Complaints & Recalls
Official Safety Recalls - Important!
3 RecallsThese are official manufacturer recalls ordered by NHTSA for safety defects. If you own this vehicle, contact your dealer immediately for free repairs.
Volkswagen Group Of America, Inc.
Safety Issue:
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.
Potential Risk:
FREE Recall Solution:
Additional Details:
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.
Mfg Campaign: 69BY
Recall Date: Mar 22, 2021
Volkswagen Group Of America, Inc.
Safety Issue:
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.
Potential Risk:
FREE Recall Solution:
Additional Details:
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.
Mfg Campaign: 69Z4
Recall Date: Jun 19, 2019
Consumer Complaints
8 ComplaintsVolkswagen Group Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS
Potential Consequences:
I first began noticing symptoms of a cooling system issue on May 23, 2024, including engine temperature fluctuations and loss of coolant, on my 2019 Audi RS3. Over time, the issue worsened, eventually requiring a full replacement of both the water pump and thermostat on January 10, 2025, at 53,981 miles. This resulted in a total out-of-pocket repair cost of $2,809.95. The symptoms included engine overheating and loss of coolant. The issue required full replacement of the water pump assembly, thermostat, coolant, and associated components. Below is a summary of the repair work performed: Thermostat replacement: $847.20 Water pump replacement: $1,725.20 Additional fluids, shop fees, taxes: $237.55 Total paid: $2,809.95 I later learned that Audi had issued a recall (NHTSA Recall No. 18V229000) for water pump failures in other Audi models with similar cooling system components and symptoms. However, my model — the 2019 RS3 — was not included in that recall, despite sharing common parts and failure patterns. Given the widespread nature of this issue and the significant cost and safety risks (overheating, possible engine failure), I believe this defect warrants investigation and possible expansion of the existing recall to include the RS3 model. Documentation and a detailed invoice are available upon request.
Corrective Action:
I first began noticing symptoms of a cooling system issue on May 23, 2024, including engine temperature fluctuations and loss of coolant, on my 2019 Audi RS3. Over time, the issue worsened, eventually requiring a full replacement of both the water pump and thermostat on January 10, 2025, at 53,981 miles. This resulted in a total out-of-pocket repair cost of $2,809.95. The symptoms included engine overheating and loss of coolant. The issue required full replacement of the water pump assembly, thermostat, coolant, and associated components. Below is a summary of the repair work performed: Thermostat replacement: $847.20 Water pump replacement: $1,725.20 Additional fluids, shop fees, taxes: $237.55 Total paid: $2,809.95 I later learned that Audi had issued a recall (NHTSA Recall No. 18V229000) for water pump failures in other Audi models with similar cooling system components and symptoms. However, my model — the 2019 RS3 — was not included in that recall, despite sharing common parts and failure patterns. Given the widespread nature of this issue and the significant cost and safety risks (overheating, possible engine failure), I believe this defect warrants investigation and possible expansion of the existing recall to include the RS3 model. Documentation and a detailed invoice are available upon request.
Additional Notes:
I first began noticing symptoms of a cooling system issue on May 23, 2024, including engine temperature fluctuations and loss of coolant, on my 2019 Audi RS3. Over time, the issue worsened, eventually requiring a full replacement of both the water pump and thermostat on January 10, 2025, at 53,981 miles. This resulted in a total out-of-pocket repair cost of $2,809.95. The symptoms included engine overheating and loss of coolant. The issue required full replacement of the water pump assembly, thermostat, coolant, and associated components. Below is a summary of the repair work performed: Thermostat replacement: $847.20 Water pump replacement: $1,725.20 Additional fluids, shop fees, taxes: $237.55 Total paid: $2,809.95 I later learned that Audi had issued a recall (NHTSA Recall No. 18V229000) for water pump failures in other Audi models with similar cooling system components and symptoms. However, my model — the 2019 RS3 — was not included in that recall, despite sharing common parts and failure patterns. Given the widespread nature of this issue and the significant cost and safety risks (overheating, possible engine failure), I believe this defect warrants investigation and possible expansion of the existing recall to include the RS3 model. Documentation and a detailed invoice are available upon request.
