Most common 2013 Audi A3 problems
Share of the 20 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Audi A3 complaints by model year
Best A3 years: 2019, 2013, 2020. Years to avoid: 2016, 2015, 2006. Compare all years →
2013 Audi A3 recalls (3)
Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module
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.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's side air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began December 20, 2019.
Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module
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.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 23, 2018.
Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module
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.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began March 2017. Volkswagen owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.
What 2013 Audi A3 owners say
Air bags
Takata inflator replacement issue on 12/31/2017 I was driving in los angeles under normal conditions when suddenly there was a hissing noise and some kind of particulate matter spewed from around the steering column where there is a join with the wheel. This was directed at my face for 10-15 seconds which I breathed in as I was driving. I am also "concerned" about the nature and contents of the particulate matter, and, that the airbag might not function properly in an accident or that it might inflate without any reason of its own accord.
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.
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.
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, [phone]) 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.
Fuel & propulsion system
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?
While driving in seattle's notorious stop and go traffic, my A3 tdi, has stalled. It acts as if I have "dropped" the clutch, which is impossible being an automatic!!. This has happened to me on two occasions. There is less than 5K miles on my new car. Both time it has gone immediately into university Audi. First time, no answers. Still waiting on diagnostics from today's episodes.
2013 Audi A3 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl turbo diesel | 6-speed dual-clutch | FWD | 29 / 37 / 32 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 6-speed manual | FWD | 21 / 30 / 24 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 6-speed dual-clutch | FWD | 21 / 28 / 24 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 6-speed dual-clutch | AWD | 21 / 28 / 24 |
EPA ratings. Class: Wagon.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2013 Audi A3 a good car?
Based on 20 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2013 A3 rates better than average: 51% fewer complaints than a typical year of the A3 at the same age. It is one of the best A3 years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2013 Audi A3?
The air bags — 10 complaints, 50% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the engine & cooling (4) and fuel & propulsion system (3).
How many recalls does the 2013 Audi A3 have?
There are 3 recalls for the 2013 Audi A3, the most recent from December 4, 2019 (inflator module). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Audi A3?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2019, 2013 and 2020. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2016, 2015 and 2006. See the full Audi A3 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2013 Audi A3 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 50,000 miles; 45% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.