repaired · 2026 Q2
Fuel system, gasoline
Risk. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
2018 Audi A3Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 33 owner complaints about the 2018 Audi A3, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 2 safety recalls, and for recall 24V-110 the manufacturer reports only 57% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through June 18, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2018 Audi A3 has problems
33 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
17Air bags1 crash/fire/injury
5Fuel/propulsion system
4Engine
4Power train
4Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
3Tires
2Seats
1Back over prevention
1Seat belts
22 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 17 | 1 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 5 | 0 |
| Engine | 4 | 0 |
| Power train | 4 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 4 | 1 |
| Tires | 3 | 0 |
| Seats | 2 | 0 |
| Back over prevention | 1 | 1 |
| Seat belts | 1 | 0 |
| 2 other systems | 2 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
2 recalls
2018 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 · 2024 Q2
Air bags: on-off switch assembly
Risk. A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
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
2018 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
2018 Audi A3 safety ratings
2018 Audi A3 C AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Standard
- Lane departure warning: Optional
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2018 Audi A3, and the recalls they led to.
- Fuel Leak due to Suction Jet Pump Failure within Fuel Tank (Remedy Effectiveness of Recall 16V647)Led to recall 24V-110
In owners' words
What A3 owners report
Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
Audi had a recall on my 2018 A3 for a Passenger Occupant Detection System. in July 2023, Audi replaced the PODS Sensor mat. Recently, the same car has encountered the same issue. The PODS light indicates the airbag is off even if a passenger is sitting in the seat. There has been not repair work…
My Audi a3 got the recall for PODS done 5/2022 which the sensors and air bag in the passenger side weren’t working and I got the same lights come up 2 weeks ago. My Dealership says since this was a recalled item and is a massive safety concern and should be covered by AUDI USA. Instead they want to…
appointment Aug2022 to take car for recall work of the PODS sensor mat & to update the PODS control module but was told the part was out of stock due to logistics. Why they scheduled appointment without confirming the part was in stock. I was then told before I left that there was a couple hundred…
Own a 2018 A3?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.