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Common Problems with the Audi A3 8V

Our Engine Guard for the A3 8V!

Bartek Bartoszewicz

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Bartek Bartoszewicz Tuning Professional

Audi A3 8V: Common Problems and Defects

The Audi A3 8V is the third generation of its kind and has thus already undergone significant further development by the manufacturer. The 8V was produced between 2012 and 2020 and received a facelift in early 2016. Like its predecessors, the 8V comes with a variety of engine options and trim levels. The range spans from 105 hp in the 1.2 TFSI to a sporty 400 hp in the RS3 (including the e-tron hybrid with 204 hp and the g-tron natural gas variant with 110 hp).

Many of the teething problems found in previous A3 model series have already been ironed out. Audi enthusiasts swear by the quality of this car, and the TÜV Report notes a below-average defect rate. Nevertheless, even at Audi, nothing is perfect. Here, we’ll show you the few remaining issues and defects in the Audi A3 8V.

CONTENT

1. Not quite so typical anymore: Increased oil consumption on the A3 8V TFSI
2. Brakes: High wear on the A3 8V
3. A3 8V issue: electronics
4. Haldex clutch in the Quattro is causing problems
5. Camshaft adjusters and more: recalls for the 8V
6. Typical TDI issues on the A3 8V
7. Other issues with the Audi A3 8V
8. Conclusion

Platzhaltergrafik im Seitenverhältnis 3:2 für eine derzeit nicht verfügbare Produktabbildung

Not quite so typical anymore: Increased oil consumption on the A3 8V TFSI

In the past, a real evergreen among the A3 issues: the TFSI models with the popular EA888 engine use a bit more oil than others. But it’s nowhere near as bad as with the first two A3 generations anymore. The five-cylinder in the RS 3 also drinks a bit more. There’s nothing you can do about it, the solution is: you have to top up the oil.

Brakes: High wear on the A3 8V

Apparently Audi drivers are quick on the road – according to TÜV this leads to increased brake wear. That’s why new brake discs are often already due at the first inspection. But the solution isn’t necessarily to ease off the gas. You should have your brake system checked and serviced regularly by a pro. If you’re thinking about a used A3, you should definitely take a close look at the brakes and adjust your negotiations if necessary.

A3 8V issue: electronics

If the ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control) suddenly fails, there are two possible causes and matching fixes:

The software is causing issues and needs an update.
The control unit is defective and has to be replaced.

The ACC makes sure the distance to the car in front of you stays the same. If it’s faulty, the system might stop working after starting the engine and show an error on the display.

Haldex clutch in the Quattro is causing problems

The quattro AWD in the A3 is not a permanent all-wheel drive system. The rear axle is only engaged by the Haldex clutch when needed, for example if you’re stuck in mud, sand, or snow. In previous models, the Haldex clutch has already caused issues when the Haldex pump gets so dirty from oil sludge that it can’t work properly anymore. If that’s the case, the front wheels just spin. You should therefore change the Haldex oil including the filter.

Camshaft adjusters and more: recalls for the 8V

You really can’t call the Audi A3 8V Audi’s problem child. The manufacturer only had to recall a few cars:

The rear wheel carriers have low fatigue strength (on the August 2017 model) and need to be replaced, which Audi does free of charge.
On the EA211 engine from 06/2012 to 05/2016 there are failures of the camshaft adjuster. These cause the car to lose oil or fuel. Here too, the replacement is covered by Audi.
The rear seat backrest on the A3 from mid‑2018 was poorly welded and has to be replaced. Again, Audi doesn’t mess around and does the fix free of charge.

Typical TDI issues on the A3 8V

All A3 8V built before mid‑2016 are affected by the diesel emissions scandal. So if you’re thinking about buying a used one, make sure the software updates have been done. We don’t want the car getting taken off the road. On the TDI engines, you’ll mainly see typical issues at high mileage. These include the injectors, the turbocharger and the diesel particulate filter.

Other issues with the Audi A3 8V

Drivers who are sensitive to noises will probably complain about the creaking sounds from the seat belt buckles. Audi sticks felt on them and the creaking is gone. A clicking noise on the passenger side and a humming steering wheel can also occur on the 8V. The clicking can, for example, indicate a defective strut mount. Once this is replaced, the annoying noise disappears as well.

If you have the MMI touch display and it keeps crashing, a simple software update will fix it. In forums, A3 drivers often report that the automatic recirculation doesn’t work. It can also happen that the subwoofer from the ASS is hardly audible. In this case, the shop has to start troubleshooting.

Typical for the A3 is also a jerk when starting off or driving slowly. Here too, you should be able to get rid of the issues with software updates. The same goes for all the faults the A3 with S tronic likes to throw up: it needs an update.

It also happens that the power windows stop working. In this case, you can either go to your trusted shop or re-learn the auto up and down function yourself.

Conclusion

With the A3 8V you’ll be looking for defects with a magnifying glass rather than having them jump out at you. Audi has successfully eliminated many typical issues and weak spots of the previous generations and built a very reliable car. The brakes are important when buying a used A3 8V. If they’re worn, you should factor that into the price.

Bartek Bartoszewicz

Tuning Professional

His first car was a Polo Mk1 with a 40 Weber twin carburetor and 129 hp (95 kW). His second was an Audi 50. Today Bartek tunes Lamborghinis to 1000 hp (735 kW). Even as a young boy, Bartek disassembled vehicles and put everything back together better. He wrote his high school diploma with oil on his fingers. The trained automotive mechanic with a focus on engines and gearboxes was determined to go into motorsports. In his 10 years in Formal 1, he supervised 73 races, including as engine mechanic for Ralf Schumacher at Toyota. Since 2010, he has dedicated himself fully to his company BAR-TEK® and helps his customers to bring VW and Audi engines to peak performance.

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