Tl* the contact owns a 2016 Audi a3. While operating the vehicle, the check engine indicator remained illuminated. Also, an abnormal clicking noise and smoke were present coming from the engine. The vehicle was taken to the dealer (fletchers jones Audi chicago, 1111 n. Clark st, chicago, il) where it was diagnosed that the exhaust was faulty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not…
2016 Audi A3 engine problems
severe 8 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Complaints
8
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
1crash
2fires
When does it fail?
Of the 8 engine complaints filed for the 2016 Audi A3, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Among the 8 model years of Audi A3 in our records for engine problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
No new NHTSA engine complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 7 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
The contact owns a 2016 Audi A3. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, there was a strong fuel odor coming from the vehicle, and the vehicle hesitated while starting. Additionally, the contact stated that the failure persisted before starting. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that there was an engine misfire and a leak in the fuel pump. The…
Had engine trouble with your 2016 Audi A3?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2016 Audi A3?
It's a meaningful issue. 8 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Based on the 8 complaints filed, engine issues most often appear around 61,776 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2016/Audi/A3.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.