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Audi A3 IV problems (2020–today)

We have documented 2 engines and 1 gearbox for the Audi A3 IV; the DSG7 DQ200 gearbox has high or critical severity faults. The safest option is the 1.0 TSI / 1.5 TSI, with a «Buy» verdict.[1][2]

Outside the engine: Away from the engine and gearbox, this A3 (8Y) has racked up four recalls between 2021 and 2023: a brake component that could cause total loss of braking on 11 cars, faulty fuses on the TFSIe hybrid version, faulty seatbelts on 174 cars, and a preventive 2023 campaign for a possible power supply failure. The Volkswagen Group steering campaign of September 2026 does not include the A3: it is limited to the Audi Q3.[3][4]

Audi A3 IV (2020–today)
Photo: Alexander Migl · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Reference image for this generation.
02468107.0out of 10

Audi A3 IV rating: acceptable reliability

Calculated using only 11 documented faults and their sources: the most serious and frequent faults weigh more. Evidencia limitada: una nota de 7.0 o más afirma que el coche es fiable, y para entrar en los rankings exige al menos 6 fuentes en 3 idiomas, 2 averías reales documentadas fuera del motor y motores bien estudiados. Aún no lo cumple. How it is calculated

  • Engine7.6From 7.5 to 7.7 depending on the engine
  • Gearbox7.3Manual: no faults · DSG7 DQ200: 4.6
  • Suspension7.6Technical inspection (ITV) only: 1.0 times the defects normal for its age
  • Brakes8.21 fault and ITV (technical inspection)
  • Tyres and wheels10.0No documented faults
  • Steering7.6Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.9 times the defects normal for its age
  • Electrical system7.92 faults
  • Headlights and lights8.1Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.8 times the defects normal for its age
  • Electronics and infotainment10.0No documented faults
  • Climate control10.0No documented faults
  • Bodywork and interior7.5Technical inspection (ITV) only: 1.0 times the defects normal for its age
  • Airbags and safety8.91 fault

The weak points of the Audi A3 IV

  1. 1High severity: Mechatronic unit failure: pressure accumulator, pump and cracked housingDSG7 DQ200 gearbox · repair €600–€2,200
  2. 2Medium severity: Premature dry clutch wear and judder when drivingDSG7 DQ200 gearbox · repair €500–€1,100
  3. 3Medium severity: Thermostat housing leak and water pump failure2.0 TSI / TFSI engine
  4. 4Critical severity: Risk of total loss of braking power (11 cars)Brakes · free repair (recall)
  5. 5Medium severity: Coolant leaks from the water pump and thermostat module1.0 TSI / 1.5 TSI engine

Documented engines, from highest to lowest risk

The first label is the most serious fault affecting that engine in this car; the second, our verdict for the versions it is fitted to. Each engine's risk index is calculated only from the faults that affect this car (how we calculate it). We only show engines we have documented with sources: if yours does not appear, we have not analysed it yet. View all engines

See what to check before buying

Outside the engine

4 recalls and campaigns documented, the latest: Recall for a possible power supply failure. See the campaigns for the Audi A3 IV

20 sourcesHow we work

DSG7 DQ200 gearbox

Volkswagen Group DSG7 DQ200 (0AM/0CW)

In the A3 IV
since 2020[5][6]
Name
1.0 TFSI S tronic
Faults that affect it
2 · 1 of high or critical severity
Risk index on this car
54
High risk

Verdict for the version it uses

  • DSG7 DQ200 0CW (since 2013)since 2013 · 0CW

    With caution

    It improves on the reliability of the 0AM, but does not eliminate its design weak points: it is still the same dry-clutch and mechatronic family, so you should carry out the same checks (history, stored fault codes, test drive) before buying.[5][7][8]

Faults that affect the A3 IV

Only those that affect the versions and years that this car used. The DSG7 DQ200 has 3 documented faults in total.

