2019 Audi A3 Safety Report
2019 Audi A3: Low complaint volume, but critical airbag and fuel system recalls with reported part availability issues.
AI Safety Analysis for the 2019 Audi A3
Reliability Score
The 2019 Audi A3 receives a reliability score of 55 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passenger Occupant Detection System (Pods) Failure / Airbag Recall Part Unavailability Several complaints (4 out of 12) and recall 21V198000 indicate issues with the passenger airbag system, including the 'passenger airbag off' light illuminating with an occupied seat. Owners report significant delays and unavailability of parts for the recall repair, which can lead to a deactivated passenger airbag, increasing injury risk. |
High | Common | unknown miles |
| Transmission Failure One complaint details a 'Transmission Failure' message at 65 MPH, with the transmission inadvertently switching to and getting stuck in manual mode, leading to a loss of power. |
High | Occasional | 55000-65000 miles |
| Vehicle Stalling / Fuel System Error One complaint describes the vehicle stalling multiple times a week with a check engine code P0148 (fuel system error), indicating a potential issue related to the fuel/propulsion system, which is also subject to recall 19V474000 for a fuel leak. |
High | Occasional | unknown miles |
| Headlight Assembly Failure One complaint reports a headlight assembly failure, with the manufacturer reportedly not accepting responsibility for the repair cost. |
Medium | Occasional | unknown 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:
The most frequently reported issue, accounting for 4 out of 12 complaints, relates to the airbag system, specifically the passenger occupant detection system and the unavailability of parts for recall 21V198000.
One complaint details a 'Transmission Failure' message and the transmission getting stuck in manual mode, leading to a loss of power.
One complaint describes the vehicle stalling due to a fuel system error (P0148), which aligns with a recall for a potential fuel leak.
One complaint reports a failure of the headlight assembly.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2019 Audi A3
Is the 2019 Audi A3 safe?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2019 Audi A3 has a low number of overall complaints (12 total) with no reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths. However, it has 3 open recalls addressing critical safety issues: a deactivated passenger airbag, a potential fuel leak with fire risk, and an undetected loss of tire pressure. The lack of NHTSA crash test ratings means its crashworthiness is not independently assessed by the government. The safety is compromised by the critical nature of these recalls and reported difficulties in getting recall repairs completed.
What are common problems with the 2019 Audi A3?
The most reported issues for the 2019 Audi A3 are related to the AIR BAGS (33% of complaints), specifically concerning the passenger occupant detection system and the unavailability of parts for recall 21V198000. Other reported problems include 'Transmission Failure' (POWER TRAIN) and vehicle stalling due to a 'FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM' error.
Are there any recalls for the 2019 Audi A3?
Yes, the 2019 Audi A3 has 3 recalls. These include recall 21V198000 for the passenger occupant detection system (AIR BAGS), recall 19V474000 for a potential fuel leak (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE), and recall 19V613000 for issues with the tire pressure monitoring system (TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS).
How does the 2019 Audi A3 perform in crash tests?
NHTSA has not provided specific crash test ratings (Overall, Frontal, Side, Rollover) for the 2019 Audi A3, so there is no government-issued data on its crashworthiness from this source.
What should I know about the airbag recall for the 2019 Audi A3?
The airbag recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V198000) for the 2019 Audi A3 addresses a defect in the passenger occupant detection system that can lead to a deactivated passenger airbag, increasing the risk of injury in a crash. Several complaints indicate that parts for this recall repair have been unavailable, causing significant delays for owners.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Given the critical safety recalls, particularly concerning airbags and fuel systems, and reported difficulties in obtaining recall repairs, potential buyers should verify that all recalls have been completed before purchase and be aware of potential powertrain and fuel system issues.
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.