The Lemon Index2015 Audi A3.
The 2015 Audi A3 is better than average by owner complaints: 47 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 82, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about airbags, it has 7 recalls, and it gets 26 to 35 mpg combined. The best Audi A3 year is 2016.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 233 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Audi A3 year. 2015 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 22K to 67K miles on the car (119 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- airbags complaints mostly came at 37K–83K miles
- electrical complaints mostly came at 37K–61K miles
Recalls 7
- fuel system, gasoline 2024
Due to a problem with a suction jet pump seal inside the fuel tank, fuel may flow into the evaporative emissions (EVAP) system and possibly leak out of the charcoal canister.
- airbags 2021
The passenger occupant detection system (PODS) may malfunction and switch off the passenger air bag even when the seat is occupied.
- airbags 2019
An improper electrical contact may cause the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) to falsely detect a malfunction and deactivate the passenger air bag.
Show all 7 recalls
- equipment 2017
The safety certification label has an incorrect vehicle production date.
- fuel system, gasoline 2016
Due to a problem with the suction pump inside the fuel tank, fuel may flow into the evaporative emissions (EVAP) system.
- seats 2015
The affected vehicles have a driver or front passenger seat whose cover may be incorrectly stitched, preventing the side air bag from properly deploying in the event of a crash.
- fuel system, gasoline 2015
If the fuel pump fails, the vehicle will not start, or if the engine is running, it will stop and the vehicle will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Audi told dealers about
Audi sent dealers 1141 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- On Audi A3 vehicles manufactured within a specific period the turbocharger may fail causing…
- This bulletin contains instructions for using the UV additive to find engine oil leaks
- This condition may be caused when the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal are depressed…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- ClosedFuel leak due to suction jet pump failure within fuel tank (remedy effectiveness of recall 16v647)2023–2024
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audi A3 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Audi A3 C FWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
| Audi A3 C AWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
| Audi A3 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2700–3050 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 1.8L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
Passenger seat detection map is faulting out and I am concerned that the airbag will not deploy if an accident occurs. Apparently it is my fault and I have to pay to fix it.
2015 Audi A3 owner · NHTSA complaint 11093931
More owner reports
Passenger air bag sensor not properly functioning causing the air bag to not turn on when passenger is in seat
NHTSA complaint 11128355
Every time I apply the brake or put the car in park, my vehicle rolls back even though my foot remains on the break. Convertible top leaks
NHTSA complaint 11035797
Quick answers
Is the 2015 Audi A3 reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.2× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 82; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Audi A3 year by this measure is 2016.
What are the most common 2015 Audi A3 problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are airbags (17%), fuel or ev drive system (17%) and engine (15%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2015 Audi A3 have?
7 safety recalls (latest: fuel system, gasoline). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2015 Audi A3 get?
26 to 35 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2015 Audi A3 safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2015 Audi A3 problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 22,000 and 67,800 miles. The middle report was at 45,000 miles, from 119 complaints.
Does the 2015 Audi A3 have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 9% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2015 Audi A3 cost in fuel a year?
About $2700 to $3050 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2015 Audi A3 have?
1.8L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl.
What Audi A3 year is better than the 2015?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2016, 2015 and 2017.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works