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2018 Audi A3 problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2018 Audi A3 has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 3safety recalls
- 44owner complaints
- 1crash report
- 0fire reports
- 12%fail the UK MOT
44 complaints, against an average of 47 for the other 10 Audi A3 model years.
Every Audi A3 model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2018 Audi A3?
The components named most often in the 44 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2018 Audi A3 owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 44 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
Has the 2018 Audi A3 been recalled?
3 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
Fuel System, Gasoline Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain front-wheel drive 2015-2020 Audi A3 Sedan, 2015-2019 Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI, 2018 Golf Sportwagen GP, 2018-2019 Golf Sportwagen A7, 2015-2017 Golf Sportwagen, 2015-2020 Golf GTI, and 2015-2020 Golf A7 vehicles. Due to a problem with a suction jet pump seal inside the fuel tank, fuel may flow into the evaporative emissions (EVAP) system and possibly leak out of the charcoal canister.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Fix: Dealers will replace the suction pump, free of charge. Final owner notification letters for Audi owners were mailed on July 25, 2024. Final owner letters for VW owners were mailed on August 13, 2024. 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 VW: 20UF/Audi: 20YF. Vehicles that were previously recalled under 16V-647 will need to have the new remedy completed. This recall expands and replaces previous recall number 16V-647.
Air Bags: Sensor: Occupant Classification: Front Passenger 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.
Risk: A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix: 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.
Air Bags: Sensor: Occupant Classification 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.
Risk: A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix: 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.
Is the 2018 Audi A3 recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSAPossible discrepancy in the manufacturing process of the centre rear seat head restraint
Risk: The centre rear head restraint may not be to specification.
Fix: Check the head restraint and replace if necessary.
UK DVSAThe mounting for the head restraint is not correctly welded to the outer backrest frame for the rear seat
Risk: The rear back rest head restraint mounting is not correctly welded.
Fix: Check and replace rear back rest frame if required.
UK DVSARear hub carriers not manufactured to correct standard
Risk: The hardening process for the rear wheel bearing housings may not have been correctly performed. In the worst case this could lead to a fractured housing. Should a fractured housing occur there would be abnormal noises bad tyre wear and a theoretical possibility of wheel loss.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the right and left rear wheel bearing housings.
EU Safety GateDeviations in the manufacturing process may result in either of the front seat belt reels not achieving full restraint, increasing the…Deviations in the manufacturing process may result in either of the front seat belt reels not achieving full restraint, increasing the risk of injury in the event of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe locking pin for securing the head restraints may be missing from the central rear seat.In the event of an accident, the central rear head restraint may consequently become detached from the guide rods and lose its supportive and protective effect.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe fitting for the headrest may have been incorrectly welded to the backrest.As a consequence, the supportive and protective effect of the headrest may be limited in the event of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe adhesive attaching the windscreen is not sufficiently secure.In the event of an accident, the protective effect of the passenger airbag could be compromised.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe fatigue strength of the rear axle stub may be insufficient.This could result in failure of the rear axle stub with consequent loss of control of the vehicle.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
How often does the 2018 Audi A3 fail its MOT?
Why they failed: the share of failed tests with at least one fault in each area (a test can fail on several). Cars first registered in 2018, tested in Great Britain in 2023; first registration is usually, but not always, the model year. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0.
What do 2018 Audi A3 owners report?
12 of the 44 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
Coolant Water Pump and Thermostat -- Coolant temperature indicator gauge runs from normal to high after about 10-15 miles drive. Coolant levels are good and no signs of leak. Engine light is activated along with warning messages. Engine Warning: Drive System Malfunction. Please call for service. The vehicle goes into "Limp Mode" and warns to not exceed 4,000 rpm. I am in the process of having this repaired by a mechanic. FYI--- There was a previous RECALL for this in 2017. Clearly the problem still occurs.
