Recalls: Audi 8P1 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 8P1 A3
2006 Audi 8P1 A3: curtain airbags may not inflate
In August 2006, a recall was issued for 2006 Audi 8P1 A3 model year vehicles fitted with curtain airbags. In these vehicles, a gradual loss of gas could occur in the gas generator for the curtain airbags, causing the airbags not to inflate when required (PRA 2006/8704).
2009 model year Audi 8P1 A3 with 6sp DSG: clutch release and loss of power
In October 2009, a recall was issued for 2009 model year Audi 8P1 A3 vehicles fitted with the six-speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG). For these vehicles, the control unit in the DSG could cause a false temperature signal which indicated that the clutch was overloaded. If this occurred, the control unit would open the clutch in order to protect the gearbox. As a consequence, the clutch protection function was activated, resulting in a flashing gear-change indicator, uneven transmission of power, reduced engine torque and release of clutch (PRA 2009/11172).
Audi 8P1 A3 2.0 TDI: potential fuel leak
In January 2012, a recall was issued for six Audi 8P1 A3 2.0 TDI vehicles. In these vehicles, leaks could occur in the high-pressure fuel lines due to faulty pipe material. As a result, leaked diesel fuel could catch fire or cause a loss of grip for road users. To fix, recalled vehicles were retrofitted with vibration dampers for the high-pressure lines (PRA 2012/12992).
2008-11 Audi 8P1 A3 with 7sp DSG: loss of drive
In June 2013, a recall was issued for Audi 8P1 A3 vehicles that were fitted with seven-speed DQ200 Direct Shift Gearboxes (DSGs) and available for sale from 1 July 2008 to 31 July 2011. In these vehicles, sulphur in the gear oil and an inorganic heat stabiliser in the plastic parts (iodine) of the mechatronic unit could cause metallic surfaces to suffer from electrolytic corrosion, particularly in conditions with high temperatures and humidity. Conducting particles could then settle between the circuit paths of the control unit and cause the gearbox fuse to blow. In most cases, the fuse would blow when the engine was started and the vehicle was stationary. If the fuse were to blow when the vehicle was in motion, however, the clutch would open and freewheel, resulting in a sudden and total loss of power to the wheels. Although other vehicle systems such as steering and braking would continue to function, the loss of power may pose a hazard to occupants and other road users (PRA 2013/13634).
2008-09 Audi 8P1 A3: impaired ABS and ESC operation
In May 2017, a recall was issued for Audi 8P1 A3 vehicles that were manufactured from May 2008 to May 2009. Due to excessive thermomechanical strain, a faulty in an earth connection on the ESC control unit could develop – this could limit the ability of the ABS/ESC system to stabilise the vehicle in critical handling situations such as oversteer, understeer or hard braking. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2017/16053.
Audi 8P1 A3: Takata airbag recall
In August 2018, a recall was issued for Audi 8P1 A3 vehicles. The Takata driver’s airbag in these vehicles contained propellant wafers that could absorb moisture over time. In the event of a collision which triggered the driver’s airbag, excessive internal pressure could cause the metal airbag inflator housing to explode. This, in turn, would cause the metal fragments to be projected through the airbag cushion and into the cabin – these fragments posed a serious risk of injury and fatality. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2018/16949.
2008-12 model year Audi 8P1 A3 S-Tronic: pressure accumulator crack and loss of power
In October 2019, recall campaign 35D9 was issued for 2008-12 model year Audi 8P1 A3 vehicles that had seven-speed S-Tronic (or double clutch) transmissions. Due to a production fault, a crack in the transmission’s pressure accumulator (within the mechatronics housing) could occur. If the pressure accumulator cracked, oil and pressure would be lost in the hydraulic system of the gearbox. If this occurred, the transmission of engine power would be interrupted, similar to depressing the clutch in a vehicle with a manual transmission – this increased the risk of a collision and injury to vehicle occupants. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2019/17883.
2008-12 model year Audi 8P1 A3 S-Tronic: pressure accumulator crack and loss of power #2
In May 2020, recall campaign 35E7 was issued for 2008-12 model year Audi 8P1 A3 vehicles that had seven-speed dual clutch (‘S-Tronic’) gearboxes and had previously been the subject of recall campaign 35D (PRA 2019/17883). All of these vehicles that had previously been inspected without repair now needed to be inspected again and repaired if necessary. Due to a production fault, a crack in the transmission’s pressure accumulator (within the mechatronics housing) could occur. If the pressure accumulator cracked, oil and pressure would be lost in the hydraulic system of the gearbox. If this occurred, the transmission of engine power would be interrupted, similar to depressing the clutch in a vehicle with a manual transmission – this increased the risk of a collision and injury to vehicle occupants. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2020/18296.
