repaired · 2021 Q1
Driver side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
2013 Audi A3Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 20 owner complaints about the 2013 Audi A3, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 3 safety recalls, and for recall 16V-079 the manufacturer reports only 40% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through March 16, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Berthold Werner, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2013 Audi A3 has problems
20 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
10Air bags
3Engine
3Fuel/propulsion system
2Power train
1Visibility
1Engine and engine cooling
1Exterior lighting
1Fuel system, diesel
1Vehicle speed control
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 10 | 0 |
| Engine | 3 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 3 | 0 |
| Power train | 2 | 0 |
| Visibility | 1 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 1 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel system, diesel | 1 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2013 Audi A3 recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2020 Q3
Driver side: inflator module
Risk. 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…
repaired · 2018 Q2
Driver side: inflator module
Risk. 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…
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Audi.
Best & worst years
2013 vs. every other A3 year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the A3 median. How we score
'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'15'16'17'18'19'20'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2013 Audi A3 safety ratings
2013 Audi A3 4 DR AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words
What A3 owners report
Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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* 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 BLVD, GOLDEN VALLEY,…
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 REPAIR. ROYAL…
Own a 2013 A3?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.