2015 Audi A3 Reliability Report
NHTSA data as of Oct 15, 2026Published Oct 19, 2026
Ranks 11th of 16 A3 years we score.
- Owner complaints
- 233
- 41 are recall notices
- Per 10,000 cars
- 40.9
- 46,895 made for the U.S.
- Vs the average car
- 0.94×
- same age, 1× is average
- Serious outcomes
- 35
- crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
- Recalls
- 7
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5★
- overall, out of 5
Should You Buy the 2015 Audi A3?
Only after careful checks. Our reliability score for the 2015 Audi A3 is 69 out of 100, which rates Caution. Owners reported about as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 11th of the 16 A3 years we score.
The most reported problem is the occupant sensor, mostly stopped working (68 of 233 complaints). Owners also complain about the cooling system and the dual-clutch transmission. 35 of the 233 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.
It has 7 recalls. Audi also offers four warranty extensions that may still apply, for problems with the engine, transmission and driver assistance systems. NHTSA rates it 5 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. For comparison, the 2016 scores 72.
Before you buy, check that the recalls were done, ask an Audi dealer about warranty extension AWA-17-01 and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.
Pros
- No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls
- 5-star NHTSA overall crash rating
- 4 Audi warranty extensions may cover repairs
Cons
- Passenger airbag sensor: stopped working68 complaints
- Cooling system: a leak16 complaints
- Dual-clutch transmission: harsh or delayed shifts11 complaints
How the 2015 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 | 0.59× | −9 |
| Everyday problems | 1.8× | −6 |
| Problems in the last two years | 1.2× | −10 |
| Recalls | 1.1× | −6 |
| Score | 69 |
What Owners Report
We read all 233 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2015 Audi A3, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first. A complaint that describes more than one problem is counted under each, so the counts add up to more than 233.
Passenger airbag sensor: stopped working
68 complaints (29%)
A feature that stopped working, warning lights and problems that come and go. In 3 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 31 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 56,000 miles.
Cooling system: a leak
16 complaints (7%)
A leak, a failure that needed a new part and overheating. 2 of these 16 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 52,000 miles.
Dual-clutch transmission: harsh or delayed shifts
11 complaints (5%)
Harsh or delayed shifts, stuck in first gear and sudden loss of drive. 5 of these 11 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 45,000 miles.
Fuel system: a leak
11 complaints (5%)
A leak, cannot put gas in the car and pump nozzle stops repeatedly during refueling. 2 of these 11 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 79,000 miles.
EVAP system: a leak
10 complaints (4%)
A leak, a failure that needed a new part and nozzle clicks off early and fuel spills from the filler neck. In 3 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 113,000 miles.
Fuel pump failure
9 complaints (4%)
A failure that needed a new part, the car not starting and unusual noises. 5 of these 9 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 42,000 miles.
Suction pump failure
9 complaints (4%)
A failure and a feature that stopped working. 2 of these 9 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 134,000 miles.
Airbag warning light
7 complaints (3%)
Warning lights. In 3 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 48,000 miles.
Automatic emergency braking: warning lights
6 complaints (3%)
Warning lights and a failure. Median mileage when it started: about 51,000 miles.
Headlights: inadequate illumination
6 complaints (3%)
Inadequate illumination, damage and problems that come and go. In 3 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 7,000 miles.
Fuel leak: will not take fuel
5 complaints (2%)
Will not take fuel and a leak.
Loss of power (cause not stated)
5 complaints (2%)
A loss of power. All 5 describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 4,000 miles.
Tires: parts breaking or coming apart
5 complaints (2%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, damage and a leak. 3 of these 5 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 13,000 miles.
Shifter or park failure
5 complaints (2%)
A failure that needed a new part, a stored fault code and the car rolling away. 1 of these 5 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 49,000 miles.
Engine: stalling
4 complaints (2%)
Stalling, high idle speed and a loss of power. 2 of these 4 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 46,000 miles.
Show 20 more problems
Wiring, fuses or body control module: parts breaking or coming apart
4 complaints (2%)
Parts breaking or coming apart and a failure. 1 of these 4 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 60,000 miles.
Fumes in cabin (cause not stated)
3 complaints (1%)
A bad smell. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 83,000 miles.
Heater: smoke or a burning smell
3 complaints (1%)
Smoke or a burning smell.
High-pressure fuel pump failure
3 complaints (1%)
A failure.
Poor acceleration (cause not stated)
3 complaints (1%)
Hesitation and problems that come and go. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving.
Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking
3 complaints (1%)
Shattering or cracking. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 37,000 miles.
Taillights or brake lights: stopped working
3 complaints (1%)
A feature that stopped working and too bright.
Airbags failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure and no deployment in a crash.
Brakes: a leak
2 complaints (under 1%)
A leak and the car rolling away.
