Intermittent failure of exterior lights to include headlights, turn signal lights, and brake lights during driving. The first occurrence was at night. Fault seems to be (engine) temperature dependent (I.e. - does not seem to occur when engine bay is cold). Issue continued to occur intermittently for several days (until the parts in the following description were replaced). The plastic housing for a 30 ampere fuse (position F16) in the engine compartment was partially melting. The melted fuse residue worked itself into the fuse box terminals (causing damage of the fuse box) and causing a faulty connection which in turn caused the intermittent failures of the exterior lights. I have attached pictures of the F16 (position) 30 ampere fuse showing its partially melted plastic body and the fuse holder block (also with partially melted contact position / terminal area). Upon further investigation, the fault is exactly the same as a current NHTSA campaign id 13V569000 for a VW (a sister company of Audi) in both the fuse location and its affects. It's not uncommon for VW and Audi to use same parts. Failure of exterior lights (especially at night) is extremely hazardous. Internet search show multiple occurrences of the same issue for Audi A3 (similar model years). Owner has the faulty parts (for your inspection if need be). Thank you.

- Laguna Niguel, CA, USA

The contact owns a 2011 Audi A3. While driving 40 mph at night, the exterior lighting powered off intermittently. The contact coasted the vehicle over to the side of the road and powered off the engine. The vehicle was restarted and was able to drive normally. The failure recurred three times. In addition, multiple electrical warning indicators illuminated and both turn signals, brake lights, and the passenger side headlight stopped working. The vehicle was taken to Audi of mission viejo (located at 28451 marguerite pkwy, mission viejo, ca 92692, (949) 359-4053), where it was diagnosed that the plastic body of fuse F16 melted and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000.

- Laguna Niguel, CA, USA

The contact owns a 2011 Audi A3. While driving at various speeds, the headlights suddenly shut off and the service vehicle sensor light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who discovered that a fuse panel had overheated and melted. The contact also indicated that the vehicle experienced fuel leaking within the engine compartment. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 75,000.

- Chesapeake, VA, USA