This page covers 3 recalls, 36 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2016 Audi A3 Cabriolet.
28 mpg combined
8.4 L/100km
Subcompact Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted.
The dominant complaint pattern for the 2016 Audi A3 Cabriolet centers heavily on the airbag system, which accounts for the largest share of owner reports by a wide margin. Owners frequently report the airbag warning light illuminating at startup or while driving, often without any apparent trigger event. Several of these complaints reference prior dealer visits that did not fully resolve the warning light. The electrical system draws a smaller cluster of reports, with owners describing various fault messages and warning lights appearing across different vehicle functions. Engine-related complaints are less frequent and cover a range of symptoms, including an oil level sensor fault message appearing repeatedly during normal driving. A few isolated reports mention power steering warning messages and fuel filler neck issues, but these appear in single complaints rather than as recurring patterns across multiple owners.
36
Total Complaints
2
Fire-Related
By System
The 2016 Audi A3 Cabriolet has 3 recalls, the most serious involving a faulty fuel tank suction pump that can push fuel into the evaporative emissions system, where it may leak out near the charcoal canister and create a fire risk.
A second recall affects the passenger seat occupant detection system, which can develop a faulty electrical contact and incorrectly read itself as malfunctioning, causing it to shut off the front passenger airbag. With the airbag deactivated, a front passenger has reduced protection in a crash. The third recall involves a software issue that can leave the side marker lights inoperative when the parking lights or headlights are on, making the vehicle harder to see at night.
At a glance
What can fail
A faulty electrical connection in the passenger air bag detection system may cause it to incorrectly sense a problem and turn off the passenger air bag.
What the fix does
The dealer will replace the connector and reroute the cable to restore proper air bag operation.
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A faulty suction pump inside the fuel tank can allow fuel to flow into the evaporative emissions system.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the suction pump at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Side marker lights may not work when parking lights or headlights are on due to incorrect software programming.
What the fix does
Dealers will upload corrected software to restore side marker light function at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
