2013 Audi A3 Reliability Report
NHTSA data as of Oct 15, 2026Published Oct 19, 2026
Ranks 8th of 16 A3 years we score.
- Owner complaints
- 20
- 9 are recall notices
- Per 10,000 cars
- 29.4
- 3,736 made for the U.S.
- Vs the average car
- 0.99×
- same age, 1× is average
- Serious outcomes
- 6
- crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
- Recalls
- 3
- NHTSA crash rating
- –
Should You Buy the 2013 Audi A3?
Yes, with the usual checks. Our reliability score for the 2013 Audi A3 is 71 out of 100, which rates Good. Owners reported about as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 8th of the 16 A3 years we score.
The most reported problem is the dual-clutch transmission, mostly harsh or delayed shifts (2 of 20 complaints). Owners also complain about stalling. 6 of the 20 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.
It has 3 recalls. Audi also offers five warranty extensions that may still apply, for problems with the engine and airbags. For comparison, the 2012 scores 76.
Before you buy, check that the recalls were done, ask an Audi dealer about warranty extension AWA-17-10 and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.
Pros
- Good reliability score of 71
- No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls
- 5 Audi warranty extensions may cover repairs
Cons
- Dual-clutch transmission: harsh or delayed shifts2 complaints
- Stall (cause not stated)2 complaints
How the 2013 A3 Earned Its Score
Every model year starts at 100. Each part takes points away when this year has more problems than the average car of the same age. How we score
| Item | Vs average | Points lost |
|---|---|---|
| Starting score | 100 | |
| Serious problems | 1.1× | −18 |
| Everyday problems | 0.71× | −6 |
| Problems in the last two years | Not counted | – |
| Recalls | 0.70× | −5 |
| Score | 71 |
Problems in the last two years are not counted for the 2013 A3. If it were exactly average, its 3,736 cars would draw about 1.0 complaints in two years at this age, too few to compare. Their 30% moves to serious and everyday problems, which count for 80% of this score instead of 50%.
What Owners Report
We read all 20 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013 Audi A3, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first.
Dual-clutch transmission: harsh or delayed shifts
2 complaints (10%)
Harsh or delayed shifts and a failure. Both describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Stall (cause not stated)
2 complaints (10%)
Stalling. Both describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Reported Once (10)
Show the 10 problems reported once
- Engine: stalling
- Exhaust or catalytic converter failure
- Exterior lights: works on and off
- High-pressure fuel pump: parts breaking or coming apart
- Loss of power (cause not stated)
- DPS filter failure
- Cabin particulate discharge (cause not stated)
- Glow plugs: stopped working
- Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking
- Taillights or brake lights: works on and off
How the 2013 Audi A3 Compares With Other Years
The other A3 years of the 2nd generation (8P), 2006 to 2013, and the years just before and after it.
| Year | Rating | Score | Vs average | Per 10k cars | Recalls | Most reported problem |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 This year | Good | 71 | 0.99× | 29.4 | 3 | Dual-clutch transmission: harsh or delayed shifts |
| 2012 | Good | 76 | 0.60× | 18.0 | 4 | Wiring, fuses or body control module: damage |
| 2011 | Caution | 68 | 1.2× | 42.1 | 4 | Wiring, fuses or body control module: damage |
| 2010 | Avoid | 57 | 3.1× | 84.2 | 5 | Fuel pump: parts breaking or coming apart |
| 2009 | Caution | 60 | 2.3× | 77.7 | 5 | Dual-clutch transmission: harsh or delayed shifts |
| 2008 | Caution | 68 | 1.2× | 37.4 | 3 | Dual-clutch transmission: harsh or delayed shifts |
| 2007 | Good | 71 | 0.92× | 34.7 | 3 | Dual-clutch transmission: harsh or delayed shifts |
| 2006 | Caution | 61 | 2.2× | 71.3 | 4 | Dual-clutch transmission: failure or loss of drive |
2013 Audi A3 Recalls
Three recalls cover the 2013 Audi A3. The most recent was issued in December 2019: “Driver Side Air Bag Inflator May Explode.” A VIN check at NHTSA shows which are still open on a given car.
Driver Side Air Bag Inflator May Explode
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 19V862000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Dec 4, 2019. By the first quarter of 2021, 65% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Driver's Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture, January 2018
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 18V082000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jan 30, 2018. By the third quarter of 2020, 75% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Driver's Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture, February 2016
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 16V079000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Feb 10, 2016. By the second quarter of 2018, 40% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
2013 Audi A3 Warranty Extensions and Programs
Audi has five warranty extensions for the 2013 Audi A3, separate from its recalls. They are for problems with the engine and airbags. Whether one applies to a car depends on its VIN, which an Audi dealer can check.