Mfg Campaign: 11650727
Recall Date: Mar 26, 2025
Volkswagen Group Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ENGINE
Potential Consequences:
I first began noticing symptoms of a cooling system issue on May 23, 2024, including engine temperature fluctuations and loss of coolant, on my 2019 Audi RS3. Over time, the issue worsened, eventually requiring a full replacement of both the water pump and thermostat on January 10, 2025, at 53,981 miles. This resulted in a total out-of-pocket repair cost of $2,809.95. The symptoms included engine overheating and loss of coolant. The issue required full replacement of the water pump assembly, thermostat, coolant, and associated components. Below is a summary of the repair work performed: Thermostat replacement: $847.20 Water pump replacement: $1,725.20 Additional fluids, shop fees, taxes: $237.55 Total paid: $2,809.95 I later learned that Audi had issued a recall (NHTSA Recall No. 18V229000) for water pump failures in other Audi models with similar cooling system components and symptoms. However, my model — the 2019 RS3 — was not included in that recall, despite sharing common parts and failure patterns. Given the widespread nature of this issue and the significant cost and safety risks (overheating, possible engine failure), I believe this defect warrants investigation and possible expansion of the existing recall to include the RS3 model. Documentation and a detailed invoice are available upon request.
Corrective Action:
I first began noticing symptoms of a cooling system issue on May 23, 2024, including engine temperature fluctuations and loss of coolant, on my 2019 Audi RS3. Over time, the issue worsened, eventually requiring a full replacement of both the water pump and thermostat on January 10, 2025, at 53,981 miles. This resulted in a total out-of-pocket repair cost of $2,809.95. The symptoms included engine overheating and loss of coolant. The issue required full replacement of the water pump assembly, thermostat, coolant, and associated components. Below is a summary of the repair work performed: Thermostat replacement: $847.20 Water pump replacement: $1,725.20 Additional fluids, shop fees, taxes: $237.55 Total paid: $2,809.95 I later learned that Audi had issued a recall (NHTSA Recall No. 18V229000) for water pump failures in other Audi models with similar cooling system components and symptoms. However, my model — the 2019 RS3 — was not included in that recall, despite sharing common parts and failure patterns. Given the widespread nature of this issue and the significant cost and safety risks (overheating, possible engine failure), I believe this defect warrants investigation and possible expansion of the existing recall to include the RS3 model. Documentation and a detailed invoice are available upon request.
Additional Notes:
I first began noticing symptoms of a cooling system issue on May 23, 2024, including engine temperature fluctuations and loss of coolant, on my 2019 Audi RS3. Over time, the issue worsened, eventually requiring a full replacement of both the water pump and thermostat on January 10, 2025, at 53,981 miles. This resulted in a total out-of-pocket repair cost of $2,809.95. The symptoms included engine overheating and loss of coolant. The issue required full replacement of the water pump assembly, thermostat, coolant, and associated components. Below is a summary of the repair work performed: Thermostat replacement: $847.20 Water pump replacement: $1,725.20 Additional fluids, shop fees, taxes: $237.55 Total paid: $2,809.95 I later learned that Audi had issued a recall (NHTSA Recall No. 18V229000) for water pump failures in other Audi models with similar cooling system components and symptoms. However, my model — the 2019 RS3 — was not included in that recall, despite sharing common parts and failure patterns. Given the widespread nature of this issue and the significant cost and safety risks (overheating, possible engine failure), I believe this defect warrants investigation and possible expansion of the existing recall to include the RS3 model. Documentation and a detailed invoice are available upon request.
Mfg Campaign: 11650727
Recall Date: Mar 26, 2025
Volkswagen Group Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Potential Consequences:
I first began noticing symptoms of a cooling system issue on May 23, 2024, including engine temperature fluctuations and loss of coolant, on my 2019 Audi RS3. Over time, the issue worsened, eventually requiring a full replacement of both the water pump and thermostat on January 10, 2025, at 53,981 miles. This resulted in a total out-of-pocket repair cost of $2,809.95. The symptoms included engine overheating and loss of coolant. The issue required full replacement of the water pump assembly, thermostat, coolant, and associated components. Below is a summary of the repair work performed: Thermostat replacement: $847.20 Water pump replacement: $1,725.20 Additional fluids, shop fees, taxes: $237.55 Total paid: $2,809.95 I later learned that Audi had issued a recall (NHTSA Recall No. 18V229000) for water pump failures in other Audi models with similar cooling system components and symptoms. However, my model — the 2019 RS3 — was not included in that recall, despite sharing common parts and failure patterns. Given the widespread nature of this issue and the significant cost and safety risks (overheating, possible engine failure), I believe this defect warrants investigation and possible expansion of the existing recall to include the RS3 model. Documentation and a detailed invoice are available upon request.
