Audi A3 Quattro rear lights and backup camera malfunction when trunk is closed on Audi A3 Quattro

Submitted by Vehicle Owner · Jun 23, 2025
Published by RepairPal

Problem overview

Some Audi A3 Quattro owners report experiencing issues with the rear lights and backup camera malfunctioning when the trunk is closed, which may be linked to wiring problems in the trunk hinge area. These owners have noted that the rearview camera may intermittently fail to operate during trunk operation, suggesting potential wiring harness issues. Additionally, while disconnecting and reconnecting the battery may provide a temporary fix, the main lights turning off and the car switching to backup lights when the trunk is opened indicates a more complex electrical fault. Some owners have also encountered a blank or fuzzy screen on the backup camera, prompting recommendations to check for loose or damaged connectors around the trunk. Furthermore, glitches in the reverse camera could be associated with the fiber optic cable connected to the control module in the passenger side trunk compartment. To diagnose these problems, some owners have tested for broken power or ground wires by unplugging the power connector from the camera. It is advisable for owners experiencing these issues to thoroughly inspect the wiring, connectors, and control module to resolve the underlying malfunctions.

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