Recalls: Audi 8P7 A3 Cabriolet
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 8P7 A3 Cabriolet
2009 model year Audi 8P7 A3 Cabriolet with 6sp DQ250 DSG: loss of drive
In October 2009, a recall was issued for 2009 model year Audi 8P7 A3 Cabriolet 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).
2008-09 Audi 8P7 A3 Cabriolet: impaired ABS and ESC operation
In May 2017, a recall was issued for Audi 8P7 A3 Cabriolet 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 8P7 A3 Cabriolet: Takata airbag recall
In August 2018, a recall was issued for Audi 8P7 A3 Cabriolet 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.
2008-14 model year Audi 8P7 A3 Cabriolet S-Tronic: pressure accumulator crack and loss of power
In October 2019, recall campaign 35D9 was issued for 2008-14 model year Audi 8P7 A3 Cabriolet 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.
2008-14 model year Audi 8P7 A3 Cabriolet S-Tronic: pressure accumulator crack and loss of power #2
In May 2020, recall campaign 35E7 was issued for 2008-14 model year Audi 8P7 A3 Cabriolet 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.
Problems and faults: Audi 8P7 A3 Cabriolet
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.
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.
2008-12 Audi 8P7 A3 Cabriolet 1.8 TFSI and 2.0 TFSI: chain tensioner retainer failure
For 1.8 TFSI/TSI and 2.0 TFSI/TSI EA888 engines that were manufactured from 2008 to 1 May 2012, the chain tensioner retainer was susceptible to failure. If this occurred, the pistons and valves could collide and cause serious engine damage. The chain tensioners could fail as early as 30,000 kilometres and it is recommended that owners have the most recent chain tensioner retainer fitted as a preventative measure. For Australian deliveries, affected vehicles included:
- the Audi 8P7 A3 Cabriolet 1.8 TFSI (engine code: CDAA);
- the Audi 8P7 A3 Cabriolet 2.0 TFSI (engine code: CAWB) offered from 2008 to 2009; and,
- the Audi 8P7 A3 Cabriolet 2.0 TFSI (engine code: CCZA) offered from 2009 to 2012.
Background
The tensioner on the camshaft chain used oil pressure to maintain tension. When there was no or low oil pressure, the tensioner would fall back on its ratchet to maintain tension. The ratchet, however, could slip and release chain tension – this would cause the chain to move on the sprockets and skip a couple of teeth before sufficient oil pressure accumulated to tension the chain. By skipping teeth, the engine’s camshaft timing was altered and the ECU would continue to adjust camshaft timing – generally, this caused either rough running or the vehicle would not start. It is understood that if the chain skipped around six teeth, then the pistons could collide with the valves in the cylinder head such that the engine had to be rebuilt or replaced.
Symptoms
Symptoms of a failed chain tensioner retainer include:
- The engine won’t start;
- On start-up, there is a rattling noise from the engine bay for a few seconds (until sufficient oil pressure accumulated);
- Illumination of the ‘check engine’ light, potentially accompanied by camshaft timing errors; and,
- Misfires (if the valves are bent).
Retainer revisions
The part number for the original chain tensioner retainer was 06H 109 467 AB. While a revised chain tensioner retainer was first introduced in engines built from 17 May 2010 and a second revision was introduced for engines built from December 2011, it is the third revision of the retainer – part number 06K 109 467 K – which was introduced for engines built from 1 May 2012 which fixed the problem. For further information on this problem, please see Golf GTi UK Forum: Timing Chain Tensioner Failure.
2008-10 Audi 8P7 A3 Cabriolet 2.0 TFSI: wastegate rattle
In August 2010, Volkswagen Group of America issued technical bulletin 2024061 for vehicles which had 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engines; while the bulletin identified 2.0 TFSI engines with the codes CBFA and CCTA, the bulletin is also understood to apply to the CAWB, CCZA and CCZB engines and therefore includes the Audi 8P7 A3 Cabriolet 2.0 TFSI which was offered in Australia with the CAWB (2008-09) and CCZA (post-2009) engines.
In these vehicles, the driver may hear a rattling noise from the engine or exhaust engine when accelerating and with engine speeds in the range of 1800-3000 rpm. To diagnose that the noise was combing from the turbocharger,
- The turbocharger was to be inspected for internal or external damage;
- If there was no damage, the vehicle was to be taken for a test drive. The rattling noise could typically be reproduced when driving up a moderate incline, starting at 35 mph (56 km/h) in fourth gear and accelerating through the rev range from 1800-3000 rpm under moderate to heavy throttle;
- Once detected, a two ounce wheel weight was to be applied to the wastegate actuator rod and another test drive performed. If the rattling noise was quieter or changed in pitch, this indicated that the noise was due to exhaust gas pulsations that caused the wastegate flap and actuator rod to vibrate at the introduction of boost pressure.
To fix, a replacement clip (part no. 06J145220A) was to be fitted to the end of the wastegate actuator. As shown in the HumbleMechanic video below, however, the clip only prevented wastegate rattle at that location.
Problems and faults: Audi 8P7 A3 Cabriolet
- 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.
