Audi A3 Recall R/2017/190: Abs/esc System May Fail, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Urgent
- How serious
- 20 Jun 2017
- Launched
- 38,548
- vehicles in the UK
- 45F5
- Manufacturer’s campaign code
Audi recalled A3 vehicles built between 1 May 2008 and 31 May 2009. With ABS/ESC the earth connection may be interrupted. The dealer will fit where necessary a new ABS/ESC control unit. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
With ABS/ESC the earth connection may be interrupted. This may cause failure of the ABS/ESC system.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: ABS/ESC SYSTEM MAY FAIL Defect: On vehicles with ABS/ESC the earth connection may be interrupted. This may cause failure of the ABS/ESC system. Remedy: On affected vehicles install new software. Where necessary a new ABS/ESC control unit will be fitted.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
If the fault occurs, the recall notice says it could cause failure of the ABS/ESC system.
The Fix
The dealer will fit where necessary a new ABS/ESC control unit. The fix is a software update, which usually takes under an hour at the dealer.
Are You Affected?
A3 built between 1 May 2008 and 31 May 2009 may be included. Audi estimates 38,548 vehicles in the UK. Enter your registration to check, then confirm by VIN with Audi, because not every car in the date range may be included.
Which Car Is It?
Choose the make and model so we can match recalls to your car.
What To Do Now
- Check your car by registration above, then by VIN with Audi.
- Book with any franchised Audi dealer, quoting the campaign code 45F5 or the DVSA reference R/2017/190. See how to get a Audi recall fixed.
- Follow the letter's instructions until the repair is done. See can you drive a car with a recall?.
Related Recalls
| Launched | Vehicle and fault | Severity | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| A3, A4, A4 Cabrio, A5 and 3 moreStop-drive TAKATA PSAN | Stop driving | R/2025/387 | |
| A3, A4Replacing TAKATA driver airbag | Urgent | R/2024/312 | |
| A3, Q2On affected vehicles an electrical connector for the power supply for the fuse carrier in the interior of the vehicle may have not been installed correctly | Low | R/2023/254 | |
| A3Restraining capacity of the belt system for the front seats may be lower than intended in the event of an accident | Low | R/2022/303 | |
| A3, Q3The bolted connection on the input rod between the electromechanical brake servo and brake pedal can be come loose | Urgent | R/2021/323 |
This is one of 158 Audi recalls in DVSA’s data. The Audi recall launched before it was R/2017/131 on 15 May 2017, for curtain airbag cylinder may corrode leading to possible rear passenger injury. The one launched after it was R/2017/218 on 7 Jul 2017, for brake lights may fail when the electronic parking brake is operated. You can also see every Audi recall, all recalls launched in 2017 and brake recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/2017/190, launched 20 June 2017. Data updated 15 October 2026. How we grade urgency.
Sources
- The Code does not itself say repairs are free. GOV.UK guidance says "You will not usually have to pay for any repairs or parts under a safety recall." gov.uk Checked 15 Oct 2026.