Audi A3 Best and Worst Years (Quick Facts!)
The Audi A3 is a small, luxurious automobile that made its US debut in 2006 as a model-year vehicle.
Although compact, it still provides the same level of excellence, elegance, and dynamic handling as Audi’s more extensive and expensive models.
This article will examine the top and bottom A3 model years.
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VIDEO: Audi A3 Buyers Guide
Audi A3 Best and Wost Years
The NHTSA awarded the Audi A3 five overall stars for its performance in terms of safety, and the IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick. Also, it achieved a 5-star safety rating from the NHTSA and a 5-star safety rating from Euro NCAP.
What Years Will The Audi A3 Perform Best?
2023 Audi A3
The 2023 A3 is one of the best luxury compact cars because it is loaded with the newest technology.
It is entertaining to drive, has an easy-to-use infotainment system, and is equipped with a quick but effective engine.
The high-end Premium Plus trim costs over $40,000, while the entry-level Premium trim costs roughly $36,000.
Full LED headlights with daytime running lights (DRLs) and a convenience package with a wireless charger for compatible mobile devices are new features of this model.
Audi Side Assist with rear cross-traffic alert, Pre Sense Basic, and Pre Sense Front are notable safety features (standard).
- Edmunds: 5 out of 5
- 5.0 / 5.0 on the Kelley Blue Book
- 78 out of 100 JD Power
2022 Audi A3
Another excellent option for a compact, luxury sedan is the 2022 A3. Again, owner feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, and car reviewers have concurred.
The third-generation A3 is introduced, and it maintains true to its heritage by providing outstanding performance, luxury, and fantastic value.
The outside and interior of this model have been overhauled, and it has a mild hybrid powertrain and modern in-car technology.
It may be small for those who prioritize practicality, but the model makes up for it with a light body, excellent agility, and quick handling.
According to EPA figures, it has a combined fuel economy of 32 mpg, a highway fuel economy of 38 mpg, and a city fuel economy of 29 mpg.
- Edmunds: 5 out of 5
- 5.0 / 5.0 on the Kelley Blue Book
- : 78 out of 100 JD Power
2020 Audi A3
The best option for a second-generation A3 is the 2020 model. Although it lacks the improvements of the more recent versions, it will be less expensive.
Its 2.0L turbocharged engine offers a smooth ride, agile handling, and quick acceleration.
The cabin has earned a lot of compliments for its superior quality, elegance, and style.
2020 saw the elimination of the cabriolet (convertible), leaving only the sedan versions.
Sport Premium, Sport Premium Plus, Premium S Line, and Premium Plus S Line are the four possible trim levels.
- Edmunds: 4.2 out of 5
- 4.0/5.0 on the Kelley Blue Book
- 83 of 100 for JD Power
2019 Audi A3
The 2019 A3 is a powerful vehicle despite its diminutive size, whether it is a sedan or a convertible.
The model’s turbocharged 2-liter TFSI engine produces between 184 and 228 horsepower, depending on grade.
Although this car makes up for its lack of interior space and load capacity in other ways, both are somewhat limited.
The front-wheel-drive, standard Premium variant has a 7-speed automatic manual transmission.
EPA fuel estimates are excellent, with 26 mpg for city driving, 35 mpg for highway driving, and 29 mpg for mixed driving.
- Edmunds: 4.4 out of 5
- 4.0/5.0 on the Kelley Blue Book
- N/A JD Power
2013 Audi A3
The 2013 A3 is a fantastic option for individuals on a limited budget, even though it is a little antiquated. It is only offered as a hatchback because the sedan and convertible body types weren’t introduced until 2015.
The 2013 A3 has a luxurious cabin, engaging driving characteristics, and adaptable interior space.
It is available in 6 trim levels: TDI Premium, TDI Premium Plus, Premium, Premium Quattro, and Premium Plus.
A 2-liter gasoline engine with 200 horsepower and a 2-liter diesel engine (with 140 horsepower) is offered.
Both its high-end luxuries and technological elements are numerous.
Because of its excellent results in crashworthiness tests, this model was named the IIHS Top Safety Pick.