Corrective Action:
I first began noticing symptoms of a cooling system issue on May 23, 2024, including engine temperature fluctuations and loss of coolant, on my 2019 Audi RS3. Over time, the issue worsened, eventually requiring a full replacement of both the water pump and thermostat on January 10, 2025, at 53,981 miles. This resulted in a total out-of-pocket repair cost of $2,809.95. The symptoms included engine overheating and loss of coolant. The issue required full replacement of the water pump assembly, thermostat, coolant, and associated components. Below is a summary of the repair work performed: Thermostat replacement: $847.20 Water pump replacement: $1,725.20 Additional fluids, shop fees, taxes: $237.55 Total paid: $2,809.95 I later learned that Audi had issued a recall (NHTSA Recall No. 18V229000) for water pump failures in other Audi models with similar cooling system components and symptoms. However, my model — the 2019 RS3 — was not included in that recall, despite sharing common parts and failure patterns. Given the widespread nature of this issue and the significant cost and safety risks (overheating, possible engine failure), I believe this defect warrants investigation and possible expansion of the existing recall to include the RS3 model. Documentation and a detailed invoice are available upon request.
Additional Notes:
I first began noticing symptoms of a cooling system issue on May 23, 2024, including engine temperature fluctuations and loss of coolant, on my 2019 Audi RS3. Over time, the issue worsened, eventually requiring a full replacement of both the water pump and thermostat on January 10, 2025, at 53,981 miles. This resulted in a total out-of-pocket repair cost of $2,809.95. The symptoms included engine overheating and loss of coolant. The issue required full replacement of the water pump assembly, thermostat, coolant, and associated components. Below is a summary of the repair work performed: Thermostat replacement: $847.20 Water pump replacement: $1,725.20 Additional fluids, shop fees, taxes: $237.55 Total paid: $2,809.95 I later learned that Audi had issued a recall (NHTSA Recall No. 18V229000) for water pump failures in other Audi models with similar cooling system components and symptoms. However, my model — the 2019 RS3 — was not included in that recall, despite sharing common parts and failure patterns. Given the widespread nature of this issue and the significant cost and safety risks (overheating, possible engine failure), I believe this defect warrants investigation and possible expansion of the existing recall to include the RS3 model. Documentation and a detailed invoice are available upon request.
Mfg Campaign: 11650727
Recall Date: Mar 26, 2025
Volkswagen Group Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Potential Consequences:
[XXX] Unable to fill the vehicle with fuel normally, with the nozzle clicking off repeatedly, required trickle of fuel to partially fill tank. Same day system failure under normal driving conditions with fuel leak spraying fuel from the gas tank and overflowing under excessive pressure creating serious risk of injury or death due to fire or explosion. Removal of the cap revealed excessive tank pressure causing fuel to spew from the fill opening, creating an additional safety risk in addition to fire and explosion, including eye, skin, and clothing contamination and/or damage. Audi dealer in Lakeland, Florida evaluated the defect and recommended replacement of the tank and entire fuel system. Audi factory service number provided by dealer to report the defect and request covered repair on 10/16/2024 with investigation in process. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Corrective Action:
[XXX] Unable to fill the vehicle with fuel normally, with the nozzle clicking off repeatedly, required trickle of fuel to partially fill tank. Same day system failure under normal driving conditions with fuel leak spraying fuel from the gas tank and overflowing under excessive pressure creating serious risk of injury or death due to fire or explosion. Removal of the cap revealed excessive tank pressure causing fuel to spew from the fill opening, creating an additional safety risk in addition to fire and explosion, including eye, skin, and clothing contamination and/or damage. Audi dealer in Lakeland, Florida evaluated the defect and recommended replacement of the tank and entire fuel system. Audi factory service number provided by dealer to report the defect and request covered repair on 10/16/2024 with investigation in process. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Additional Notes:
[XXX] Unable to fill the vehicle with fuel normally, with the nozzle clicking off repeatedly, required trickle of fuel to partially fill tank. Same day system failure under normal driving conditions with fuel leak spraying fuel from the gas tank and overflowing under excessive pressure creating serious risk of injury or death due to fire or explosion. Removal of the cap revealed excessive tank pressure causing fuel to spew from the fill opening, creating an additional safety risk in addition to fire and explosion, including eye, skin, and clothing contamination and/or damage. Audi dealer in Lakeland, Florida evaluated the defect and recommended replacement of the tank and entire fuel system. Audi factory service number provided by dealer to report the defect and request covered repair on 10/16/2024 with investigation in process. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Mfg Campaign: 11620220
Recall Date: Oct 16, 2024
Volkswagen Group Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
AIR BAGS
Potential Consequences:
My vehicle has the Audi recall 69BY that came out on March 22, 2021. There is currently still no remedy and its November 19th, 2021. Its been nearly 8 months. The pre-sense warning light and the airbag light are glaring on the dash at all times. Nobody can sit in the passenger seat as the airbag would not deploy in the event of a crash. I have to keep the passenger seatbelt fastened at all times with nobody sitting in the seat or else it dings nonstop. I am expecting my first child in Feb 2022 and would like to trade in my car for a more appropriate family sized car. But, with this open recall with no remedy, i cannot do that. I am stuck with no insight or timeframe for any solution. And its been nearly 8 months. This is unacceptable. Audi customer service has a 2-4 hour wait time every time i call, and the only option is for a call back, which i have yet to receive one. This issue would be minor if there was a timely fix, but with nearly 8 months passing and no remedy yet, this has turned into a major inconvenience in my life and its difficult to deal with knowing i cant do anything. and nobody has any information on when this will be fixed.
