2013 Audi A3 Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

3 safety recalls on file

The 2013 Audi A3 has 3 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.

Owners have filed 20 complaints with NHTSA.

The most-reported problem area is Air Bags (10 reports).

3Recalls
20Owner complaints
0Crashes reported
n/aNHTSA safety rating
Is the repair still open on your A3?

A recall covers specific vehicles. Your VIN shows whether yours still needs the free repair.

2013 Audi A3 recalls

Driver Air Bag Inflator May Explode, Sending Metal Fragments

Recall 19V862Dec 4, 2019226 vehicles affected

The driver's side air bag inflator in these vehicles may rupture because its propellant can degrade over time after long exposure to high humidity, high temperatures, and repeated temperature swings.

Driver Airbag Inflator Can Explode, Spraying Metal

Recall 18V082Jan 30, 2018162,782 vehicles affected

Certain Audi vehicles have a driver's frontal airbag inflator that may build up excessive internal pressure when the airbag deploys.

Driver Airbag Inflator May Rupture, Spraying Metal Fragments

Recall 16V079Feb 10, 2016151,767 vehicles affected

The driver's frontal airbag inflator can build up excessive internal pressure when the airbag deploys.

Most common 2013 Audi A3 problems

Problem areas named in the 20 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem areaReports
Air Bags10
Engine3
Fuel/Propulsion System3
Power Train2
Unknown Or Other2
Fuel System, Diesel1
Vehicle Speed Control1
Visibility1
Exterior Lighting1
Engine And Engine Cooling1

What owners report

2026-03-16, Engine And Engine Cooling
The contact owns a 2013 Audi A3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly went into LIMP Mode with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the glow plugs failed to function and became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to several dealers, where it was diagnosed with exhaust system failure. The contact was informed that the exhaust system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 128,000.
2022-05-13, Power Train
Car stalled in fast moving traffic, and then lurched forward. In the stall the car behind me almost ran into me. In the lurch, I almost rear ended someone. Fortunate that both times there was no collision. Took the vehicle to Audi and the car has been diagnosed with failed mechatronic - a $4,000 repair. It was shared that this is a known issue with Audi for my model year (faulty mechatronic), and as such has been recalled in several countries, but not the US. I called Audi USA and was informed that yes it is a known issue and has been recalled in other countries, but that NHTSA has not required Audi USA to open a recall here, and so they can't help me. I'm asking for some assistance.
2020-01-27, Exterior Lighting
INTERMITTENT PROBLEMS WITH EXTERIOR LIGHTING. I ALREADY REPLACED ONE OF THE REAR LICENSE PLATE LIGHTS (NOT A BULB ISSUE) AND AM NOW EXPERIENCING REAR PASSENGER SIDE TAIL LIGHT ISSUES WHERE THE TAIL LIGHT AND DIRECTIONAL SIGNAL CEASE WORKING DURING THE DRIVING PROCESS AND THEN START WORKING AT RANDOM. THIS APPEARS TO BE A SIMILAR ELECTRICAL ISSUE LIKE THE LICENSE PLATE LIGHT. THE TAIL LIGHT & DIRECTIONAL SIGNAL FAILURE ARE DANGEROUS AS THE FAILURES OCCUR WITHOUT WARNING WHILE THE CAR IS BEING DRIVEN.
2019-12-06, Engine
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.
2018-12-07, Air Bags
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.

2013 Audi A3 questions

Does the 2013 Audi A3 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for the 2013 Audi A3: Driver Air Bag Inflator May Explode, Sending Metal Fragments; Driver Airbag Inflator Can Explode, Spraying Metal; Driver Airbag Inflator May Rupture, Spraying Metal Fragments. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 2013 Audi A3?

Based on 20 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Air Bags (10), Engine (3), Fuel/Propulsion System (3).

How do I check if a recall on my 2013 Audi A3 has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

Other Audi A3 years

Other 2013 Audi models