Defroster: stopped working
2 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working. Both describe a serious outcome, most often loss of visibility.
Engine failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure and locking up. Both describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil
2 complaints (under 1%)
Burning or using oil.
Engine oil leak
2 complaints (under 1%)
A leak.
Screen and audio: the system acting on its own
2 complaints (under 1%)
The system acting on its own and problems that come and go.
Seat belts: locking up
2 complaints (under 1%)
Locking up and buckle missing.
Car not starting (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
The system acting on its own and the car not starting. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: a car that would not start.
Steering: sticking or stiffness
2 complaints (under 1%)
Sticking or stiffness.
Tire pressure monitoring: the system not working when needed
2 complaints (under 1%)
The system not working when needed and warning lights.
Turbocharger failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure and parts breaking or coming apart. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: a tow.
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
Sudden acceleration. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: sudden acceleration or braking.
Reported Once (36)
Show the 36 problems reported once
- 12V battery failure
- AWD or rear differential failure
- Battery drain: draining the battery
- Body seals (water leak): water leaking in
- Check engine light (cause not stated)
- Control module (unspecified) failure
- Engine (misfire codes): rough running or misfires
- Exhaust or catalytic converter: damage
- Exterior lights: stopped working
- Exterior trim: roof trim panel peeling and deteriorating
- Fuel filler door: sticking or stiffness
- Fuel injector failure
- Ignition coils or spark plugs failure
- Instrument cluster: works on and off
- Intake manifold or runner flaps failure
- Interior trim: white outline visible on the airbag cover
- Key fob: stopped working
- Alarm: the system acting on its own
- Front suspension: unusual noises
- Handling instability at highway speed (cause not stated)
- Recall-listed fault (not described) (cause not stated)
- Runs poorly (not described) (cause not stated)
- Oxygen sensor failure
- Paint and rust: damage
- Piston rings: parts breaking or coming apart
- Rearview camera: stopped working
- Stability control (ESC): warning lights
- Stall (cause not stated)
- Starter failure
- Sunroof: parts breaking or coming apart
- Valve train: damage
- Vibration (cause not stated)
- Warning lights (cause not stated)
- Wheel bearings failure
- Wheel rim: shattering or cracking
- Windshield wipers: a leak
How the 2015 Audi A3 Compares With Other Years
The other A3 years of the 3rd generation (8V), 2015 to 2020, and the years just before and after it.
| Year | Rating | Score | Vs average | Per 10k cars | Recalls | Most reported problem |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Good | 78 | 0.51× | 10.6 | 3 | Dual-clutch transmission failure |
| 2019 | Good | 78 | 0.46× | 13.1 | 4 | Airbag warning light failure |
| 2018 | Good | 73 | 0.74× | 22.4 | 7 | Passenger airbag sensor: warning lights |
| 2017 | Good | 71 | 1.1× | 34.6 | 5 | Passenger airbag sensor: warning lights |
| 2016 | Good | 72 | 0.86× | 30.2 | 6 | Passenger airbag sensor: stopped working |
| 2015 This year | Caution | 69 | 0.94× | 40.9 | 7 | Passenger airbag sensor: stopped working |
2015 Audi A3 Recalls
Seven recalls cover the 2015 Audi A3. The most recent was issued in February 2024: “Fuel Leak from Fuel Tank Suction Pump Failure.” A VIN check at NHTSA shows which are still open on a given car.
Fuel Leak from Fuel Tank Suction Pump Failure
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
NHTSA 24V110000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Feb 14, 2024. By the second quarter of 2026, 57% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Passenger Air Bag May Deactivate, March 2021
A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
NHTSA 21V198000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Mar 22, 2021. By the second quarter of 2024, 67% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Passenger Air Bag May Deactivate, June 2019
A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
NHTSA 19V474000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jun 19, 2019. By the fourth quarter of 2020, 82% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Incorrect Vehicle Production Date/FMVSS 567
In the event of a vehicle safety recall, an incorrect production date may prevent owners from determining if the recall affects them, increasing their risk of injury or a crash.
NHTSA 17V280000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Apr 26, 2017. By the third quarter of 2018, 77% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Suction Pump May Allow Fuel into the EVAP System
As fuel accumulates in the EVAP system, it may leak out through the charcoal canister filter element. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
NHTSA 16V647000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Sep 7, 2016. By the first quarter of 2018, 88% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Side Air Bag May Not Deploy Due to Seat Stitching
Improper side air bag deployment may increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
NHTSA 15V824000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Dec 8, 2015. By the second quarter of 2017, 88% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Show 1 more recalls
Improper Plating May Cause Fuel Pump to Fail
If the fuel pump fails, the vehicle will not start, or if the engine is running, it will stop and the vehicle will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 15V229000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Apr 17, 2015. By the third quarter of 2016, 94% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
2015 Audi A3 Warranty Extensions and Programs
Audi has four warranty extensions for the 2015 Audi A3, separate from its recalls. They are for problems with the engine, transmission and driver assistance systems. Whether one applies to a car depends on its VIN, which an Audi dealer can check.
