2010 Audi A3
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2001 | 1 |
| 2003 | 2 |
| 2004 | 6 |
| 2005 | 0 |
| 2006 | 123 |
| 2007 | 52 |
| 2008 | 43 |
| 2009 | 47 |
| 2010 | 50 |
| 2011 | 43 |
| 2012 | 43 |
| 2013 | 20 |
| 2015 | 89 |
| 2016 | 80 |
| 2017 | 44 |
| 2018 | 33 |
| 2019 | 10 |
| 2020 | 16 |
| 2022 | 9 |
| 2023 | 6 |
| 2024 | 1 |
| 2025 | 3 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
26% of complaints: fuel system, diesel — 13 distinct reports on file.
26% of complaints: air bags — 13 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
ON JUNE 8 2018 THE CAR WAS IN MOTION IN THE CITY OF ATLANTA DRIVING STRAIGHT WHEN ANOTHER CAR TURN IMPROPERLY CAUSING ACCIDENT. THIS CAUSE THE CAR TO GET INVOLVED IN A CAR ACCIDENT FRONT END. THE DRIVER CHEST HIT THE STEERING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180713
20% of complaints: power train — 10 distinct reports on file.
8% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 4 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
THIS COMPLAINT RELATES TO A TDI VERSION OF THE AUDI A3. WHILE DRIVING MY KIDS TO SCHOOL, THE CAR STOPPED DEAD AND WOULD NOT RESTART. ON INSPECTION BY AN AUDI DEALER IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP HAD FAILED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20121018
8% of complaints: engine — 4 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
THIS COMPLAINT RELATES TO A TDI VERSION OF THE AUDI A3. WHILE DRIVING MY KIDS TO SCHOOL, THE CAR STOPPED DEAD AND WOULD NOT RESTART. ON INSPECTION BY AN AUDI DEALER IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP HAD FAILED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20121018
WHILE DRIVING ON LOCAL ROADS, ENGINE LOST POWER AND STOPPED RUNNING SUDDENLY. I WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE CAR AFTER A MINUTE OR SO AND CONTINUED MY TRIP TO WORK.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120430
SAFETY TIMELINE
VEHICLE STALL/LOSS MOTIVE POWER
VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 AND 2010 PASSENGER CARS MANUFACTURED BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 2008 AND AUGUST 2009. THE WIRING HARNESS OF A TEMPERATURE SENSOR IN THE DIRECT SHIFT GEARBOX (DS
Remedy: VOLKSWAGEN WILL REPROGRAM THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE WITH UPDATED SOFTWARE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 20, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.
Campaign 09V333000 — check if this car was fixed
VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006 THROUGH 2010 AUDI A3, TT, AND TT ROADSTER PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 29, 2005 AND AUGUST 26, 2009. THE CLOSING FORCE OF AN INTER
Remedy: VOLKSWAGEN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND AUDI DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK VENTILATION VALVE WITH AN IMPROVED VALVE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 16, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AU
Campaign 09V377000 — check if this car was fixed
High Pressure Fuel Pump Failure (HPFP)
High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure
Diesel Fuel Injector Line Leakage
VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL 2009-2012 JETTA AND JETTA SPORTWAGEN VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 2008 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2011, MODEL YEAR 2010-2012 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM
Remedy: VOLKSWAGEN WILL INSTALL AN IMPROVED FUEL INJECTOR LINE FOR THE NUMBER 2 CYLINDER ON CERTAIN VEHICLES AND WILL INSTALL VIBRATION DAMPERS ON ALL OF THE INJECTOR LINES. VOLKSWAGEN AND AUDI WILL NOTIFY O
Campaign 11V490000 — check if this car was fixed
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2006 Volkswagen Passat sedans and wagons, 2005-2013 Audi A3, and 2006-2009 Audi A4 Cabriolet vehicles.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began March 2017. Volkswagen owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.
Campaign 16V079000 — check if this car was fixed
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2006-2013 Audi A3, 2007-2009 A4 Cabriolet and S4 Cabriolet, 2008 RS4 Cabriolet, 2009-2012 Q5, and 2010-2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet and S5 Cabriolet vehicles.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 23, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
Campaign 18V082000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2010 Audi A3 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for fuel system, diesel issues (13 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (13 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (10 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 09V333000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09V377000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 11V490000 (fuel system, diesel) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V079000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18V082000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
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WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2010 Audi A3 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2010 Audi A3 is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2010 Audi A3?
The most-reported component is fuel system, diesel, accounting for 26% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2010 Audi A3 have?
5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.