Audi A3 Power Train Problems
Owners have filed 126 complaints with NHTSA about power train problems on the Audi A3 across 17 model years. The 2006 model year has the most (37). The words owners use most often: “dsg transmission” (17% of reports).
- 126power train complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 3mention a crash
- 1mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- 30%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Dsg transmission: mentioned in 22 of 126 complaints (17%)
- Mechatronic unit: mentioned in 9 of 126 complaints (7%)
At what mileage do power train problems happen?
Based on 92 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 126 complaints, 3 mention a crash, 1 an injury.
Audi A3 power train complaints by model year
| Model year | Power Train complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 A3 | 1 | 14% | — |
| 2022 A3 | 2 | 22% | — |
| 2020 A3 | 2 | 13% | 17,525 |
| 2019 A3 | 1 | 10% | 34,500 |
| 2018 A3 | 4 | 12% | — |
| 2017 A3 | 6 | 14% | 47,000 |
| 2016 A3 | 6 | 7% | — |
| 2015 A3 | 5 | 5% | 7,000 |
| 2013 A3 | 2 | 10% | 2,300 |
| 2011 A3 | 3 | 7% | 38,000 |
| 2010 A3 | 11 | 22% | 35,977 |
| 2009 A3 | 15 | 32% | 61,500 |
| 2008 A3 | 13 | 30% | 21,000 |
| 2007 A3 | 16 | 31% | 63,500 |
| 2006 A3 | 37 | 30% | 71,502 |
| 2004 A3 | 1 | 17% | — |
| 2003 A3 | 1 | 50% | 115,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (1)
Power train:automatic transmission
Model years: 2009, 2010
Problem: Volkswagen is recalling certain model year 2009 and 2010 passenger cars manufactured between september 2008 and august 2009. The wiring harness of a temperature sensor in the direct shift gearbox (dsg) may have connector wires that were insufficiently crimped. With insufficiently crimped connector wires, a temperature sensor has the potential to falsely detect a high gearbox oil temperature, causing the transmission to abruptly shift to neutral. If this happens, the selector lever position indicator within the instrument panel will flash. In addition, the "depress brake pedal" indicator light will be illuminated, alerting the driver to apply the brakes.
Risk: The abrupt shift to neutral could lead to a crash without warning.
Fix: Volkswagen will reprogram the transmission control module with updated software free of charge. The recall began on october 20, 2009. Owners may contact volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
On March 22, 2026, my Check Engine light came on while driving my 2022 Audi A3. Prior to this, I had been noticing a slight jerk when accelerating from a stop. Because Audi dealerships charge approximately $250 just to read diagnostic codes, I went to Discount Auto Parts, where they retrieved code…
Blown turbo with propeller broken off lodged into the pre-catalytic converter, which caused damage to the catalytic converter/exhaust requiring a new turbo and a complete new catalytic converter and exhaust system. They also found major oil leaking from the upper timing cover gaskets, which I later…
The contact owns a 2019 Audi A3. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH for a 50-mile trip, the message "Transmission Failure" displayed, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The transmission then inadvertently switched from automatic to manual transmission mode and became stuck in…
Car intermittently doesnât go into park and rolls
My 2015 Audi A3 1.8T is experiencing the exact same failure symptoms and operational hazards as those described in Audiâs own Warranty Extension U49, which covers certain 2017 and 2018 Audi A3 and A3 Cabriolet 2.0 TFSI models. According to Audiâs bulletin, vehicles with faulty mechatronic units…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Audi A3s have power train problems?
No. NHTSA has 126 owner complaints about power train for the Audi A3. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Audi A3 power train?
Yes: 1 safety recall list power train. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about power train problems on the Audi A3?
The most frequent phrase is “dsg transmission”, in 22 of 126 complaints, followed by “mechatronic unit” (9).
Other Audi A3 problems
- Air Bags problems (338)
See all Audi A3 problems.