Used Audi A3 e-tron 2014-2018 reliability
Category: Plug-in hybrid
The Audi A3 e-tron is a pricey used buy, but it has all the classiness of the regular versions with potentially cheaper running costs.
What should I look for in a used Audi A3 hatchback?
Bodywork
Not all versions of the 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
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.
What are the most common problems with a used Audi A3 hatchback?
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.
Is a used Audi A3 hatchback reliable?
There's no standalone reliability data for the Audi A3 e-tron, but the Audi A3's reliability generally depends on which engine it has. In last year's What Car? Reliability Survey, petrol models finished lower down the rankings in 17th place, but diesel models managed to climb up to the lofty heights of 2nd, just behind the Hyundai i30. In the latest survey, the A3 finished in 18th place out of 24 cars in the family car class.
Audi as a brand finished 20th out of 30 manufacturers in our most recent Reliability Survey. The A3's tried-and-tested major components are shared with Seat, Skoda and Volkswagen models, so it should be easy to source the parts and, if you seek out a trusted independent dealer, it is not unduly expensive to repair.
For the full reliability list for family cars, see the What Car? Reliability Survey pages
