2017 Audi A3 Reliability Report
NHTSA data as of Oct 15, 2026Published Oct 19, 2026
Ranks 9th of 16 A3 years we score.
- Owner complaints
- 81
- 14 are recall notices
- Per 10,000 cars
- 34.6
- 19,379 made for the U.S.
- Vs the average car
- 1.1×
- same age, 1× is average
- Serious outcomes
- 23
- crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
- Recalls
- 5
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5★
- overall, out of 5
Should You Buy the 2017 Audi A3?
Yes, with the usual checks. Our reliability score for the 2017 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 9th of the 16 A3 years we score.
The most reported problem is the occupant sensor, mostly warning lights (16 of 81 complaints). Owners also complain about the dual-clutch transmission and stalling. 23 of the 81 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.
It has 5 recalls. Audi also offers five warranty extensions that may still apply, for problems with the transmission, engine and driver assistance systems. NHTSA rates it 5 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. For comparison, the 2016 scores 72 and the 2018 scores 73.
Before you buy, check that the recalls were done, ask an Audi dealer about warranty extension AWA-20-03 and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.
Pros
- Good reliability score of 71
- Recent complaints at or below average
- No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls
- 5-star NHTSA overall crash rating
Cons
- Passenger airbag sensor: warning lights16 complaints
- Dual-clutch transmission failure10 complaints
- Stall (cause not stated)8 complaints
How the 2017 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 | 1.0× | −11 |
| Everyday problems | 1.4× | −5 |
| Problems in the last two years | 0.70× | −7 |
| Recalls | 0.92× | −6 |
| Score | 71 |
What Owners Report
We read all 81 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2017 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 81.
Passenger airbag sensor: warning lights
16 complaints (20%)
Warning lights, problems that come and go and a feature that stopped working. In 3 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 40,000 miles.
Dual-clutch transmission failure
10 complaints (12%)
A failure, reduced power or limp mode and inadvertent downshift. 4 of these 10 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 55,000 miles.
Stall (cause not stated)
8 complaints (10%)
Stalling. 6 of these 8 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 47,000 miles.
Airbag warning light
7 complaints (9%)
Warning lights, problems that come and go and a feature that stopped working. Median mileage when it started: about 55,000 miles.
Fuel leak
7 complaints (9%)
A leak, a failure and tank will not accept fuel, fuel spews from filler. 3 of these 7 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 50,000 miles.
EVAP system: a leak
6 complaints (7%)
A leak, a failure and flooded with fuel. 1 of these 6 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving.
Automatic emergency braking: stopped working
4 complaints (5%)
A feature that stopped working, hard braking with nothing ahead and the system not working when needed. 2 of these 4 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Engine: stalling
3 complaints (4%)
Stalling and the car not starting. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving.
Engine (misfire codes): rough running or misfires
3 complaints (4%)
Rough running or misfires.
Loss of power (cause not stated)
3 complaints (4%)
Failure or loss of drive, reduced power or limp mode and a loss of power. All 3 describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking
3 complaints (4%)
Shattering or cracking. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Cooling system failure
2 complaints (2%)
A failure that needed a new part and a leak.
Suction jet pump (fuel tank) failure
2 complaints (2%)
A failure. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: a tow.
Taillights or brake lights: stopped working
2 complaints (2%)
A feature that stopped working and problems that come and go.
Shifter or park: the car rolling away
2 complaints (2%)
The car rolling away. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: a tow.
Show 1 more problem
Wiring, fuses or body control module failure
2 complaints (2%)
A failure.
Reported Once (16)
Show the 16 problems reported once
- Airbags failure
- Engine sensors or computer
- Exterior lights: fading to yellow, looks off
- Forward collision warning: stopped working
- Fuel injector failure
- Fuel pump failure
- High-pressure fuel pump failure
- Hybrid battery: reduced capacity
- Noise (cause not stated)
- Seat belts: not closing or latching
- Timing chain or camshaft failure
- Tires: damage
- Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
- Vibration (cause not stated)
- Windshield: reduced visibility in rain
- Windshield wipers: vibration or shudder
How the 2017 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 This year | 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 | Caution | 69 | 0.94× | 40.9 | 7 | Passenger airbag sensor: stopped working |
2017 Audi A3 Recalls
Five recalls cover the 2017 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.
Engine Control Software May Cause Stall
An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 17V508000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Aug 16, 2017. By the fourth quarter of 2018, 97% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Frontal Air Bag May Deploy Too Forcibly/FMVSS 208
If the air bag deploys with more force than intended, it can increase the risk of injury.
NHTSA 17V196000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Mar 22, 2017. By the third quarter of 2018, 97% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
2017 Audi A3 Warranty Extensions and Programs
Audi has five warranty extensions for the 2017 Audi A3, separate from its recalls. They are for problems with the transmission, engine and driver assistance systems. Whether one applies to a car depends on its VIN, which an Audi dealer can check.
- 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-22-06
Transmission mechatronic fault with warning light
- The problem:
- The mechatronic unit can be faulty. The check engine light or a gearbox malfunction warning comes on, with related fault codes stored.
- The fix:
- An Audi dealer repairs or replaces a faulty mechatronic unit, with any parts and labor needed.
- Who qualifies:
- Certain 2017 and 2018 A3 and A3 Cabriolet with the 2.0 TFSI engine. A warning must show with related fault codes. Cars already repaired still qualify, but totaled cars do not.
- Coverage:
- 15 years or 150,000 miles from the original in-service date, whichever comes first.
- Warranty extensionAudi AWA-23-08
DQ-381 transmission hydraulic unit failure
- The problem:
- The hydraulic unit in the DQ-381 gearbox can fail from a defect. The bulletin does not describe the symptoms.
- The fix:
- An Audi dealer replaces the hydraulic unit for free if a specific fault code is stored after a software update and road test.
- Who qualifies:
- Select Audis with the DQ-381 gearbox. The bulletin names no model or year. Other problems found during diagnosis are not covered.
- Coverage:
- 10 years or 120,000 miles from the 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.
2017 Audi A3 NHTSA Investigations
NHTSA has opened one investigation that covers the 2017 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 2017 A3 ratings on NHTSA.gov.
S3 4-door AWD
Check Before You Buy
A checklist for the 2017 A3, from its five 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.
- 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
- Engine Control Software May Cause Stall NHTSA 17V508000
- Frontal Air Bag May Deploy Too Forcibly/FMVSS 208 NHTSA 17V196000
Ask an Audi Dealer
Ask whether each of these warranty extensions applies to this VIN, and whether the work was done.
- AWA-20-03: gear shift micro switch failure
- AWA-22-06: transmission mechatronic fault with warning light
- AWA-23-08: DQ-381 transmission hydraulic unit 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.
- 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.
- Occupant sensor
- 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