Audi A3 Recall R/2018/061: Starter Motor May Malfunction And Overheat, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Urgent
- How serious
- 7 Mar 2018
- Launched
- 5,208
- vehicles in the UK
- 27F8
- Manufacturer’s campaign code
Audi recalled A3 vehicles built between 1 March 2011 and 30 November 2011. With diesel engines and stop/start system the starter motor may be permanently activated because the return spring in the solenoid switch is bent or broken. The recall notice describes the fix as: that are likely to be affected and replace the solenoid switch. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
With diesel engines and stop/start system the starter motor may be permanently activated because the return spring in the solenoid switch is bent or broken. If the permanent current supply to the starter motor is not noticed overheating of the component with local scorching damage and a vehicle fire is possible.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: STARTER MOTOR MAY MALFUNCTION AND OVERHEAT Defect: On vehicles with diesel engines and stop/start system the starter motor may be permanently activated because the return spring in the solenoid switch is bent or broken. If the permanent current supply to the starter motor is not noticed overheating of the component with local scorching damage and a vehicle fire is possible. Remedy: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the solenoid switch.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
The recall notice describes the concern as: starter motor may malfunction and overheat.
The Fix
The recall notice describes the fix as: that are likely to be affected and replace the solenoid switch.
Are You Affected?
A3 built between 1 March 2011 and 30 November 2011 may be included. Audi estimates 5,208 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 27F8 or the DVSA reference R/2018/061. 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/2018/051 on 19 Feb 2018, for auxilliary heater element in air conditioning may fail and/or overheat. The one launched after it was R/2018/111 on 24 Apr 2018, for the retaining clip in the active head restraint assembly may not be installed. You can also see every Audi recall, all recalls launched in 2018 and fire risk recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/2018/061, launched 7 March 2018. 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.