses a safety risk to myself as the driver, but my passengers and other vehicles on the road. I am requesting an investigation into the faulty fuel systems of the 2019 Audi A3.
- AIR BAGS,SEATS
Audi has stated there are no parts available to address the PODS recall 21V198 since March 2021. My dealership sold my vehicle to me at the end of my lease without having addressed this safety recall.
- AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
UNKNOWN
- AIR BAGS
The contact leased a 2019 Audi A3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V198000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. Additionally, the contact called a second dealer, Audi Pembroke Pines (15000 Sheridan St, Pembroke Pines, FL 33331) and a third dealer, The Collection Audi (200 Bird Rd, Coral Gables, FL 33146) who also confirmed that the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and informed the contact that they would follow up with her. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
- AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2019 Audi A3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V198000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the dealer confirmed that only five parts were received per week. The contact was informed that she could not be added to the waiting list. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue but was unable to confirm when parts would be available. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated indicating that the passenger’s side air bag had failed. Additionally, the sensors had started to malfunction. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
- AIR BAGS
The contact leased a 2019 Audi A3. The contact stated that the passenger’s side air bag warning light had failed to operate as needed. The contact then received a notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V198000 (Air Bags) however, the part for the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer had been notified about the recall and confirmed that the parts were not yet available. The manufacturer had been notified of the recall. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the repair. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts are not available.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,SEATS
I WAS DRIVING MY CAR WITH MY FRIEND IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. ALL OF A SUDDEN CAR STARTED MADE A BEEPING SOUND AND MY DASHBOARD SAID SOMETHING ABOUT SAFETY FEATURE BEING TURNED OFF/LIMITED. ALSO THE PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF LIGHT TURNED ON EVEN WHEN THE PASSENGER SEAT WAS OCCUPIED. THE VEHICLE WAS ALREADY IN MOTION. THIS CREATED AN UNSAFE SITUATION AS PASSENGER AIRBAG WAS OFF WHEN IT SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN. THE PASSENGER OCCUPANT DETECTION SYSTEM (PODS) DETECTED A MALFUNCTION AND SWITCH OFF THE PASSENGER AIRBAG EVEN THOUGH THE SEAT WAS BE OCCUPIED. I REACHED OUT TO AUDI REGARDING THIS AND THEY SAID THAT SINCE THE REPAIR IS NOT AVAILABLE YET I WILL HAVE TO WAIT. THE NHTSA RECALL NUMBER FOR THIS ISSUE IS 21V198. THE MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBER IS 69BY. I HAVE ATTACHED THE LATEST VIDEO OF THIS SITUATION. IF YOU LOOK AT THE VIDEO IT SHOWS THAT THE PASSENGER SEAT IS OCCUPIED AND STILL THE PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF LIGHT IS ON. THIS IS THE 3RD OCCURRENCE OF THIS ISSUE. I USE MY CAR DAILY AND SINCE THE REPAIR IS NOT AVAILABLE YET THIS MAKES MY CAR UNSAFE ON THE ROAD.
- VISIBILITY/WIPER
I PURCHASED A 2019 AUDI A3 ON JANUARY 18, 2021 (VIN [XXX]) FROM AUDI DENVER. I REPLACED THE WINDSHIELD 2/19/2021, WAS TOLD THE WINDSHIELD HAD BEEN REPLACED AT LEAST ONCE BEFORE (2/2020 AT THE DEALERSHIP) AND 2 WEEKS AFTER REPLACING THE WINDSHIELD, HAVE A NEW CRACK THAT IS QUICKLY SPREADING. 4 UNREPAIRABLE WINDSHIELDS WITH ONLY 11K MILES ON THE VEHICLE? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I WAS DRIVING ON NJ TURNPIKE ON A 75 MILE TRIP BACK HOME AND AFTER INTO 55 MILES OF THE TRIP, THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY LOST POWER.. I WAS GOING ABOUT 65 MILES OR SO AND IT WAS EXTREMELY SCARY AND DANGEROUS. WITH THE GRACE OF GOD, I WAS ABLE TO USE THE MOMENTUM TO MAKE IT TO A SIDE LANE BETWEEN THE TRAVEL LANES AND MERGE LANE OFF OF THE RAMP, THE ARE CAR LOST SO MUCH POWER AND TRYING TO MANEUVERING AROUND TRAFFIC THAT I WAS NOT EVEN ABLE TO MAKE IT TO THE SAFETY SIDE LANE. THE CAR HAS TO BE TOWED TO THE EXIT. AUDI TOOK IT TO THEIR LOCAL DEALER. THE CAR IS A 2019 MODEL WITH 12946 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AUDI DEALER IN FREEHOLD NJ AND I UNDERSTAND FROM THE TOW DRIVER THAT DAY BEFORE SAME MAKE AND MODEL, YEAR OF ANOTHER SIMILAR VEHICLE WITH THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM HAS BEEN TOWED TO AUDI IN EDISON NJ. *TR
- AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 AUDI A3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V474000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT CALLED AN UNKNOWN DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND DID NOT KNOW WHEN THE PART WOULD BE AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Checking a used Audi A3 before you buy
The recall, complaint, and safety data above describes the 2019 A3 in general. To know the condition and history of the specific vehicle you're looking at, check it by VIN. A VIN check shows whether this particular A3's recalls are still outstanding, and a full history report adds accident, title, and ownership records the data above can't show.
Before you buy a 2019 Audi A3 in Alberta:
- Run a free VIN check on the exact vehicle for its own recalls and safety data.
- Run an Alberta Personal Property Registry lien search so you don't inherit debt.
- Get an independent pre-purchase inspection.
- If it's a dealer, confirm their AMVIC licence.
See other model years of the Audi A3, or browse more Audi models.
2019 Audi A3 — questions and answers
Does the 2019 Audi A3 have any recalls?+
Our check found 3 NHTSA recalls associated with the 2019 Audi A3. Check the specific vehicle by VIN to see which remain outstanding, since some may already have been repaired. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
How many complaints does the 2019 Audi A3 have?+
NHTSA lists 12 owner complaints for the 2019 Audi A3 in our results. Complaints are problems reported by owners and don't always lead to a recall, but a pattern of similar complaints is worth weighing before you buy.
Is the 2019 Audi A3 safe?+
The 2019 Audi A3 has an overall NHTSA crash-test rating of not rated. Review the front-crash, side-crash, and rollover ratings above, and pair safety ratings with a mechanical inspection of the specific vehicle.
How do I check a 2019 Audi A3 VIN?+
Enter the vehicle's 17-character VIN into our free VIN check to see recalls, complaints, and safety ratings for that exact vehicle, then run an Alberta Personal Property Registry (PPR) lien search before you pay.
Are recall repairs on a Audi free?+
Yes. Safety recall repairs are performed at no cost by a franchised Audi dealer, even for a used vehicle and even if you're not the original owner. Confirm the required parts are in stock before relying on the fix.
Get the full vehicle history report
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