Recalls: Audi 8L A3
Overview
Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.
Recalls: Audi 8L A3
- In August 1998, a recall was issued for Audi 8L A3 1.8T or Turbo variants. In these vehicles, the under-bonnet insulator pad may foul the throttle body linkage mechanism, preventing the linkage from returning upon release of the accelerator pedal (PRA 1998/3627).
- In August 1998, a recall was issued for Audi 8L A3 veihcles because the installed retractor mounting brackets may develop vibration-related fatigue cracks and not afford the same degree of protection under extreme load conditions (PRA 1998/3628).
- In June 1999, a recall was issued for 1998 and 1999 model year Audi 8L A3 vehicles. In rare cases, the hot particles produced from the triggering of the rear pyrotechnic seatbelt tensioners could cause the covers of the belt tensioners to ignite (PRA 1999/3991).
- In December 1999, a recall was issued for Audi 8L A3 vehicles that were available for sale from 6 November 1997 to 4 November 1999 and fitted with YHI alloy wheels. For these vehicles, the wheel retaining bolts may not be compatible with the wheel. As a consequence, the wheel may loosen and come off (PRA 1999/4192).
- In August 2000, a recall was issued for 1999 and 2000 model year Audi 8L A3 vehicles due to possible failure of the front seatbelt buckles in the event of a head-on collision (PRA 2000/4397).
- In March 2002, a recall was issued for Audi 8L A3 vehicles fitted with an anti-lock braking system (ABS) due to the risk of an electrical fault in the ABS control unit which could cause overheating of certain components; in some cases, this could lead to fire (PRA 2002/5229).
- In February 2004, a recall was issued for Audi 8L A3 vehicles fitted with three-spoke steering wheels. In the event of an accident with a collision impact above the triggering threshold of the airbags, the driver’s airbag may not deploy as intended (PRA 2004/6793).
Problems and faults: Audi 8L A3
Overview
This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.
To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.
Problems and faults: Audi 8L A3
- If the engine lacks power, runs rough or surges, the mass airflow sensor may have failed.
- The hydraulic connection to the rear brake calipers was susceptible to corrosion due to different types of metal being used.
- Corrosion could occur at the roof edges and rear quarter panel.
- For 1.8-litre, 20 valve engines, the timing belts were susceptible to snapping between 110,000 and 130,000 kilometres, causing extensive damage to the engine.
- For early 1.8-litre, 20 valve engines, the plastic water pump impellers were susceptible to seizing and dislodging the timing belt. Later water pumps were made with metal impellers to overcome this problem.
- For 1.8-litre, 20 valve engines manufactured between August 2001 and October 2003, the ignition coils were susceptible to failure.