225/45-R18 DOT(17/22) On September 6, 2025, I purchased a 2018 Audi A3 (VIN [VIN], 56,634 miles) delivered by Carvana. Within days, I had the vehicle inspected at multiple independent repair shops. Each shop documented that all four tires showed dry rot and cracking and advised immediate replacement due to risk of tire failure. On September 10, 2025, I contacted Carvana and followed their warranty claim process. After escalation, on September 18, 2025, I was informed that Carvana determined “the tires are not bad enough” and denied replacement. The vehicle was delivered with unsafe tires that…
Hello, I dropped my car off at Audi and Dominion in San Antonio Texas on Thursday July 10th for a repair this was a recall for the fuel pump system in something in the mechatronic controls. They had my car until Saturday I was informed that the repairs were done under warranty. Then on Saturday July 19th as I began to drive the vehicle a alert for my transmission malfunction appeared on my dashboard and I Lost first gear. I had my car taken to Audi on Dominion where I was informed by several service staff that this is a common malfunction after the last software update that was done the week…
Audi had a recall on my 2018 A3 for a Passenger Occupant Detection System. in July 2023, Audi replaced the PODS Sensor mat. Recently, the same car has encountered the same issue. The PODS light indicates the airbag is off even if a passenger is sitting in the seat. There has been not repair work since July 2023, that would impact the PODS. And the warning lights reappeared after a period of normalcy. I feel this is an incomplete recall remedy and Audi is now wanting to charge me for the repair
My 2018 Audi A3 began having fuel-related issues after receiving the recall service for campaign 20YF (Suction Jet Pump Seal) at an authorized Audi dealership. I first took the vehicle to an independent mechanic, because the check engine light came on, and there was a strong fuel smell. Most concerning, fuel leaked heavily from the front part of the engine, posing an extreme fire risk. who performed a diagnostic and found the following faults: Cold start fuel pressure performance fault Fuel rail/system pressure too low Fuel rail pump control valve stuck open Injector 4 leaking fuel The…
I was driving on the freeway at 60 mph when I received a warning code of a transmission problem. The code said the car was driveable but I should take it in for service. About 1-2 minutes after that the car lost all power. Unfortunately I broke down in the left lane in a construction zone without a shoulder. The state patrol had to temporarily shut down all three lanes of the highway to push me out of the traffic lane I was blocking. That was unsafe for me and for the state patrol and for the tow truck driver. The car was up to date on all recommended service, had been acting normally until…
The vehicle pre-sense stopped the vehicle due to the detection of an object however, there was no object. This happened going forward and in reverse multiple times, causing the car to come to a sudden, abrupt stop even at speeds in excess of 30mph. This resulting in my teen daughter having bruising from the seat belt. The car was taken to the dealership and the dealership recalibrated the control unit. The vehicle continues to unnecessarily activate pre-sense when in reverse, and causes the car to come to an abrupt halt despite there being no object. The system may be responding to shadows…
My Audi a3 got the recall for PODS done 5/2022 which the sensors and air bag in the passenger side weren’t working and I got the same lights come up 2 weeks ago. My Dealership says since this was a recalled item and is a massive safety concern and should be covered by AUDI USA. Instead they want to charge me $1400. I have 3 kids and one sits in the front, and need my car to take them to school and so forth so big safety feature I need. This is a huge safety issue and Audi needs to take accountability
The contact owns a 2018 Audi A3. The contact stated while driving in a parking lot, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the battery was drained, and the vehicle failed to restart. The contact jumpstarted the vehicle. The battery was replaced. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the alternator needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the part was on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was called, but there was no response. The failure mileage was approximately…
appointment Aug2022 to take car for recall work of the PODS sensor mat & to update the PODS control module but was told the part was out of stock due to logistics. Why they scheduled appointment without confirming the part was in stock. I was then told before I left that there was a couple hundred cars needing this recall and that there would be a waiting list for recall work and that I would get a call to be put on a waiting list, never received a call. Then 6 months later in Feb 2023, I received another letter from Audi informing me again of the recall 69BY & a new recall item 24Wi. I called…
Audi Dealership is not co-operating to perform the recall issued on my vehicle, i have been trying to schedule the part replacement for more than a year now and every time they say the part is not available. i also attached my service request to Audi but after a phone call to confirm they said the part not available and they do not know when they will have the part. below is recall info: Mar 22,2021 Manufacturer Recall Number: 69BY NHTSA Recall Number: 21V198
ON INITIAL START, OCCASIONALLY THE CAR WILL BECOME INACTIVE WHILE DRIVING (SOMETIMES STALLS/SPUTTERS & SOMETIMES JUST DOESN'T ADVANCE EVEN WHILE PRESSING ON THE GAS PEDAL). OFTEN THE CAR SPONTANEOUSLY RESPONDS WITHIN SECONDS IF IT HAS NOT STALLED, BUT RECENTLY NOW IT STALLS AND SPUTTERS, THEN NEEDS TO BE RESTARTED. I WAS PULLING OUT OF A PARKING LOT INTO TRAFFIC WITH SAFE DISTANCE, WHEN THE CAR BECAME "DORMANT" AND STALLED. LUCKILY, THERE WAS A CENTER LANE THAT I COULD COAST INTO TO AVOID CAUSING A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. UPON RESTARTING THE VEHICLE, THE SCREEN DISPLAYED "START/STOP SYSTEM…
2018 Audi A3: questions owners ask
Is the 2018 Audi A3 reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 44 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Audi A3; the most common categories were air bags (24, 54.5%), electrical system (5, 11.4%), fuel/propulsion system (5, 11.4%). There are 3 safety recalls. 1 complaint mentions a crash, 2 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Audi A3?
Across 44 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are air bags (54.5% of complaints), electrical system (11.4% of complaints), fuel/propulsion system (11.4% of complaints), engine (9.1% of complaints), power train (9.1% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2018 Audi A3 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2018 Audi A3; the most recent (campaign 24V110000, 2024-02-14) concerns Fuel System, Gasoline. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2018 Audi A3 stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
4 of the 44 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2018 Audi A3 (9.1%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "Transmission module! Started jerking when switching gears, to not switching gears at all and this happened while driving so I was on the road stalled with no gear changes!" (NHTSA complaint 11554789, November 2023). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why is the airbag light on in my 2018 Audi A3?
4 of the 44 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2018 Audi A3 (9.1%) describe airbag warning lights or airbag faults. 2 related recalls exist: campaign 21V198000 (air bags: sensor: occupant classification: front passenger). The fix: Dealers will replace the PODS sensor mat and update the PODS control module, free of charge. One owner wrote: "Audi had a recall on my 2018 A3 for a Passenger Occupant Detection System. in July 2023, Audi replaced the PODS Sensor mat. Recently, the same car has encountered the same issue." (NHTSA complaint 11668621, June 2025). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Check your own A3
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA anonymised MOT results (Open Government Licence v3.0), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2018 only; combines NHTSA's entries for A3 and A3 SPORTBACK E-TRON.