The Audi A3 is a compact luxury car that has been available in various body styles since its U.S. introduction in 2006. With 1,822 complaints and no reported deaths, the A3 offers premium features in a smaller package but has had some reliability concerns. The 2006 first-year model had the most issues, while earlier European-market years and recent models proved more dependable.

1,822
Total Complaints
47
Total Recalls
22
Model Years
0
Reported Deaths
!

Years to Avoid

These years have significantly more complaints than average.

Best Years

These years have the fewest reported problems.

Common Problem Categories

Air Bags 676
Power Train 248
Electrical System 164
Fuel/propulsion System 138
Engine 110

Complaints by Model Year

All Model Years

Year Complaints Recalls Crashes Fires Rating
2025 6 0 6 0 Good
2024 2 0 0 0 Good
2023 12 2 0 0 Good
2022 20 6 0 0 Good
2020 36 3 4 0 Good
2019 30 3 0 0 Good
2018 92 2 2 0 Average
2017 146 2 2 0 Below Average
2016 216 3 4 4 Avoid
2015 246 2 0 0 Avoid
2013 48 3 0 0 Average
2012 96 4 2 8 Average
2011 102 4 0 6 Average
2010 120 3 6 0 Average
2009 132 3 20 0 Below Average
2008 92 2 4 0 Average
2007 126 2 0 0 Below Average
2006 280 2 6 0 Avoid
2005 0 1 0 0 Good
2004 14 0 0 0 Good
2003 4 0 0 0 Good
2001 2 0 2 0 Good

Audi A3 Years to Avoid

2006, 2015, 2016

Best Audi A3 Years

2019, 2020, 2018

Frequently Asked Questions