2007 Audi A3 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 63 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.8 times the median A3 year — the 2007 model ranks #6 of 22 A3 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: airbags issues account for 51% of all reports (32 of 63), far ahead of transmission at 16.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2007 compare to other A3 years?

A3 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2007 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all A3 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2007 Audi A3 problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Airbags	32	51%	▼ down
Transmission	16	25%	▼ down
Engine	5	8%	▼ down
Speed Control	2	3%	— flat
Suspension	2	3%	▼ down
Tires & Wheels	2	3%	▲ up
Electrical System	1	2%	▼ down
Fuel System	1	2%	▼ down
Other	1	2%	▼ down
Steering	1	2%	— flat

Does the 2007 Audi A3 have recalls?

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

18V082000AirbagsJanuary 30, 2018 · 162,782 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2006-2013 Audi A3, 2007-2009 A4 Cabriolet and S4 Cabriolet, 2008 RS4 Cabriolet, 2009-2012 Q5, and 2010-2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet and S5 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.

Consequence

In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy

Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 23, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69R6. Note: This recall partially supersedes recall 16V-078.

16V079000AirbagsFebruary 10, 2016 · 151,767 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2006 Volkswagen Passat sedans and wagons, 2005-2013 Audi A3, and 2006-2009 Audi A4 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

Consequence

In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began March 2017. Volkswagen owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Audi owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.

09V377000Fuel SystemSeptember 30, 2009 · 10,200 units

Defect

VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006 THROUGH 2010 AUDI A3, TT, AND TT ROADSTER PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 29, 2005 AND AUGUST 26, 2009. THE CLOSING FORCE OF AN INTERNAL SPRING OF THE FUEL TANK VENTILATION VALVE IS NOT ADEQUATE ENOUGH TO HOLD THE VALVE CLOSED UNDER EXTREME DRIVING CONDITIONS POSSIBLY ALLOWING FUEL TO LEAK.

Consequence

IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A VEHICLE FIRE COULD OCCUR.

Remedy

VOLKSWAGEN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND AUDI DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK VENTILATION VALVE WITH AN IMPROVED VALVE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 16, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AUDI AT 1-800-253-2834.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TAKATA RECALL I HAVE CALLED THE AUDI DEALER TO GET MY DEFECTIVE AIRBAG REPLACED IN JUNE. I HAVE MADE REPEATED CALLS TO SEE WHEN I CAN HAVE THIS REPLACED. THE DEALER ADVISED THEY ONLY RECEIVE THE PARTS INTERMITTENTLY AND WILL ADVISE US WHEN WE ARE NEXT ON THE LIST FOR REPLACEMENT. IT IS OCTOBER AND…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · June 22, 2018

“FAILURE OCCURS WHEN ENGINE IS WARM (I.E. DURING WARM WEATHER 65 F+ AND/OR AFTER ENGINE HAS HAD TIME TO WARM UP AFTER DRIVING FOR A WHILE). THE VEHICLE LURCHES AND CLUNKS INTO 1ST GEAR WHEN DOWNSHIFTING, TYPICALLY WHEN PULLING TO A STOP OR DRIVING AT PARKING LOT SPEEDS. ALSO, VEHICLE LURCHES INTO…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · June 1, 2009

“ENGINE WARNING LIGHT APPEARS ON INSTRUMENT PANEL ON AND OFF. DEALER STATES ITS A "INTAKE RUNNER MOTOR". THIS STARTED WITHIN 10,000 AFTER WARRANTY RAN OUT AT 55K. DEALER SUGGESTS REPLACEMENT BEFORE FAILURE. *TR”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 4, 2010

“MY 2007 AUDI A3 HAS SEVERE, UNBEARABLE TIRE NOISE REGARDLESS OF MILEAGE ON THE TIRES. I REPLACED MY 1ST SET OF PIRELLI P6 ALL SEASONS WAY BEFORE THEIR TREAD WAS WORN OUT DUE TO THE ROAD NOISE ONLY TO FIND THAT THE NOISE WOULD SOON RETURN AFTER APPROX. 7500 MILES ON THE REPLACEMENT SET. I CANNOT…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · March 4, 2009

“CAR STALLED WHEN DRIVING ON HIGHWAY! WOULD NOT RESTART. BROKEN CAM CHAIN!!!!! VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIR AT THIS POINT!!!!!”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · August 2, 2018

2007 Audi A3 — common questions

Is the 2007 Audi A3 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 63 complaints put the 2007 model at #6 of 22 A3 years. It is one of the A3 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2007 A3 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (32 complaints), transmission (16 complaints), engine (5 complaints).

Does the 2007 Audi A3 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2007 Audi A3. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Audi A3 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the A3 years to avoid are 2006, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2009, 2007, 2010. The cleanest record among A3 years belongs to 2005.

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 2007 compare to other A3 years?

What are the most common 2007 Audi A3 problems?

Does the 2007 Audi A3 have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

2007 Audi A3 — common questions

Is the 2007 Audi A3 reliable?

What are the most common 2007 A3 problems?

Does the 2007 Audi A3 have recalls?

Which Audi A3 years should you avoid?

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