  1. High severityFrequency: Very frequentElectronicsMechatronic unit failure: pressure accumulator, pump and cracked housingYes: the mechatronic unit is the DQ200's most cited weak point. Its pressure accumulator and hydraulic pump can fail because of a housing design defect, with fault warnings, limp mode or loss of drive; Volkswagen has acknowledged the problem with service actions and software updates.Repair (garage): €600–€2,200
  2. Medium severityFrequency: CommonClutchPremature dry clutch wear and judder when drivingYes: the DQ200's dry clutch wears out sooner than a wet one, especially in stop-start urban traffic. It warns of its condition with judder or jerking when pulling away, slipping when accelerating and, in advanced cases, a burning smell; specialists put its service life at between 120,000 and 180,000 km depending on use.Repair (garage): €500–€1,100Appears at around 120,000 km

A3 IV DSG7 DQ200 gearbox pageAll versions and faults of the DSG7 DQ200

2.0 TSI / TFSI

Volkswagen / Audi 2.0 TSI and TFSI (familia EA888) · Petrol

In the A3 IV
since 2020[9]
Names
2.0 TFSI · S3
Faults that affect it
2
Risk index on this car
25
Moderate risk

Verdict for the version it uses

Faults that affect the A3 IV

Only those that affect the versions and years that this car used. The 2.0 TSI / TFSI has 5 documented faults in total.

  1. Medium severityFrequency: CommonCoolingThermostat housing leak and water pump failureSince Volkswagen integrated the water pump impeller into the thermostat housing, this plastic part leaks coolant over time; on the oldest units, with a separate belt-driven pump, failures of the pump itself are also documented.
  2. Low severityFrequency: OccasionalLubricationPCV valve (crankcase ventilation) failureThe PCV valve returns to the intake manifold the oil and combustion vapours that build up in the crankcase. If it sticks closed or open, it causes a rough idle, misfires or oil leaks from the seals.Repair (garage): €60–€250

A3 IV 2.0 TSI / TFSI pageAll versions and faults of the 2.0 TSI / TFSI

1.0 TSI / 1.5 TSI

Safest option

Volkswagen 1.0 TSI and 1.5 TSI (EA211 / EA211 evo) · Petrol

In the A3 IV
since 2020[12][13]
Name
35 TFSI
Faults that affect it
3
Risk index on this car
23
Low risk

Verdict for the version it uses

Faults that affect the A3 IV

Only those that affect the versions and years that this car used. The 1.0 TSI / 1.5 TSI has 5 documented faults in total.

  1. Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalCoolingCoolant leaks from the water pump and thermostat moduleOn the EA211 the water pump and thermostat housing form a plastic module that, over the years, can crack or lose its seal and cause a slow loss of coolant. Keep an eye on the level: if it is ignored, it can end in overheating.
  2. Low severityFrequency: Very frequentElectronicsCold jerking at low speed ("kangaroo effect") on the 1.5 TSI evoThe 2017–2019 1.5 TSI evo can jerk and judder when pulling away and driving slowly with a cold engine, especially with a manual gearbox. It is a calibration fault, not a mechanical one: Volkswagen dealt with it through engine software updates between 2019 and 2020.
  3. Low severityFrequency: OccasionalIntakeCarbon build-up on the intake valvesLike any direct-injection engine, the 1.0 and 1.5 TSI can accumulate carbon on the intake valves and ports, especially with urban use. It is usually noticed between 80,000 and 120,000 km as a loss of power, rough running and higher consumption.Appears at around 80,000 km

A3 IV 1.0 TSI / 1.5 TSI pageAll versions and faults of the 1.0 TSI / 1.5 TSI

Faults of the Audi A3 IV outside the engine

Suspension, brakes, tyres, electronics and the rest of the car. They occur with any engine.

What the MOT inspection finds on the Audi A3 IV

Official Dutch MOT (APK) inspection data: 320 inspections of 300 cars registered between 2021 and 2022, compared with cars of the same age.

  • Suspension and axles· counts in the score

    Defects in 0.3% of inspections; in cars of its age, 0.5%.

