2007 Audi A3 problems & reliability
52 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2007 Audi A3, alongside 3 safety recall campaigns. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by owners to the federal Office of Defects Investigation.
Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several vehicles.
Federal crash records (FARS 2020–2023): 2007 Audi A3 vehicles were involved in 3 fatal crashes with 2 occupant deaths. Involvement counts are not adjusted for how many are on the road and do not imply fault or a vehicle defect.
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Air Bags → | 32 | 62% |
| Power Train → | 16 | 31% |
| Engine | 4 | 8% |
| Suspension | 2 | 4% |
| Tires | 2 | 4% |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 2 | 4% |
| Electrical System | 1 | 2% |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 1 | 2% |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 1 | 2% |
| Steering | 1 | 2% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
Common symptoms owners describe
Keyword analysis of complaint narratives; one complaint can describe several symptoms.
Mileage when problems occurred
Half of the failures with a reported odometer reading occurred by 62,000 miles (middle 50% between 34,500 and 78,000 miles), based on 23 complaints that included mileage.
Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“My car stald on me at a shopping center located on 32nd street north of mcdowell rd in phoenix,az. It anti locked on me and was not able to start vehicle. Due to this my car was towed from establishment to a tow garage and is still thier. Im unable to take it out due to I dont have the amount to pay it due to I am a…”
Steering · filed Jul 25, 2020
“Car is bucking and gears are slipping while in motion. Issue has continued to get worse. This is my first audi & might be my last.”
Power Train · filed Sep 3, 2019
“Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2007 audi a3. The contact stated that a recall notice was received for nhtsa campaign number: 18v082000 (air bags). After contacting mckenna audi (10850 firestone blvd, norwalk, ca), the contact was informed that the parts needed for the recall remedy were still not available. The…”
Air Bags · filed Apr 25, 2019
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Technical service bulletins
374 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 2007 Audi A3. The 10 most recent:
This bulletin provides information pertaining to when there are foreign objects inside of a headlight or taillight.
A9423672071954_1 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Oct 30, 2023
This bulletin provides information on the additional reporting requirements for safety related inquiries.
A0023742052680_4 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Oct 4, 2023
Inside the Rings | Volume 12, Spring 2023
DC_AudiRingsV12 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 28, 2023
In conjunction with the Massachusetts DMV, Audi will be sending Takata airbag recall reminder notices to approximately 2,907 Audi owners in the State of Massachusetts on March 13, 2023.
TRMDMV_MA_Audi · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 13, 2023
In conjunction with the New Mexico DMV, Audi will be sending Takata airbag recall reminder notices to approximately 389 Audi owners in the State of New Mexico on March 13, 2023.
TRMDMV_NM_Audi · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 13, 2023
In conjunction with the Colorado DMV, Audi will be sending Takata airbag recall reminder notices to approximately 2,174 Audi owners in the State of Colorado on February 13, 2023.
TRMDMV_CO_Audi · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Feb 13, 2023
Takata recall and 3G turndown
DC_Rings_VOL10 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Feb 10, 2023
Support for Customers Affected by Alternator Back-order
DC_Alternator_6 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jan 26, 2023
Support for Customers Affected by Alternator Back-order
DC_Alternator_5 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jan 19, 2023
Support for Customers Affected by Alternator Back-order
DC_Alternator_4 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jan 19, 2023
TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.
Safety recalls
The 2007 Audi A3 has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns — recall repairs are free at franchised dealers regardless of the vehicle’s age.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →Buying a used 2007 Audi A3?
- · Decode the seller’s VIN with our free VIN decoder to confirm the exact year, engine and trim.
- · Check for unrepaired recalls by VIN on NHTSA’s official lookup — recall repairs are free.
- · Owners most often reported problems around 62,000 miles — budget accordingly if the car is approaching that mileage.