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Audi A3 Problems, Recalls and Owner Complaints by Model Year
Across 11 model years, NHTSA lists 25 recalls and 515 owner complaints for the Audi A3. Newest model year first. Data as of October 25, 2026.
Audi A3 by model year
| Model year | Recalls | Complaints | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Audi A3 | 0 | 6 | |
| 2023 Audi A3 | 0 | 7 | |
| 2022 Audi A3 | 0 | 9 | |
| 2020 Audi A3 | 3 | 17 | |
| 2019 Audi A3 | 3 | 12 | |
| 2018 Audi A3 | 3 | 44 | |
| 2017 Audi A3 | 3 | 63 | |
| 2016 Audi A3 | 4 | 114 | |
| 2015 Audi A3 | 2 | 180 | |
| 2013 Audi A3 | 3 | 20 | |
| 2012 Audi A3 | 4 | 43 |
Model years with no recall and fewer than three complaints are not listed. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. All Audi models.
Audi A3: questions owners ask
Which Audi A3 year has the most problems?
By owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the Audi A3 model years with the most are the 2015 (180), 2016 (114) and 2017 (63). Newer model years have had less time on the road, so their counts are naturally lower; compare years of a similar age.
Which Audi A3 years have the fewest complaints?
Leaving out the newest model years (too new to compare), the fewest owner complaints were filed for the 2023 (7), 2022 (9) and 2019 (12), out of 10 model years from 2012 to 2023. A low count can also mean that year sold fewer cars.
How many recalls does the Audi A3 have?
NHTSA lists recalls for 8 Audi A3 model years, 25 in total when counted per model year (one recall often covers several years). The years with the most are the 2012 (4), 2016 (4) and 2013 (3). Check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Which Audi A3 years have the most airbag complaints?
74 owner complaints across 5 Audi A3 model years describe airbag warning lights or airbag faults. The most were filed for the 2015 (34), 2016 (20) and 2017 (13) model years, out of 5 years with such reports. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which Audi A3 years have the most stalling complaints?
37 owner complaints across 5 Audi A3 model years describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. The most were filed for the 2015 (12), 2016 (9) and 2013 (6) model years, out of 5 years with such reports. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which Audi A3 years have the most check engine light complaints?
16 owner complaints across 2 Audi A3 model years describe the check engine light coming on. The most were filed for the 2015 (8) and 2017 (8) model years. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which Audi A3 years have the most fuel smell or fuel leak complaints?
15 owner complaints across 2 Audi A3 model years describe a fuel or gasoline smell, or a fuel leak. The most were filed for the 2015 (10) and 2016 (5) model years. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which Audi A3 years have the most rough idle and misfire complaints?
11 owner complaints across 2 Audi A3 model years describe rough idling, misfires or hesitation when accelerating. The most were filed for the 2015 (8) and 2017 (3) model years. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
How often does the Audi A3 fail its MOT?
In 2023 UK MOT tests, the Audi A3's first-time failure rate ranged from 6.6% for cars first registered in 2021 to 36.9% for 2010, across 12 registration years with at least 100 tests. Older cars fail more often. The most common failure areas were tyres, suspension, lights and electrics. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results.