2017 Audi A3

● Typical for this model

2017 Audi A3
RENDERED 2026-08-02T13:00:07.746Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

2017: 44 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	89
2016	80
2017	44
2018	33
2019	10
2020	16
2022	9
2023	6
2024	1
2025	3

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

AIR BAGS 36%

36% of complaints: air bags — 16 distinct reports on file.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 34%

34% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 15 distinct reports on file.

INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

In August 2025, my 2017 Audi A3 (VIN [XXX] ) experienced repeated stalling, strong gasoline odors inside the cabin, and a check engine light immediately after Audi completed recall-related service.

NHTSA ODI report, 20251207

WHEN DRIVING OFF AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE CAR STARTS JERKING AND 'KNOCKING' AND STALLS/TURNS OFF. THIS HAPPENS ALMOST EVERYDAY AS I REVERSE OUT OF MY DRIVE WAY AND DRIVE FORWARD. EXTREMELY UNSAFE!

NHTSA ODI report, 20191220

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 27%

27% of complaints: electrical system — 12 distinct reports on file.

ENGINE 20%

20% of complaints: engine — 9 distinct reports on file.

INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

In August 2025, my 2017 Audi A3 (VIN [XXX] ) experienced repeated stalling, strong gasoline odors inside the cabin, and a check engine light immediately after Audi completed recall-related service.

NHTSA ODI report, 20251207

MY CAR AFTER STARTING (WITH ENGINE EITHER COOL OR WARM) WILL STALL AT TIMES WHEN I'M GOING2-3 MPH. I HAVE STALLED AT INTERSECTIONS. I GO TO PUT MY FOOT ON THE GAS AND THE CAR WILL SPUTTER AND STALL.

NHTSA ODI report, 20200211

NHTSA ODI report, 20191220

POWER TRAIN 14%

14% of complaints: power train — 6 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20211223 — air bags

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.

Remedy: 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.

Campaign 21V198000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20231212 — RQ (closed 20240701)

Fuel Leak due to Suction Jet Pump Failure within Fuel Tank (Remedy Effectiveness of Recall 16V647)

R 20240725 — fuel system, gasoline

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Remedy: 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.

Campaign 24V110000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2017 Audi A3 — pre-purchase inspection

Test/inspect for air bags issues (16 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (15 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for electrical system issues (12 reports on file for this year).
Verify recall 21V198000 (air bags) has been completed.
Verify recall 24V110000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2018 ● 2011 ● 2008

WORST YEARS

■ 2006 ◆ 2015 ◆ 2016

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2017 Audi A3 reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2017 Audi A3 is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2017 Audi A3?

The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 36% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2017 Audi A3 have?

2 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.