Is the 2013 Audi A3 reliable?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.

What are the most common problems with the 2013 Audi A3?

The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2013 Audi A3 have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

2013 Audi A3

○ Not enough data

2013 Audi A3
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:38:50.469Z

Only 20 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.

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.

Only 20 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 20
Recalls: 3
Investigations: 0
Top problem: —

Complaints per year

2013: 20 complaints

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	92
2016	83
2017	44
2018	33
2019	10
2020	16
2022	9
2023	7
2024	2
2025	5
2026	2

Known problem areas

Only 20 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Air bags

10 of 20 total reports mention: air bags.

Show complaint excerpts

Tl* Takata recall. The contact owns a 2013 Audi A3. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA campaign number: 18V084000 (Air bags) and stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time to repair the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-10-17

Tl* Takata recall. The contact owns a 2013 Audi A3. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 18V082000 (Air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-10-16

Takata inflator replacement issue on 12/31/2017 I was driving in los angeles under normal conditions when suddenly there was a hissing noise and some kind of particulate matter spewed from around the steering column where there is a join with the...

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-01-05

Fuel/propulsion system

3 of 20 total reports mention: fuel/propulsion system.

Engine

3 of 20 total reports mention: engine.

Show complaint excerpts

While driving in seattle's notorious stop and go traffic, my A3 tdi, has stalled. It acts as if I have "Dropped" The clutch, which is impossible being an automatic!!. This has happened to me on two occasions.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-02-25

Also filed under Fuel system, diesel

After driving on the highway for about 18 miles, took an exit and stopped at a traffic light. When the light changed to green I entered the intersection and the engine stalled without any indication of a problem.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-10-10

Power train

2 of 20 total reports mention: power train.

Visibility

1 of 20 total reports mentions: visibility, most commonly citing sun/moon roof assembly.

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2017-03-10Air bags16V079000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2018-02-23Air bags18V082000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2019-12-20Air bags19V862000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2015 Passat, 2011-2014 Golf A6, and 2011-2013 Audi A3 diesel vehicles, thought to have been previously repaired under one of the Takata air bag recalls.

Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's side air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began December 20, 2019.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2013 Audi A3 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Air bags: 10 reports on file for this year.
Fuel/propulsion system: 3 reports on file for this year.
Engine: 3 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 16V079000 · Air bags
Recall 18V082000 · Air bags
Recall 19V862000 · Air bags

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years1 year

201833

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2013 Audi A3 reliable?: There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Audi A3?: The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2013 Audi A3 have?: 3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.