Audi A3 years to avoid and best years
Newer Audi A3 years have fewer owner complaints per year than the older ones. 2015 has the most complaints per year, at 10 (179 complaints). 2015 through 2016 are in that same range. From 2018 on, complaints per year fall. Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2017 at 0 (from 36 complaints), 2024 at 1 (from 2 complaints), and 2012 at 1 (from 43 complaints). The Audi A3 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet. On the 2015 Audi A3, 55 of 179 complaints name Air bags.
Data as of .
2017
2024
2012
2025–26
Audi A3 reliability by year
Each year is complaints filed in that year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. A model year younger than 3 years is too early to compare, so it is left out of the years named as having the fewest or the most complaints. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market Audi A3. How we count.
By model year
| Year | Per year on the road | Complaints | Recalls | Most-filed complaint | Avg. combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Too early | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 28 |
| 2025 Too early | 3 | 5 | 0 | Back-over prevention | 28 |
| 2024 Fewest | 1 | 2 | 0 | Electrical system | 31 |
| 2023 | 0 | 0 | 2 | — | 31 |
| 2022 → | 0 | 0 | 6 | — | 31.5 |
| 2020 → | 4 | 16 | 3 | Air bags | 26.7 |
| 2019 → | 2 | 12 | 3 | Air bags | 27 |
| 2018 → | 2 | 44 | 2 | Air bags | 29 |
| 2017 → Fewest | 0 | 36 | 2 | Air bags | 28.6 |
| 2016 → | 5 | 112 | 3 | Air bags | 30.3 |
| 2015 → Most | 10 | 179 | 2 | Air bags | 28.6 |
| 2013 → | 1 | 20 | 3 | Air bags | 26 |
| 2012 → Fewest | 1 | 43 | 4 | Air bags | 26 |
Years with a → link have a full model-year page.
What owners file about
Generations
- Body styles
- Sedan, Cabriolet
- Oil
- 5W-30 full synthetic (common US fills) · 5.5 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 225/45R17, 225/40R18, 235/35R19
Known issues for this generation
Recall 21V-198 covers certain 2015-2020 A3 Sedan and related A3/S3/RS3 and e-tron variants: the passenger occupant detection system (PODS) may malfunction and switch off the passenger air bag even when the seat is occupied, increasing injury risk in a crash; dealers replace the PODS sensor mat and update the control module. Recall 24V-110 covers certain front-wheel-drive 2015-2020 A3 Sedan and 2015-2019 A3 Cabriolet vehicles (with several Volkswagen models in the same campaign): a fuel suction pump concern can allow a fuel leak that increases fire risk; dealers replace the suction pump.
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- Body styles
- Sedan
- Oil
- 0W-20 full synthetic (common US fills) · 6 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 225/45R17 (standard), 225/40R18, 235/35R19
Known issues for this generation
Recall 21V-825 covers certain 2022 A3 Sedan vehicles (with a long list of other 2021-2022 Audis): a software error may prevent the rear-view camera image from displaying, reducing rearward visibility; dealers update infotainment parameters. Recall 22V-806 covers certain 2022 A3 vehicles (again with many other Audis) where an inoperative rearview-camera display is addressed by replacing the infotainment main unit.
Frequently asked questions
Which Audi A3 years have fewer owner complaints?
Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2017 at 0 (from 36 complaints), 2024 at 1 (from 2 complaints), and 2012 at 1 (from 43 complaints).
Which Audi A3 year has the most owner complaints?
2015 has the most complaints per year, at 10 (179 complaints). 2015 through 2016 are in that same range. On the 2015 Audi A3, 55 of 179 complaints name Air bags.
How do Audi A3 owner complaints compare by year?
Newer Audi A3 years have fewer owner complaints per year than the older ones. From 2018 on, complaints per year fall.
Which Audi A3 years are too early to compare?
The Audi A3 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet.
What oil does an Audi A3 take?
US 8V (2012-2020) commonly lists 5W-30; US 8Y (2022+) commonly lists 0W-20 full synthetic.
Does recall 21V-198 cover the Audi A3?
It covers certain 2015-2020 A3 Sedan and related A3/S3/RS3/e-tron variants: the passenger occupant detection system may switch off the passenger air bag incorrectly.
What generation is a 2020 Audi A3?
8V generation (2012-2020 in the US). The next US generation is 8Y from 2022.