Used Audi A3 hatchback 2020-present reliability

Bodywork

Not all versions of the A3 come with parking sensors, so check the bumpers and body panels for dents and scratches. Also, watch out for poor quality paint repairs, because any substandard work will void the bodywork warranty and could lead to potential rust problems.

Wheels

S line models came with low-profile tyres and bigger alloy wheels that are more susceptible to kerb damage, so watch out for any scrapes on the wheels – they can be expensive to repair and could hint t0wards future tracking issues.

There have been a few listed recalls for this A3 so far. Check with your local dealer that the work has been carried out.

Recalls

The restraining capability of the belt system for the front seats may be lower than intended in the event of an accident.

The bolted connection of the pull rod between the electromechanical brake servo and brake pedal may come loose resulting in a loss of all service braking ability.

An electrical connector in the interior may not have been installed correctly.

In our 2023 What Car? Reliability Survey, the A3 ranked last out of 29 cars in the family car class. Its reliability score was just 71.8%.

Reliability rating 71.8%

What went wrong? Sat-nav/ infotainment 44%, non-engine electrics 22%, bodywork and interior trim 11%, engine electrics 7%, gearbox/clutch 7%, battery 4%

A whopping 59% of Audi A3 owners’ cars went wrong in the two years covered by the 2023 survey, with the majority of faults concerning the infotainment and other electrical systems. The good news is that 97% of issues were resolved for free, and the few that weren’t cost owners less than £300. Remedial work was slow though, and 70% of the faulty cars were in the workshop for more than seven days.

Owner's comment: "I’ve had persistent infotainment issues almost from day one. My car is about to go back for the third time."

As a brand, Audi placed 26th out of 32 manufacturers featured with an overall score of 89.1%. It placed above Alfa Romeo, Cupra, Jaguar and Vauxhall but below nearly all of its major rivals including BMW, Mercedes and Volkswagen.

Used Audi A3 reliability: the owners' view

Some A3 owners reported satisfaction with the car's reliability, noting few issues within the first year of ownership. However, the majority of owners experienced electronic glitches and engine warning lights that required dealer intervention.

Feedback on dealer service was varied. While some praised the professionalism and speed of repairs, others felt frustrated by what they perceived as slow service and expensive repair costs. Notably, several diesel model owners mentioned recurring issues with the exhaust system that weren’t resolved satisfactorily on the first dealer visit, leading to multiple trips.

Overall, while the A3 has an average score in reliability, the inconsistency in dealer service quality has been a point of contention for some owners.