NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls and 20 owner complaints for the 2013 Audi A3. Most complaints involve air bags (10) and engine (3). The EPA rates it 24–32 mpg combined.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2015 Passat, 2011-2014 Golf A6, and 2011-2013 Audi A3 diesel vehicles, thought to have been previously repaired under one of the Takata air bag recalls. The driver's side air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2006-2013 Audi A3, 2007-2009 A4 Cabriolet and S4 Cabriolet, 2008 RS4 Cabriolet, 2009-2012 Q5, and 2010-2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet and S5 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2006 Volkswagen Passat sedans and wagons, 2005-2013 Audi A3, and 2006-2009 Audi A4 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“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 REPLACED; HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 190810653. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 69,500.”
“PURCHASED USED 2013 AUDI A3 TDI 3 MONTHS AGO. ONLY USE DIESEL FUEL. DRIVING ONTO I80 WEST WHEN I HEARD/FELT CAR HICCUP, LOST POWER. COASTED TO STOP SIGN, TRIED MULTIPLE TIME BUT WOULD NOT START. TOWED TO DEALER WHO INFORMED ME THAT FUEL PUMP (HPFP) HAD COME APART SPEWING METAL SHARDS INTO SYSTEM AND THAT ENTIRE SYSTEM HAD TO BE REPLACED. RESEARCH SHOWING DOCUMENTED FAILURES IN VW TDI (SAME ENGINE) HPFP IN 2010, 2011 AND 2012. IS SYSTEM SAFE? *TR”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A3 Auto (AM-S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Diesel, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 29 | 37 | 32 | $2,950 | 318 |
| A3 Auto (AM-S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 28 | 24 | $3,300 | 381 |
| A3 Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 30 | 24 | $3,300 | 376 |
| A3 quattro Auto (AM-S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 21 | 28 | 24 | $3,300 | 385 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
3 safety recalls as of Oct 28, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 20 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are air bags (10), engine (3), fuel/propulsion system (3). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2013 Audi A3 at 24–32 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).