2011-12 Audi 8P1 A3 with 7sp S tronic: loss of power
In November 2020, recall campaign 35E4 was issued for Audi 8P1 A3 vehicles that had seven-speed DQ200 dual-clutch transmissions (Audi’s ‘S tronic’) and were manufactured between 7 February 2011 and 9 September 2012. Due to a production fault, a crack could develop in the transmission’s pressure accumulator. If this occurred, oil and pressure could be lost in the hydraulic system of the gearbox. This, in turn, would cause the transmission of engine power to the gearbox to be interrupted, similar to depressing the clutch in a vehicle fitted with a manual transmission. This loss of power could increase the risk of a collision and injury to vehicle occupants and other road users. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2020/18561.
Problems and faults: Audi 8P1 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.
Carbon deposits (build-up) on intake valves
Audi’s naturally aspirated, direct injected petrol engines (such as the 8P1 A3’s 2.0 FSI) are considered susceptible to accumulating carbon deposits (or build up) on the intake valves. In these direct injection petrol engines, carbon deposits may accumulate on the stem and throat of the intake valve due to:
- the vaporisation of oil which is not trapped by the oil separator; or
- unburned fuel and exhaust gases that escape past the piston rings and enter the crankcase (‘blow-by’).
Since direct injection engines do not spray fuel on the backside of the intake valves, the detergent properties of the fuel cannot remove the carbon build up (as occurs in port injected engines). Symptoms of carbon deposits on the intake valve include difficulty starting the vehicle (hard starting), misfiring and misfire engine codes and reduced engine performance. Potentially, these deposits can result in damage to the catalytic converter and, for turbocharged engines, the turbocharger itself if bits of the deposit break off and enter the exhaust. To remove the carbon deposits, the intake must be removed and the valves cleaned manually. To reduce the incidence of carbon deposits, a common aftermarket measure is the fitment of an oil vapor catch can. The catch can receives dirty air from the crankcase via the Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve, filters it and returns it to the intake manifold via the PCV port.
Audi USA: DQ250 DSG fault and extended warranty
In December 2009, Volkswagen and Audi USA initiated a ‘Customer Satisfaction Campaign‘ for 2007-09 ‘model year’ Volkswagen vehicles that had six-speed DSG transmissions.
Faulty component and jerky gearshifts
According to Volkswagen/Audi, the six-speed DQ250 DSG transmissions of a limited number of 2007-09 ‘model year’ vehicles had a faulty component inside the transmission’s Mechatronic unit. Specifically, the bushings of two solenoid valves inside the mechatronic unit could wear prematurely, causing the clutches inside the transmission to ‘operate less smoothly than before’ and provide jerky gearshifts. According to Volkswagen, the vehicle remained safe to drive since it did not affect forward or rearward motion of the vehicle. As part of the ‘Customer Satisfaction Campaign’, Volkswagen/Audi would replace mechatronic units that were identified as faulty by Volkswagen’s diagnostic tool.
Extended DSG warranty
As part of the Customer Satisfaction Campaign, Volkswagen and Audi extended the warranty on the DQ250 DSG transmission to ten years or 100,000 miles (160,900 kilometres) – whichever occurred first – from the vehicle’s original ‘in-service’ date. The ‘in-service’ date was defined as the date that the vehicle was delivered to the original purchaser/lessee or, if the vehicle was a demonstrator, the date that the vehicle commenced service.
Under the extended warranty, the Volkswagen/Audi dealer was responsible for diagnosing and repairing the DSG transmission at no cost to the owner provided that the vehicle was maintained in accordance with the requirements in the owner’s manual.
Problems and faults: Audi 8P1 A3
- The air conditioning may work intermittently or stop entirely due to a leaking high-pressure sensor.
- After sitting overnight, the 2.0-litre engine may run rough, misfire and activate the ‘check engine’ light – this is because the hydraulic valve lash adjusters drain down and must all be replaced.
- A tapping noise from under the vehicle may be due to the fuel line contacting the underbody – this can be fixed by installing insulators.
- The lighting for switches may stay on due to a short circuit in a courtesy light.
- The master power window switch may work intermittently due to interference with the trim.
