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2018 Audi A3: Problems, Recalls and MPG

What this means

NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for the 2018 Audi A3, most recently filed February 2024. Owners have filed 45 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the air bags. In NHTSA crash tests it earned 5 stars overall.

Data summary generated from official records. Methodology Data: NHTSA, DOT, EPA · Refreshed Oct 6, 2026
Caution Fewer than 50 complaints filed. With this few reports, patterns may not be meaningful.
Recalls 7campaigns 2 fuel system · 2 air bag · 2 seat Source: NHTSA Complaints 45filed Owner reports, 2013–2024 shown Source: NHTSA ODI Crash tests 5★overall ★★★★★ Frontal 4★ · Side 5★ · Rollover 4★ Source: NHTSA NCAP Fuel economy 36mpg combined $1,814/yr at this week's prices Source: EPA · EIA Specs 1.4 L 4-cyl· Automatic 5 engine and transmission configurations Source: NHTSA vPIC
Compare

Recalls (7)

NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for the 2018 Audi A3. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗

Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.

Check on NHTSA ↗
Listed for 2018 Audi A3. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 24V110000 Filed Feb 14, 2024

Fuel Leak from Fuel Tank Suction Pump Failure

Fuel system, gasoline
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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. 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.
Consequence
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
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. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are VW: 20UF/Audi: 20YF. Vehicles that were previously recalled under 16V-647 will need to have the new remedy completed. This recall expands and replaces previous recall number 16V-647.
56.9% repairedof 261,257 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 24V110000
Listed for 2018 Audi A3. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 21V198000 Filed Mar 22, 2021

Passenger Air Bag May Deactivate

Air bags · on-off switch assembly
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
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. Audi's number for this recall is 69BY.
72.6% repairedof 153,152 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 21V198000
Listed for 2018 Audi A3. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 19V474000 Filed Jun 19, 2019

Passenger Air Bag May Deactivate

Air bags · sensor · occupant classification
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Audi S3 Sedan, 2015-2019 A3 Sedan and A3 Cabriolet, 2016-2018 A3 e-tron, and 2017-2019 RS3 vehicles. An improper electrical contact may cause the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) to falsely detect a malfunction and deactivate the passenger air bag.
Consequence
A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy
Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the connector and reroute the cable, free of charge. The recall began September 12, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 69Z4.
82.1% repairedof 138,896 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 19V474000
Listed for 2018 Audi A3. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 19V095000 Filed Feb 13, 2019

Rear Center Headrests may Detach in a Crash

Seats · mid/rear assembly
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Audi A3 sedan and RS3 vehicles. The latching pins for the center rear seat head restraint may be missing.
Consequence
In the event of a crash, the head restraint may detach and cause injury to the vehicle occupants.
Remedy
Audi has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the head restraints, replacing any that are missing pins, free of charge. The recall began on March 7, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 72I8.
92.5% repairedof 3,326 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 19V095000
Listed for 2018 Audi A3. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 18V863000 Filed Dec 5, 2018

Improperly Secured Fuel Line may cause Fuel Leak

Fuel system, gasoline · delivery · hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Audi TT Roadster, TT Coupe, A3 Sedan and A3 Cabriolet vehicles. The fuel hose quick connector may detach from the fuel supply line in the engine bay, resulting in a fuel leak.
Consequence
A fuel leak in the engine compartment can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will secure the fuel line connection, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 11, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20BK.
95.7% repairedof 1,104 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 18V863000
Listed for 2018 Audi A3. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 18V803000 Filed Nov 14, 2018

Incorrectly Welded Rear Seat Guide Sleeves

Seats · mid/rear assembly
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen e-Golf and Golf R vehicles, and Audi A3 Sedan and RS3 vehicles. The rear seat frame head restraint guide sleeves may be incorrectly welded to the seat frame.
Consequence
If the guide sleeves are incorrectly welded, in the event of a crash, the rear seat head restraints may have reduced stability, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Volkswagen and Audi will notify their owners, and dealers will inspect the guide sleeves for incorrect welds, replacing the rear seat frame, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 28, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 72H8 (VW) and 72H9(Audi).
87% repairedof 169 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 18V803000
Listed for 2018 Audi A3. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 17V508000 Filed Aug 16, 2017

Engine Control Software May Cause Stall

Engine and engine cooling · engine
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Audi A3 Cabriolet and A3 Sedan vehicles. The Engine Control Unit (ECU) software may misinterpret the flywheel rotation on engine start-up as a "knocking" condition, and the adjusted air/fuel mixture may result in an engine stall.
Consequence
An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Audi will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the ECU software, free of charge. The recall began September 19, 2017. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 24DF.
96.6% repairedof 8,383 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 17V508000

PlainVIN shows public government records for education. It isn't a vehicle inspection or legal advice. Check your own VIN with NHTSA or your dealer.

