2025 Audi A3 Reliability Report
NHTSA data as of Oct 15, 2026Published Oct 19, 2026
scored
Too new for a score. Here is what owners and NHTSA have reported so far.
- Owner complaints
- 6
- Per 10,000 cars
- 7.7
- 7,800 made for the U.S.
- Vs the average car
- –
- Serious outcomes
- 4
- crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
- Recalls
- 0
- NHTSA crash rating
- –
Should You Buy the 2025 Audi A3?
It is too early to say for sure. We give a final score after 36 months of complaints, and there is too little data on the 2025 Audi A3 so far for a provisional reading.
The 2023 A3, from the same generation, scored 78 and rated Good. That is a useful guide, not a guarantee.
The most reported problem is automatic emergency braking, mostly hard braking with nothing ahead (2 of 6 complaints). Owners also complain about the parking brake. 4 of the 6 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.
It has no recalls.
Before you buy, get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.
Pros
- No recalls
Cons
- Automatic emergency braking: hard braking with nothing ahead2 complaints
- Parking brake: the system acting on its own2 complaints
What Owners Report
We read all 6 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2025 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 6.
Automatic emergency braking: hard braking with nothing ahead
2 complaints (33%)
Hard braking with nothing ahead. Both describe a serious outcome, most often sudden braking.
Parking brake: the system acting on its own
2 complaints (33%)
The system acting on its own.
Reported Once (5)
Show the 5 problems reported once
- Adaptive cruise control: the system acting on its own
- Horn: stopped working
- Park assist (autopark): sudden acceleration
- Stall failure
- Shifter or park: the system acting on its own
How the 2025 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 This year | Not scored | – | – | 7.7 | 0 | Automatic emergency braking: hard braking with nothing ahead |
| 2024 | Not scored | – | – | 3.4 | 0 | – |
| 2023 | 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 |
Check Before You Buy
A checklist for the 2025 A3, from the problems owners report most.
On the Test Drive
- Watch for sudden braking or steering with nothing ahead, and ask whether the driver-assist software updates were done.
- Brake firmly from a moderate speed. A soft, hard or pulsing pedal, or a brake warning light, is a warning sign.
Ask the Seller
Ask whether any of these were ever repaired, and ask to see the receipts.
- Automatic emergency braking
- Parking brake
- 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