Most common 2020 Audi A3 problems
Share of the 16 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 →
2020 Audi A3 recalls (3)
Fuel system, gasoline
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain front-wheel drive 2015-2020 Audi A3 Sedan, 2015-2019 Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI, 2018 Golf Sportwagen GP, 2018-2019 Golf Sportwagen A7, 2015-2017 Golf Sportwagen, 2015-2020 Golf GTI, and 2015-2020 Golf A7 vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the suction pump, free of charge. Final owner notification letters for Audi owners were mailed on July 25, 2024. Final owner letters for VW owners were mailed on August 13, 2024.
Tires › Pressure monitoring and regulating systems
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan LWB, Golf Sportswagen A7, Golf Alltrack, Golf R GP, Audi Q3, Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Jetta NF, Jetta GLI, Golf GTI, Atlas, Golf A7, Audi A3, 2020-2021 Atlas Cross Sport, and 2021 Atlas FL vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will update the TPMS software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 18, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi's customer service at…
Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classification › Front passenger
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Audi S3 Sedan, A3 Sedan, 2016-2018 A3 Etron, 2017-2020 RS3 Sedan, and 2015-2019 A3 Cabriolet vehicles. The passenger occupant detection system (PODS) may malfunction and switch off the passenger air bag even when the seat is occupied.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the PODS sensor mat and update the PODS control module, free of charge. Owners letters were mailed December 23, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2020 Audi A3:
Fuel Leak due to Suction Jet Pump Failure within Fuel Tank (Remedy Effectiveness of Recall 16V647)
On December 12, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened RQ23-007 to investigate the remedy repair effectiveness and scope of Volkswagen (VW) recall 16V-647. Recall 16V-647 was issued on September 2, 2016, for a defective suction jet pump (SJP) inside the fuel tank. Failure of the SJP could lead to a fuel leak from the vehicle.
What 2020 Audi A3 owners say
Air bags
The contact owns a 2020 Audi A3. The contact stated while driving approximately 65-70 MPH with a passenger seated in the passenger's seat, the "Air bag Off", "Malfunction, air bag off" warning light illuminated intermittently. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring while driving and the warning light remained illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V198000 (Air Bags). The dealer also informed the contact that the parts for the recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 9,500. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2020 Audi A3. The contact stated that the front passenger's side air bag alarm would chime intermittently. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and made the dealer aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V198000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer informed the contact to latch the front passenger's seat belt latch at all times. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 7,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
2020 Audi A3 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 7-speed dual-clutch | FWD | 27 / 36 / 30 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 7-speed dual-clutch | AWD | 22 / 30 / 25 |
EPA ratings. Class: Subcompact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2020 Audi A3 a good car?
Based on 16 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2020 A3 rates average: 39% 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 2020 Audi A3?
The air bags — 9 complaints, 56% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the wheels & tires (2) and transmission & drivetrain (2).
How many recalls does the 2020 Audi A3 have?
There are 3 recalls for the 2020 Audi A3, the most recent from February 14, 2024 (fuel system, gasoline). 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 2020 Audi A3 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 7,000 miles; 100% 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.