Audi A3 Cabriolet years to avoid (and the best years)

160 NHTSA owner complaints and 11 recalls across 4 model years, 2015 to 2018. Built from NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, generated October 26, 2026.

160complaints
11recalls
1reported crashes
2reported fires
0reported injuries

Which Audi A3 Cabriolet years should you avoid?

No Audi A3 Cabriolet model year stands out from the others in NHTSA owner complaints. The typical Audi A3 Cabriolet year has 30 complaints on file. The busiest year is the 2015 (87).

What are the best Audi A3 Cabriolet years?

The Audi A3 Cabriolet years with the fewest complaints on file are the 2018 (12), 2017 (25) and 2016 (36). Model years after 2023 are left out: they have not been on the road long enough to compare.

NHTSA does not publish sales figures, so these are complaint counts, not a rate per car on the road. A year that sold more cars collects more complaints, and older years have had longer to collect them.

Every model year

Year	Complaints	vs typical year	Recalls	Crashes	Our read	Most reported
2018	12	0.4×	5	0	Few red flags	Airbags
2017	25	0.8×	3	0	Few red flags	Airbags
2016	36	1.2×	3	0	Few red flags	Airbags
2015	87	2.9×	5	1	Some concerns to check	Airbags

Recalls (11)

Airbags · 19V474000 · Jun 2019 · model years 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018
A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Safety · 19V095000 · Feb 2019 · model year 2018
In the event of a crash, the head restraint may detach and cause injury to the vehicle occupants.
Fuel system · 18V863000 · Dec 2018 · model year 2018
A fuel leak in the engine compartment can increase the risk of a fire.
Safety · 18V803000 · Nov 2018 · model year 2018
If the guide sleeves are incorrectly welded, in the event of a crash, the rear seat head restraints may have reduced stability, increasing the risk of injury.
Engine · 17V508000 · Aug 2017 · model years 2017, 2018
An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Safety · 17V280000 · Apr 2017 · model year 2015
In the event of a vehicle safety recall, an incorrect production date may prevent owners from determining if the recall affects them, increasing their risk of injury or a crash.
Airbags · 17V196000 · Mar 2017 · model year 2017
If the air bag deploys with more force than intended, it can increase the risk of injury.
Fuel system · 16V647000 · Sep 2016 · model years 2015, 2016
As fuel accumulates in the EVAP system, it may leak out through the charcoal canister filter element. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Electrical system · 16V642000 · Sep 2016 · model year 2016
If the side marker lights do not illuminate, the vehicle may be less visible at night, increasing the risk of a crash.
Safety · 15V824000 · Dec 2015 · model year 2015
Improper side air bag deployment may increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Fuel system · 15V229000 · Apr 2015 · model year 2015
If the fuel pump fails, the vehicle will not start, or if the engine is running, it will stop and the vehicle will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.