Which A3 years had the most recalls?Best & worst years →Every recall for the Audi A3All model years →Where is the VIN on my car?VIN location guide →

Owner complaints (45)

45 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The air bags is mentioned most often.

1involved a crash
0involved a fire
2injuries reported
0deaths reported

As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.

Most-reported components

Complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2018 Audi A3, by component (top 10). One complaint can list several components, so these add up to more than 45.Source: NHTSA ODI owner complaints · Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 · Report a data error

How 2018 compares with other A3 years

Best and worst A3 years →
20 180 117 69 45 14 16 9 7 2
2013201520162017201820192020202220232024
This year (2018)Other yearsStill collecting reports

Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Crash tests: 5 stars overall

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crashDriver 4★ · Passenger 5★★★★★☆
Side crashDriver 5★ · Passenger 5★★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
RolloverRollover risk 10.9%★★★★☆
Front seat of a modern car with the seat belt buckled across the passenger seat
Compare fairly. Compare stars only between vehicles of similar size and weight. Ratings apply to the tested configuration.

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), 2018 Audi A3 4 dr fwd, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Fuel economy: up to 36 mpg combined

36
mpg combined
34
city
39
highway
EPA annual fuel cost
$2,300
CO₂ tailpipe
150 g/mi
EPA class
Compact Cars

What it costs you to run

$1,814per year
$151per month
417gallons a year

Miles ÷ 36 mpg × $4.354 (EIA US average regular, week of Oct 5, 2026, all taxes included). Source: EPA · EIA.

EPA label estimates from lab tests; your mileage will vary.

Specs by configuration

2018 Audi A3 configurations with EPA data
Engine · transmissionDriveCity / Hwy / CombEPA $/yrCO₂ g/mi
1.4 L 4-cyl · AutomaticFront-Wheel Drive34 / 39 / 36$2,300150
2 L 4-cyl · AutomaticFront-Wheel Drive26 / 35 / 29$2,300303
2 L 4-cyl · AutomaticFront-Wheel Drive25 / 33 / 28$2,400315
2 L 4-cyl · AutomaticAll-Wheel Drive24 / 31 / 27$2,500330
2 L 4-cyl · AutomaticAll-Wheel Drive22 / 30 / 25$2,700359

Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.

Used blue SUV on a sunny dealer lot with its hood open and a clipboard on the fender

Looking at a 2018 A3 for sale?

Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.

All A3 years

Where to next

Which A3 years drew the fewest complaints?Best & worst years →2019 Audi A3 report14 complaints · 4 campaigns →2017 Audi A3 report69 complaints · 5 campaigns →Have a VIN? Decode itVIN decoder →

2018 Audi A3 FAQ

How many recalls does the 2018 Audi A3 have?

NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns: 24V110000 (fuel system), 21V198000 (air bag), 19V474000 (air bag), 19V095000 (seat), 18V863000 (fuel system), 18V803000 (seat), 17V508000 (engine). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.

What are the most common 2018 Audi A3 problems?

Owners filed 45 complaints with NHTSA. Air bags (24), Electrical system (5), Fuel/propulsion system (5) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.

What mpg does the 2018 Audi A3 get?

EPA rates the 1.4 L 4-cyl · Automatic version at 34 city, 39 highway and 36 combined mpg. Other configurations are listed in the fuel economy section.

What safety rating did the 2018 Audi A3 get?

NHTSA rated the 2018 Audi A3 4 dr fwd 5 stars overall, with 4 stars frontal, 5 stars side and 4 stars rollover (10.9% rollover risk).

How does the 2018 A3 compare with other years?

Among the 2013–2020 Audi A3 model years at least five years old, the 2019 drew the fewest complaints (14) and the 2015 the most (180). The 2018 drew 45. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.

How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes

Processing

  • Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
  • Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.

Limitations

  • Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
  • Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
  • Recent model years are still collecting reports.

Review

Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.

Changelog

  • 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
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