2016 Audi A3 Sportback E-Tron recalls and problems
3 recalls and 2 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2016 Audi A3 Sportback E-Tron.
3
recalls
2
owner complaints
0
complaints mentioning a crash
0
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 Sportback E-Tron recalls
Air bags: frontal, passenger side, inflator module
NHTSA campaign 22V543000 · reported July 27, 2022 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · 1,216 vehicles potentially affected
The problem
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.
The risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in serious injury or death. An improper air bag deployment may not properly restrain the occupant, increasing their risk of injury in a crash.
The fix
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.
Air bags: sensor, occupant classification, front passenger · Air bags: on-off switch assembly
NHTSA campaign 21V198000 · reported March 22, 2021 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · 153,152 vehicles potentially affected
The problem
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.
The risk
A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix
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.
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.
Most reported problems
Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.
Tires1
Visibility/wiper1
What owners report
Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.
Aug 26, 2017 · Visibility/wiper · 10,000 miles
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…
Feb 13, 2017 · Tires · 2,500 miles
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
Does the 2016 Audi A3 Sportback E-Tron have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2016 Audi A3 Sportback E-Tron, the most recent reported on July 27, 2022 (Air bags: frontal, passenger side, inflator module). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Audi A3 Sportback E-Tron?
Owners have filed 2 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is tires (1 complaints), followed by visibility/wiper (1).
How many 2016 Audi A3 Sportback E-Tron complaints mention a crash or fire?
0 of 2 complaints report a crash and 0 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 August 26, 2017.