Corrective Action:
My vehicle has the Audi recall 69BY that came out on March 22, 2021. There is currently still no remedy and its November 19th, 2021. Its been nearly 8 months. The pre-sense warning light and the airbag light are glaring on the dash at all times. Nobody can sit in the passenger seat as the airbag would not deploy in the event of a crash. I have to keep the passenger seatbelt fastened at all times with nobody sitting in the seat or else it dings nonstop. I am expecting my first child in Feb 2022 and would like to trade in my car for a more appropriate family sized car. But, with this open recall with no remedy, i cannot do that. I am stuck with no insight or timeframe for any solution. And its been nearly 8 months. This is unacceptable. Audi customer service has a 2-4 hour wait time every time i call, and the only option is for a call back, which i have yet to receive one. This issue would be minor if there was a timely fix, but with nearly 8 months passing and no remedy yet, this has turned into a major inconvenience in my life and its difficult to deal with knowing i cant do anything. and nobody has any information on when this will be fixed.
Additional Notes:
My vehicle has the Audi recall 69BY that came out on March 22, 2021. There is currently still no remedy and its November 19th, 2021. Its been nearly 8 months. The pre-sense warning light and the airbag light are glaring on the dash at all times. Nobody can sit in the passenger seat as the airbag would not deploy in the event of a crash. I have to keep the passenger seatbelt fastened at all times with nobody sitting in the seat or else it dings nonstop. I am expecting my first child in Feb 2022 and would like to trade in my car for a more appropriate family sized car. But, with this open recall with no remedy, i cannot do that. I am stuck with no insight or timeframe for any solution. And its been nearly 8 months. This is unacceptable. Audi customer service has a 2-4 hour wait time every time i call, and the only option is for a call back, which i have yet to receive one. This issue would be minor if there was a timely fix, but with nearly 8 months passing and no remedy yet, this has turned into a major inconvenience in my life and its difficult to deal with knowing i cant do anything. and nobody has any information on when this will be fixed.
Mfg Campaign: 11441059
Recall Date: Nov 19, 2021
Volkswagen Group Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Potential Consequences:
MY CAR KEEPS THROWING DRIVE ERRORS, SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS, AND THROWS NO TROUBLE CODES? I BROUGHT THIS TO THE ATTENTION OF AUDI, AND GOT NO ANSWER. CAN YOU INVESTIGATE A HACKED TCU/ECU? I DON'T HAVE THE GEAR.*DT CONSUMER STATED ELECTRONIC OIL SENSOR MIGHT HAVE NEVER WORKED. DIPSTICK WAS LOW, THE ONLY LIGHT IS DRIVE TRAIN MALFUNCTION LIGHT.*JB
Corrective Action:
MY CAR KEEPS THROWING DRIVE ERRORS, SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS, AND THROWS NO TROUBLE CODES? I BROUGHT THIS TO THE ATTENTION OF AUDI, AND GOT NO ANSWER. CAN YOU INVESTIGATE A HACKED TCU/ECU? I DON'T HAVE THE GEAR.*DT CONSUMER STATED ELECTRONIC OIL SENSOR MIGHT HAVE NEVER WORKED. DIPSTICK WAS LOW, THE ONLY LIGHT IS DRIVE TRAIN MALFUNCTION LIGHT.*JB
