Audi A3: common problems, APK failures and recalls
There are 96,602 Audi A3 cars registered in the Netherlands, first registered between 1996 and 2026.
In a sample of 397 cars, 55.2% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, about as often as average (51.5% across all models).
The most common defect is tyre pressure incorrect (13.1% of inspected cars).
The RDW lists 18 recalls for this model; 0.9% of registered cars still have an open recall.
2% have an odometer reading the RDW marks as illogical, a sign of a rolled-back odometer.
Check a specific Audi A3
Free: APK expiry, insurance, open recall and odometer verdict. The full report adds every APK inspection with its defects.
Most common APK defects
| Defect | Cars |
|---|---|
| Tyre pressure incorrect | 13.1% |
| Tyre tread depth insufficient | 12.6% |
| Dipped beam incorrectly aimed | 12.1% |
| Excessive leak of other fluids | 5.8% |
| Wipers give insufficient visibility | 5.3% |
| Tyre damaged | 4% |
| Spring broken or cracked | 3.3% |
| Airbag/seatbelt warning indicates a fault | 2.3% |
| Position light not working (properly) | 1.8% |
| Number plate light not working (properly) / missing | 1.8% |
Share of 397 sampled cars (first registered 2012–2021) with this defect at an APK inspection since 2024. RDW Open Data: Geconstateerde Gebreken.
Common advisories
| Tyre(s) with tread depth of 1.6 to 2.5 mm | 15.1% |
| Mechanical brake parts show wear | 7.8% |
| Shock absorber leaking | 4.8% |
| Steering or kingpin ball joint wear up to 1.0 mm | 0.8% |
Advisories are noted at the APK but are not a failure.
Fleet figures
| Registered in the Netherlands | 96,602 |
| Open recall (not yet fixed) | 0.9% |
| Illogical odometer reading | 2% |
| Used as a taxi | 0% |
| First registered | 1996 to 2026 |
All Audi A3 passenger cars in the RDW register, 2026-10-06.
Recalls
| Published | Component | Risk | Cars in NL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-08-13 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 75 |
| 2023-11-20 | electrical system | – | 1 |
| 2022-10-25 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | – | 80 |
| 2022-04-08 | electrical system | serious | 487 |
| 2021-09-30 | brakes | serious | 0 |
| 2021-04-26 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 42 |
| 2020-04-06 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | – | 0 |
| 2019-08-07 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 11 |
| 2019-03-01 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | – | 309 |
| 2018-11-29 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | – | 45 |
| 2018-03-19 | windows and wipers | serious | 3 |
| 2018-02-26 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 377 |
| 2018-02-08 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 1 |
| 2017-11-22 | suspension | serious | 1 |
| 2017-07-07 | lights | – | 512 |
Recalls registered with the RDW for this model; not every recall applies to every car. Check a plate to see if one is open.
Questions
How often does the Audi A3 fail the APK?
In a sample of 397 cars first registered 2012–2021, 55.2% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, against 51.5% across all models.
What are common problems with the Audi A3?
The most common APK defects are: tyre pressure incorrect (13.1%), tyre tread depth insufficient (12.6%), dipped beam incorrectly aimed (12.1%).
Does the Audi A3 have recalls?
Yes, the RDW lists 18 recalls. 0.9% of registered cars still have an open recall. Check a specific car by licence plate on factline.dev/vehicle.
Other Audi models
A4 · A1 · A6 · Q3 · Q5 · Q4 · A5 · Q2 · E-Tron · TT · Q7 · Q8 · Q6 · A2 · SQ5
Source: RDW Open Data (Gekentekende voertuigen, Geconstateerde Gebreken, Terugroepacties), CC0. Model grouping by Factline from RDW trade names. AI agents: factline.dev/llms.txt.