2018 Audi A3 Reliability Report

NHTSA data as of Oct 15, 2026Published Oct 19, 2026

Good

Ranks 5th of 16 A3 years we score.

Owner complaints: 63; 16 are recall notices
Per 10,000 cars: 22.4; 20,940 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 0.74×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 13; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 7
NHTSA crash rating: 5★; overall, out of 5

← 2017 A3 2019 A3 →

Should You Buy the 2018 Audi A3?

Yes, with the usual checks. Our reliability score for the 2018 Audi A3 is 73 out of 100, which rates Good. Owners reported fewer problems than for the average car of the same age. It ranks 5th of the 16 A3 years we score.

The most reported problem is the occupant sensor, mostly warning lights (11 of 63 complaints). Owners also complain about the dual-clutch transmission and tires. 13 of the 63 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 transmission and driver assistance systems. NHTSA rates it 5 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. For comparison, the 2017 scores 71 and the 2019 scores 78.

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 73
Fewer problems than the average car its age
No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls
5-star NHTSA overall crash rating

Cons

Passenger airbag sensor: warning lights11 complaints
Dual-clutch transmission: harsh or delayed shifts5 complaints
Tires: parts breaking or coming apart5 complaints

How the 2018 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

Score breakdown
Item	Vs average	Points lost
Starting score		100
Serious problems	0.60×	−8
Everyday problems	1.1×	−5
Problems in the last two years	0.75×	−8
Recalls	1.2×	−6
Score		73

What Owners Report

We read all 63 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2018 Audi A3, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first.

Passenger airbag sensor: warning lights
11 complaints (17%)
Warning lights, a feature that stopped working and problems that come and go. In 4 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 24,000 miles.
Dual-clutch transmission: harsh or delayed shifts
5 complaints (8%)
Harsh or delayed shifts, slipping and reduced power or limp mode. 4 of these 5 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Tires: parts breaking or coming apart
5 complaints (8%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, damage and shattering or cracking. 2 of these 5 complaints describe a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 30,000 miles.
Automatic emergency braking: stopped working
4 complaints (6%)
A feature that stopped working and hard braking with nothing ahead. 2 of these 4 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden braking.
Cooling system: a leak
3 complaints (5%)
A leak and overheating. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving.
Fuel pump failure
3 complaints (5%)
A failure and control valve stuck open. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: a tow.
Fuel leak failure
3 complaints (5%)
A failure and a leak.
Loss of power (cause not stated)
2 complaints (3%)
Failure or loss of drive and reduced power or limp mode. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving.
Suction jet pump (fuel tank) failure
2 complaints (3%)
A failure.
Stall (cause not stated)
2 complaints (3%)
Stalling. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving.
Transmission computer: failure or loss of drive
2 complaints (3%)
Failure or loss of drive. Both describe a serious outcome, most often a tow.

Reported Once (16)

Show the 16 problems reported once

EVAP system: a leak
Airbag warning light: works on and off
Airbags: works on and off
Alternator or charging failure
Several warning lights at once
Fuel injector: a leak
Fuel system: fuel spits back and refueling shuts off
Headlights: condensation fogging reduces beam
Side blind zone alert: works on and off
Side or curtain airbags: no deployment in a crash
Start-stop system: warning lights
Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking
Turbocharger: a loss of power
Warning lights (cause not stated)
Windshield: delaminating
Windshield wipers failure

How the 2018 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 This year	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	Caution	69	0.94×	40.9	7	Passenger airbag sensor: stopped working

See every A3 year

2018 Audi A3 Recalls

Seven recalls cover the 2018 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 24V110000 Recall 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 21V198000 Recall 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 19V474000 Recall 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.
Rear Center Headrests May Detach in a Crash
In the event of a crash, the head restraint may detach and cause injury to the vehicle occupants.
NHTSA 19V095000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Feb 13, 2019. By the second quarter of 2020, 92% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Improperly Secured Fuel Line May Cause Fuel Leak
A fuel leak in the engine compartment can increase the risk of a fire.
NHTSA 18V863000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Dec 5, 2018. By the second quarter of 2020, 96% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Incorrectly Welded Rear Seat Guide Sleeves
If the guide sleeves are incorrectly welded, in the event of a crash, the rear seat head restraints may have reduced stability, increasing the risk of injury.
NHTSA 18V803000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Nov 14, 2018. By the first quarter of 2020, 87% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.

Show 1 more recalls

Engine Control Software May Cause Stall
An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 17V508000 Recall 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.

2018 Audi A3 Warranty Extensions and Programs

Audi has four warranty extensions for the 2018 Audi A3, separate from its recalls. They are for problems with the transmission 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.
Audi's bulletin (PDF)
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.
Audi's bulletin (PDF)
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.
Audi's bulletin (PDF)
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.
Audi's bulletin (PDF)

2018 Audi A3 NHTSA Investigations

NHTSA has opened one investigation that covers the 2018 Audi A3. It led to a recall.

Fuel leaks from an in-tank pump after recall repair
Led to a recall
NHTSA'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 RQ23007 Opening 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 2018 A3 ratings on NHTSA.gov.

4-door FWD, 4-door AWD and S3 4-door AWD

Overall5/5

Frontal crash4/5

Side crash5/5

Rollover4/5

RS 3 4-door AWD

OverallNot rated

Frontal crashNot rated

Side crashNot rated

Rollover4/5

Check Before You Buy

A checklist for the 2018 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
Rear Center Headrests May Detach in a Crash NHTSA 19V095000
Improperly Secured Fuel Line May Cause Fuel Leak NHTSA 18V863000
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-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-24-04: 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.
Look for uneven tire wear and listen for clunks or humming that changes with speed.

Ask the Seller

Ask whether any of these were ever repaired, and ask to see the receipts.

Occupant sensor
Dual-clutch transmission
Tires
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

All A3 Years →Best years and years to avoid, side by side.Compare With Other Years →Put up to four model years side by side.Find Warranty Extensions →Repairs Audi may still cover for this year.Decode a VIN →Confirm the exact year, engine and trim of a car.