Table 1 shows one common diesel fuel system related problems of the 2010 Audi A3.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Diesel Fuel System problems |
I own a 2010 Audi A3 tdi. I was driving on a city street in normal traffic, began feeling hesitation/jerking in the engine, then the "glow plug" light came on just before the engine stopped running. Ultimately the car stalled within 30 seconds following initial hesitation in a moving lane of traffic. I was barely able to get the car to coast up into a parking lot to safety and had to be towed into the dealer. It was in for repair for approximately one week. Metal shavings were found in the fuel filter initially then throughout the entire fuel system, including the fuel tank which also had to be replaced. Servicemen first suspected I had accidentally put unleaded in it which was absolutely not the case though I have heard from other owners who were accused of the same and forced to pay out of pocket for repair. I am the only driver and only go to highest quality stations with labels of "ultra-low sulfur diesel". If it doesn't state that then I have gone elsewhere. Everything fuel-related was replaced under warranty. Repairmen were unable to tell me how the metal shavings came about though they were insistent it wouldn't happen again. I have serious doubts since they did report, after I questioned them, that the exact same parts replaced the old ones. I am a high mileage driver which is why I purchased a diesel engine. My warranty will soon expire. When the same issue occurs again, if I still own the vehicle, I guess I will have to come out of pocket over $8000 which was the estimate on paper from the dealer. I hope Audi further investigates the problem very soon and issues a recall so I can have peace of mind!.
2010 Audi A3 tdi high pressure fuel pump failure at 10,000 mi.
Our 2010 Audi A3 tdi deisel lost power while traveling at 65 mph on an interstate highway. After pulling over, we were unable to restart the car. The car was towed to an Audi dealer who informed us that the fuel pump had failed due to "contaminated fuel". We had put brand name diesel into the tank on every refill and have the receipts to prove it.
While driving on to a free way on ramp at about 25-30mph, the engine indicator come on and started to flash, almost immidiately the car stall in the middel of moving traffic. I did my best to steer the car into a safe area with no power steering before it came to a complete stop. I tried cranking the engine a couple of times but it would not restart. This is a very dangerouse situation to be in, with fast moving vehicels paasing by at high speed, I was lucky enough that I did not get rear ended or cause an accident. Towed the car to Audi of los angeles but it was already closed. They looked at it the next morning and found metal shavings in the diesel filter pod. They told me that the pump might gave out, they have to send fuel samples to get it analize. This car is only a year old, how can the pump,fail already?.
Driving on local street at ~35mph, car suddenly would not accelerate, loss power, then stalled. Unable to restart engine.
Driving home after dark on a local boulevard at about 45 mph in our Audi A3 tdi. Vehicle suddenly lost all engine power. Engine shut down completely. Was able to coast to side of road. Vehicle would not restart. Vehicle was towed to dealer. Dealer determined that the high pressure fuel pump "exploded" and quit working. This failure circulated metal particles throught the vehicle fuel system. They are still reviewing with the Audi, but dealer said that this happened to another tdi not long ago and Audi had them replace the entire fuel system from the fuel tank to the injectors. Vehicle is stall at dealer waiting on parts. If this had happened on the highway in traffic I don't believe I could have coasted to the shoulder and would have been stalled in traffic.
2010 Audi a-3 tdi (diesel) stalled while driving on freeway. Will not start. Towed to stevens creek Audi, CA.