2019 Audi A3 Safety Report
2019 Audi A3 Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2019 Audi A3
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2019 Audi A3. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | High (3) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Low (12) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 0 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Air Bags | Compare air bags issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2024 | Compare against the 2024 Audi A3 with 1 complaints and 0 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2015 | Check the 2015 Audi A3 before buying across this generation. |
Audi A3 Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Audi A3 years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Audi A3 | 15 | 3 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2018 Audi A3 | 43 | 2 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2017 Audi A3 | 36 | 2 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2016 Audi A3 | 110 | 3 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2015 Audi A3 | 173 | 2 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2024 Audi A3 | 1 | 0 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
2019 Audi A3 Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2019 Audi A3, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Air Bags
4 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Air Bags issues Audi onlyPower Train
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Audi onlyExterior Lighting
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Exterior Lighting issues Audi onlyFuel/Propulsion System
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Fuel/Propulsion System issues Audi onlyAir Bags,Seats
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Air Bags,Seats issues Audi onlyAir Bags,Seat Belts
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Air Bags,Seat Belts issues Audi onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2019 Audi A3
Reliability Score
The 2019 Audi A3 receives a reliability score of 87 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.
Known Issues for the 2019 Audi A3
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2019 Audi A3:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Bags, Seat Belts Recalls related to front passenger air bags and seat belt sensors have been issued. Regular inspection is recommended. |
Medium | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Transmission Failure Transmission failure has been reported, causing the 'Transmission Failure' message to appear during driving. |
Medium | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Fuel System Audi A3 models are part of a recall for fuel system issues. Check for recalls and service. |
Low | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Tires Recalls related to tire pressure monitoring and regulating systems have been issued. Check tire pressure regularly. |
Low | Common | 30k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2019 Audi A3:
Transmission failure has been reported, causing the 'Transmission Failure' message to appear during driving.
Air bags and seat belts are prone to failure, with recalls related to front passenger air bags and seat belt sensors.
Audi A3 models are part of a recall for fuel system issues. Check for recalls and service.
Recalls related to tire pressure monitoring and regulating systems have been issued. Check tire pressure regularly.
Recall Details for the 2019 Audi A3
The following 3 recalls have been issued for the 2019 Audi A3 by NHTSA:
Summary: 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.
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: 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 previ...
Summary: 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 requirem...
Consequence: An undetected sudden loss of pressure in all four tires increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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 Audis customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are (Audi) 45J7, and (VW) 45J6 and 45J8.
Summary: 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.
Consequence: A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2019 Audi A3
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2019 Audi A3 with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
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 second gear. Additionally, the vehicle jerked and decelerated to 35 MPH while driving. The contact a...
The headlight assembly failed and manufacturer accepts no responsibility and quoted astronomical repair cost. This should not have been an issue with such new components. I've seen many vehicles like mine with the same problem.
My vehicle stalls while driving twice in a row several times a week. Check engine code P0148 indicating a fuel system error. Took my vehicle to the Audi Dealership but because my husband had cleared the code, nothing could be done. My vehicle stalling multiple times in a row, several times a week not only poses a safety risk to myself as the driver, but my passengers and other vehicles on the road...
Audi has stated there are no parts available to address the PODS recall 21V198 since March 2021. My dealership sold my vehicle to me at the end of my lease without having addressed this safety recall.
UNKNOWN
The contact leased a 2019 Audi A3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V198000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. Additionally, the contact called a second dealer, Audi Pembroke Pines (15000 Sheridan St, Pembroke Pines, FL 33331) and a third dealer, The Collection Audi (200 Bird Rd, Coral Gables, FL...
The contact owns a 2019 Audi A3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V198000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the dealer confirmed that only five parts were received per week. The contact was informed that she could not be added to the waiting list. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reason...
The contact leased a 2019 Audi A3. The contact stated that the passenger’s side air bag warning light had failed to operate as needed. The contact then received a notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V198000 (Air Bags) however, the part for the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer had been notified about the recall and confirmed that the parts were not yet available. The manufacturer had...
I WAS DRIVING MY CAR WITH MY FRIEND IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. ALL OF A SUDDEN CAR STARTED MADE A BEEPING SOUND AND MY DASHBOARD SAID SOMETHING ABOUT SAFETY FEATURE BEING TURNED OFF/LIMITED. ALSO THE PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF LIGHT TURNED ON EVEN WHEN THE PASSENGER SEAT WAS OCCUPIED. THE VEHICLE WAS ALREADY IN MOTION. THIS CREATED AN UNSAFE SITUATION AS PASSENGER AIRBAG WAS OFF WHEN IT SHOULD NOT HAVE BEE...
