Model year guide

2018 Audi A3

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2018 Audi A3 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 8 on record.

2018 Audi A3 — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2018 Audi A3 at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints43
Combined29 mpg
Typical price$26,623

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2018 Audi A3 recalls 2

Air Bags:sensor:occupant Classification:front Passenger NHTSA Campaign #21V198000 · 22/03/2021

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.

Fix: 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.

Fuel System, Gasoline NHTSA Campaign #24V110000 · 14/02/2024

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…

Fix: 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 1-8…

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2018 Audi A3 common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 43 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Tires
Check tread depth, the DOT age date, and that all four tires match with even wear. Look for bulges or cracks.

2018 Audi A3 MPG & running costs

Combined29 mpg
City26 mpg
Highway35 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,100

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2018 Audi A3 worth?

Low
$22,777
Typical price
$26,623
High
$28,998

From 7 comparable 2018 Audi A3 listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2018 Audi A3 costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$10,500
Depreciation (5 yrs)$9,450
Total$19,950
Per mile$0.27

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($26,623) with the same model 5 model-years older ($17,193), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2018 Audi A3 trims & engines on record

Trims
Premium, Komfort (Canada) · quattro Premium, quattro Komfort (Canada) · e-tron Premium, Progressiv (Canada) · quattro Premium Plus, S Line quattro Progressiv (Canada)
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl 220 hp · 2.0L 4-cyl 186 hp · 1.4L 4-cyl 204 hp

2018 Audi A3 vehicles on record

2018 Audi A3 2018 Audi A3 Premium, Komfort (Canada)WAUAUGFF6J1062637 2018 Audi A3 2018 Audi A3 quattro Premium, quattro Komfort (Canada)WAUB8GFF9J1021539 2018 Audi A3 2018 Audi A3 e-tron Premium, Progressiv (Canada)WAUUPBFF1JA062830 2018 Audi A3 2018 Audi A3 Premium, Komfort (Canada)WAUAUGFF3J1040515 2018 Audi A3 quattro Premium, quattro Komfort (Canada)WAUB8GFF4J1077338 2018 Audi A3 2018 Audi A3 quattro Premium Plus, S Line quattro Progressiv (Canada)WAUY8LFF6J1015054 2018 Audi A3 2018 Audi A3 Premium, Komfort (Canada)WAUAUGFF8J1034256 2018 Audi A3 2018 Audi A3 quattro Premium, quattro Komfort (Canada)WAUB8GFF4J1012277

Other Audi A3 model years

2019 2017 2016 2015 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006

2018 Audi A3 — frequently asked questions

Does the 2018 Audi A3 have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2018 Audi A3. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2018 Audi A3?

Based on 43 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, power train, fuel/propulsion system.

What gas mileage does the 2018 Audi A3 get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2018 Audi A3 at about 29 mpg combined (26 city / 35 highway).

How much is a 2018 Audi A3 worth?

Comparable 2018 Audi A3 listings run roughly $22,777–$28,998, typically around $26,623 (from 7 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.