Audi A3 Common Problems and Solutions
Engine Failure (All 2.0-ltr Models)
Problem:
The engine has failed and will not restart.
Solution:
2.0-ltr diesel versions of the A3 have a reported issue with some drivers experiencing massive engine failure after less than 60,000 miles. It’s caused by excessive wear to a sprocket on the oil pump and can happen at almost any time. You’ll have to order a replacement oil pump from us and replace the worn one.
Difficulty level
Oil Pump
Stiff Gear Change (All Six-Speed Manuals)
Problem:
It’s becoming more difficult to move between 1st and 2nd gears, and the gear stick feels stiff.
Solution:
Only affecting those A3s with a six-speed manual gearbox, the problem here is that you have a gearbox synchromesh fault. Having a professional install this for you can be very expensive, but you can find a low-cost replacement easily on our parts page, and it’s easier to replace yourself than you might think.
Difficulty level
Weak Brake Pedal
Problem:
The brake pedal needs excessive pressure to start working.
Solution:
The brake vacuum pump on A3s built between 1996 and 1999 is famous for rapid wear. Check your pipe for cracks, order your replacement from BreakerYard today, and easily replace the damaged one.
Difficulty level
Vacuum Pump
Engine Misfire
Problem:
The car is misfiring, leading to a loss of power. The Check Engine Light may also come on.
Solution:
This will usually be caused by an engine coil failure. It’s very normal in cars that have driven a lot of miles, and you’ll need to replace them. In very rare cases, you may find that replacing the coils hasn’t helped, in which case you’ll need to order replacement spark plugs from our online store and exchange them too.
Difficulty level
Engine Failure (All 2.0-ltr Models)
Problem:
The engine has failed and will not restart.
Solution:
2.0-ltr diesel versions of the A3 have a reported issue with some drivers experiencing massive engine failure after less than 60,000 miles. It’s caused by excessive wear to a sprocket on the oil pump and can happen at almost any time. You’ll have to order a replacement oil pump from us and replace the worn one.
Difficulty level
Stiff Gear Change (All Six-Speed Manuals)
Problem:
It’s becoming more difficult to move between 1st and 2nd gears, and the gear stick feels stiff.
Solution:
Only affecting those A3s with a six-speed manual gearbox, the problem here is that you have a gearbox synchromesh fault. Having a professional install this for you can be very expensive, but you can find a low-cost replacement easily on our parts page, and it’s easier to replace yourself than you might think.
Difficulty level
Weak Brake Pedal
Problem:
The brake pedal needs excessive pressure to start working.
Solution:
The brake vacuum pump on A3s built between 1996 and 1999 is famous for rapid wear. Check your pipe for cracks, order your replacement from BreakerYard today, and easily replace the damaged one.
Difficulty level
Vacuum Pump
Engine Misfire
Problem:
The car is misfiring, leading to a loss of power. The Check Engine Light may also come on.
Solution:
This will usually be caused by an engine coil failure. It’s very normal in cars that have driven a lot of miles, and you’ll need to replace them. In very rare cases, you may find that replacing the coils hasn’t helped, in which case you’ll need to order replacement spark plugs from our online store and exchange them too.
Difficulty level
Suspension problems
Problem:
You may have noticed that when you are driving over speed bumps, or rough surfaces, that there is a knocking noise coming from the suspension. This problem is usually caused by the track rod ends being broken.
Solution:
Fitting replacement track rod ends will fix the problem.
Difficulty level
Rod Ends
DPF warning light
Problem:
If the DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) warning light has appeared on the dashboard, then it is usually caused by a blocked DPF, due to the car only being driven around town. This means that the DPF is unable to reach high enough temperatures ,to be able to burn off the unwanted particles. This results in the DPF becoming blocked.
Solution:
You need to take the car out onto a motorway and drive it in 4th gear, at about 2500 rpm for about 10 miles. This will allow the DPF to get hot enough, to be able to burn off these unwanted particles. This in turn, should cause the warning light to go off on the dashboard. Have a look at the video below, for an idea on how to do this:
Difficulty level
Engine management warning light
Problem:
If the engine management warning light has appeared on the dashboard, it is usually caused by the coolant temperature sensor. If this is the problem, you may also notice that you are having trouble starting the car when it is warm, or are getting strange temperature readings.
Solution:
You will need to replace the coolant temperature sensor, in order to resolve this issue.
Difficulty level
Coolant Temperature Sensor
Oil leak on diesel engines
Problem:
If you have noticed that there is an oil leak on the floor, then the usual cause is a broken turbo pressure pipe seal.
Solution:
Changing the turbo pressure pipe seal will solve the problem.
Difficulty level
Excessive Oil Use
Problem:
You are using far too much oil on a regular basis.
Solution:
This is a well-known problem on Audi A3s built between 2003 and 2012 and is down to the fuel pipe. It usually affects 2.0-ltr models, especially those built between 2008 and 2011. The cause is a faulty fuel pipe, which is leaking oil. Buy some anti-vibration weights from our store and install them to fix the problem.
Difficulty level
Excessive Oil Use
Problem:
You are using far too much oil on a regular basis.
Solution:
This is a well-known problem on Audi A3s built between 2003 and 2012 and is down to the fuel pipe. It usually affects 2.0-ltr models, especially those built between 2008 and 2011. The cause is a faulty fuel pipe, which is leaking oil. Buy some anti-vibration weights from our store and install them to fix the problem.
Difficulty level
Losing Power (Automatics)
Problem:
The car starts to lose power when driving.
Solution:
The clutch temperature gauge on automatics has the frustrating habit of engaging at random times. This causes the car to lose power. Audi recalled a large number of A3s for this reason, and it’s caused by a faulty chip. You’ll need to find a replacement clutch temperature gauge on our parts list and replace the faulty one.
Difficulty level
Losing Power
Problem:
The car starts to lose power when driving.
Solution:
The clutch temperature gauge on automatics has the frustrating habit of engaging at random times. This causes the car to lose power. Audi recalled a large number of A3s for this reason, and it’s caused by a faulty chip. You’ll need to find a replacement clutch temperature gauge on our parts list and replace the faulty one.
Difficulty level
Rear Wheel Has Come Off
Problem:
The rear wheel has come off while driving.
Solution:
This is quite rare and is only a problem on A3s built between August 1st and August 31st, 2017. The rear hub carrier was manufactured to the incorrect standard. You’ll need to buy a replacement rear hub carrier and a rear wheel, both of which can be found on our parts list for the A3.
Difficulty level
Wheel Hub Carrier
Rear Wheel Has Come Off
Problem:
The rear wheel has come off while driving.
Solution:
This is quite rare and is only a problem on A3s built between August 1st and August 31st, 2017. The rear hub carrier was manufactured to the incorrect standard. You’ll need to buy a replacement rear hub carrier and a rear wheel, both of which can be found on our parts list for the A3.
Difficulty level
