2016 Audi A3 Cabriolet: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2016 Audi A3 Cabriolet: 3 recalls, 36 owner complaints and up to 28 mpg combined.
.jpg){kind=link}
Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Exterior lights, Electrical Vehicle recall #16V642000 · 2016 · 79,895 vehicles
What's wrong: Volkswagen group of america, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2016 tt roadster, a3 cabriolet, a3 sedan and a3 e-tron, 2016-2017 tt coupe, 2017 a4 sedan and q7 and 2015-2017 q3 vehicles. The affected vehicles May have been programmed with new software that inadvertently makes the side marker lights inoperative in conjunction with the parking lights or the headlights. As such, these vehicles fail to…
Why it matters: If the side marker lights do not illuminate, the vehicle May be less visible at night, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will upload revised software to correct the issue, free of charge. This recall began November 2016.
Fuel system, Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #16V647000 · 2016 · 110,042 vehicles
What's wrong: Volkswagen group of america, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Volkswagen golf, golf sportwagen, gti, Audi a3 sedan and a3 cabriolet vehicles. Due to a problem with the suction pump inside the fuel tank, fuel May flow into the evaporative emissions (evap) system.
Why it matters: As fuel accumulates in the evap system, it May leak out through the charcoal canister filter element. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suction pump, free of charge. The recall began November 2016. Volkswagen
Airbags Vehicle recall #19V474000 · 2019 · 138,896 vehicles
What's wrong: Volkswagen group of america, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Audi s3 sedan, 2015-2019 a3 sedan and a3 cabriolet, 2016-2018 a3 e-tron, and 2017-2019 rs3 vehicles. An improper electrical contact May cause the passenger occupant detection system (pods) to falsely detect a malfunction and deactivate the passenger air bag.
Why it matters: A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the connector and reroute the cable, free of charge. The recall began September 12, 2019.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 2 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Airbags (15): the most common themes are warning light on (8).
- Fuel & propulsion (6): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (2), warning light on (2).
- Engine (6): the most common themes are warning light on (4), stalls / loses power (2).
- Electrical (4): the most common themes are fire / smoke (2).
The 2016 Audi A3 Cabriolet has 36 owner complaints, ranking #2 of 5 A3 Cabriolet model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 33). Complaints peaked in 2017 (8 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 28,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2015 (87 complaints, 5 recalls), 2017 (25 complaints, 3 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 35 | 28 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2016 Audi A3 Cabriolet.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 2016 Audi A3 Cabriolet have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2016 Audi A3 Cabriolet. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2016 Audi A3 Cabriolet problems?
Owners have filed 36 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (15), fuel & propulsion (6), engine (6).
What gas mileage does the 2016 Audi A3 Cabriolet get?
EPA ratings run up to 28 mpg combined (1.8 L, Automatic (AM-S6)), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2016 Audi A3 Cabriolet repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.