2010 Audi A3 Fuel System Problems
NHTSA lists 19 fuel system complaints for the 2010 Audi A3, 38% of its 50 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 39,100. A related recall (11V490000) covers a fuel injector line issue, though it was issued for other VW/Audi models sharing the platform.
- Fuel System complaints
- 19
- 38% of 50
- Crashes reported
- 0
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 39,100 mi
- Related recalls
- 2
Typical fuel system symptoms owners report
- Vehicles suddenly lose all power and stall at highway speeds, often near 45-65 mph, and will not restart.
- Owners report the high pressure fuel pump fails internally, sometimes described as exploding or disintegrating, sending metal particles through the fuel system.
- The glow-plug or check-engine light flashes just before or during the power loss, warning of an impending stall.
- Some owners report the dealer blamed the failure on contaminated or bad diesel fuel rather than a part defect.
- Stalling happens at a range of mileages, from low mileage soon after purchase to well over 100,000 miles, and often leaves the car stranded and requiring a tow.
When 2010 Audi A3 fuel system complaints were filed
First complaint Dec 17, 2010, latest Jan 9, 2015.
Fuel System recalls for the 2010 Audi A3
- NHTSA 11V490000Oct 3, 2011Fuel System168,275 vehicles
Fuel system, diesel
Volkswagen is recalling certain model 2009-2012 jetta and jetta sportwagen vehicles, manufactured from may 2008 through september 2011, model year 2010-2012 volkswagen golf vehicles, manufactured from may 2009 through september 2011, and model year 2010-2012 audi a3 vehicles, manufactured from september 2009 through september 2011, that are equipped with a 2.0l tdi common rail diesel engine/clean diesel engine. The fuel injection pulses could coincide with the natural frequency of the injector line #2, in specific load and rpm conditions. This resonance creates additional stress in the fuel line.
Risk: Due to the resonance condition, injector line number 2 could develop small cracks which could lead to fuel leakage. Leaking fuel in the presence of an ignition source, may lead to a fire.
Remedy: Volkswagen will install an improved fuel injector line for the number 2 cylinder on certain vehicles and will install vibration dampers on all of the injector lines. Volkswagen and audi will notify owners to have the vehicles repaired free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during november 2011. Owners may contact volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.
- NHTSA 09V377000Sep 30, 2009Fuel System10,200 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly
Volkswagen is recalling certain model year 2006 through 2010 audi a3, tt, and tt roadster passenger vehicles manufactured between september 29, 2005 and august 26, 2009. The closing force of an internal spring of the fuel tank ventilation valve is not adequate enough to hold the valve closed under extreme driving conditions possibly allowing fuel to leak.
Risk: In the presence of an ignition source, a vehicle fire could occur.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners and audi dealers will replace the fuel tank ventilation valve with an improved valve free of charge. The safety recall began on november 16, 2009. Owners may contact audi at 1-800-253-2834.
Fuel System complaints by A3 model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How common are fuel system complaints on the 2010 Audi A3?
- NHTSA lists 19 fuel system complaints for the 2010 Audi A3, which is 38% of the 50 total complaints filed for this model year.
- Is there a recall for the 2010 Audi A3 fuel system?
- Yes, recall campaign 11V490000 covers a fuel system fix (an improved fuel injector line for the number 2 cylinder), though NHTSA's summary describes it as applying to related 2009-2012 Jetta, Jetta Sportwagen, and 2010-2012 Golf vehicles.
- At what mileage do 2010 Audi A3 fuel system problems typically show up?
- The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA is 39,100 miles.
- Did the fuel system problems cause crashes or fires?
- NHTSA records show 0 crashes and 0 fires linked to these fuel system complaints for the 2010 Audi A3.
- What fuel system part usually fails on the 2010 Audi A3 TDI?
- Sample complaints repeatedly describe high pressure fuel pump failures that cause sudden stalling and loss of power.