2017 Audi A3 Problems

Above Average Complaints

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2017 Audi A3.

20162018
Complaints
74
per 10K Sold
31.3
US Sales
23,610
Crashes
1
Fires
0
Injuries
4
Fatalities
Recalls
2

Worst 2017 Audi A3 Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#116 complaints

Airbags

Avg mileage:34,934 mi
#214 complaints

Fuel System

Avg mileage:44,750 mi
#312 complaints

Electrical Faults

Avg mileage:40,223 mi
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All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2017 Audi A3.

Airbags
16
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
34,934
Fuel System
14
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
44,750
Electrical Faults
12
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
40,223
Engine Problems
9
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
43,000
Transmission / Drivetrain
6
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
47,000
Seat-Related Issues
4
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings
3
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Seat Belt Issues
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Headlight/Taillight Failures
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Body Structure
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Unintended Acceleration
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2017 Audi A3. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Recalls for 2017 Audi A3

2 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~414,409 vehicles.

24V110000Gasoline Fuel System
~261,257 affected

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.

21V198000Air Bags:sensor:occupant Classification:front Passenger · Air Bags:on-off Switch Assembly
~153,152 affected

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.

Other Audi A3 Years

2017 Audi A3 — FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2017 Audi A3 reliable?
Verdict: Above Average Complaints. The 2017 Audi A3 has 74 NHTSA complaints, 1 crash-related, and 2 recall campaigns. The most common issue is Airbags with 16 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 2017 Audi A3?
Top reported problems: Airbags (16 complaints, avg 34,934 mi); Fuel System (14 complaints, avg 44,750 mi); Electrical Faults (12 complaints, avg 40,223 mi). Every complaint is filed by an owner with NHTSA — this is raw reported data, not editorial opinion.
At what mileage do problems start on the 2017 Audi A3?
The weighted average mileage at time of complaint is about 41,002 miles. Some components fail earlier, some later — check the "All Problems by Category" table above for per-issue averages.
How safe is the 2017 Audi A3?
NHTSA complaints for the 2017 Audi A3 include 1 crash-related reports, 0 fire reports, 4 injuries, and 0 fatalities. These are owner-reported incidents, not official crash-test ratings — a complaint being filed doesn't confirm a defect, but clusters around specific components are worth investigating.
Does the 2017 Audi A3 have any recalls?
Yes — 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 414,409 vehicles. Recalls are free to fix at the dealer. Always verify by VIN whether the specific car you're looking at has had its recalls addressed.
Should I buy a 2017 Audi A3?
Slightly worse than average. Most owners are fine; problem clusters are concentrated around specific components. Check the issues table below and match against the specific car's mileage.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.

Wider context: See the full Audi A3 reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.

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