Makes›Audi›A3›2023

2023 Audi A3

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2023 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
4dr Sedan Quattro
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl turbo
Horsepower
201 hp
Transmission
automatic
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Hybrid
MPG (best)
32 combined · 28 city / 38 hwy
Length
177.2 in
Curb weight
2,866 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
2 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 32 MPG combined — 37% better than the average 2023 subcompact car (23.3 MPG).
  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

  • Modest powerUp to 201 hp, versus about 261 hp for similar 2023 models.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 14 similar 2023 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2023 Audi A3 is a subcompact car offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl turbo engine, including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

It measures about 177 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 104-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,866 lb.

EPA rates its most efficient version at 32 MPG combined (28 city / 38 highway), 37% better than the 2023 subcompact car average of 23.3 MPG, for an estimated $2,100 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 7 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.

What changed for 2023

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2022 A3 — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2022; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2022 A3 →

Trims, performance & features

Engine201 hp2.0L turbo 4-cyl
Transmissionautomatic
DriveFWD

Trims

PremiumPremium Plus

Safety & driver-assist features

Automatic emergency brakingStandard
Pedestrian emergency brakingStandard
Forward collision warningStandard
Blind-spot monitoringOptional
Blind-spot interventionOptional
Rear cross-traffic alertStandard
Rear automatic brakingOptional
Lane departure warningStandard
Lane keeping assistStandard
Parking assistStandard
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Keyless startStandard
LED headlightsYes

Built in: Ingolstadt, Germany

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 2 2023 A3 configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr Sedan Quattro177.2 in71.7 in56.3 in103.9 in61 / 60.2 in2,866 lb59/41

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 Hybrid2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S7)Front-Wheel Drive28 / 38 / 32+37%$2,100276
A3 quattro Hybrid2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S7)All-Wheel Drive27 / 35 / 30+29%$2,250294
6/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
6/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $1,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
23.3 MPG2023 Subcompact Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2023 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2023 Audi A3.

Similar 2023 subcompact cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2023 Audi A3 (this car)32 MPGNot rated2
2023 BMW 3 Series29 MPGNot rated1
2023 Tesla Model 3358 mi★★★★★12
2023 Audi A528 MPGNot rated0
2023 Acura Integra33 MPG★★★★★2
2023 BMW 2 Series29 MPGNot rated0
2023 BMW i4301 miNot rated7

Recalls (2)

Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger · Apr 3, 2024

NHTSA campaign 24V251000 · 91 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2023 Audi S5 Cabriolet, A4 Allroad, Q5 Sportback, A3 Sedan, S5 Sportback, SQ7, TT Coupe, TT Roadster, RS5 Sportback, 2024 A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, Q8, RSQ8, 2023-2024 Q3, Q5, and Q7 vehicles. An electrical connection in the front passenger seat for the occupant detection system (ODS) control module may loosen and deactivate the front passenger air bag.
Risk
A deactivated front passenger air bag will not deploy during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
Dealers will replace the passenger seat occupant detection system control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 8, 2024. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69GU.
Equipment › Other › Labels · Dec 7, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V901000 · 297 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2023 Audi S3, RS3, and A3 vehicles. The Safety Certification label on the B-pillar is missing weight capacity information. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification."
Risk
Missing weight information may result in unintentional overloading of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Audi dealers will install an overlay label, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 27, 2023. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 50ZZ.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2023 Audi A3 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

7Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
0Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
0Injuries reported
57,083 miTypical mileage at failure
Electrical System4
Unknown Or Other2
Engine1
Power Train1
Communication1
Service Brakes1
Steering1
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
23/04: 124/02: 125/02: 125/11: 126/02: 126/05: 126/09: 123/0424/0225/0225/1126/0226/0526/09max 1

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2023 Audi A3 buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Electrical System — 4 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  3. Engine — 1 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  4. Power Train — 1 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 57,083 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2023 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
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 inNot rated6121
2015 A335174.8 inNot rated7176
2013 A332168.9 inNot rated316

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