    Average

  • Brakes· counts in the score

    Defects in 0.6% of inspections; in cars of its age, 1.4%.

    Average

  • Steering· counts in the score

    Defects in 0% of inspections; in cars of its age, 0.2%.

    Average

  • Headlights and lights· counts in the score

    Defects in 4.4% of inspections; in cars of its age, 6.8%.

    Fewer defects than average

  • Rust and bodywork· counts in the score

    Defects in 0% of inspections; in cars of its age, 0.1%.

    Average

  • Exhaust and emissions

    Defects in 0.6% of inspections; in cars of its age, 0.3%.

    Average

  • Fluid leaks

    Defects in 0% of inspections; in cars of its age, 0.1%.

    Average

  • Glass, wipers and mirrors

    Defects in 0.9% of inspections; in cars of its age, 3.2%.

    Fewer defects than average

  • Tyres and wheels· depends mostly on maintenance

    Defects in 13.8% of inspections; in cars of its age, 11.6%.

    Average

The inspection measures wear and the defects visible at a periodic check, not engine or electronics failures. Source: RDW Open Data (public domain). How we calculate it · opendata.rdw.nl

Checklist for buying a used Audi A3 IV

Check the advert or the paperwork to see which engine the car has and go through its section. Each point comes from a documented fault; you can tick them off as you inspect.

If it has the DSG7 DQ200 gearbox (since 2020)

Mechatronic unit failure: pressure accumulator, pump and cracked housing

High severity

Premature dry clutch wear and judder when driving

Medium severity

If it has the 2.0 TSI / TFSI (since 2020)

Thermostat housing leak and water pump failure

Medium severity

PCV valve (crankcase ventilation) failure

Low severity

If it has the 1.0 TSI / 1.5 TSI (since 2020)

Coolant leaks from the water pump and thermostat module

Medium severity

Cold jerking at low speed ("kangaroo effect") on the 1.5 TSI evo

Low severity

Carbon build-up on the intake valves

Low severity

Wear parts for the Audi A3 IV

Brakes, wiper blades, pollen filter and battery, searched for this model. The exact part number depends on the engine and year: confirm it with the registration plate or VIN.

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Buying a Audi A3 IV?

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Own a Audi A3 IV? Tell us what faults you have had, at what mileage and how much you paid. Report your fault.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Audi A3 IV reliable?

We have documented 2 engines and 1 gearbox for the Audi A3 IV; the DSG7 DQ200 gearbox has high or critical severity faults. The safest option is the 1.0 TSI / 1.5 TSI, with a «Buy» verdict. Away from the engine and gearbox, this A3 (8Y) has racked up four recalls between 2021 and 2023: a brake component that could cause total loss of braking on 11 cars, faulty fuses on the TFSIe hybrid version, faulty seatbelts on 174 cars, and a preventive 2023 campaign for a possible power supply failure. The Volkswagen Group steering campaign of September 2026 does not include the A3: it is limited to the Audi Q3.

Which Audi A3 IV engine is the most reliable?

Among the 2 engines and 1 gearbox we have documented, the safest option is the 1.0 TSI / 1.5 TSI, with a «Buy» verdict. The sources consider the 1.5 TSI from 2020 onwards much more mature than those of 2017–2019, with few complaints of jerking.[1][2]

What problems does the Audi A3 IV have apart from the engine?

Away from the engine and gearbox, this A3 (8Y) has racked up four recalls between 2021 and 2023: a brake component that could cause total loss of braking on 11 cars, faulty fuses on the TFSIe hybrid version, faulty seatbelts on 174 cars, and a preventive 2023 campaign for a possible power supply failure. The Volkswagen Group steering campaign of September 2026 does not include the A3: it is limited to the Audi Q3. The most important documented faults are: risk of total loss of braking power (11 cars) (brakes, critical severity), faulty fuses on the plug-in hybrid A3 (TFSIe) (electrical system, medium severity), possible power supply failure on more than 100,000 cars (electrical system, medium severity) and faulty seatbelts (174 cars) (airbags and safety, high severity).[3][4]

What faults does the Audi A3 IV have?

