The 2nd generation of Audi’s popular A3 model reached showrooms in 2003 and ran until 2013. Featuring a more spacious interior, a design by automotive genius Walter de Silva, and a more efficient and powerful gearbox, this new addition to the small car market certainly turned more than a few heads during its release. Unfortunately, it also came with its share of problems, some if which were widespread enough to cause Audi to issue a recall. Some of the more common issues plaguing A3 owners include:
Leaking Fuel Problems: Puddles underneath the car and/or a drop in fuel economy can indicate that there is a fuel leak somewhere in the car. It could lie in the fuel lines or it could be a bolt on the tandem fuel pump cover.
Direct-Shift/Clutch Problems: While the improved gearbox does allow the A3 greater shifting power and speed than any other manual or automatic transmissions, it also suffers from a certain power malfunction that can cause the entire car to shut down. Audi did issue a recall for this part that affects certain years of the A3.
Flywheel Failure: Connecting the clutch to the engine, the flywheel is a tremendously important component in the car. When it starts going, you can expect to hear jerks in the transmission and clutch slippage.
Central Locking and Radio Failure: An annoying problem at best, this manifests itself when the central locking system causes all the locks to turn on and off at random intervals, usually in sync with the radio.
Door Wiring Harness Problems: If a window on your A3 doesn’t work anymore, and if you find that you can’t control any of the other windows in the car either, chances are good that there’s a malfunction with the door wiring harness.
Regardless of the issue, taking care of your car’s health is vastly important. Scheduling an appointment with a local Audi repair expert can save you a world of trouble and a large deal of money.
Search for a local, independent Audi repair shop with Audi mechanics that have dealer-level expertise at a fraction of the expense.