- Edmunds: 4.4 out of 5
- 4.6 out of 5.0 on Kelley Blue Book
- JD Power: 75 out of 100
Consumer Scores For Best Audi A3 Years
| Model Year | EdmundsConsumer Rating | Kelley Blue BookConsumer Rating | JD PowerConsumer Rating |
| 2023 Audi A3 | 5.0 / 5.0 | 5.0 / 5.0 | 78 / 100 |
| 2022 Audi A3 | 5.0 / 5.0 | 5.0 / 5.0 | 78 / 100 |
| 2020 Audi A3 | 4.2 / 5.0 | 4.0 / 5.0 | 83 / 100 |
| 2019 Audi A3 | 4.4 / 5.0 | 4.0 / 5.0 | NA |
| 2013 Audi A3 | 4.4 / 5.0 | 4.6 / 5.0 | 75 / 100 |
What Are The Audi A3’s Worst Years?
2015 Audi A3
The 2015 A3 has numerous airbag issues.
The problem was brought on by a defective passenger occupancy detection system (PODS), which could have prevented the front-seat passenger from receiving airbag protection.
Many dissatisfied owners complained to the manufacturers because the dealers were unresponsive and took a long time to discuss and resolve the issue.
2006 Audi A3
Regarding problems with its automatic transmission, the 2006 A3 was infamous.
Loss of power, sporadic hesitancy, changing into neutral while moving, and unresponsive shifting were all observed by owners.
The most frequent and hazardous problem owners encountered was a sudden stalling of the vehicle in the middle of the road when they moved out into traffic from a stop.
Numerous of these problems have been connected to a problem with the direct shift gearbox’s mechatronics (DSG).
This model was also recalled because it has Takata airbags that might explode and discharge shrapnel.
Total complaints for the 2006 Audi A3 were three at CarComplaints.com and 131 at CarProblemZoo.com.
2016 Audi A3
The 2016 A3 has numerous airbag-related issues, just like the 2015 model year.
A defective PODS was the main grievance of many owners, which the automaker also acknowledged through recall campaigns (passenger occupant detection system).
A PODS acts as a weight-sensing device commonly positioned under the passenger seat cushion to signal that a passenger is in the seat.
Sadly, some reports claimed that many owners were forced to wait indefinitely because replacement components were in short supply.
Six complaints and 111 problems were recorded for the 2016 Audi A3 on CarComplaints.com and CarProblemZoo.com, respectively.
What Years Have The Most Complaints?
| Model Year | Complaints(CarComplaints.com) | Problems(CarProblemZoo.com) |
| 2023 Audi A3 | 0 | – |
| 2022 Audi A3 | 0 | 5 |
| 2020 Audi A3 | 0 | 14 |
| 2019 Audi A3 | 1 | 14 |
| 2018 Audi A3 | 1 | 35 |
| 2017 Audi A3 | 0 | 77 |
| 2016 Audi A3 | 6 | 111 |
| 2015 Audi A3 | 34 | 199 |
| 2013 Audi A3 | 6 | 24 |
| 2012 Audi A3 | 0 | 47 |
| 2011 Audi A3 | 2 | 48 |
| 2010 Audi A3 | 4 | 58 |
| 2009 Audi A3 | 6 | 64 |
| 2008 Audi A3 | 0 | 46 |
| 2007 Audi A3 | 1 | 61 |
| 2006 Audi A3 | 3 | 131 |
What issues does the Audi A3 have?
- Driving fatality
- Mechatronic failed to function
- Differential crown wheel with cracks
- A lot of oil usage
- Not working air conditioning
- Skips gears in a Steptronic gearbox
- Chain timing stretch
- Automobile hesitant and shooting incorrectly
- Lowering the headlights
- When it first starts, it stalls
- Fire and electrical short
- Hesitates and jerks
- Water dripping into the headlight
- Transmission breakdown
- An electrical failure in its entirety
- Engine room smoke
How Safe is an Audi A3?
The NHTSA awarded the Audi A3 five overall stars for its performance in terms of safety, and the IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick.
Also, it achieved a 5-star safety rating from the NHTSA and a 5-star safety rating from Euro NCAP.
How Can You Tell Whether Something Is a Lemon?
Purchase a vehicle history report.
