Used Audi A3 hatchback 2013-2020 reliability

When viewing a used car, always follow our used car buying checklist.

Bodywork

Not all versions of the Audi A3 came with parking sensors, so check the bumpers and body panels for dents and scratches. Also, watch out for poor quality paint repairs, because any substandard work will void the bodywork warranty and could lead to potential rust problems.

Wheels

S line models came with low-profile tyres and bigger alloy wheels that are more susceptible to kerb damage, so watch out for any scrapes on the wheels – they can be expensive to repair and could indicate future tracking issues.

Interior

If the fit and finish of a used car is your primary concern, the A3 deserves to be at the top of your shopping list. Some owners of early examples noticed the retractable central screen creaking as it motored in and out the dashboard, but there have been few other issues reported.

Rear hub carrier

On certain A3s produced between 1 August 2017 and 31 August 2017, there was an issue with the rear hub carrier not being manufactured to the correct standard. In extreme circumstances, the car could lose a rear wheel. A recall was issued to replace the carriers on affected cars.

Passenger airbag

Vehicles produced between 30 June 2014 and 15 November 2014 had to have their passenger-side airbag module replaced because of a faulty weld on the gas generator inside. In extreme circumstances, internal components could break off, enter the interior and cause injury.

Rear head restraint

Poor welds attaching the rear headrest to the rear backrest of some A3s manufactured between 20 May 2018 and 2 September 2018 posed a safety issue. Affected cars had to have the whole backrest replaced, so check with your dealer that this has been done.

DPF

All diesel models will come equipped with a diesel particulate filter (DPF) that’s designed to trap soot from the exhaust then burn it off later. If the DPF light comes on, you must take the vehicle on a longer drive at a higher speed to clear the filter.

Click here for more information. Contact your local Audi dealer if you believe your vehicle is involved in a recall.

The Audi A3 is generally a reliable car. In our latest What Car? Reliability Survey, the model ranked 15th out of 29 cars in the family car class. Its reliability score of 88.5% makes it more reliable than the Mercedes A-Class, but less reliable than the BMW 1 Series.

The largest fault rate (15.8%) and the A3's main trouble spot proved to be the sat-nav/infotainment system. Other issues were vastly less prominent, with bodywork seeing a 5.3% fault rate, engines 2.6% and engine electrics 2.6%.

As a car brand, Audi performed poorly, ranking 24th out of 31 manufacturers. With a score of 89%, it proved itself to be a more reliable brand than Jaguar and Land Rover, but less reliable than BMW and Volvo.

Used Audi A3: owners' reliability data

While the general consensus indicates a satisfactory level of reliability, with many owners experiencing trouble-free motoring over several years, some owners experienced notable electronic and engine issues.

As for dealer service, we heard several pieces of positive feedback, with owners praising courteous and knowledgeable dealership staff. They also highlighted instances of efficient, professional handling of repairs and maintenance.

Some owners expressed frustration over expensive repair costs and lengthy wait times for service appointments, though.