Other Fuel System Pump problems of the 2012 Audi A3

While driving at 40 mph on evening on April 16, 2015, the engine noise was noticeably more pronounced. One mile further, a flashing glow plug light illuminated followed by a dramatic loss of power (limited to 25 mph). Drove remaining short distance home at a low speed due to engine failure. After towing vehicle to Audi dealership the next morning, technician reported that the high pressure fuel pump had disintegrated and sent metal shavings throughout the entire fuel system requiring complete replacement of all fuel system components.

Loss of power at speed in traffic due to a high pressure fuel pump failure, just avoiding a serious accident. I was told it was caused by either incorrect/contaminated fuel or incorrect oil by the dealer service department. I have used only diesel fuel from national stations, have never used bio diesel and have used the correct Audi approved oil. This is apparently a wide spread engineering issue that has now dictated the complete fuel system replacement on this vehicle (and numerous others) at a sizable cost with no guarantee that it will not occur again. This is a dangerous situation that could lead to loss of life if occurring at highway speeds. Audi is not offering any solutions nor do they state on their service schedules that the pump should be checked, replaced or additives used (although if you call they strongly suggest). The tdi models need to be recalled and the effected parts replaced. This was a 2012 A3 tdi model with 71,000 miles.