2020 Audi A3 Problems
- Complaints
- 16filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 7,000miles, 5 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5 / 5stars overall, 2 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 30 mpgcombined, 2.0L 4-cyl FWD · 27 city / 36 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2020 Audi A3 (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 16 consumer complaints for the 2020 Audi A3. The part named most often is air bags, with 9 complaints (56% of the total), followed by other or unknown (2) and transmission and drivetrain (2). 5 of the complaints include a mileage, and 100% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 7,000 miles. Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 731 technical service bulletins for this model year. Air bags complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign covering the front passenger and 11 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Other or unknown complaints overlap with 87 technical service bulletins filed under the same part.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Air bags9 56%
- Other or unknown2 13%
- Electrical system1 6.3%
- Engine1 6.3%
- Seat belts1 6.3%
- Tires1 6.3%
- Vehicle speed control1 6.3%
- Wheels1 6.3%
Example complaints
Air bags: “Supposedly the recall parts for the PODS system can’t be replaced because AUDI is not manufacturing the necessary part!! There is no schedule or estimated time for when the parts will become available. Now I am afraid to drive my car knowing my passenger is not safe! This requires immediate attention as I cannot risk my passengers’ lives every time they are in my car. We have been trying to resolve this for months and the service center says they cannot do anything until the parts somehow magically become available.”
NHTSA complaint #11468469, filed 2022-06Other or unknown: “As of October 25, 2022, the manufacturer (Audi) continues to not provide a solution to Recall Number 69BY / NHTSA Recall Number 21V198, stating that parts are still not available.”
NHTSA complaint #11490844, filed 2022-10Transmission and drivetrain: “The contact owns a 2020 Audi A3. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the transmission malfunction warning light was displayed, and the vehicle failed to shift into reverse. The vehicle was driven to the local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission mechatronics had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted regarding the failure. The failure mileage was 17,525.”
NHTSA complaint #11644062, filed 2025-02, 17,525 milesElectrical system: “The contact owns a 2020 Audi A3. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would independently come to a complete stop as the brake, air bag, and seat belt warning lights would appear on the instrument panel. The contact also stated that while her husband was driving the vehicle 35 MPH, the vehicle accelerated independently as the steering wheel locked. The vehicle hit a railing and the airbags did not deploy upon impact. Her husband did not receive any medical attention after the accident. A police report was not filed. …”
NHTSA complaint #11429451, filed 2021-08, 3,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
100% of the 5 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 7,000 and 9,500 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2020 Audi A3. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A3 · sedan AWD | ★★★★★ | 4 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 10.9% risk |
| A3 · sedan FWD | ★★★★★ | 4 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 10.9% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2020 model year: forward collision warning standard, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking not available.
Neighbouring years: 2019: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2020 Audi A3 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A3 FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 7-speed automatic | 27 | 36 | 30 | $2,250 |
| A3 Cabriolet quattro AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 7-speed automatic | 22 | 30 | 25 | $2,700 |
| A3 quattro AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 7-speed automatic | 22 | 30 | 25 | $2,700 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 24V110000Feb 14, 2024Fuel system, gasolineCovers: Audi A3 2015–2020, Volkswagen Golf 2015–2020, GTI 2015–2020 +2 more
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…
- 22V815000Oct 31, 2022Tires › Pressure monitoring and regulating systemsCovers: Audi A3 2019–2020, Volkswagen Atlas 2019–2021, Jetta 2019–2020 +8 more
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan LWB, Golf Sportswagen A7, Golf Alltrack, Golf R GP, Audi Q3, Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Jetta NF, Jetta GLI, Golf GTI, Atlas, Golf A7, Audi A3, 2020-2021 Atlas Cross…
- 21V198000Mar 22, 2021Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classification › Front passengerCovers: Audi A3 2015–2020, S3 2015–2020, RS 3 2017–2020 +1 more
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…
Recall details for the 2020 Audi A3 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- RQ23007Fuel Leak due to Suction Jet Pump Failure within Fuel Tank (Remedy Effectiveness of Recall 16V647)Closed · Dec 12, 2023
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 731 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11038130Sep 25, 2026Other or unknown. This bulletin states that technicians are required to report to the manufacturer when a vehicle has flooded, and specify the height to which the vehicle has been flooded.
- 11038027Sep 25, 2026Other or unknown. This bulletin provides information for reporting safety related information to the manufacturer.
- 11038042Sep 22, 2026Steering. This bulletin provides information about vibrations and rotational steering vibrations.
- 11038024Sep 22, 2026Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). This bulletin provides service information regarding exterior glass cleaning.
- 11038056Sep 18, 2026Body and structure. This bulletin provides information about billing for a broken sunroof glass panel.
- 11038032Sep 18, 2026Electrical system. This bulletin provides information when the rear parking sensor sometimes does not work, rear parking sensor loose, rear parking sensor fault message.
- 11038025Sep 15, 2026Other or unknown. This bulletin provides information when the license plate mounting bracket threded inserts are stripped.
- 11038143Sep 9, 2026Other or unknown. This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed if it meets the criteria provided.
- 11038033Sep 8, 2026Body and structure. This TSB describes a corrosion issue due to outside influence and the prohibition of warranty in these cases.
- 11038026Sep 8, 2026Other or unknown. This bulletin provides infomraiton abou the Audi frequency analysis application, which is available in the App Store for Android and Apple phones.
Other model years of the Audi A3
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 5 | — | 0 | — | 28 | — | Too new |
| 2023 | 7 | 57,083 | 2 | — | 32 | — | Too new |
| 2022 | 9 | 26,000 | 6 | — | 32 | — | Not enough data |
| 2020 | 16 | 7,000 | 3 | 5 | 30 | — | Falling |
| 2019 | 10 | 13,223 | 3 | 5 | 29 | — | Not enough data |
| 2018 | 33 | 23,000 | 2 | 5 | 29 | 24 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2017 | 44 | 48,500 | 2 | 5 | 29 | 19 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2016 | 83 | 62,300 | 3 | 5 | 27 | 20 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2015 | 93 | 63,500 | 2 | 5 | 27 | 8 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2013 | 20 | 50,000 | 3 | — | 24 | — | Falling |
| 2012 | 43 | 66,557 | 4 | — | 24 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2011 | 43 | 50,100 | 4 | — | 24 | 73 · More | Falling |
| 2010 | 50 | 48,500 | 5 | — | 24 | 99 · More | Falling |
| 2009 | 47 | 72,500 | 5 | — | 24 | 78 · More | Falling |
| 2008 | 43 | 25,000 | 3 | — | 25 | 82 · More | Stable |
| 2007 | 52 | 62,000 | 3 | — | 25 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 123 | 72,000 | 4 | — | 25 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 6 | 2,650 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Audi A3 model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2020 Audi A3 have?
NHTSA recorded 16 consumer complaints for the 2020 Audi A3 as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2020 Audi A3 is reported most often?
Air bags is named most often, in 9 complaints (56% of the total), followed by other or unknown with 2.
Has the 2020 Audi A3 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2020 Audi A3 do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2020 Audi A3 5 out of 5 stars overall, across 2 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2020 Audi A3 get?
The EPA rates the 2020 Audi A3 (A3, 2.0L 4-cyl) at 30 mpg combined, 27 city and 36 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,250 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2020 Audi A3 reported?
Among the 5 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 7,000 miles and the middle half falls between 7,000 and 9,500 miles; 100% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.