- Warranty extensionAudi AWA-17-01
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 and core engine parts under this warranty. If a repair keeps the car 3 hours or more, a free loaner or rental is offered.
- Who qualifies:
- 2015 A3 2.0 TDI, engine code CRUA, fixed under the emissions recall. The 5 years or 60,000 miles restart when Phase 2 of the fix is completed. Totaled cars qualify unless earlier damage caused the failure.
- Coverage:
- 11 years or 162,000 miles from the in-service date, or 5 years or 60,000 miles from Phase 1, each whichever comes first. The longer applies.
- Warranty extensionAudi AWA-20-03
Gear shift micro switch failure
- The problem:
- The gear shift micro switch can fail. The bulletin does not describe the symptoms.
- The fix:
- An Audi dealer repairs or replaces a failed gear shift micro switch, with any parts and labor needed.
- Who qualifies:
- Certain 2015 to 2019 A3 and 2019 Q3. Cars already repaired still qualify, but totaled cars do not.
- Coverage:
- 6 years or 60,000 miles from the original in-service date, whichever comes first.
- Warranty extensionAudi AWA-24-01
High oil use or fractured pistons
- The problem:
- 2012 to 2014 A4, A5, A6, Q5 and TT can use too much oil. On 2015 to 2017 A3 and 2016 to 2017 TT, a piston can fracture.
- The fix:
- Audi pays 75 percent of an Audi dealer's repair. Engine damage caused by the problem is paid at 25 to 100 percent, based on age and mileage.
- Who qualifies:
- Cars in the settlement class. The owner must prove oil maintenance within 10 percent of schedule during their ownership, or sign a sworn statement if records are missing. Ask an Audi dealer for the exact terms.
- Coverage:
- 9 years or 90,000 miles from the in-service date, whichever comes first. Cars past 9 years on January 29, 2024 got until April 8, 2024.
- Warranty extensionAudi AWA-24-04
Automatic emergency braking system faults
- The problem:
- The automatic emergency braking, or AEB, system can malfunction when its control unit, a camera, the LIDAR or a sensor fails.
- The fix:
- An Audi dealer repairs the AEB fault and Audi pays 75 percent of the cost. Damage from crashes, impacts, moved sensors or weather is not covered.
- Who qualifies:
- Certain Audis covered by the settlement, with a confirmed fault in the AEB control unit, cameras, LIDAR or sensors. If the new car warranty's time ran out by May 16, 2024, the extension's time limit was November 16, 2024.
- Coverage:
- Up to 12 months or 12,000 miles after the new car warranty ends. Ask an Audi dealer for the exact terms.
2015 Audi A3 NHTSA Investigations
NHTSA has opened one investigation that covers the 2015 Audi A3. It led to a recall.
Fuel leaks from an in-tank pump after recall repair
Led to a recallNHTSA's recall query checked how well the repair for 2016 recall 16V-647 worked and whether it covered enough cars. Owners reported fuel leaks, fuel odor and refueling problems from a failed pump inside the fuel tank, including on repaired cars. Audi issued recall 24V-110 in February 2024 for 2015-2020 A3 cars, with an improved pump. NHTSA closed the query.
NHTSA RQ23007Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Dec 12, 2023 to Jul 1, 2024
NHTSA Crash Test Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for this model year. See the 2015 A3 ratings on NHTSA.gov.
4-door FWD, 4-door AWD and S3 4-door AWD
Check Before You Buy
A checklist for the 2015 A3, from its seven recalls, four 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.
- Fuel Leak from Fuel Tank Suction Pump Failure NHTSA 24V110000
- Passenger Air Bag May Deactivate, March 2021 NHTSA 21V198000
- Passenger Air Bag May Deactivate, June 2019 NHTSA 19V474000
- Incorrect Vehicle Production Date/FMVSS 567 NHTSA 17V280000
- Suction Pump May Allow Fuel into the EVAP System NHTSA 16V647000
- Look up the VIN at NHTSA to see all 7 recalls and which are still open.
Ask an Audi Dealer
Ask whether each of these warranty extensions applies to this VIN, and whether the work was done.
- AWA-17-01: emissions and engine warranty after 2.0 TDI fix
- AWA-20-03: gear shift micro switch failure
- AWA-24-01: high oil use or fractured pistons
- AWA-24-04: automatic emergency braking system faults
On the Test Drive
- With an adult in the front passenger seat, the passenger airbag-off light should stay off.
- Check the coolant level and watch the temperature gauge 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.
Ask the Seller
Ask whether any of these were ever repaired, and ask to see the receipts.
- Occupant sensor
- Cooling system
- Dual-clutch transmission
- 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