GradeAudi A3 Reliability Grade
Average reliability
Grade a specific Audi A3
Reliability changes from year to year. Pick a model year to see its grade, then add mileage and price to get a deal score and estimated miles remaining.
The Audi A3 earns a C+ overall reliability grade from GradeMyCar, with a C+ for its engine and a C for its transmission. It ranks 28th of 35 luxury vehicles we grade. Its engine (C+) and transmission (C) grade about the same, so neither stands out as a weak point. Grades are based on 564 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2015-2022 model years, adjusted for how many were sold.
Audi A3 reliability by year
Overall grade for each model year, from owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Tap a year to see its full grade.
Years to avoid: 2006 (transmission slipping / rough shifting), 2009 (transmission slipping / rough shifting) and 2010 (stalling / loss of power)
How long does the Audi A3 last?
A rough estimate for the model across all years, not measured for each model year.
Audi A3 vs. other luxury vehicles
| Model | Engine | Trans. | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lexus RX | A | A | A |
| Lexus ES | A | A | A |
| Lexus GS | B+ | A | A |
| Lexus NX | A | A | A |
| Lexus IS | A | A | A |
| Lexus GX | A | A | A |
| Infiniti G37 | A | A- | A |
| BMW 5 Series | B | B+ | A- |
| Audi A4 | B+ | A | A- |
| Volvo XC60 | B+ | A | A- |
| BMW 3 Series | B- | B+ | B+ |
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class | B- | A- | B+ |
| Mercedes-Benz E-Class | B+ | A- | B+ |
| Audi Q5 | B- | B+ | B+ |
| Mercedes-Benz S-Class | B+ | A- | B+ |
| Cadillac XT5 | B+ | B | B+ |
| Infiniti G35 | B- | B+ | B+ |
| Acura TL | A | C+ | B+ |
| BMW X3 | B- | B+ | B |
| Mercedes-Benz GLC | C+ | B+ | B |
| Mercedes-Benz GLE | B- | B | B |
| Acura RDX | B+ | B | B |
| Volvo XC90 | B- | A- | B |
| BMW X1 | B- | B- | B- |
| Porsche Cayenne | B | C+ | B- |
| Cadillac SRX | A | C+ | B- |
| Cadillac CTS | A- | D | B- |
| Audi A3 | C+ | C | C+ |
| Audi A6 | C- | B- | C+ |
| Audi Q7 | C- | B | C+ |
| BMW X5 | C | C | C |
| Mercedes-Benz CLA | C | B- | C |
| Land Rover Range Rover | C+ | C+ | C |
| Acura MDX | C+ | D | C- |
| Acura TLX | C- | D | D |
Own a Audi A3?
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Rate your A3Audi A3 reliability FAQ
Is the Audi A3 reliable?
Average reliability. The Audi A3 earns a C+ overall reliability grade from GradeMyCar, with a C+ for its engine and a C for its transmission. It ranks 28th of 35 luxury vehicles we grade. Its engine (C+) and transmission (C) grade about the same, so neither stands out as a weak point. Grades are based on 564 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2015-2022 model years, adjusted for how many were sold.
How many miles will a Audi A3 last?
We estimate a well-maintained Audi A3 lasts around 150,000 miles. That's a rough figure for the model across all years, not measured for each model year, so check the grade for the year you're looking at.
What are the best years for the Audi A3?
No Audi A3 model year stands out as exceptionally reliable in NHTSA owner complaints. The best-graded years are 2012, 2020 and 2022.
What Audi A3 years should I avoid?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the Audi A3 years to be most careful with are 2006, 2009 and 2010. The 2006 grades an F overall (engine C-, transmission F), and its top engine/transmission problem is transmission slipping / rough shifting. The 2009 grades an F overall (engine D, transmission F), and its top engine/transmission problem is transmission slipping / rough shifting, which a recall covers.
Is the Audi A3 transmission reliable?
GradeMyCar grades the Audi A3 transmission a C (below-average reliability). Reliability varies by model year, so grade the specific year you're looking at.
Is the Audi A3 engine reliable?
GradeMyCar grades the Audi A3 engine a C+ (average reliability).