DecodedCars2019 Audi A3
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2019 models.
- Class
- Subcompact Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan, 4dr Sedan Quattro, Cabriolet, Sportback E-Tron
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Horsepower
- 184–228 hp
- Transmission
- automatic
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 29 combined · 26 city / 35 hwy
- Length
- 169.7–175.6 in
- Curb weight
- 3,175–3,616 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 4 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 29 MPG combined — 23% better than the average 2019 subcompact car (23.5 MPG).
- AWD / 4WD available
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 22 similar 2019 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2019 Audi A3 is a subcompact car offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl turbo engine and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 176 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 104-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,175 lb (4dr Sedan).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 29 MPG combined (26 city / 35 highway), 23% better than the 2019 subcompact car average of 23.5 MPG, for an estimated $2,300 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 15 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.
What changed for 2019
- New body dimensions: 0.8 in longer, wheelbase +1.5 in — most likely a redesign or new generation
- No plug-in hybrid version any more
- Engine dropped: 1.4L 4-cyl turbo
- Best combined MPG down from 36 to 29
Compared with 2018; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2018 A3 →
Trims, performance & features
Engine184–228 hp2.0L 4-cyl
Transmissionautomatic
DriveAWD/4WD
Seating5 seats · 2 rows
Trims
Premium, Titaniumquattro Premium Plusquattro Premium
Safety & driver-assist features
Automatic emergency brakingStandard
Forward collision warningStandard
Blind-spot monitoringStandard
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Keyless startStandard
Built in: Ingolstadt, Germany · Gyor, Hungary
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2019 A3 configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan | 175.6 in | 70.9 in | 55.9 in | 103.9 in | 61.4 / 60.2 in | 3,175 lb | 60/40 |
| 4dr Sedan Quattro | 175.6 in | 70.9 in | 55.9 in | 103.9 in | 61.4 / 60.2 in | 3,362 lb | 60/40 |
| Cabriolet | 174.8 in | 70.9 in | 53.5 in | 102.4 in | 60.6 / 59.4 in | 3,583 lb | 60/40 |
| Sportback E-Tron | 169.7 in | 70.5 in | 56.3 in | 103.9 in | 60.6 / 59.4 in | 3,616 lb | 55/45 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A3 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S7) | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 / 35 / 29 | +23% | $2,300 | 303 |
| A3 Cabriolet | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S7) | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 / 35 / 29 | +23% | $2,300 | 303 |
| A3 quattro | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S7) | All-Wheel Drive | 22 / 30 / 25 | +6% | $2,700 | 362 |
| A3 Cabriolet quattro | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S7) | All-Wheel Drive | 22 / 30 / 25 | +6% | $2,700 | 355 |
6/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
6/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
23.5 MPG2019 Subcompact Cars average
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2019 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Audi A3 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 10.9% |
| 2019 Audi A3 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 10.9% |
StandardElectronic stability control
Not availableForward collision warning
OptionalLane departure warning
Similar 2019 subcompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Audi A3 (this car) | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2019 Lexus IS | 24 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2019 Tesla Model 3 | 310 mi | ★★★★★ | 22 |
| 2019 Audi A5 | 27 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz A-Class | 28 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2019 BMW X1 | 26 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2019 BMW i3 | 31 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (4)
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.
Tires › Pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems · Oct 31, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V815000 · 296,044 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan LWB, Golf Sportswagen A7, Golf Alltrack, Golf R GP, Audi Q3, Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Jetta NF, Jetta GLI, Golf GTI, Atlas, Golf A7, Audi A3, 2020-2021 Atlas Cross Sport, and 2021 Atlas FL vehicles. The tire pressure monitoring system may not detect an air pressure loss in adequate time when deflating occurs among all four tires simultaneously. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."
- Risk
- An undetected sudden loss of pressure in all four tires increases the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the TPMS software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 18, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or AudiÂs customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are (Audi) 45J7, and (VW) 45J6 and 45J8.
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.
Not every 2019 Audi A3 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
15Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
0Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
0Injuries reported
13,500 miTypical mileage at failure
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2019 Audi A3 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Air Bags — 8 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 2 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.
- Seats — 2 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 13,500 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2019 Audi A3. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other A3 years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 A3 | 28 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 A3 | 28 | 177.2 in | Not rated | 0 | 2 |
| 2025 A3 | 28 | 177.2 in | Not rated | 0 | 5 |
| 2024 A3 | 32 | 177.2 in | Not rated | 0 | 2 |
| 2023 A3 | 32 | 177.2 in | Not rated | 2 | 7 |
| 2022 A3 | 32 | 177.2 in | Not rated | 6 | 9 |
| 2020 A3 | 30 | 175.6 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 17 |
| 2018 A3 | 36 | 174.8 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 45 |
| 2017 A3 | 34 | 174.8 in | Not rated | 5 | 71 |
| 2016 A3 | 39 | 174.8 in | Not rated | 6 | 121 |
| 2015 A3 | 35 | 174.8 in | Not rated | 7 | 176 |
| 2013 A3 | 32 | 168.9 in | Not rated | 3 | 16 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Audi. How we calculate this →