I PURCHASED A 2019 AUDI A3 ON JANUARY 18, 2021 (VIN [XXX]) FROM AUDI DENVER. I REPLACED THE WINDSHIELD 2/19/2021, WAS TOLD THE WINDSHIELD HAD BEEN REPLACED AT LEAST ONCE BEFORE (2/2020 AT THE DEALERSHIP) AND 2 WEEKS AFTER REPLACING THE WINDSHIELD, HAVE A NEW CRACK THAT IS QUICKLY SPREADING. 4 UNREPAIRABLE WINDSHIELDS WITH ONLY 11K MILES ON THE VEHICLE? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FRE...
I WAS DRIVING ON NJ TURNPIKE ON A 75 MILE TRIP BACK HOME AND AFTER INTO 55 MILES OF THE TRIP, THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY LOST POWER.. I WAS GOING ABOUT 65 MILES OR SO AND IT WAS EXTREMELY SCARY AND DANGEROUS. WITH THE GRACE OF GOD, I WAS ABLE TO USE THE MOMENTUM TO MAKE IT TO A SIDE LANE BETWEEN THE TRAVEL LANES AND MERGE LANE OFF OF THE RAMP, THE ARE CAR LOST SO MUCH POWER AND TRYING TO MANEUVERIN...
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 AUDI A3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V474000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT CALLED AN UNKNOWN DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND DID NOT KNOW WHEN THE PART WOULD BE AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA Defect Investigations for the 2019 Audi A3
NHTSA defect investigations are higher-signal than ordinary complaints because they indicate the agency opened a formal review of a potential safety defect. Some investigations later connect to recall campaigns; others close without a recall after review.
Component: Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Evaporative Emissions:Canister
Opened 2023-12-12 · Closed 2024-07-01
On December 12, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened RQ23-007 to investigate the remedy repair effectiveness and scope of Volkswagen (VW) recall 16V-647. Recall 16V-647 was issued on September 2, 2016, for a defective suction jet pump (SJP) inside the fuel tank. Failure of the SJP could lead to a fuel leak from the vehicle. This recall covered certain model year (MY) 2015-2016 Volkswagen Golf and Audi A3 passenger car vehicles. The recall remedy repair replaced SJP Version 1.0...
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2019 Audi A3
Has the 2019 AUDI A3 been recalled?
Yes, the 2019 AUDI A3 has 3 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2019 AUDI A3 have?
The 2019 AUDI A3 has 12 complaints filed with NHTSA. None of the complaints involved crashes. No injuries or deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2019 AUDI A3?
The 2019 AUDI A3 does not have an NHTSA safety rating on file. This can happen for newer model years, specialty vehicles, or models that have not been crash-tested.
What are the most common problems with the 2019 AUDI A3?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2019 AUDI A3 involve air bags (4 complaints), power train (1 complaints), exterior lighting (1 complaints). Other affected components include fuel/propulsion system, air bags,seats, air bags,seat belts.
How many crash reports does the 2019 AUDI A3 have?
There are no crash reports associated with the 2019 AUDI A3 in the NHTSA database.
How many fire reports does the 2019 AUDI A3 have?
There are no fire reports for the 2019 AUDI A3 in the NHTSA database.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2019 AUDI A3?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2019 AUDI A3.
How many injuries are reported for the 2019 AUDI A3?
No injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2019 AUDI A3.
Should I buy a 2019 AUDI A3?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2019 AUDI A3 is research thoroughly before purchasing. It has 12 complaints, 3 recalls. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2019 AUDI A3?
The components with the most failures on the 2019 AUDI A3 are: 1. AIR BAGS (4 complaints), 2. POWER TRAIN (1 complaints), 3. EXTERIOR LIGHTING (1 complaints), 4. FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (1 complaints), 5. AIR BAGS,SEATS (1 complaints). AIR BAGS is the single most-reported problem area with 4 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2019 AUDI A3?
Regularly check and service your 2019 Audi A3 to address known issues such as transmission failure and air bag recalls. The 2019 AUDI A3 has 12 NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record.
How reliable is the 2019 AUDI A3?
The 2019 AUDI A3 receives a reliability score of 87/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 12 owner complaints, 3 recalls, and 0 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Air Bags, Seat Belts and Transmission Failure.
What are the known issues with the 2019 AUDI A3?
Known issues with the 2019 AUDI A3 include: Air Bags, Seat Belts, Transmission Failure, Fuel System, Tires. These are based on patterns found across 12 NHTSA complaints. 3 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
What are the common issues with the 2019 Audi A3?
Common issues include transmission failure and air bag recalls. Regular maintenance is recommended.
Is there a recall for the fuel system in the 2019 Audi A3?
Yes, Audi A3 models are part of a recall for fuel system issues. Check for recalls and service.
What should I do if I experience transmission failure?
Check for the 'Transmission Failure' message and have the vehicle inspected by a professional.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Regularly check and service your 2019 Audi A3 to address known issues such as transmission failure and air bag recalls.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2019 Audi A3
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2019 Audi A3. The data includes 12 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 3 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-13