There is no better initial step when purchasing a used car than to obtain a car history report. Two well-known services offer this information for little money: Anyone looking to purchase a used car will find the information provided by CarFax and AutoCheck extremely helpful.
The reports let you know the number of past owners, whether or not it had any accidents, how frequently it required maintenance, and the current title.
The final section is among the most crucial since it contains the lemon label, which attests that the car followed the correct legal procedures to be designated as a lemon.
However, in some areas, dealers must inform a customer if the vehicle is a manufacturer buyback, which is a reliable way to determine whether a vehicle has a lemon title.
However, it is the responsibility of the buyer to conduct a thorough investigation into the vehicle’s history. Therefore, consumers may need help if they accidentally purchase a secondhand lemon because they must inspect it first.
Owner Background
You can view the owner’s history on the vehicle history report, which should indicate whether the manufacturer has purchased the vehicle back.
While owners can claim a car is a lemon in a legal dispute and ask the automaker to buy back the problematic vehicle, that is a guaranteed technique to determine if the car was labeled a lemon.
You can also determine if the vehicle was sold or traded before it was given a lemon tag if the prior owner may have missed an issue. It also implies that the car’s persistent issue must be apparent.
Repair Record
Look carefully at the vehicle’s repair record and try to identify any recurring issues. Recurring problems in cars with lemon histories are simple to spot.
You can determine whether the issues with the car are minor wear and tear concerns, such as those with the clutch or brakes, or a more severe problem.
Check to discover if the repairs were necessary or carried out even when the car was brand new. It can assist in determining whether the car is a lemon or if an incident like a collision or modification caused a misdiagnosed issue.
Are the repairs significant or minor? A severe repair would deal with the drivetrain or suspension, whereas a superficial one would address non-driving-related issues like window or seat controls.
Severe repairs would be more challenging, but handling a car might not be a hassle if a car was considered a lemon for a less severe cause.
The report also shows whether repairs are being made at a dealership or a general shop. Like you would with any used car, examine the vehicle’s general condition and health and determine whether routine maintenance has also been carried out.
This will assist you in deciding whether or not you should consider purchasing this car.
Inspection before purchase
Is the car still a good investment? You should get a pre-purchase inspection if the flaws are not too concerning or if you believe the automobile may have been incorrectly labeled as a lemon.
A mechanic can determine whether the problems are repairable and why the car was considered a lemon.
A technician can assist you in determining whether or not a recurring issue is indicative of more severe problems or worries about the quality of the vehicle.
Their satisfaction with the car might help determine if it is a worthwhile investment or a lost cause.
Audi A3 FAQ’s
What year Audi A3 should I stay away from?
Certain 2.0L turbocharged Audi A3 vehicles from 2006 to 2008 and from 2012 may have high pressure gasoline pumps that are prone to quick wear and failure, which would make the car pause when accelerating.
Which Audi A3 model is the best to purchase?
The A3 Sportback 35 TFSI Sport strikes the perfect balance between good equipment levels and an efficient yet potent engine, making it a real sweet spot in the A3 lineup.
Are ancient Audi A3s trustworthy?
Is a pre-owned Audi A3 hatchback trustworthy? According to the most current What Car? Reliability Study, the Audi A3 placed 22nd overall out of 37 vehicles in the family car category. In the same survey, Audi as a brand came in a disappointing 21st place out of 32 manufacturers.
What is the issue with the Audi A3?
Although Audis are renowned for being high-quality automobiles, the A3 isn’t flawless and is known to experience a few frequent issues. They include the front suspension, which is noisy, the steering, which makes a grinding noise, and the air conditioning, which occasionally fails.
Which A3 is trustworthy?
The projected dependability rating for the 2023 Audi A3 is 77 out of 100. A predicted reliability score from J.D. Power of 91 to 100 is regarded as the best, 81 to 90 as great, 70 to 80 as medium, and 0-69 as fair and below average.
John Valdez - Passionate Car Enthusiast and Accomplished Writer
Meet John Valdez, a dedicated car lover and seasoned writer whose passion for automobiles is as vibrant as his words are eloquent. With a keen eye for detail and a heart that beats to the rhythm of engines, John brings a unique blend of expertise and enthusiasm to the world of automotive journalism.
