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    GREEN CHOICE

    Audi A3

    EPA MPG: 27 mpg

    RECALL ALERT:
    There are 7 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

    Reliability

    Overall Reliability

    The 2015 A3 is less reliable than other cars from the same model year.

    The 2015 Audi A3 has been recalled 7 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
    Most Common Trouble Spots
    Common Trouble Spot
    Common Trouble Spot

    Owner Reported Trouble Spots

    The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2015 Audi A3 owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

    Climate System

    AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

    What Owners Say

    Blower (fan) motor

    "I believe the dealer replaced this based on faulty information in order to pad the cost."

    Anonymous A., PA (2015 Audi A3 2.0T 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Other climate system problem

    "Front center vents not blowing air"

    Anonymous, CA (2015 Audi A3 2.0T 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    ""Currently the vehicle is at the Audi dealership because having replaced the A/C 2 years ago it is once again not working - blows hot air. They have determined there is a leak somewhere in the system because it currently has 40% of the freon it should have. Once determined what is causing the problem, as the vehicle is still under warrantee, the warrantee company will have to be involved which should end up being a lengthy process(the last time the A/C went out the car was in the shop for 6 WEEKS!).""

    Anonymous, FL (2015 Audi A3 2.0T Unsure)
    Refrigerant leaks

    ""I recently had a coolant leak and the water pump was replaced. I'm still having a coolant leak and they cannot find the problem, even after pressure testing it.""

    Anonymous A., MD (2015 Audi A3 2.0T 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Engine Minor

    Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Engine computer

    ""When the temperature sensor senses it is malfunctioning the computer puts the car in limp mode whether the engine is overheating or not, and the car cant be safely driven because power is greatly reduced. The sensor replacement requires major disassembly and is very expensive.""

    Anonymous, CA (2015 Audi A3 1.8T 1.8-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Oil leaks

    "Oil pan gasket leaked"

    Anonymous A., AZ (2015 Audi A3 2.0T 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Electrical Accessories

    Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

    What Owners Say

    Automatic wipers

    ""Randomly wipers come on, also takes a longtime to sense moisture""

    Anonymous, CA (2015 Audi A3 1.8T 1.8-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Keyless entry

    "Occasionally get not sensing key while driving"

    Anonymous, CA (2015 Audi A3 1.8T 1.8-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Exhaust

    Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Other/unsure

    "The motor that drives the convertible broke less than three months after purchase"

    Anonymous A., CA (2015 Audi A3 2.0T 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    "tires, the low profile tires are very prone to sidewall related flat tires"

    Anonymous, MA (2015 Audi A3 2.0T 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Fuel System/Emissions

    Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

    What Owners Say

    Other emissions/fuel system problem

    ""Started at least a year ago. After I run the car and make several stops (running errands), the car won't start. I have to sit for 15-20 minutes or really hit the gas pedal and quickly move to D. Very frustrating problem. My mechanic cannot replicate the problem because the car is cold when I take it in.""

    Anonymous A., MD (2015 Audi A3 2.0T 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Noises/Leaks

    Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Air or water leaks

    "There was a coolant leak. I think it was near the oil cooler."

    Anonymous, CA (2015 Audi A3 2.0 TDI 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Paint/Trim

    Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

    What Owners Say

    Other paint & trim problem

    ""Had noticed for 1-2 years that the sharkfin antenna looked slightly askew. Meant to mention it at service but kept forgetting. After going through a carwash, came home to find the cover detached and electronics exposed.""

    Anonymous, NY (2015 Audi A3 S3)

    Engine Cooling

    Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

    What Owners Say

    Overheating

    "Possibly a dealer service issue arising from improper repair of a squirrel damage to wires"

    Anonymous A., PA (2015 Audi A3 2.0T 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Engine Electrical

    Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

    What Owners Say

    Other engine starting/ignition problem

    "The shift selector for the automatic transmission has a sensor that senses when the vehicle is in Park. When that sensor begins to fail the sensor wont let the car start and shows a failure light whether its in Park or not. Usually repeated attempts to start while manipulating shift lever can overcome this. Not repaired yet because expensive and cumbersome."

