NHTSA vehicle safety data

2018 Audi A3 Cabriolet Recalls & Complaints

The 2018 Audi A3 Cabriolet has 5 NHTSA recall campaigns and 11 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Audi dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2018 Audi A3 Cabriolet. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2018 Audi A3 Cabriolet owner complaints

Owners have filed 11 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Audi A3 Cabriolet, describing incidents dated June 17, 2018 to April 1, 2024.

Most-cited components

Air Bags 7 complaints
Electrical System 1 complaint
Exterior Lighting 1 complaint
Fuel/Propulsion System 1 complaint
Wheels 1 complaint

Newest complaints

ODI #11583078 · Filed April 15, 2024
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. The check engine warning…
ODI #11555311 · Filed November 15, 2023
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…
ODI #11471685 · Filed June 30, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Audi A3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V198000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had…

Read all 11 complaints

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2018 Audi A3 Cabriolet in 1 investigation. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Recall Query RQ23-007: Fuel Leak due to Suction Jet Pump Failure within Fuel Tank (Remedy Effectiveness of Recall 16V647)
Closed July 1, 2024
- Recall 24V-110

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

Passenger Air Bag May Deactivate

NHTSA #19V474000 · Air Bags — Sensor — Occupant Classification · NHTSA notice

Reported June 19, 2019 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 138,896 vehicles

Repair completion: 82.12% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 69Z4 · Owners notified September 12, 2019 · Vehicles built July 7, 2016 – March 14, 2019 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Rear Center Headrests may Detach in a Crash

NHTSA #19V095000 · Seats — Mid/Rear Assembly · NHTSA notice

Reported February 13, 2019 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 3,326 vehicles

Repair completion: 92.45% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 72I8 · Owners notified March 7, 2019 · Vehicles built April 12, 2018 – July 2, 2018 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Audi A3 sedan and RS3 vehicles. The latching pins for the center rear seat head restraint may be missing.

Safety consequence

In the event of a crash, the head restraint may detach and cause injury to the vehicle occupants.

Manufacturer remedy

Audi has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the head restraints, replacing any that are missing pins, free of charge. The recall began on March 7, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 72I8.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Improperly Secured Fuel Line may cause Fuel Leak

NHTSA #18V863000 · Fuel System, Gasoline — Delivery — Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings · NHTSA notice

Reported December 5, 2018 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 1,104 vehicles

Repair completion: 95.74% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 20BK · Owners notified January 11, 2019 · Vehicles built March 12, 2018 – April 17, 2018 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Audi TT Roadster, TT Coupe, A3 Sedan and A3 Cabriolet vehicles. The fuel hose quick connector may detach from the fuel supply line in the engine bay, resulting in a fuel leak.

Safety consequence

A fuel leak in the engine compartment can increase the risk of a fire.

Manufacturer remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will secure the fuel line connection, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 11, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20BK.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Incorrectly Welded Rear Seat Guide Sleeves

NHTSA #18V803000 · Seats — Mid/Rear Assembly · NHTSA notice

Reported November 14, 2018 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 169 vehicles

Repair completion: 86.98% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign VW 72H8 / Audi 72H9 · Owners notified December 28, 2018 · Vehicles built June 8, 2018 – July 11, 2018 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

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.

Manufacturer remedy

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).

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Engine Control Software May Cause Stall

NHTSA #17V508000 · Engine and Engine Cooling — Engine · NHTSA notice

Reported August 16, 2017 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 8,383 vehicles

Repair completion: 96.59% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 24DF · Owners notified September 19, 2017 · Vehicles built September 23, 2016 – August 25, 2017 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Audi A3 Cabriolet and A3 Sedan vehicles. The Engine Control Unit (ECU) software may misinterpret the flywheel rotation on engine start-up as a "knocking" condition, and the adjusted air/fuel mixture may result in an engine stall.

Safety consequence

An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Audi will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the ECU software, free of charge. The recall began September 19, 2017. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 24DF.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

try.vin has no NCAP crash-test rating on file for the 2018 Audi A3 Cabriolet. NHTSA rates some vehicles by body style — pickups by cab, vans by roof height — so check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

11 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2018 Audi A3 Cabriolet.

Fuel System, Gasoline

ODI #11583078

Incident: April 1, 2024 · Filed: April 15, 2024

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. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the charcoal canister was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer, where it was determined that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V110000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Electrical System

ODI #11555311

Incident: July 8, 2023 · Filed: November 15, 2023

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. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the alternator needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the part was on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was called, but there was no response. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

Air Bags

ODI #11471685

Incident: June 30, 2022 · Filed: June 30, 2022

The contact owns a 2018 Audi A3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V198000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part 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. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Air Bags

ODI #11440693

Incident: November 15, 2021 · Filed: November 16, 2021

The contact owns a 2018 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 took the vehicle to the local dealer and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts are not available.

