2016 Audi A3 Sportback E-Tron: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 2 owner complaints on record; most reports concern tires.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jul 2022
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 2 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Audi etron sunroof exploded while driving. While futzing with the windows trying to stop the "woop woop woop" air pressure thing that happens when the windows are partially open, the sunroof exploded out of the car. Sounded like a gunshot, happened in a split second, scared the bejesus out of me. The entire center of the sunroof disappeared instantly. The dealer says to replace it might take weeks, and cost thousands. Apparently, they have to replace all of the glass on the roof, take off the doors, and gut the interior roof. Argh”Owner report · Visibility/Wiper · Jul 2017
“Continental procontact 225/45r17 91h dot af7rwbrd4615 right front tire sidewall blew out after going over small driveway curb at very low speed vehicle 2016 audi a3 etron”Owner report · Tires · Feb 2017
Recalls - 3 campaigns
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.
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.
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.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2016 Audi TT Roadster, TT Coupe, S3 Sedan, R8 Coupe, A3 Sedan, A3 Etron, A3 Cabriolet, 2016 Golf Sportwagen, Golf R, Golf GTI, Golf A7, and E Golf vehicles. During air bag deployment, the front passenger air bag may explode or deploy improperly.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front-passenger air bag module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 16, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69DY and 61C1.
Check your exact A3 Sportback E-Tron by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
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Is the 2016 Audi A3 Sportback E-Tron reliable?
NHTSA has 2 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 2016 Audi A3 Sportback E-Tron. The most complained-about area is tires.
Does the 2016 Audi A3 Sportback E-Tron have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning air bags:sensor:occupant classification:front passenger. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.