VehicleVerdict

2023 Audi A3 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 10 complaints on file for the 2023 Audi A3 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

10

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2023 compare to other A3 years?

A3 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2023 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, 2023 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all A3 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2023 Audi A3 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System330%
Other330%
Brakes110%
Engine110%
Steering110%
Transmission110%

Does the 2023 Audi A3 have recalls?

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

24V251000AirbagsApril 3, 2024 · 91 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2023 Audi S5 Cabriolet, A4 Allroad, Q5 Sportback, A3 Sedan, S5 Sportback, SQ7, TT Coupe, TT Roadster, RS5 Sportback, 2024 A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, Q8, RSQ8, 2023-2024 Q3, Q5, and Q7 vehicles. An electrical connection in the front passenger seat for the occupant detection system (ODS) control module may loosen and deactivate the front passenger air bag.

Consequence

A deactivated front passenger air bag will not deploy during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the passenger seat occupant detection system control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 8, 2024. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69GU.

22V901000OtherDecember 7, 2022 · 297 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2023 Audi S3, RS3, and A3 vehicles. The Safety Certification label on the B-pillar is missing weight capacity information. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification."

Consequence

Missing weight information may result in unintentional overloading of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Audi dealers will install an overlay label, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 27, 2023. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 50ZZ.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“The contact owns a 2023 Audi A3. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the contact observed a RED triangle icon, and the message "Electrical System Malfunction Defect - Low Charge" was displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle then lost motive power. The vehicle was steered over to the side…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 13, 2025

“Please see attachment: “Hello, my name is [XXX] . I'm I'm calling about a vehicle. Recall on an Audi 2023. And I'm having trouble with the manufacturer regarding this Notice that they sent us [XXX] . thank you very much bye-bye…” INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · February 11, 2025

“Dealer is refusing to acknowledge the known BSG defect (TSB 2058831/13) and is instead attempting to charge for secondary electrical failures (ABS/AC) caused by the primary charging system failure. 2023 Audi A3 2.0T, VIN [XXX] . Recurring 48V BSG (Belt Starter Generator) failure causing complete…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · March 26, 2026

“My 2023 Audi A3 with less than 3,000 miles completely stopped in the middle of a highway in Saugerties, New York. 4 hours away from home. I had my dog and my little sister with me and in the freezing pouring rain we had to get out and redirect traffic/ try to find help. I called Roadside…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 28, 2024

“My 2023 Audi A3 with less than 3,000 miles completely stopped in the middle of a highway in Saugerties, New York. 4 hours away from home. I had my dog and my little sister with me and in the freezing pouring rain we had to get out and redirect traffic/ try to find help. I called Roadside…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · January 28, 2024

2023 Audi A3 — common questions

Is the 2023 Audi A3 reliable?

The record is thin — 10 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2023 A3 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (3 complaints), other (3 complaints), steering (1 complaints).

Does the 2023 Audi A3 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2023 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.

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.