2020 Audi A3 Reliability Report

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

Good

Ranks 3rd of 16 A3 years we score.

Owner complaints: 18; 6 are recall notices
Per 10,000 cars: 10.6; 11,284 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 0.51×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 3; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 3
NHTSA crash rating: 5★; overall, out of 5

← 2019 A3 2022 A3 →

Should You Buy the 2020 Audi A3?

Yes, with the usual checks. Our reliability score for the 2020 Audi A3 is 78 out of 100, which rates Good. Owners reported about half as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 3rd of the 16 A3 years we score.

The most reported problem is the dual-clutch transmission (3 of 18 complaints). Owners also complain about airbag warning lights and the occupant sensor. 3 of the 18 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.

It has 3 recalls. Audi also offers a warranty extension that may still apply, for a problem with the driver assistance systems. NHTSA rates it 5 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. For comparison, the 2019 scores 78.

Before you buy, check that the recalls were done, ask an Audi dealer about warranty extension AWA-24-04 and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.

Pros

Good reliability score of 78
About half the problems of the average car its age
Recent complaints at or below average
No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls

Cons

Dual-clutch transmission failure3 complaints
Airbag warning light2 complaints
Passenger airbag sensor: warning lights2 complaints

How the 2020 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	0.41×	−6
Everyday problems	0.73×	−4
Problems in the last two years	0.61×	−7
Recalls	0.79×	−5
Score		78

What Owners Report

We read all 18 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2020 Audi A3, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first.

Dual-clutch transmission failure
3 complaints (17%)
A failure and reduced power or limp mode. 2 of these 3 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 50,000 miles.
Airbag warning light
2 complaints (11%)
Warning lights.
Passenger airbag sensor: warning lights
2 complaints (11%)
Warning lights and a failure.
Tires: early wear
2 complaints (11%)
Early wear and damage.

Reported Once (9)

Show the 9 problems reported once

Airbags: no deployment in a crash
Cooling system: a leak
Engine sensors or computer: wrong readings
Seat belts: false unbuckled warnings
Stall (cause not stated)
Steering: locking up
Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking
Tire pressure monitoring: the system not working when needed
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)

How the 2020 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 This year	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	Caution	69	0.94×	40.9	7	Passenger airbag sensor: stopped working

See every A3 year

2020 Audi A3 Recalls

Three recalls cover the 2020 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.
Tire Pressure Loss Not Detected/FMVSS 138
An undetected sudden loss of pressure in all four tires increases the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 22V815000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Oct 31, 2022. By the fourth quarter of 2024, 82% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Passenger Air Bag May Deactivate
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.

2020 Audi A3 Warranty Extensions and Programs

Audi has one warranty extension for the 2020 Audi A3, separate from its recalls. It is for a problem with the driver assistance systems. Whether one applies to a car depends on its VIN, which an Audi dealer can check.

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)

2020 Audi A3 NHTSA Investigations

NHTSA has opened one investigation that covers the 2020 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 2020 A3 ratings on NHTSA.gov.

4-door AWD, 4-door FWD 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 2020 A3, from its three recalls, an Audi warranty extension 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
Tire Pressure Loss Not Detected/FMVSS 138 NHTSA 22V815000
Passenger Air Bag May Deactivate NHTSA 21V198000

Ask an Audi Dealer

Ask whether this warranty extension applies to this VIN, and whether the work was done.

AWA-24-04: automatic emergency braking system faults

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.
With an adult in the front passenger seat, the passenger airbag-off light should stay off.
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.

Dual-clutch transmission
Airbag warning lights
Occupant sensor
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.