VehicleVerdict

2017 Audi A3 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 75 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.1 times the median A3 year — the 2017 model ranks #4 of 22 A3 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across airbags (16), fuel system (15), and electrical system (12), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

75

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2017 compare to other A3 years?

A3 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 highlighted140 complaints2001: 1 complaints2003: 2 complaints2004: 7 complaints2005: 0 complaints2006: 140 complaints2007: 63 complaints2008: 46 complaints2009: 66 complaints2010: 60 complaints2011: 51 complaints2012: 48 complaints2013: 25 complaints2015: 131 complaints2016: 113 complaints2017: 75 complaints2018: 47 complaints2019: 15 complaints2020: 19 complaints2022: 12 complaints2023: 10 complaints2024: 1 complaints2025: 5 complaints
A3 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all A3 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2017 Audi A3 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags1621%
Fuel System1520%
Electrical System1216%
Engine912%
Transmission68%
Seats45%
Driver Assistance45%
Seat Belts34%
Lighting23%
Other23%
Speed Control11%
Body & Structure11%

Does the 2017 Audi A3 have recalls?

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

24V110000Fuel SystemFebruary 14, 2024 · 261,257 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy

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.

21V198000AirbagsMarch 22, 2021 · 153,152 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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

Remedy

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“THE SEAT SENSOR ON THE PASSENGER SIDE IS FAULTY, CAUSING THE AIR BAG LIGHT TO STATY ON WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE - THE "PRE-SENSE" LIGHT TO STAY ON - AND THE UN-BUCKLED SEAT BELT ALARM TO STAY GOING OFF. ALL WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE. THE BRAND DEALERSHIP SAID AIRBAG MAYNOT DEPLOY WHILE SEAT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · July 25, 2020

“ENGINE STALLS WHILE ACCELERATING FROM A STOP. THIS CONDITION HAS BEEN DANGEROUS. CAR HAS BEEN TO THE AUDI DEALER 3 TIMES TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM. THAT CANNOT DIAGNOSE THE ISSUE. IT IS GOING IN FOR A 4TH TIME APRIL 12TH 2021. THIS ISSUE IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. THE CAR WILL LOSE POWER AND STALL AS YOU…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · March 10, 2021

“REGARDLESS OF FRONT SEAT PASSENGER PRESENCE: 'PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF', 'SEATBELT OFF', AND 'PRE SENSE OFF' WARNING MESSAGES ILLUMINATE AT CAR START, RESTART, DRIVE, PARK, RESTART, REPEAT. UNABLE TO CLEAR WARNINGS. ALSO APPEARS IN VEHICLE DASH WARNING SYSTEM. STARTED NOTICING INTERMITTENTLY AFTER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 31, 2020

“ENGINE STALLS WHILE ACCELERATING FROM A STOP. THIS CONDITION HAS BEEN DANGEROUS. CAR HAS BEEN TO THE AUDI DEALER 3 TIMES TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM. THAT CANNOT DIAGNOSE THE ISSUE. IT IS GOING IN FOR A 4TH TIME APRIL 12TH 2021. THIS ISSUE IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. THE CAR WILL LOSE POWER AND STALL AS YOU…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · March 10, 2021

“Car throws P2884 and the internal combustion motor will not start. The issue is gone into detail here: [XXX] recommendation is swapping out mechatronic unit for the upgraded unit. Since the unit is prone to failure this really should be a recall. It happens on all cars 2016/2017 years right around…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · January 20, 2025

2017 Audi A3 — common questions

Is the 2017 Audi A3 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 75 complaints put the 2017 model at #4 of 22 A3 years. It is one of the A3 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2017 A3 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (16 complaints), fuel system (15 complaints), electrical system (12 complaints).

Does the 2017 Audi A3 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2017 Audi A3. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2017 Audi A3 under NHTSA investigation?

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

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.

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.