VehicleVerdict

2016 Audi A3 Sportback E-Tron problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 2016 Audi A3 Sportback E-Tron — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

2

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2016 compare to other A3 Sportback E-Tron years?

A3 Sportback E-Tron NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted2 complaints2016: 2 complaints2017: 2 complaints2018: 0 complaints
A3 Sportback E-Tron NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all A3 Sportback E-Tron years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 Audi A3 Sportback E-Tron problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Tires & Wheels150%
Visibility & Wipers150%

Does the 2016 Audi A3 Sportback E-Tron have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

22V543000AirbagsJuly 27, 2022 · 1,216 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

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.

21V198000AirbagsMarch 22, 2021 · 153,152 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.

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.

19V474000AirbagsJune 19, 2019 · 138,896 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · February 11, 2017

“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.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · July 24, 2017

2016 Audi A3 Sportback E-Tron — common questions

Is the 2016 Audi A3 Sportback E-Tron reliable?

The record is thin — 2 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2016 Audi A3 Sportback E-Tron have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2016 Audi A3 Sportback E-Tron. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.