Dealer is refusing to acknowledge the known BSG defect (TSB 2058831/13) and is instead attempting to charge for secondary electrical failures (ABS/AC) caused by the primary charging system failure. 2023 Audi A3 2.0T, VIN [XXX] . Recurring 48V BSG (Belt Starter Generator) failure causing complete loss of power steering and brake assist. First documented under warranty October 29, 2025 at 45,500 miles at Audi Livermore (RO #XXX) — 48V battery at 0%, fault code P0A7D00. Dealer only recharged battery and erased codes without replacing BSG. Vehicle became completely undriveable March 22, 2026 with cascading electrical failures including CELO state, ABS failure, and complete loss of power steering and brake assist — a dangerous safety condition. Vehicle has been at Audi Livermore since March 26, 2026 — 40 days — unrepaired. Audi is now attempting to charge $3,751.70 for consequential faults caused by the unrepaired BSG. Open Audi Corporate Case #XXX. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Audi A3 abs comes on
11 of the 735 owner complaints about the Audi A3 describe aBS light or ABS activating, most of them for the 2009 model year.
- owner complaints
- 11
- worst model year
- 2009
- typical mileage
- 81,000
By model year
- 20231
- 20102
- 20098
Often reported together
Sudden acceleration 1Power steering loss 1Loss of power 1Headlights 1No deployment 1Airbag light 1
What owners say
The contact owns a 2009 Audi A3. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 MPH, the traction control and ABS control module warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no additional assistance was provided. The contact stated that the failure was related to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 16V913000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control). The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.
Related to recall 45f5 ABS control module. This vehicle has a failed ABS control module that deactivates ABS braking systems, electronic stability control, and headlight range control. This specific VIN is not included in the affected range per the recall stated above although it demonstrates the same known safety issues.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 audi a3. The contact stated that the ABS and stability control failed to function properly and made the vehicle unstable to drive. Bell audi (782 us-1, edison, nj 08817, (732) 388-2800) and the manufacturer indicated that the vehicle was excluded from the federal safety agency campaign number: 16v913000 (service brakes, hydraulic, electronic stability control); although, the vehicle exhibited the same failure as the recall campaign. The dealer diagnosed that the ABS control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was in the process of being repaired; however, a system issue occurred with the software update. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 109,000. The VIN was unknown.
Abs braking system software update did not fix brakes. Recall shows if brake module is bad it would replace. However, they only updated the software and claimed the module is not involved in the recall. I do not have ABS brakes that are functional.
I have an audi a3 manufactured in 2009 presenting severe issues with the ABS control module. Audi has a recall for several audi and vw models manufactured the same year, recall number 16v913000. Audi of america was notified however declined responsibility allegedly because my vehicle was not in the specified VIN range. Although my vehicle is presenting the same symptoms as those on the recall audi is unwilling to accept responsibility. The experience was very unnerving as the car suddenly stopped while driving and suddenly accelerated. Fortunately the cars following behind were able to stop on time avoiding a serious accident. Aside from losing control of the vehicle, the steering loses position and the speedometer stops working. Furthermore the part needed for the repair has been superseded, this is very suspicious as to why there will be a new part number to replace the original if allegedly there's no problems with mine...?
According to the publication I found my car VIN is listed as part of a recall for the ABS control module. I was involved in an accident 18 months ago where this exact problem occurred. The car in front of me was cut off and slammed on his brakes. I had to brake quickly and was not able to control the car. Both my ABS and ESC warning lights came on. I did not think about any mechanical problem until I read about the recall. Now audi has informed me that my car is not part of the recall. I have not been able to get any information how this was determined. As this is a safety concern I need to know why my car is not part of the recall.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 audi a3. While driving 35 MPH, the ABS and ESC indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the ABS module failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired by an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 audi a3. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 16v079000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the air bag indicator remained illuminated and the ABS malfunctioned without warning. The failure mileage was unknown. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
Tl* the contact owned a 2009 audi a3. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH, the ABS and the ESC warning lights flickered. As a result, the brake pedal and accelerator pedal failed to engage and caused the contact to crash into a tree. The air bags failed to deploy. The driver sustained a mild concussion and body bruising that did not require medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed and deemed destroyed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the VIN was included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 16v913000 (service brakes, hydraulic, electronic stability control). The failure mileage was 87,000.
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the Audi A3 abs
Why does the abs come on in the Audi A3?
Owners who report it most often also describe sudden unintended acceleration, loss of power steering and sudden loss of power.
Which Audi A3 years have aBS light or ABS activating problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2009 (8 complaints), 2010 (2 complaints) and 2023 (1 complaints).
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