Additional Notes:
MY CAR KEEPS THROWING DRIVE ERRORS, SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS, AND THROWS NO TROUBLE CODES? I BROUGHT THIS TO THE ATTENTION OF AUDI, AND GOT NO ANSWER. CAN YOU INVESTIGATE A HACKED TCU/ECU? I DON'T HAVE THE GEAR.*DT CONSUMER STATED ELECTRONIC OIL SENSOR MIGHT HAVE NEVER WORKED. DIPSTICK WAS LOW, THE ONLY LIGHT IS DRIVE TRAIN MALFUNCTION LIGHT.*JB
Mfg Campaign: 11399975
Recall Date: Mar 9, 2021
Volkswagen Group Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ENGINE
Potential Consequences:
MY CAR KEEPS THROWING DRIVE ERRORS, SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS, AND THROWS NO TROUBLE CODES? I BROUGHT THIS TO THE ATTENTION OF AUDI, AND GOT NO ANSWER. CAN YOU INVESTIGATE A HACKED TCU/ECU? I DON'T HAVE THE GEAR.*DT CONSUMER STATED ELECTRONIC OIL SENSOR MIGHT HAVE NEVER WORKED. DIPSTICK WAS LOW, THE ONLY LIGHT IS DRIVE TRAIN MALFUNCTION LIGHT.*JB
Corrective Action:
MY CAR KEEPS THROWING DRIVE ERRORS, SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS, AND THROWS NO TROUBLE CODES? I BROUGHT THIS TO THE ATTENTION OF AUDI, AND GOT NO ANSWER. CAN YOU INVESTIGATE A HACKED TCU/ECU? I DON'T HAVE THE GEAR.*DT CONSUMER STATED ELECTRONIC OIL SENSOR MIGHT HAVE NEVER WORKED. DIPSTICK WAS LOW, THE ONLY LIGHT IS DRIVE TRAIN MALFUNCTION LIGHT.*JB
Additional Notes:
MY CAR KEEPS THROWING DRIVE ERRORS, SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS, AND THROWS NO TROUBLE CODES? I BROUGHT THIS TO THE ATTENTION OF AUDI, AND GOT NO ANSWER. CAN YOU INVESTIGATE A HACKED TCU/ECU? I DON'T HAVE THE GEAR.*DT CONSUMER STATED ELECTRONIC OIL SENSOR MIGHT HAVE NEVER WORKED. DIPSTICK WAS LOW, THE ONLY LIGHT IS DRIVE TRAIN MALFUNCTION LIGHT.*JB
Mfg Campaign: 11399975
Recall Date: Mar 9, 2021
Volkswagen Group Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
POWER TRAIN
Potential Consequences:
MY CAR KEEPS THROWING DRIVE ERRORS, SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS, AND THROWS NO TROUBLE CODES? I BROUGHT THIS TO THE ATTENTION OF AUDI, AND GOT NO ANSWER. CAN YOU INVESTIGATE A HACKED TCU/ECU? I DON'T HAVE THE GEAR.*DT CONSUMER STATED ELECTRONIC OIL SENSOR MIGHT HAVE NEVER WORKED. DIPSTICK WAS LOW, THE ONLY LIGHT IS DRIVE TRAIN MALFUNCTION LIGHT.*JB
Corrective Action:
MY CAR KEEPS THROWING DRIVE ERRORS, SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS, AND THROWS NO TROUBLE CODES? I BROUGHT THIS TO THE ATTENTION OF AUDI, AND GOT NO ANSWER. CAN YOU INVESTIGATE A HACKED TCU/ECU? I DON'T HAVE THE GEAR.*DT CONSUMER STATED ELECTRONIC OIL SENSOR MIGHT HAVE NEVER WORKED. DIPSTICK WAS LOW, THE ONLY LIGHT IS DRIVE TRAIN MALFUNCTION LIGHT.*JB
Additional Notes:
MY CAR KEEPS THROWING DRIVE ERRORS, SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS, AND THROWS NO TROUBLE CODES? I BROUGHT THIS TO THE ATTENTION OF AUDI, AND GOT NO ANSWER. CAN YOU INVESTIGATE A HACKED TCU/ECU? I DON'T HAVE THE GEAR.*DT CONSUMER STATED ELECTRONIC OIL SENSOR MIGHT HAVE NEVER WORKED. DIPSTICK WAS LOW, THE ONLY LIGHT IS DRIVE TRAIN MALFUNCTION LIGHT.*JB
Mfg Campaign: 11399975
Recall Date: Mar 9, 2021
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