2018 Audi A3
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than 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
- 33
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Air bags
Campaigns on file for 2018
Opened by NHTSA
52% of complaints
Complaints per year
2018: 33 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
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Air bags
52% · 17 reportsShow complaint excerpts
My wife was impacted on the drivers side very hard by another vehicle, enough to total the car, and the side airbags did not deploy
NHTSA ODI report, 2021-09-19
Safety recall 69Z4 passenger occupant section system (Pods) for Audi A3S. I received notice of this recall from Audi in August 2019 and at the time there was no repair available.
NHTSA ODI report, 2020-03-13
Fuel/propulsion system
15% · 5 reportsPower train
12% · 4 reportsEngine
12% · 4 reportsElectrical system
12% · 4 reportsShow complaint excerpts
The vehicle pre-sense stopped the vehicle due to the detection of an object however, there was no object. This happened going forward and in reverse multiple times, causing the car to come to a sudden, abrupt stop even at speeds in excess of 30mph.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-04-12
Also filed under Back over prevention and forward collision avoidance
On initial start, occasionally the car will become inactive while driving (Sometimes stalls/sputters & sometimes just doesn't advance even while pressing on the gas pedal).
NHTSA ODI report, 2021-02-17
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2021-12-23Air bags21V198000 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.
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I
2023-12-12Recall queryClosed 2024-07-01 Fuel Leak due to Suction Jet Pump Failure within Fuel Tank (Remedy Effectiveness of Recall 16V647)
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2024-07-25Fuel system, gasoline24V110000 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.
Buy-smart checklist
2018 Audi A3 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 17 reports on file for this year.
- Fuel/propulsion system: 5 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 4 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 21V198000 · Air bags
- Recall 24V110000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2018 Audi A3 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2018 Audi A3 is rated "better than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2018 Audi A3?
- The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 52% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2018 Audi A3 have?
- 2 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.