VehicleVerdict

2018 Audi A3 Cabriolet problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 12 complaints on file for the 2018 Audi A3 Cabriolet — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 5 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

12

NHTSA complaints

5

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2018 compare to other A3 Cabriolet years?

A3 Cabriolet NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted109 complaints2015: 109 complaints2016: 46 complaints2017: 31 complaints2018: 12 complaints2019: 4 complaints
A3 Cabriolet NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all A3 Cabriolet years to avoid →

What are the most common 2018 Audi A3 Cabriolet problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags758%
Tires & Wheels217%
Electrical System18%
Fuel System18%
Lighting18%

Does the 2018 Audi A3 Cabriolet have recalls?

5 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

19V474000AirbagsJune 19, 2019 · 138,896 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy

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.

19V095000SeatsFebruary 13, 2019 · 3,326 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Audi A3 sedan and RS3 vehicles. The latching pins for the center rear seat head restraint may be missing.

Consequence

In the event of a crash, the head restraint may detach and cause injury to the vehicle occupants.

Remedy

Audi has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the head restraints, replacing any that are missing pins, free of charge. The recall began on March 7, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 72I8.

18V863000Fuel SystemDecember 5, 2018 · 1,104 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Audi TT Roadster, TT Coupe, A3 Sedan and A3 Cabriolet vehicles. The fuel hose quick connector may detach from the fuel supply line in the engine bay, resulting in a fuel leak.

Consequence

A fuel leak in the engine compartment can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will secure the fuel line connection, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 11, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20BK.

18V803000SeatsNovember 14, 2018 · 169 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen e-Golf and Golf R vehicles, and Audi A3 Sedan and RS3 vehicles. The rear seat frame head restraint guide sleeves may be incorrectly welded to the seat frame.

Consequence

If the guide sleeves are incorrectly welded, in the event of a crash, the rear seat head restraints may have reduced stability, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Volkswagen and Audi will notify their owners, and dealers will inspect the guide sleeves for incorrect welds, replacing the rear seat frame, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 28, 2018. 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 72H8 (VW) and 72H9(Audi).

17V508000EngineAugust 16, 2017 · 8,383 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Audi A3 Cabriolet and A3 Sedan vehicles. The Engine Control Unit (ECU) software may misinterpret the flywheel rotation on engine start-up as a "knocking" condition, and the adjusted air/fuel mixture may result in an engine stall.

Consequence

An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Audi will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the ECU software, free of charge. The recall began September 19, 2017. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 24DF.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 AUDI A3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V474000 (AIR BAGS). AFTER CONTACTING THE DEALER (AUDI OF TYSON, 8598 LEESBURG PIKE, VIENNA, VA) AND THE MANUFACTURER, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WERE NOT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · July 1, 2019

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 AUDI A3 EQUIPPED WITH CONTINENTAL CONTI PRO CONTACT TX TIRES, SIZE: 225/40R18 92HXL (NA). WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE THREAD SEPARATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO PAUL MILLER AUDI (179 US-46, PARSIPPANY, NJ 07054, [PHONE]) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · January 9, 2019

“DUE TO CONDENSATION/FOGGING, FRONT HEADLIGHT PROJECTION IS REDUCED TO LESS THAN HALF. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE DRIVING AT NIGHT TIME.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · June 17, 2018

“The contact owns a 2018 Audi A3. The contact stated after parking the vehicle, a bystander alerted the contact that there was fuel leaking from the rear passenger's side near the fuel tank. The contact drove the vehicle to a gas station and was unable to refuel the vehicle. The check engine warning…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · April 1, 2024

“The contact owns a 2018 Audi A3. The contact stated while driving in a parking lot, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the battery was drained, and the vehicle failed to restart. The contact jumpstarted the vehicle. The battery was replaced. Several unknown warning lights were…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 8, 2023

2018 Audi A3 Cabriolet — common questions

Is the 2018 Audi A3 Cabriolet reliable?

The record is thin — 12 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 5 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2018 A3 Cabriolet problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (7 complaints), tires & wheels (2 complaints), fuel system (1 complaints).

Does the 2018 Audi A3 Cabriolet have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 2018 Audi A3 Cabriolet. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2018 Audi A3 Cabriolet under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Audi A3 Cabriolet years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the A3 Cabriolet years to avoid are 2015. The cleanest record among A3 Cabriolet years belongs to 2019.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.