2023 Audi A3 Reliability Report
NHTSA data as of Oct 15, 2026Published Oct 19, 2026
Ranks 1st of 16 A3 years we score.
- Owner complaints
- 7
- 1 is a recall notice
- Per 10,000 cars
- 4.5
- 13,222 made for the U.S.
- Vs the average car
- 0.62×
- same age, 1× is average
- Serious outcomes
- 4
- crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
- Recalls
- 2
- NHTSA crash rating
- –
Should You Buy the 2023 Audi A3?
Yes, with the usual checks. Our reliability score for the 2023 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 1st of the 16 A3 years we score.
The most reported problem is the alternator or charging system (2 of 7 complaints). Owners also complain about shattered sunroof glass. 4 of the 7 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.
It has 2 recalls. Audi also offers a warranty extension that may still apply, for a problem with the driver assistance systems. For comparison, the 2022 scores 70.
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
- Alternator or charging failure2 complaints
- Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking2 complaints
How the 2023 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 | 0.72× | −9 |
| Everyday problems | 0.38× | −3 |
| Problems in the last two years | 0.38× | −5 |
| Recalls | 0.80× | −5 |
| Score | 78 |
What Owners Report
We read all 7 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2023 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 7.
Alternator or charging failure
2 complaints (29%)
A failure. Both describe a serious outcome.
Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking
2 complaints (29%)
Shattering or cracking. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Reported Once (6)
Show the 6 problems reported once
- A/C failure
- ABS failure
- Brake power assist: a hard pedal or less assist
- Control module (unspecified): a loss of power
- Stall (cause not stated)
- Steering: stopped working
How the 2023 Audi A3 Compares With Other Years
The other A3 years of the 4th generation (8Y), 2022 to 2026, and the years just before and after it.
| Year | Rating | Score | Vs average | Per 10k cars | Recalls | Most reported problem |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Too new | – | – | 5.2 | 0 | – |
| 2025 | Not scored | – | – | 7.7 | 0 | Automatic emergency braking: hard braking with nothing ahead |
| 2024 | Not scored | – | – | 3.4 | 0 | – |
| 2023 This year | Good | 78 | 0.62× | 4.5 | 2 | Alternator or charging failure |
| 2022 | Good | 70 | 0.86× | 10.3 | 7 | Shifter or park: the car rolling away |
2023 Audi A3 Recalls
Two recalls cover the 2023 Audi A3. The most recent was issued in April 2024: “Front Passenger Air Bag May Deactivate.” A VIN check at NHTSA shows which are still open on a given car.
Front Passenger Air Bag May Deactivate
A deactivated front passenger air bag will not deploy during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
NHTSA 24V251000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Apr 3, 2024. By the first quarter of 2026, 91% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Missing Weight Capacity Information/Part 567
Missing weight information may result in unintentional overloading of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 22V901000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Dec 7, 2022. By the fourth quarter of 2024, 74% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
2023 Audi A3 Warranty Extensions and Programs
Audi has one warranty extension for the 2023 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.
Check Before You Buy
A checklist for the 2023 A3, from its two 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.
- Front Passenger Air Bag May Deactivate NHTSA 24V251000
- Missing Weight Capacity Information/Part 567 NHTSA 22V901000
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
- Ask about battery and starter replacements. A slow start after the car sits is a warning sign.
- Look for water stains or damp carpet, and test the sunroof.
Ask the Seller
Ask whether any of these were ever repaired, and ask to see the receipts.
- Alternator or charging system
- Shattered sunroof glass
- Also ask for the service records, especially oil 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