2018
New 2022
Used 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006

Audi A3

Unlock Ratings
The compact Audi A3, with prices starting in the low $30,000s, is the latest in a wave of small luxury-branded models for buyers who have one eye on their budget and the other on gas prices. Derived from the Volkswagen Golf, the A3 might lack the posh, roomy environment and long list of features found in true luxury cars, but it's a solid, agile, and sophisticated sedan that's enjoyable to drive.
Alerts
There are 6 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.
2018
New 2022
Used 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006

Audi A3

Reliability

We expect the 2022 A3 to have about average reliability when compared to other new cars. This prediction is based on Audi's brand history and the previous generation of the A3.

Overall Reliability
Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
Common Trouble Spot
See all 2018 Potential Trouble Spots
The 2018 Audi A3 has been recalled 6 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
Research Years * Redesign year
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Overall Reliability Verdict
NA
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POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Engine Major
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Engine Minor
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Engine Cooling
NA
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Transmission Major
NA
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NA
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Transmission Minor
NA
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Drive System
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Fuel System
NA
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Electric System
NA
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Climate System
NA
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Suspension
NA
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Brakes
NA
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Exhaust
NA
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NA
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Paint/Trim
NA
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NA
NA
NA
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Body Integrity
NA
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NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
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Body Hardware
NA
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NA
NA
NA
NA
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Power Equipment
NA
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In-car Electronics
NA
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NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Show More Trouble Spots
Show Fewer Trouble Spots
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for over 300,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2021 vehicles are holding up in 17 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical system. NA indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.

Learn more about car Reliability.

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2018 Audi A3 owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

In-car Electronics

CD or DVD players, radio, speakers, GPS, communication system (e.g., OnStar), display screen freezes or goes blank, phone pairing (e.g. Bluetooth), voice control commands, steering wheel controls, portable music device interface (e.g., iPod/MP3 player), backup or other camera/sensors.

What Owners Say

Display screen goes blank

"digital cockpit blank screen sometime"

Anonymous, CA (2018 Audi A3 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"When touching the MMI control dial the display occasionally it will go blank."

Anonymous, IL (2018 Audi A3 S3)
External music device interface (e.g., smart phone, MP3 player)

"this is an ongoing issue where car stops communicating with phone via USB and Bluetooth. Dealership cannot diagnose the issue."

Anonymous, CA (2018 Audi A3 2.0T 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Software update fixes

"The MMI system and the dynamic driver display would occasionally change settings on its own as well as display incorrect information."

Anonymous, IL (2018 Audi A3 S3)
Load more

Transmission Minor

Gear selector or linkage, leaks, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission.

What Owners Say

Rough shifting

"The cars computer learns how you drive and tries to predict how it will shift. The car drove terribly because of all the test drives it had done. It needed to have a full computer reset to relearn everything as it was taking forever to adapt."

Michael S., CA (2018 Audi A3 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Transmission computer

"Too many computers it adapats to the person but over a 100 miles span, other people driving the car it feels odd and hard shifts all the time. Just a pain of new cars."

Michael S., CA (2018 Audi A3 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.

What Owners Say

Engine computer

"Hybrid drive system faulted when the hybrid battery shorted and also needed to be replaced with the hybrid battery."

Anonymous, (2018 Audi A3 e-tron 1.4-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
Fuel leaks

"Problem with a leak in the fuel line. Corrected by dealer."

Anonymous, CO (2018 Audi A3 2.0T 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Power Equipment

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, remote engine start, alarm or security system

What Owners Say

Hybrid/electric battery replacement

"Full failure of the hybrid battery and the electronics for the hybrid drive system."

Anonymous, (2018 Audi A3 e-tron 1.4-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
Hybrid/electric system and battery (excluding replacement)

"High voltage charger went out at 1500 miles. Check engine light, reduced mpg. Replaced under warranty, took 2 days, would have cost $1500."

Peter V., CA (2018 Audi A3 e-tron 1.4-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, clutch replacement.

What Owners Say

Transmission rebuild or replacement

"Transmission was very loud on certain speeds. It took several dealerships and several appointments to diagnose the issue, and then it took more than a month to fix it. Car was not in use during that time."

