Audi A3 recalls
Recalls to 31 Oct 2026, from DVSA's file. Each recall shows its own launch date.
DVSA lists 24 safety recalls naming the Audi A3, launched from 1997 to 2025. Most recalls cover only cars built in certain dates or chassis number ranges, so check a specific car on GOV.UK's recall check.
Audi A3 recalls at a glance
- Recalls
- 24
- 1997 to 2025
- Latest recall
- 8 August 2025
- R/2025/387
Source: DVSA RecallsFile.csv, recalls launched from 1992 to October 2026, downloaded 31 October 2026. Open Government Licence v3.0.
Every Audi A3 recall
Newest first. The concern is the part or system affected, the defect is what can go wrong, and the remedy is what the manufacturer does to put it right.
Stop-drive TAKATA PSAN
R/2025/387, launched 8 August 2025. Also covers the A4, A5, A6, Q5, TT
Defect: Urgent Safety Warning – Do Not Drive Your Vehicle Affected vehicles were originally allocated to or used for an extended period of time in a region with a climate zone considered to as HIGH RISK. Certain front airbags contain an ageing inflator propellant that may explode when deployed due to long-term exposure to heat and humidity. If the airbag inflator explodes metal fragments may be ejected causing life-threatening or fatal injuries to anyone in the vehicle.
Remedy: Affected airbags will be be replaced. You can contact Audi's dedicated Takata Stop Drive helpline at 0113 526 9646 (MONDAY to FRIDAY 9:00AM to 5:00PM.
Replacing TAKATA driver airbag
R/2024/312, launched 13 August 2024. Also covers the A4
Defect: On imported Audi vehicles previously used in a warm climate zone and fitted with TAKATA driver airbag manufactured within a specific period it is possible that the gas generator housing may cause small metal parts to become dislodged from the housing and potentially injure the driver or a passenger.
Remedy: As a precautionary safety measure it is necessary to replace the gas generator in the airbag unit on the driver side of the vehicle.
On affected vehicles an electrical connector for the power supply for the fuse carrier in the interior of the vehicle may have not been installed correctly.
R/2023/254, launched 22 August 2023, 104,162 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the Q2
Defect: On affected vehicles an electrical connector for the power supply for the fuse carrier in the interior of the vehicle may have not been installed correctly.
Remedy: Check the electrical connection and secure if necessary.
RESTRAINING CAPACITY OF THE BELT SYSTEM FOR THE FRONT SEATS MAY BE LOWER THAN INTENDED IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT
R/2022/303, launched 20 October 2022, 174 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: The restraining capability of the belt system for the front seats may be lower than intended in the event of an accident.
Remedy: As a precautionary safety measure it is necessary to replace both front seat belts. Advice is given’against transporting children on the front passenger seat until the seat belts have been replaced.
THE FUSE IN THE HIGH-VOLTAGE SYSTEM MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED WITH AN INSUFFICIENT QUANTITY OF EXTINGUISHING SAND
R/2022/085, launched 7 April 2022, 3,656 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the Q3
Defect: The fuse in the high-voltage system (HV system) in vehicles built within a limited period may have been manufactured with an insufficient quantity of extinguishing sand.
Remedy: Insulation must be fitted above the switching unit for the high-voltage battery.
THE BOLTED CONNECTION ON THE INPUT ROD BETWEEN THE ELECTROMECHANICAL BRAKE SERVO AND BRAKE PEDAL CAN BE COME LOOSE
R/2021/323, launched 10 September 2021, 11 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the Q3
Defect: The bolted connection of the pull rod between the electromechanical brake servo and brake pedal may come loose resulting in a loss of all service braking ability.
Remedy: Vehicles are not to be driven and the bolted connection of the input rod between the electromechanical brake servo and brake pedal must be checked and if necessary retightened.
THE CAMSHAFT ADJUSTER BELT PULLEY MAY BREAK OR THE HOUSING BOLTS MAY COME LOOSE
R/2019/263, launched 9 August 2019, 133 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: The belt pulley for the camshaft adjuster may break or the bolts for the camshaft adjuster housing may come loose
Remedy: The camshaft adjuster must be replaced on the affected vehicles
POSSIBLE DISCREPANCY IN THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS OF THE CENTRE REAR SEAT HEAD RESTRAINT
R/2019/066, launched 27 February 2019, 1,573 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: The centre rear head restraint may not be to specification.
Remedy: Check the head restraint and replace if necessary.
THE MOUNTING FOR THE HEAD RESTRAINT IS NOT CORRECTLY WELDED TO THE OUTER BACKREST FRAME FOR THE REAR SEAT
R/2018/338, launched 30 November 2018, 147 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the Q2
Defect: The rear back rest head restraint mounting is not correctly welded.
Remedy: Check and replace rear back rest frame if required.
STARTER MOTOR MAY MALFUNCTION AND OVERHEAT
R/2018/061, launched 7 March 2018, 5,208 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: On vehicles with diesel engines and stop/start system the starter motor may be permanently activated because the return spring in the solenoid switch is bent or broken. If the permanent current supply to the starter motor is not noticed overheating of the component with local scorching damage and a vehicle fire is possible.
Remedy: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the solenoid switch.
PASSENGER AIRBAG MAY NOT DEPLOY AS INTENDED
R/2018/040, launched 6 February 2018, 6 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: There is a possibility of a faulty weld on the gas generator. If the airbag is deployed there is a risk that parts could be projected into the cabin with risk of injury to the occupants.
Remedy: On affected vehicles replace the front passenger air bag module with a correctly manufactured version.