Air Bags

ODI #11440624

Incident: November 16, 2021 · Filed: November 16, 2021

The contact owns a 2018 Audi A3. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V198000 (Air Bags) however, the dealer informed the contact that the parts for the recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts are not available.

Air Bags

ODI #11423157

Incident: June 1, 2021 · Filed: July 1, 2021

The contact owns a 2018 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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer and manufacturer were made aware of the issue and informed the contact that the remedy was not available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Air Bags

ODI #11257353

Incident: July 5, 2019 · Filed: September 23, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 AUDI A3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V474000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT AUDI GRAPEVINE (LOCATED AT 1260 E STATE HWY 114, GRAPEVINE, TX 76051, (817) 354-2834) EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND STATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Air Bags

ODI #11253122

Incident: July 1, 2019 · Filed: September 4, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 AUDI A3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V474000 (AIR BAGS). AFTER CONTACTING THE DEALER (AUDI OF TYSON, 8598 LEESBURG PIKE, VIENNA, VA) AND THE MANUFACTURER, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Air Bags

ODI #11241293

Incident: June 27, 2019 · Filed: August 2, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 AUDI A3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V474000 (AIR BAGS). CIRCLE AUDI (LOCATED AT 1919 N LAKEWOOD BLVD, LONG BEACH, CA 90815, (562) 597-3663) STATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT FELT THAT THE DEALER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. *AS *TR

Wheels

ODI #11163237

Incident: December 15, 2018 · Filed: December 24, 2018

HI, I BOUGHT AN AUDI A3 2018 ON NOVEMBER 2017 FROM AUDI OF ROCHESTER HILLS, MICHIGAN.SINCE THEN I HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH THE ORIGINAL PIRELLI TIRES IN THE CAR. TWO INCIDENTS HAPPENED WITHIN A SPAN OF 1 YEAR WHERE THE TIRE WAS DAMAGED ON THE SIDE WALL AND AND IT WAS IRREPLACEABLE SO I HAD TO GET A NEW TIRE WITHIN FEW MONTHS OF BUYING THE CAR. ON DEC 15, 2018 I LOST TIRE PRESSURE WHILE DRIVING IN SHELBY TOWNSHIP, MICHIGAN AND WHEN I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS SIDEWALL DAMAGE. ON MAY 31, 2018 I WENT OVER A POTHOLE AT THE INTERSECTION OF HURONTARIO & EGLINTON IN MISSISSAUGA ONTARIO, WHERE ONE OF THE TIRE GOT PUNCTURED (COMPLAINT FILED WITH CITY OF MISSISSAUGA, TRANSPORT CANADA AND PICTURE ATTACHED). I TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC SHOP AND THEY SAID THAT I'LL HAVE TO REPLACE THE TIRE AS THEY COULDN'T FIX THE TIRE BECAUSE THE SIDE WALL WAS DAMAGED. ONCE I GOT BACK TO MICHIGAN I GOT A NEW TIRE AT THE DEALERSHIP AND I ASKED BOTH THE DEALERSHIP AND PIRELLI ABOUT THE QUALITY OF THE TIRES BUT WAS TOLD THIS IS WHAT THE SUPPLIER (PIRELLI) SUGGESTED FOR THE A3. I WAS TOLD AT THE DEALERSHIP THAT THIS IS AN ISSUE WITH THE LOW PROFILE TIRES ON THE AUDI CARS. IF THE DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF THE ISSUES THEN THIS SHOULD BE COMMUNICATED BACK TO THE OEM AS WELL AS THE SUPPLIER. THIS IS PART OF THE QUALITY AND SAFETY STANDARDS THAT DEALERSHIP SHOULD BE PROVIDING TO THE CUSTOMERS. WITHIN A YEAR I HAD TO PAY FOR TIRES BECAUSE THE QUALITY IS NOT GOOD ENOUGH TO HANDLE POTHOLES? THE ISSUE HAPPENED IN LOW SPEED FOR ME SO I WAS ABLE TO STEER THE VEHICLE TO SAFETY. IF THIS HAD HAPPENED ON A HIGHWAY, IT COULD HAVE BEEN A DANGEROUS SITUATION. THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION.

Other Audi A3 Cabriolet model years

Check your 2018 Audi A3 Cabriolet VIN

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