Anonymous, CA (2018 Audi A3 2.0T 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Climate System

Blower (fan) motor, A/C compressor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate control, refrigerant leakage, electrical failure.

What Owners Say

A/C compressor

"No cold air. Warranty repair...had to order parts"

Anonymous, (2018 Audi A3 e-tron 1.4-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, 4WD/AWD components, driveline vibration, traction control, electronic stability control (ESC), electrical failure.

Brakes

Antilock system (ABS), parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, rotors, pulsation or vibration, squeaking, brake failure or wear.

Body Integrity

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, loose or cracked seals and/or weather-stripping, air and water leaks.

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, leaks.

Suspension

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling), loose interior and exterior trim or moldings, rust.

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating.

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.

Body Hardware

Power or manual windows, locks and latches, tailgate, hatch or trunk, doors or sliding doors, mirrors, seat controls, safety belts, sunroof, convertible top.

Fuel System

Check engine light, sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor), emission control devices (includes EGR), engine computer, engine computer, fuel cap, fuel gauge/sender, fuel injection system, fuel pump, fuel leaks, stalling or hesitation.

Electric System

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery and related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, distributor or rotor failure, spark plugs and wires failure.

Compare 2018 Models

No Data Available
Recalls
PROVIDED BY
AIR BAGS
Mar 22, 2021
A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Audi S3 Sedan, A3 Sedan, 2016-2018 A3 Etron, 2017-2020 RS3 Sedan, and 2015-2019 A3 Cabriolet vehicles. The passenger occupant detection system (PODS) may malfunction and switch off the passenger air bag even when the seat is occupied.
What should you do:
Dealers will replace the PODS sensor mat and update the PODS control module, free of charge. Owners letters were mailed December 23, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 69BY.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 21V198000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 153152
Hide Recall Details
AIR BAGS
Jun 19, 2019
A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Audi S3 Sedan, 2015-2019 A3 Sedan and A3 Cabriolet, 2016-2018 A3 e-tron, and 2017-2019 RS3 vehicles. An improper electrical contact may cause the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) to falsely detect a malfunction and deactivate the passenger air bag.
What should you do:
Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the connector and reroute the cable, free of charge. The recall began September 12, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 69Z4.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 19V474000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 138896
Hide Recall Details
SEATS
Feb 13, 2019
In the event of a crash, the head restraint may detach and cause injury to the vehicle occupants.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Audi A3 sedan and RS3 vehicles. The latching pins for the center rear seat head restraint may be missing.
What should you do:
Audi has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the head restraints, replacing any that are missing pins, free of charge. The recall began on March 7, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 72I8.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 19V095000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 3326
Hide Recall Details
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Dec 05, 2018
A fuel leak in the engine compartment can increase the risk of a fire.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Audi TT Roadster, TT Coupe, A3 Sedan and A3 Cabriolet vehicles. The fuel hose quick connector may detach from the fuel supply line in the engine bay, resulting in a fuel leak.
What should you do:
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will secure the fuel line connection, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 11, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20BK.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 18V863000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 1104
Hide Recall Details
SEATS
Nov 14, 2018
If the guide sleeves are incorrectly welded, in the event of a crash, the rear seat head restraints may have reduced stability, increasing the risk of injury.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen e-Golf and Golf R vehicles, and Audi A3 Sedan and RS3 vehicles. The rear seat frame head restraint guide sleeves may be incorrectly welded to the seat frame.
What should you do:
Volkswagen and Audi will notify their owners, and dealers will inspect the guide sleeves for incorrect welds, replacing the rear seat frame, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 28, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 72H8 (VW) and 72H9(Audi).
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 18V803000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 169
Hide Recall Details
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Aug 16, 2017
An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Audi A3 Cabriolet and A3 Sedan vehicles. The Engine Control Unit (ECU) software may misinterpret the flywheel rotation on engine start-up as a "knocking" condition, and the adjusted air/fuel mixture may result in an engine stall.
What should you do:
Audi will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the ECU software, free of charge. The recall began September 19, 2017. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 24DF.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 17V508000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 8383
Hide Recall Details
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