NHTSA vehicle safety data

2019 Audi A3 Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 2019 Audi A3 has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns and 8 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 2019 Audi A3, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2019 Audi A3 owner complaints

Owners have filed 8 complaints with NHTSA about the 2019 Audi A3, describing incidents dated June 6, 2020 to October 24, 2025.

Most-cited components

Air Bags 3 complaints
Fuel/Propulsion System 2 complaints
Seats 2 complaints
Electrical System 1 complaint
Exterior Lighting 1 complaint
Power Train 1 complaint

Newest complaints

ODI #11703985 · Filed December 9, 2025
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…
ODI #11634359 · Filed January 6, 2025
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.
ODI #11510142 · Filed March 4, 2023
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…

Read all 8 complaints

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2019 Audi A3 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

Fuel Leak from Fuel Tank Suction Pump Failure

NHTSA #24V110000 · Fuel System, Gasoline · NHTSA notice

Reported February 14, 2024 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 261,257 vehicles

Repair completion: 56.93% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign VW: 20UF/AUDI:20YF · Owners notified July 25, 2024 · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

Manufacturer 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.

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.nhtsa.gov.

Tire Pressure Loss Not Detected/FMVSS 138

NHTSA #22V815000 · Tires — Pressure Monitoring and Regulating Systems · NHTSA notice

Reported October 31, 2022 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 296,044 vehicles

Repair completion: 86.37% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign AU:45J7,VW:45J6,45J8 · Owners notified November 18, 2022

Defect description

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."

Safety consequence

An undetected sudden loss of pressure in all four tires increases the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer 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.

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.

Passenger Air Bag May Deactivate

NHTSA #21V198000 · Air Bags — Sensor — Occupant Classification — Front Passenger · NHTSA notice

Reported March 22, 2021 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 153,152 vehicles

Repair completion: 74.77% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 69BY · Owners notified December 23, 2021

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

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

Manufacturer 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.

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.

2019 Audi A3 4 DR FWD

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Frontal Crash

Driver: 4, Passenger: 5

Side Crash

Driver: 5, Passenger: 5

Side Pole

Rollover

11% rollover risk

Safety Technology

Electronic Stability Control Lane Departure Warning (Optional)

1 investigation

2019 Audi A3 4 DR AWD

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Frontal Crash

Driver: 4, Passenger: 5

Side Crash

Driver: 5, Passenger: 5

Side Pole

Rollover

11% rollover risk

Safety Technology

Electronic Stability Control Lane Departure Warning (Optional)

1 investigation

2019 Audi A3 C AWD

—

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Driver: Not Rated, Passenger: Not Rated

Side Crash

Not Rated

Driver: Not Rated, Passenger: Not Rated

Side Pole

Not Rated

Rollover

Not Rated

Safety Technology

Electronic Stability Control Lane Departure Warning (Optional)

1 investigation

2019 Audi A3 C FWD

—

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Driver: Not Rated, Passenger: Not Rated

Side Crash

Not Rated

Driver: Not Rated, Passenger: Not Rated

Side Pole

Not Rated

Rollover

Not Rated

Safety Technology

Electronic Stability Control Lane Departure Warning (Optional)

1 investigation

8 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2019 Audi A3.

Power Train

ODI #11703985

Incident: October 24, 2025 · Filed: December 9, 2025

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

ODI #11634359

Incident: July 1, 2023 · Filed: January 6, 2025

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

ODI #11510142

Incident: March 3, 2023 · Filed: March 4, 2023

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

ODI #11480136

Incident: March 22, 2021 · Filed: August 19, 2022

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

ODI #11463885

Incident: May 9, 2022 · Filed: May 9, 2022

UNKNOWN

Electrical System; Air Bags; Seats

ODI #11416083

Incident: May 9, 2021 · Filed: May 11, 2021

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

ODI #11398794

Incident: March 2, 2021 · Filed: March 2, 2021

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

ODI #11327937

Incident: June 6, 2020 · Filed: June 9, 2020

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

Other Audi A3 model years

Check your 2019 Audi A3 VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Audi A3 at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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