What the source says
The documented condition
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2016 TT roadster, A3 cabriolet, A3 sedan and A3 e-tron, 2016-2017 TT coupe, 2017 A4 sedan and Q7 and 2015-2017 Q3 vehicles. The affected vehicles may have been programmed with new software that inadvertently makes the side marker lights inoperative in conjunction with the parking lights or the headlights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence identified by NHTSA
If the side marker lights do not illuminate, the vehicle may be less visible at night, increasing the risk of a crash.
Campaign 16V642000; report received 2016-09-06. Source checked 2026-10-18.
Source component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
Compare the pattern
Symptoms and vehicle scope
Condition described by NHTSA
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2016 TT roadster, A3 cabriolet, A3 sedan and A3 e-tron, 2016-2017 TT coupe, 2017 A4 sedan and Q7 and 2015-2017 Q3 vehicles. The affected vehicles may have been programmed with new software that inadvertently makes the side marker lights inoperative in conjunction with the parking lights or the headlights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Vehicles and limits
- NHTSA model names: Q3. Model years: 2015, 2016, 2017.
- NHTSA campaign 16V642000
- The complete campaign lists 79,895 potentially affected units across all listed vehicles.
- A make, model and year match does not establish VIN eligibility.
Manufacturer position
What the official procedure directs
Audi will notify owners, and dealers will upload revised software to correct the issue, free of charge. This recall began November 2016. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 97CB.
Mileage context
Safety recall eligibility is based on the VIN and campaign scope, not ordinary warranty mileage. Check the complete VIN even when the vehicle is outside its original warranty.
Original evidence
Open the documents behind this record.
NHTSA safety recall · 16V642000 · 2016-09-06
NHTSA campaign 16V642000
Official component, defect, consequence and remedy; checked 2026-10-18.
Repair paths and safe checks
Match the action to the evidence.
Official recall remedy
Audi will notify owners, and dealers will upload revised software to correct the issue, free of charge. This recall began November 2016. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 97CB.
Confirm VIN eligibility and current remedy instructions with the manufacturer.
Check the complete VIN
Check the 17-character VIN at NHTSA.gov/recalls and ask the manufacturer whether this campaign remains open for the vehicle.
The model-year list is not proof that an individual vehicle is affected.
Record reviewed in the source on 2026-10-18. Confirm the current document and VIN instructions before arranging work.