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ProblemsByVinFile / 2013-AUDI-A3NHTSA data synced 4 days ago
2013 · Audi
Audi A3 problems
2 critical safety recalls on file — the kind NHTSA opens when crashes, fires, or injuries are documented. 20 owner complaints alongside. Read those first.
Reliability score
7.4 / 10
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
2
Critical
0
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2013 A3?
Acceptable — with caveats
Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy.
Reliability score 7.4/10 — around the segment average
2 recall campaigns on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
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What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2013 A3· airbags
Takata recall - dealer informed me the recall part has been unavailable for 1 year and will continue to be unavailable for an additional 2 - 6 months. No recall maintence is able to be scheduled. The risk associated with this recall is death to the driver. Unacceptable.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Audi a3. While driving various speeds, the vehicle shifted into first gear without warning. The vehicle was taken to Audi temecula (40955 temecula center dr, temecula, ca 92591, (951) 200-8100) where it was diagnosed that the dps filter needed to be…
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2013 Audi a3. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA campaign number: 18v084000 (air bags) and stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time to repair the vehicle. The dealer (Audi minneapolis, 9393 wyzata…
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2013 Audi a3. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 18v082000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall…
Had a problem with your 2013 Audi A3?
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Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 23, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69R6. Note: This recall partially supersedes recall 16V-078.
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began March 2017. Volkswagen owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Audi owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
Common questions
Is the 2013 Audi A3 reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.4 out of 10 based on 20 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2013 Audi A3 is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2013 Audi A3?
The 2013 Audi A3 is acceptable, with specific caveats. Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy. The record behind that call: Reliability score 7.4/10 — around the segment average; 2 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What's the most common problem on the 2013 Audi A3?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is airbags, with 10 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 40,500 miles. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The airbags is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 40,500 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Audi A3 has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2013 Audi A3?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 20 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $1,100, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 4 days ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2013/Audi/A3.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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