YearToAvoid

2016 Audi A3 Fuel System Problems

NHTSA lists 20 Fuel System complaints for the 2016 Audi A3, 25% of all complaints for the year, at a median 74,517 miles. A recall (24V110000) covers a defective suction jet pump tied to fuel leaks and one reported fire.

Fuel System complaints
20
25% of 81
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
74,517 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical fuel system symptoms owners report

  • Fuel leaks from the rear of the vehicle near the passenger-side wheel, sometimes discovered after parking in a garage.
  • Fuel spills or shoots out when trying to refuel, with the tank not accepting gas normally.
  • Strong fuel odor inside or around the vehicle accompanied by fuel pooling in the charcoal canister or leak diagnostic pump.
  • Suction jet pump inside the fuel tank fails, allowing fuel to enter the EVAP system and leak through the canister filter.
  • Engine stalling or seizing while driving, sometimes with check engine or low oil warning lights on, linked to fuel system failure.
  • Owners report Audi dealers refusing or delaying free repair of the suction jet pump despite an open recall.

When 2016 Audi A3 fuel system complaints were filed

First complaint Jan 6, 2020, latest Apr 9, 2026.

2016 Audi A3 fuel system complaints: complaints filed per month3Jan 2020Jun 2022Nov 2022Nov 2023May 2024Aug 2024Oct 2024Oct 2025
20 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jan 2020 to Apr 2026; peak Aug 2024 (3).

Fuel System recalls for the 2016 Audi A3

  1. NHTSA 24V110000Feb 14, 2024Fuel System261,257 vehicles

    Fuel system, gasoline

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain front-wheel drive 2015-2020 Audi A3 Sedan, 2015-2019 Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI, 2018 Golf Sportwagen GP, 2018-2019 Golf Sportwagen A7, 2015-2017 Golf Sportwagen, 2015-2020 Golf GTI, and 2015-2020 Golf A7 vehicles. Due to a problem with a suction jet pump seal inside the fuel tank, fuel may flow into the evaporative emissions (EVAP) system and possibly leak out of the charcoal canister.

    Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the suction pump, free of charge. Final owner notification letters for Audi owners were mailed on July 25, 2024. Final owner letters for VW owners were mailed on August 13, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are VW: 20UF/Audi: 20YF. Vehicles that were previously recalled under 16V-647 will need to have the new remedy completed. This recall expands and replaces previous recall number 16V-647.

Fuel System complaints by A3 model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 201019 (38%)
  2. 201110 (23%)
  3. 20124 (9%)
  4. 20133 (15%)
  5. 201521 (23%)
  6. 201620 (25%)
  7. 201715 (34%)
  8. 20185 (15%)
  9. 20194 (40%)
  10. 20200 (0%)
  11. 20220 (0%)
  12. 20230 (0%)
  13. 20240 (0%)
  14. 20250 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

Are fuel system problems common on the 2016 Audi A3?
NHTSA lists 20 Fuel System complaints for the 2016 A3, making up 25% of the 81 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2016 Audi A3 fuel system?
Yes. Recall 24V110000, reported February 14, 2024, covers a defective suction jet pump in the fuel tank; the remedy is dealer replacement of the pump free of charge.
At what mileage do fuel system problems typically show up?
The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this issue is 74,517 miles.
Has the fuel leak caused any fires or crashes?
NHTSA records show 1 fire and 0 crashes among the 20 Fuel System complaints for the 2016 A3.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.