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Audi A3 8P common faults.

2003–2012. The fault list covers this generation and the engines in it. If the listing gives the exact version, pick it below.

Audi A3 8P

Thomas doerfer / CC BY-SA 3.0

What to watch for

What can go wrong on this car?

The list covers the generation, the engines and the transmissions. Once you pick the version, only the faults that apply to it stay.

critical6

2.0 / 1.8 TSI (EA888 gen1 to gen2): the timing chain tensioner lets go

critical

With the 2008 EA888 VW switched from a belt to a chain, and the tensioner of the first two generations turned out weak: as the ratchet mechanism ages it does not hold its position when the engine stops and the oil pressure disappears.

Applies to the engine CAWB, CCZA, CDAA and 1 more.

expensive2

1.6 TDI (EA189): the water pump driven off the timing belt

expensive

On this engine the water pump is driven by the timing belt, and the plastic impeller of the pump, along with its electronically controlled shut-off ring, is the weak point: the ring sticks, and the impeller separates from the shaft or disintegrates.

Applies to the engine CAYB, CAYC.

21 more faults belong to this generation. On the version page, only the ones that apply stay.

Official recall5 recallsShow

The manufacturer fixes these for free at a franchised dealer. Ask with the VIN whether it was done. The list covers the whole generation. We did not filter it by model year. Some apply only to a narrower production window.

A12/01957/24Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The propellant in the driver airbag may deteriorate over time. If the airbags deploy, it could result in fragments from the inflator injuring the vehicle's occupants. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

The authority's notice

A12/0303/18Safety recallFireno date · EU Safety Gate

The starter motor may overheat. This could lead to a fire breaking out in the vehicle.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

The authority's notice

A12/0714/17Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The power supply to components of the ABS/ESP control unit may fail. This could lead to the vehicle stability control function not working when required in dynamic driving situations, such as over-steering, under-steering or emergency braking.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

The authority's notice

A12/0834/19Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The handheld control unit for throttle and brake may develop a fracture in a welded joint in the relay mechanism. If this damage occurs this may lead to impaired functioning or even failure of the brake and gas control via the manual control device.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

The authority's notice

SR/00790/26Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The driver airbag inflator may cause uncontrolled inflation and release metal fragments when the airbag is activated, which can cause injury to the occupants. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

The authority's notice

Engines and transmissions in this generation

A fault is often tied to the engine, not to the whole generation. You find the engine code in the registration document.

8P · 2003–2012

Pick the version.

The fault list opens on the version page.

500 versions

Showing 60 of 500 versions.

Neighbouring generations

8P · 2003–2012

8P (2003-2012). If the listing is from the changeover year, look at the neighbour too.

Previous generation

8L · 1996–2003

This generation

8P · 2003–2012

Next generation

8V · 2012–2020

Common questions

About this generation

Which years does this page cover?

2003–2012. The changeover year can fall in two generations. If the listing is from that year, look at the neighbour too.

Does the fault apply to every car like this?

No. It depends on the engine and the transmission too.

Is it free?

The fault list is.

Information, not an expert opinion

We write the descriptions, and we put the source next to them. A person reviews them before they go out. They are still information, not a technical expert opinion.

  • A fault on the list does not mean the car you are looking at has it.
  • A fault missing from the list does not mean the model is fault-free. Write-ups are made model by model. Not all of them are done.
  • You decide whether to buy. This is no substitute for an inspection. That needs a workshop and a history check.
Details in the terms