    Anonymous, CA (2015 Audi A3 1.8T 1.8-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Transmission Minor

    Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

    Brakes

    Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

    Suspension/Steering

    Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

    Body Hardware

    Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

    Transmission Major

    Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

    Engine Major

    Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

    In-car Electronics

    Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

    Drive System

    Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

    2015 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

    This Car
    vs. Similar Cars

    Audi vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

    Reliability History
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    Overall Reliability Verdict
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    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
    Powertrain
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    Engine Major
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    Engine Minor
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    Engine Cooling
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    Engine Electrical
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    Transmission Major
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    Transmission Minor
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    Drive System
    NA
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    Fuel System/Emissions
    NA
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    Exhaust
    NA
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    Suspension/Steering
    NA
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    Brakes
    NA
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    Climate System
    NA
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    Build Quality
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    Electrical Accessories
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    Body Hardware
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    Paint/Trim
    NA
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    Noises/Leaks
    NA
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    In-car Electronics
    NA
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    NA
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    Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
    Recalls
    PROVIDED BY
    FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
    Feb 14, 2024
    A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
    Summary:
    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain front-wheel drive 2015-2020 Audi A3 Sedan, 2015-2019 Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI, 2018 Golf Sportwagen GP, 2018-2019 Golf Sportwagen A7, 2015-2017 Golf Sportwagen, 2015-2020 Golf GTI, and 2015-2020 Golf A7 vehicles. Due to a problem with a suction jet pump seal inside the fuel tank, fuel may flow into the evaporative emissions (EVAP) system and possibly leak out of the charcoal canister.
    What should you do:
    Dealers will replace the suction pump, free of charge. Final owner notification letters for Audi owners were mailed on July 25, 2024. Final owner letters for VW owners were mailed on August 13, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are VW: 20UF/Audi: 20YF. Vehicles that were previously recalled under 16V-647 will need to have the new remedy completed. This recall expands and replaces previous recall number 16V-647.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 24V110000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 261257
    AIR BAGS
    Mar 22, 2021
    A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
    Summary:
    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Audi S3 Sedan, A3 Sedan, 2016-2018 A3 Etron, 2017-2020 RS3 Sedan, and 2015-2019 A3 Cabriolet vehicles. The passenger occupant detection system (PODS) may malfunction and switch off the passenger air bag even when the seat is occupied.
    What should you do:
    Dealers will replace the PODS sensor mat and update the PODS control module, free of charge. Owners letters were mailed December 23, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 69BY.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 21V198000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 153152
    AIR BAGS
    Jun 19, 2019
    A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
    Summary:
    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Audi S3 Sedan, 2015-2019 A3 Sedan and A3 Cabriolet, 2016-2018 A3 e-tron, and 2017-2019 RS3 vehicles. An improper electrical contact may cause the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) to falsely detect a malfunction and deactivate the passenger air bag.
    What should you do:
    Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the connector and reroute the cable, free of charge. The recall began September 12, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 69Z4.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 19V474000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 138896
    EQUIPMENT
    Apr 26, 2017
    In the event of a vehicle safety recall, an incorrect production date may prevent owners from determining if the recall affects them, increasing their risk of injury or a crash.
    Summary:
    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015 Audi A3 1.8T FWD S tronic and 2.0T Quattro S tronic vehicles. The safety certification label has an incorrect vehicle production date. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification."
    What should you do:
    Audi will notify owners, and dealers will install an overlay label containing the correct vehicle production date, free of charge. The recall June 23, 2017. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 51F5.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 17V280000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 2091
    ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
    Sep 07, 2016
    As fuel accumulates in the EVAP system, it may leak out through the charcoal canister filter element. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
    Summary:
    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Volkswagen Golf, Golf SportWagen, GTI, Audi A3 sedan and A3 Cabriolet vehicles. Due to a problem with the suction pump inside the fuel tank, fuel may flow into the evaporative emissions (EVAP) system.
    What should you do:
    Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suction pump, free of charge. The recall began November 2016. Volkswagen owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298, Audi owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 20Y6 and 20Y5. This recall has been fully superseded by recall 24V-110.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 16V647000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 110042
    AIR BAGS, SEATS
    Dec 08, 2015
    Improper side air bag deployment may increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
    Summary:
    Volkswagen Group of America, LLC (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015 Audi A3 Cabriolet vehicles manufactured June 5, 2014, to April 1, 2015. The affected vehicles have a driver or front passenger seat whose cover may be incorrectly stitched, preventing the side air bag from properly deploying in the event of a crash.
    What should you do:
    Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's and/or front passenger's seatback cover, free of charge. Owners were mailed interim notices on February 4, 2016. The recall began on February 29, 2016 . Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 74C9.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 15V824000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 904
    FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
    Apr 17, 2015
    If the fuel pump fails, the vehicle will not start, or if the engine is running, it will stop and the vehicle will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Summary:
    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015 Volkswagen Golf, and GTI manufactured on February 17, 2014, to May 22, 2014, and Audi A3 manufactured on February 16, 2013, to April 23, 2014. Improper nickel plating of components within the fuel pump may result in the fuel pump failing.
    What should you do:
    Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and replace any affected fuel pumps, free of charge. The recall began on June 16, 2015. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi at 1-800-253-2834.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 15V229000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 6205
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