VehicleVerdict

2018 Audi A3 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2018 Audi A3 sits mid-pack among A3 years: 47 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 36, with 2 recalls and one closed investigation.

Airbags leads the complaint categories with 17 reports (36% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

47

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2018 compare to other A3 years?

A3 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 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, 2018 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all A3 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2018 Audi A3 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags1736%
Fuel System511%
Engine49%
Transmission49%
Electrical System49%
Other49%
Tires & Wheels36%
Driver Assistance24%
Seats24%
Seat Belts12%
Lighting12%

Does the 2018 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.

“My wife was impacted on the drivers side very hard by another vehicle, enough to total the car, and the side airbags did not deploy”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · September 13, 2021 · crash

“There are six recall warnings associated with this car and tons of information that I am not including as I am sure you have all of the documentation. I am adding my vin # above to the complaints. I would like to know what VW corp is doing about this. Thank you very much for keeping us safe on the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · August 16, 2021

“Coolant Water Pump and Thermostat -- Coolant temperature indicator gauge runs from normal to high after about 10-15 miles drive. Coolant levels are good and no signs of leak. Engine light is activated along with warning messages. Engine Warning: Drive System Malfunction. Please call for service.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 21, 2026

“Audi had a recall on my 2018 A3 for a Passenger Occupant Detection System. in July 2023, Audi replaced the PODS Sensor mat. Recently, the same car has encountered the same issue. The PODS light indicates the airbag is off even if a passenger is sitting in the seat. There has been not repair work…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 9, 2025

“Transmission module! Started jerking when switching gears, to not switching gears at all and this happened while driving so I was on the road stalled with no gear changes! Car is inoperable, due to this and it’s still being paid for yet not able to be driven from practically the day I bought it!…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · March 10, 2023

2018 Audi A3 — common questions

Is the 2018 Audi A3 reliable?

It is close to typical for the A3: 47 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 2018 A3 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (17 complaints), fuel system (5 complaints), electrical system (4 complaints).

Does the 2018 Audi A3 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2018 Audi A3. 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 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.

How safe is the 2018 Audi A3?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2018 Audi A3 earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

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.