REAR HUB CARRIERS NOT MANUFACTURED TO CORRECT STANDARD
R/2017/311, launched 17 November 2017, 30 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the Q2
Defect: The hardening process for the rear wheel bearing housings may not have been correctly performed. In the worst case this could lead to a fractured housing. Should a fractured housing occur there would be abnormal noises bad tyre wear and a theoretical possibility of wheel loss.
Remedy: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the right and left rear wheel bearing housings.
ABS/ESC SYSTEM MAY FAIL
R/2017/190, launched 20 June 2017, 38,548 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: On vehicles with ABS/ESC the earth connection may be interrupted. This may cause failure of the ABS/ESC system.
Remedy: On affected vehicles install new software. Where necessary a new ABS/ESC control unit will be fitted.
FUEL MAY LEAK
R/2011/170, launched 15 December 2011, 1,825 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: On 2.0l Common Rail engines of a limited production period faulty material can cause leaks on the high pressure pipes during the service life of the vehicle.
Remedy: Fitting of anti-vibration balance weights must be fitted on the high-pressure pipes.
CLUTCH MAY OPERATE INADVERTENTLY WITH UNEXPECTED LOSS OF DRIVE.
R/2009/112, launched 14 December 2009, 1,454 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the TT
Defect: In rare cases an incorrect interpretation of the clutch temperature can occur which results in the clutch opening unexpectedly with loss of drive.
Remedy: Recall affected vehicles and update/reprogramme gearbox control unit.
CURTAIN AIRBAG MAY NOT INFLATE IN A COLLISION
R/2006/136, launched 6 September 2006, 92 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: The gas required to inflate the curtain airbag can escape gradually through a defective welded seam on the gas generator. In this instance the curtain airbag would fail to inflate in a collision.
Remedy: Recalled vehicles will have the curtain airbag replaced.
FLYWHEEL MAY FAIL FIRE MAY RESULT
R/2006/031, launched 27 March 2006, 8,586 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: The two mass flywheel can become damaged because of a non-optimally designed through-flow restrictor in the clutch pressure pipe. This can lead to a total failure of the flywheel and under unfavourable circumstances to a vehicle fire.
Remedy: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and establish the manufacturer of the two mass flywheel. Where necessary replace the flywheel and the breather of the clutch pressure pipe.
BOLTS OF THE TANDEM FUEL PUMP COVER MAY BREAK
R/2004/213, launched 1 March 2005, 14,820 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the A2, A4
Defect: It is advised that on some vehicles fitted with a 3 and 4 cylinder pump injector engine the bolts of the tandem fuel pump cover may break due to a bolt production fault. As a result the pump housing will not be tight and a diesel fuel leak may occur.
Remedy: Recalled vehicles will have the pump checked for being of a certain manufacture. If found to be within the affected range the pump housing cover bolts will be replaced.
SHATTER CRACKS MAY OCCUR ON A VACUUM PIPE TO BRAKE SERVO
R/2003/128, launched 29 September 2003, 21,335 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: Shatter cracks may occur on the vacuum pipe to the brake servo near the connections. If a vacuum pipe leaks a lot more force will be necessary to operate the brake pedal.
Remedy: The fitted vacuum pipes will be checked and replaced if necessary.
AIRBAG MAY NOT DEPLOY
R/2002/143, launched 26 October 2002, 541 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the A2, A4, A6, TT
Defect: On 79 vehicles within the VIN ranges affected (with 3-spoke sports steering wheel) it is possible that in the event of a collision impact above the triggering threshold of the airbags the driver's airbag may not be deployed.
Remedy: The drivers airbag unit will be replaced on all affected vehicles with 3-spoke sports steering wheel.
ANTI LOCK BRAKE CONTROL UNIT CONCERN
R/2002/029, launched 7 June 2002, 99 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: There is a risk that an electrical fault in the anti lock brake control unit (ABS) can cause overheating of related electrical components. This may lead to fire damage and cause the service brake to revert to a non-anti lock mode of operation.
Remedy: Recall affected vehicles to check the part number and supplier code of the ABS control unit. Renew the ABS control unit where found necessary.
POSSIBLE JAMMING OF ACCELERATOR MECHANISM
R/1998/116, launched 26 January 1999, 1,765 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: It is possible that part of the throttle actuator mechanism can rub against the bonnet insulation and in a worst-case situation could become jammed.
Remedy: Recall affected vehicles and fit modified insulation material.
REAR LEFT AND RIGHT SEAT BELT RETRACTOR MOUNTING BRACKETS MAY BE PRONE TO FATIGUE CRACKING
R/1998/047, launched 1 July 1998, 2,822 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: In isolated cases the securing brackets for the rear left and right seat belt retractors may be prone to fatigue cracking. This means that the seat belts for the outer rear seats may not provide the maximum level of protection under extreme conditions.
Remedy: Fit reinforcement plates at the belt retractors.
FRONT SEAT BELT HEIGHT ADJUSTER
R/1997/049, launched 28 June 1997, 1,097 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the A4, A6
Defect: The front seat belt height adjuster may not have been manufactured to the correct specification and could endanger the belt wearer in an accident situation.
Remedy: Affected vehicles are being recalled to dealers for inspection and where required the installation of a new seat belt height adjuster.
Source: DVSA RecallsFile.csv, recalls launched from 1992 to October 2026, downloaded 31 October 2026. Open Government Licence v3.0.
What to do next
If you own a Audi A3, check its registration on GOV.UK and ask a Audi dealer whether any recall work is outstanding. If you are buying one, ask the seller for proof the work was done, and run a Motoring Insider history check for finance, write-offs and the MOT history.