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2015 Audi A3

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2015 models.

Audi A3
Pictured: Audi A3 8Y Sedan IMG 5936. Photo: Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Subcompact Cars
Body styles
Cabriolet, Sedan 1.8 Tfsi/2.0tdi, Sedan 2.0 Tfsi
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 1.8L 4-cyl turbo
Horsepower
170–220 hp
Transmission
automatic
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Diesel, Premium Gasoline
MPG (best)
35 combined · 31 city / 41 hwy
Length
174.8–175.6 in
Curb weight
3,175–3,583 lb
NHTSA rating
★★★★★
Recalls
7 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 35 MPG combined — 48% better than the average 2015 subcompact car (23.7 MPG).
  • AWD / 4WD available
  • 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.

Watch out for

  • Many owner complaints176 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 19 for similar models — most often about the air bags.
  • 7 recallsMore than similar models (about 2). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 17 similar 2015 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2015 Audi A3 is a subcompact car offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 1.8L 4-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

It measures about 175 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 102-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,583 lb (Cabriolet).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 35 MPG combined (31 city / 41 highway), 48% better than the 2015 subcompact car average of 23.7 MPG, for an estimated $2,750 a year in fuel.

In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.

It has 7 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 176 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.

What changed for 2015

  • New body dimensions: 5.9 in longer — most likely a redesign or new generation
  • Engine added: 1.8L 4-cyl turbo
  • Best combined MPG up from 32 to 35
  • Now crash-tested by NHTSA: 5 stars overall

Compared with 2013; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2013 A3 →

Trims, performance & features

Engine170 hp1.8L 4-cyl
Engine220 hp2.0L 4-cyl
Transmissionautomatic
DriveAWD/4WD

Trims

Premiumquattro Premium PlusPremium PlusS Line quattro Prestige

Built in: Gyor, Hungary

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2015 A3 configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
Cabriolet174.8 in70.9 in53.5 in102.4 in60.6 / 59.4 in3,583 lb60/40
Sedan 1.8 Tfsi/2.0tdi175.6 in70.9 in55.9 in103.9 in61.4 / 60.2 in3,175 lb60/40
Sedan 2.0 Tfsi175.6 in70.9 in55.9 in103.9 in61.4 / 60.2 in3,362 lb60/40

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
A3 Diesel2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S6)Front-Wheel Drive31 / 41 / 35+48%$2,750292
A3 Cabriolet1.8L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S6)Front-Wheel Drive24 / 35 / 28+18%$2,950314
A3 quattro2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S6)All-Wheel Drive24 / 33 / 27+14%$3,050323
A31.8L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S6)Front-Wheel Drive23 / 33 / 27+14%$3,050328
A3 Cabriolet quattro2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S6)All-Wheel Drive23 / 32 / 26+10%$3,150334
8/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
8/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $1,750Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
23.7 MPG2015 Subcompact Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2015 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2015 Audi A3 4 DR FWD★★★★★★★★★★4★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★10.9%
2015 Audi A3 4 DR AWD★★★★★★★★★★4★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★10.9%
StandardElectronic stability control
OptionalForward collision warning
OptionalLane departure warning
Frontal crash test — 2015 Audi A3 4 DR FWD
Frontal crash test — 2015 Audi A3 4 DR FWD. Photo: NHTSA.
Side crash test — 2015 Audi A3 4 DR FWD
Side crash test — 2015 Audi A3 4 DR FWD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2015 subcompact cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2015 Audi A3 (this car)35 MPG★★★★★7
2015 BMW 3 Series36 MPGNot rated0
2015 Lexus IS24 MPGNot rated3
2015 Audi A526 MPGNot rated3
2015 BMW i828 MPGNot rated1
2015 Volvo S6029 MPG★★★★★2
2015 BMW X126 MPGNot rated4

Recalls (7)

Fuel System, Gasoline · Feb 14, 2024

NHTSA campaign 24V110000 · 261,257 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
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 1-800-253-2834. 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.
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger · Mar 22, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V198000 · 153,152 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
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.
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification · Jun 19, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V474000 · 138,896 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix
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.
Equipment › Other › Labels · Apr 26, 2017

NHTSA campaign 17V280000 · 2,091 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015 Audi A3 1.8T FWD S tronic and 2.0T Quattro S tronic vehicles. The safety certification label has an incorrect vehicle production date. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification."
Risk
In the event of a vehicle safety recall, an incorrect production date may prevent owners from determining if the recall affects them, increasing their risk of injury or a crash.
Fix
Audi will notify owners, and dealers will install an overlay label containing the correct vehicle production date, free of charge. The recall June 23, 2017. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 51F5.
Fuel System, Gasoline · Sep 7, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V647000 · 110,042 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Volkswagen Golf, Golf SportWagen, GTI, Audi A3 sedan and A3 Cabriolet vehicles. Due to a problem with the suction pump inside the fuel tank, fuel may flow into the evaporative emissions (EVAP) system.
Risk
As fuel accumulates in the EVAP system, it may leak out through the charcoal canister filter element. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Fix
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suction pump, free of charge. The recall began November 2016. Volkswagen owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298, Audi owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 20Y6 and 20Y5. This recall has been fully superseded by recall 24V-110.
Seats · Dec 8, 2015

NHTSA campaign 15V824000 · 904 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, LLC (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015 Audi A3 Cabriolet vehicles manufactured June 5, 2014, to April 1, 2015. The affected vehicles have a driver or front passenger seat whose cover may be incorrectly stitched, preventing the side air bag from properly deploying in the event of a crash.
Risk
Improper side air bag deployment may increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Fix
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's and/or front passenger's seatback cover, free of charge. Owners were mailed interim notices on February 4, 2016. The recall began on February 29, 2016 . Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 74C9.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Apr 17, 2015

NHTSA campaign 15V229000 · 6,205 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015 Volkswagen Golf, and GTI manufactured on February 17, 2014, to May 22, 2014, and Audi A3 manufactured on February 16, 2013, to April 23, 2014. Improper nickel plating of components within the fuel pump may result in the fuel pump failing.
Risk
If the fuel pump fails, the vehicle will not start, or if the engine is running, it will stop and the vehicle will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and replace any affected fuel pumps, free of charge. The recall began on June 16, 2015. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi at 1-800-253-2834.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2015 Audi A3 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

176Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
1Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
0Injuries reported
45,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Air Bags83
Electrical System24
Fuel/Propulsion System22
Engine17
Fuel System, Gasoline15
Unknown Or Other12
Seat Belts12
Seats10
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
23/04: 123/05: 123/06: 123/07: 124/01: 124/02: 124/05: 324/07: 224/09: 124/10: 225/01: 125/06: 125/07: 125/08: 225/09: 125/10: 125/12: 126/01: 126/02: 126/03: 126/04: 126/06: 226/08: 226/09: 223/0423/0724/0524/1025/0725/1026/0226/06max 3

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2015 Audi A3 buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 7 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Air Bags — 83 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  3. Electrical System — 24 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  4. Fuel/Propulsion System — 22 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 45,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2015 Audi A3. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other A3 years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 A328–Not rated00
2026 A328177.2 inNot rated02
2025 A328177.2 inNot rated05
2024 A332177.2 inNot rated02
2023 A332177.2 inNot rated27
2022 A332177.2 inNot rated69
2020 A330175.6 in★★★★★317
2019 A329175.6 in★★★★★415
2018 A336174.8 in★★★★★745
2017 A334174.8 inNot rated571
2016 A339174.8 in★★★★★6121
2013 A332168.9 inNot rated316

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Audi. How we calculate this →