The Audi A3 e-tron 2017, while lauded for its plug-in hybrid technology and fuel efficiency, has presented some owners with a series of frustrating issues. For prospective buyers and current owners alike, understanding these potential problems is crucial. This article delves into a comprehensive list of problems reported by a 2017 Audi A3 e-tron owner in Switzerland, offering insights into the challenges some face with this model.
Sensor and Assist System Problems
Several issues revolve around the A3 e-tron’s sensor and driver assistance systems, impacting safety and convenience.
Parking Sensor Irregularities: Owners have reported inconsistent behavior from the parking sensors. In some instances, the sensors trigger false alarms when no obstacles are present. Conversely, in other situations, the sensors fail to detect nearby objects, even within the designated warning zone. These malfunctions can lead to both unnecessary stress and potential parking mishaps.
Lane Change Assist Failures: The lane change assist system, integrated with the virtual mirrors, has been reported to intermittently fail. Drivers have noted instances where the system does not provide warnings for traffic in adjacent lanes, indicated by the absence of the yellow frame around the mirror display. This poses a safety concern, especially on busy roads.
Adaptive Cruise Control Errors: Error messages related to the adaptive cruise control system are another recurring issue. Owners have experienced instances where the system malfunctions unexpectedly, displaying error notifications and potentially disengaging, requiring driver intervention.
Child Safety System Warning: A persistent error message concerning the child safety system has also been observed, adding to the list of sensor-related concerns.
Boot Lid and Door Issues
Accessing and securing the vehicle has also presented problems, specifically with the boot lid and door mechanisms.
Overly Sensitive Boot Lid Sensors: The sensors controlling the automatic boot lid are reported to be excessively sensitive. This can lead to the boot lid closing unexpectedly while users are still loading or unloading items, creating inconvenience and potential hazards.
Boot Lid Activation During Washing: Another peculiar boot lid issue arises when washing the car, particularly with a pressure hose. Spraying water above the number plate, where the camera is located, can trigger the boot lid to open suddenly. This unexpected activation is inconvenient and could cause damage in certain situations.
Door Opening Difficulties: Problems with door operation have also been noted. If a door is not fully closed, but only in a semi-latched position, opening it again, particularly the driver’s door, can become extremely difficult, requiring multiple attempts. Furthermore, even when doors are fully closed after driving, some owners have experienced instances where it takes two pulls on the handle to open the driver’s side door.
Mirror Problems
The virtual mirrors, a distinctive feature of the A3 e-tron, seem to be a significant source of complaints, with a range of issues affecting visibility and functionality.
Mirror Failures and Brightness Imbalance: The right-hand side mirror (on left-hand drive models) is prone to failures under specific conditions, such as when a passenger enters the vehicle and closes the door, or when driving on uneven roads and encountering bumps. Additionally, an imbalance in brightness between the mirrors has been observed, with the right-hand mirror appearing significantly brighter than the left.
Mirror Dimming and Freezing: The left-hand mirror has been reported to dim suddenly, especially in wet conditions. In more severe cases, the left-hand mirror can completely fail, freezing in position and becoming unresponsive to adjustments via the touchscreen. This malfunction can also disable adjustment for both mirrors.
Moisture and Fogging: Owners have noticed moisture or fogging on the mirror lenses, particularly on rainy days, impairing visibility.
Spider Web Effect in Rain: During nighttime driving in rainy conditions, the right-hand mirror has exhibited a “spider web” effect when headlights from passing cars (driver’s side) are reflected, severely obstructing the driver’s view.
Driving and Performance Issues
Beyond sensor and accessory malfunctions, some driving and performance-related problems have been reported.
Jerking at Certain Speeds: A noticeable jerking sensation has been reported when driving at certain speeds, particularly between 50 to 80 km/h, especially when the accelerator pedal is lightly pressed and in specific temperature conditions.
Brake Noise and Rust: Grinding noises during low-speed braking, without engaging the electronic parking brake, are another concern. This is potentially linked to brake disc rust, suggesting that the brake cleaning function may not be operating effectively, leading to persistent rust buildup and associated noises.
Sudden Braking Incidents: In certain undefined conditions, the car has been reported to brake abruptly and forcefully without any apparent reason or warning. As a temporary workaround, dealerships have reportedly adjusted the sensitivity settings to “sport” to mitigate this issue until a permanent fix is available.
Steering Wheel Warning Sensitivity: The warning system that prompts drivers to hold the steering wheel has been described as overly sensitive. Drivers have experienced yellow and red warning lights even while actively holding the steering wheel, including on straight roads, suggesting a calibration issue.
Window Fogging: Rapid window fogging, both inside and potentially outside, has been observed in cold conditions, particularly when entering tunnels. This is attributed to the lack of engine heat in electric vehicles, which normally helps to prevent fogging. A temporary workaround involves using maximum defrost and wipers to maintain visibility in such situations.
MMI and Electronic Issues
Lastly, some electronic and infotainment system glitches have been noted.
Loss of MMI Favorites: The MMI (Multi Media Interface) system has been reported to occasionally lose saved favorites upon starting the car. While the favorites are still present in the system, they are not displayed, requiring users to re-establish them.
Charging Cable Release Issue: A minor inconvenience related to charging involves difficulty in removing the charging cable. A tip to resolve this is to use the car key to lock and unlock the vehicle and then try unplugging again, suggesting a possible issue with the charging port’s locking mechanism.
Conclusion
This detailed list paints a picture of the diverse problems encountered by at least one owner of a 2017 Audi A3 e-tron. While some issues might be resolved with software updates, many remain open and require further investigation and fixes from Audi. For potential buyers, this compilation serves as a valuable point of awareness. For current owners experiencing similar problems, sharing these experiences can contribute to collective pressure for quicker resolutions and improved reliability in future models. If you’ve encountered any of these issues or others with your Audi A3 e-tron 2017, consider sharing your experiences to contribute to a broader understanding of these potential problems.
