Does the 2016 Audi A3 Cabriolet have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2016 Audi A3 Cabriolet, the most recent reported on June 19, 2019 (Air bags: sensor, occupant classification). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Audi A3 Cabriolet?

Owners have filed 36 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is air bags (15 complaints), followed by engine (6).

How many 2016 Audi A3 Cabriolet complaints mention a crash or fire?

0 of 36 complaints report a crash and 2 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2016 Audi A3 Cabriolet recalls and problems

3 recalls and 36 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2016 Audi A3 Cabriolet.

recalls

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2016 Audi A3 Cabriolet recalls

Air bags: sensor, occupant classification

NHTSA campaign 19V474000 · reported June 19, 2019 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · 138,896 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: 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.
The risk: A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: 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.

Fuel system, gasoline · Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system, emission control

NHTSA campaign 16V647000 · reported September 7, 2016 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · 110,042 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Volkswagen Golf, Golf SportWagen, GTI, Audi A3 sedan and A3 Cabriolet vehicles. Due to a problem with the suction pump inside the fuel tank, fuel may flow into the evaporative emissions (EVAP) system.
The risk: As fuel accumulates in the EVAP system, it may leak out through the charcoal canister filter element. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suction pump, free of charge. The recall began November 2016. Volkswagen owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298, Audi owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 20Y6 and 20Y5. This recall has been fully superseded by recall 24V-110.

Electrical system: software · Exterior lighting

NHTSA campaign 16V642000 · reported September 6, 2016 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · 79,895 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2016 TT roadster, A3 cabriolet, A3 sedan and A3 e-tron, 2016-2017 TT coupe, 2017 A4 sedan and Q7 and 2015-2017 Q3 vehicles. The affected vehicles may have been programmed with new software that inadvertently makes the side marker lights inoperative in conjunction with the parking lights or the headlights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
The risk: If the side marker lights do not illuminate, the vehicle may be less visible at night, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will upload revised software to correct the issue, free of charge. This recall began November 2016. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 97CB.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

Air bags15
Engine6
Fuel/propulsion system6
Electrical system4
Power train3
Unknown or other3
Fuel system, gasoline2
Engine and engine cooling1
Exterior lighting1
Steering1

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Jun 26, 2024 · Air bags · 35,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3 Cabriolet. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was previously taken to the local dealer, where it was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V198000 (Air Bags). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, Audi Richmond…

Apr 1, 2024 · Engine · 100,500 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3. The contact stated while driving at unknown speed the message, "Oil Level Sensor System Fault" was displayed. The message was display on several occasions while the contact was driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the mechanic stated that several fault codes…

Aug 30, 2023 · Steering · 147,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3. The contact stated while driving at slow speeds and making a U-turn, the "Steering Defect; Do Not Drive" message was displayed. The power steering warning light was illuminated. The steering wheel turned in the other direction when the vehicle struck the curb. While making a left turn…

Apr 17, 2023 · Wheels · 63,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle drove over a massive pothole in the roadway. The contact pulled over to assess the vehicle and discovered that the front passenger’s rim had detached the vehicle. Additionally, the oil pan was punctured, causing oil to leak from the…

Feb 16, 2023 · Fuel system, gasoline · 8,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3. The contact stated while refueling the vehicle, gasoline sprayed out from the fuel filler neck. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed of a malfunction with the filler neck. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and notified…

A3 Cabriolet model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2015	5	87	1	0
2016	3	36	0	2
2017	3	25	0	0
2018	5	12	0	0
2019	1	4	0	0

Across all years, the 2015 A3 Cabriolet has the most complaints (87). All Audi A3 Cabriolet years →

Questions

Does the 2016 Audi A3 Cabriolet have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2016 Audi A3 Cabriolet, the most recent reported on June 19, 2019 (Air bags: sensor, occupant classification). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Audi A3 Cabriolet?: Owners have filed 36 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is air bags (15 complaints), followed by engine (6).
How many 2016 Audi A3 Cabriolet complaints mention a crash or fire?: 0 of 36 complaints report a crash and 2 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received June 26, 2024.