- Warranty extensionAudi AWA-17-10
Emissions and engine warranty after 2.0 TDI fix
- The problem:
- Under a recall, these 2.0 TDI diesels got an emissions fix. Audi then extended the emissions warranty and added a warranty for the engine's core parts.
- The fix:
- An Audi dealer repairs covered emissions parts, core engine parts and the transmission. If a repair keeps the car 3 hours or more, a free loaner or rental is offered.
- Who qualifies:
- 2010 to 2013 A3 2.0 TDI, engine code CBEA, fixed under the emissions recall. The 4-year term may instead count from first resale. Totaled cars qualify unless earlier damage caused the failure. Ask an Audi dealer for the exact terms.
- Coverage:
- 10 years or 120,000 miles from the in-service date, or 4 years or 48,000 miles from the fix, each whichever comes first. The longer applies.
- Warranty extensionAudi AWA-15-08
2.0 TDI engine exhaust flap failure
- The problem:
- The engine exhaust flap on the 2.0 TDI diesel can work poorly and turn on the check engine light. Audi found no effect on how the car drives.
- The fix:
- An Audi dealer diagnoses the exhaust flap and replaces it for free if needed.
- Who qualifies:
- Certain 2010 to 2013 A3 2.0 TDI diesels, engine code CBEA. Other causes of the warning light and damage from tuned engine computers are not covered.
- Coverage:
- 10 years or 120,000 miles from the original in-service date, whichever comes first.
- Warranty extensionAudi AWA-19-06
Engine water pump failure, 2.0 engine
- The problem:
- The main engine water pump on the 2.0 EA888 engine can fail. A failed water pump can also damage the engine.
- The fix:
- An Audi dealer repairs or replaces a failed water pump. Audi pays 5 to 100 percent of engine damage it caused, based on age and mileage.
- Who qualifies:
- Certain 2008 to 2014 Audis with the 2.0 EA888 engine in the class action settlement. The owner needs records showing the right coolant was used and checked on schedule, within 10 percent, or a signed declaration. Totaled cars are excluded.
- Coverage:
- 10 years or 100,000 miles from the original in-service date, whichever comes first.
- Warranty extensionAudi AWA-21-06
Intake manifold fault with check engine light
- The problem:
- The intake manifold on the 2.0 TFSI engine can malfunction. The bulletin ties it to the check engine light but gives no other symptom.
- The fix:
- An Audi dealer repairs or replaces a malfunctioning intake manifold, with any parts and labor needed.
- Who qualifies:
- Certain 2013 A3 with the 2.0 TFSI engine. Other causes of the check engine light are not covered. Cars already repaired still qualify, but totaled cars do not.
- Coverage:
- 10 years or 120,000 miles from the original in-service date, whichever comes first.
- Warranty extensionAudi AWA-22-04
Takata driver or passenger airbag inflator failure
- The problem:
- The driver or passenger Takata airbag inflator can fail from a defect. This extension is for cars in the Takata inflator recall.
- The fix:
- An Audi dealer diagnoses the inflators and replaces a failed inflator for free. Inoperable or totaled cars and salvage, rebuilt or flood titles are not covered.
- Who qualifies:
- Cars in the Takata recall. After the main term, coverage lasts 75,000 miles from the recall repair or a time limit, whichever is greater: November 10, 2023, or 2 years if repaired after November 10, 2021.
- Coverage:
- 10 years from the recall repair or 150,000 miles from the original in-service date, whichever comes first. Then a further period applies.
Check Before You Buy
A checklist for the 2013 A3, from its three recalls, five Audi warranty extensions that may still apply and the problems owners report most.
Confirm the Recalls Were Done
Ask the seller for proof that each of these recalls was repaired.
- Driver Side Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA 19V862000
- Driver's Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture, January 2018 NHTSA 18V082000
- Driver's Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture, February 2016 NHTSA 16V079000
Ask an Audi Dealer
Ask whether each of these warranty extensions applies to this VIN, and whether the work was done.
- AWA-17-10: emissions and engine warranty after 2.0 TDI fix
- AWA-15-08: 2.0 TDI engine exhaust flap failure
- AWA-19-06: engine water pump failure, 2.0 engine
- AWA-21-06: intake manifold fault with check engine light
- AWA-22-04: takata driver or passenger airbag inflator failure
On the Test Drive
- Accelerate gently from a stop and again at 20 to 40 mph. Shudder, slipping or harsh shifts are warning signs. Ask for the transmission fluid records.
- Drive long enough to warm up fully, including at highway speed, and note any stalling or loss of power.
Ask the Seller
Ask whether any of these were ever repaired, and ask to see the receipts.
- Dual-clutch transmission
- Stalling
- Also ask for the service records, especially oil changes and transmission fluid changes.
Before You Pay
- Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic you choose.
- Decode the VIN to confirm the model year, engine and trim.
- Check the title for salvage, flood or rebuilt branding.
What to do next