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2017 Audi A3: common problems and reliability
· 8VOne of the weaker A3 years.
63 owner complaints, most about air bags. 3 recalls.
Should I buy a 2017 A3?The 2017 Audi A3 has 63 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are air bags and electrical system. Owners most often flag water pump/thermostat housing leak (plastic assembly).
Safety record for the 2017 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2017 Audi A3 vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other A3 years only. How we score it
Is 2017 a good year for the A3?
Across the 22 A3 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (2001) to 180 (2015). With 63 complaints, the 2017 A3 sits above the model's median of 42.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2017 A3
air bags:sensor:occupant classification:front passenger
Campaign 21V198000Volkswagen 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.
fuel system, gasoline
Campaign 24V110000Volkswagen 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.
air bags:sensor:occupant classification
Campaign 19V474000Volkswagen 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.
What owners report on the 8V A3
Owners generally describe the 8V A3 as a solid, enjoyable daily driver that shares its bones with the VW Golf/GTI, which helps keep maintenance expectations reasonable.
- Very frequentWater pump/thermostat housing leak (plastic assembly)
- Very frequentMechatronic unit failure in DSG transmission
- RecurrentTransmission failure (whole unit replacement, sometimes under recall 34L4 for 2017-2018)
- RecurrentRear shock absorber sweating/leaking
- RecurrentSuspension bushings wearing and causing noise
Owner insights for the 8V A3. Read the full 8V owner report.
Other A3 model years
Compare every A3 year side by side to see how 2017 ranks against the rest.
Compare the A3 against its rivals
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