The most important by severity and frequency, on the engines we have documented, are: mechatronic unit failure: pressure accumulator, pump and cracked housing (DSG7 DQ200, high severity), premature dry clutch wear and judder when driving (DSG7 DQ200, medium severity), thermostat housing leak and water pump failure (2.0 TSI / TFSI, medium severity), coolant leaks from the water pump and thermostat module (1.0 TSI / 1.5 TSI, medium severity) and cold jerking at low speed ("kangaroo effect") on the 1.5 TSI evo (1.0 TSI / 1.5 TSI, low severity).

What is the best year to buy a Audi A3 IV?

According to our rating by year, the best are 2026, 2025 and 2024 (7.7/10); the worst rated is 2020 (7.0/10). Each year's rating counts only the engines sold that year and the faults that affect those units: open each year to see what changes.

Does the Audi A3 IV have recalls?

Yes: we have documented 4 campaigns for the Audi A3 IV, such as recall for a possible power supply failure (2023). Check with your VIN at the official service centre whether yours has been done.[3]

Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

  1. Zuverlässigkeit der TSI-Motoren von 1.0 bis 2.0: welche Jahrgänge und Generationen Probleme machenAutohled · Motoring press · published 15 June 2026 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in German
  2. Efecto canguro, el problema de los tirones en frío de los motores 1.5 TSI del Grupo VolkswagenSeis en Línea · Motoring press · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  3. Used Audi A3 Mk4 (2020-date) buyer's guide: classy used hatchbackAuto Express · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026
  4. Volkswagen y Audi llaman a revisión a casi tres millones de vehículos por un posible fallo en la dirección: estos son los modelos afectadosInfobae · General press · published 25 September 2026 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  5. DSG7 DQ200: Guía Técnica Definitiva (P17BF, Mecatrónica y Soluciones)STR Performance · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  6. Fallo en la mecatrónica de la caja DSG: Ojo a estos modelosGT Autos · Motoring press · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  7. VW, Skoda & Seat DSG Probleme: alle 6 und 7-Gang DQ GetriebeCarwiki · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026 · in German
  8. Reliability of the 7-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission in used cars: our VAG buying guideEuro Racing Parts · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026
  9. Volkswagen EA888 engineWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026
  10. Témoignages fiabilité Audifiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  11. Motor 2.0 TFSI 190 CV (ficha técnica)km77 · Technical documentation · published 13 May 2015 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  12. VW EA211 evoWikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026 · in German
  13. Audi A3 - WikipediaWikipedia · Other source · consulted 29 October 2026
  14. 7 Speed DSG Gearbox Problems | Mechatronic Faults | DSG Clutch PackEco Torque · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026
  15. Safety Recall 34F6/4V - 7-Speed DSG Auto Transmission w/Tiptronic (DQ-200 Direct-Shift Gearbox), 2013-2014 MY Volkswagen Jetta HybridVolkswagen of America / NHTSA (recall 13V-568) · Official body · published 2013 · consulted 26 September 2026
  16. NHTSA Recall 19V-866: Clutch Can Fail to Engage Causing a Loss of Power (Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid 2013-2015, DQ200)National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) · Official body · published 18 December 2019 · consulted 26 September 2026
  17. VW EA211: Typische Probleme und HaltbarkeitGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · published 26 August 2026 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in German
  18. Del 1.9 TDI al 1.5 TSI, así es el motor que ha cambiado la historia reciente de VolkswagenMotor.es · Motoring press · published 7 June 2026 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  19. ¿Tu motor 1.5 TSI de Volkswagen sufre de tirones en frío? Llegan novedadesMotor.es · Motoring press · published 5 September 2019 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  20. Juddering VW Group cars: no end in sight for ownersAuto Express · Motoring press · published 31 July 2019 · consulted 26 September 2026