This page covers 3 recalls, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2016 Audi A3.
27 mpg combined
8.7 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 2015 to 2016 Audi A3 received a five-star overall rating in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program for US-market vehicles. The model earned five stars in side crash and side pole crash tests, while frontal crash and rollover tests resulted in four-star ratings. NHTSA applies these ratings across model years until a significant redesign occurs, so this assessment covers the entire 2015 to 2016 range tested.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The 2016 Audi A3 has 3 recalls, the most serious being a front passenger airbag that can explode during deployment and send metal fragments into the cabin, posing a risk of serious injury or death.
A separate fuel system recall affects front-wheel-drive models: a fuel leak can develop and, near an ignition source, create a fire risk. The third recall involves the passenger seat occupancy sensor, which can malfunction and switch off the front passenger airbag even when someone is sitting in the seat, leaving that occupant without airbag protection in a crash.
At a glance
What can fail
A faulty seal on the suction pump inside the fuel tank allows fuel to flow into the emissions control system and potentially leak from the charcoal canister.
What the fix does
The suction pump will be replaced at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 5 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
At a glance
What can fail
The front passenger air bag may explode or deploy incorrectly during deployment.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag module at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger air bag detection system may malfunction and turn off the passenger air bag even when someone is sitting in that seat.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the detection sensor mat and reprogram the detection control module at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
