Audi A3 / S3 / RS3 Audi A3

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Audi A3 / S3 / RS3 repairs by problem area

Engine (39%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (9%)

Brakes and Traction Control (2%)

Suspension and Steering (7%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (27%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (13%)

Other (3%)

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Chart based on 1436 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the Audi A3 / S3 / RS3.

Audi A3 / S3 / RS3 body repair cost distribution

$2500+ (0%)

$1000 - $2499 (3%)

$500 - $999 (4%)

$100 - $499 (13%)

< $100 (81%)

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Chart based on 113 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2018 Audi A3 / S3 / RS3 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 400hp 2.5L I5 7-speed automated manual AWD

3100 mi Paint is chipping off inside of black sports exhaust at only ~2,500 kms 

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2018 Audi A3 / S3 / RS3 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 292hp 2.0L I4 7-speed automated manual AWD

62000 mi

US $100
Sunroof trim clear coat began peeling. Took to body shop to get sanded and primed for roof to be wrapped. 

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2016 Audi A3 / S3 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 292hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual AWD

7800 mi Rear passenger door top chrome trim loose. 
12000 mi Replaced DS rear door top chrome trim that fell off. Other side identical piece also had nearly fallen off when I was in the process of buying the car 3 months ago. 

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2016 Audi A3 / S3 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 220hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual AWD

17000 mi Rear skid plate loose, refitted with new bolts and new anchors. 
3000 mi Water condensation in taillights 

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2016 Audi A3 / S3 4dr Hatch

turbocharged 150hp 1.4L I4 Plug-in Hybrid 6-speed automated manual FWD

5300 mi retractable shade under the sunroof always retract a bit and leave a slit open clicking noise coming from right side of the rear seat 
5600 mi Retractable shade under the sunroof always retract a bit and leave a slit open. a fix was attempted by reducing the lubricant. It is now better but still leaves a slit open most of the times after drove for a couple of days. clicking noise coming from right side of the rear seat 

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2016 Audi A3 / S3 2dr Convertible

turbocharged 220hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual AWD

15000 mi Armrest stuck in upright position 

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2015 Audi A3 / S3 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 292hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual AWD

400 mi Passenger side sunvisor mirror cracked 

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2015 Audi A3 / S3 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 220hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual AWD

2000 mi Sun roof rattle. Needed adjustment. 
6000 mi Piece of driver door worked loose but was not built properly at factory. Affected keyless entry and door closing. It also was the source of exterior wind noise the entire time of ownership until the problem worsened enough to discover. 
9000 mi Harness within the instrumentation cluster were not installed or were loose and caused a chatter noise at low rpm driving. 
38000 mi Rear cupholder spring stuck 

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2015 Audi A3 / S3 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 150hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 6-speed automated manual FWD

5700 mi Driver's seat bottom was not completely smooth upon delivery. Audi agreed to replace leather material on driver's seat bottom under warranty. 

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2015 Audi A3 / S3 2dr Convertible

turbocharged 220hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual AWD

4200 mi Convertible top would not close. 

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2012 Audi A3 4dr Hatch

turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD

45011 mi Driver seatback rear panel coming off - I felt as a result of the airbag inflator replacement, but that wasn't ever really confirmed or denied by the dealer. lol. However, they repaired at no charge. They re-epoxied the clips that hold the seatback panel on. 

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2012 Audi A3 4dr Hatch

turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 6-speed automated manual FWD

8150 mi Examined front driver door frame rubber seal, which was starting to come up from the floor. Ordered replacement on warranty. 

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2011 Audi A3 4dr Hatch

turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual AWD

55000 mi Rattle and wind noise depending on window position of driver, front passenger doors, front driver and passenger doors squeaking when opened. 

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2011 Audi A3 4dr Hatch

turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 6-speed automated manual FWD

103000 mi

US $6
The back panel from the front driver and front passenger seat came apart. The adhesive markers were very dry, notable heat and humidity have taken effect to these panel in my location. Applied Permatex 5 minutes epoxy (x2), ~$6, but need 1. 
107000 mi

US $5
Driver door attn rest handle tire in half upon shutting the door. Placed epoxy to join the torn section, x2 because the 1st attempt didn't hold up to the epoxy. Summer heat & humidity. Back seat panel came off as well. 
22000 mi ink stain from factory on rear armrest 
36500 mi Sun visor clip snapped off when inserting the sun visor. 
52600 mi Second time a sun visor clip snapped. 
40000 mi Glove compartment hinge cracked and was not closing properly. Glove compartment door was replaced. 

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2010 Audi A3 4dr Hatch

turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual AWD

32860 mi Driver sun visor clip failed to latch. Dealer replaced under warranty 

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2009 Audi A3 4dr Hatch

turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD

16000 mi Clip for sunshade broke off 
28000 mi Center console in back seat broke 
29500 mi Pollen filter housing damaged when dealer replaced blower motor, caused water to flood cabin through car wash 
27000 mi Driver's door bottom weatherstripping torn 
73000 mi Front seat back keep falling off. Finally used construction adhesive and clamps to reattach as the clips don’t hold. Poor German workmanship. 
68000 mi

US $10
Seatbacks are glued on from the factory. The adhesive has failed and the seatbacks have fallen off. 

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2009 Audi A3 4dr Hatch

turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual FWD

11500 mi Have intermittent rattle coming from right rear of car. Dealer could not replicate the problem. Problem is still occurring, so a return trip is in my future until it can be fixed. 
21000 mi Loose screw on inside of hatchback. 
49000 mi

US $10
Back of driver's seat came loose 
13000 mi Back of driver seat fell off, dealer glued back in place. 

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2009 Audi A3 4dr Hatch

turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual AWD

9920 mi Door handle rubbing against body. Minor realignment of handle solved problem. 
55000 mi

US $285
Glove box latch broken, requires replacement of entire glovebox 
33000 mi Exterior trim around sunroof was detaching 
25000 mi Door edge seal damaged. Part ordered & will have to return for installation. Windshield trim coming loose. Dealer will repair when return to install parts associated with another repair. 
53000 mi

US $650
Replaced broken drivers side seat back and damaged door weatherstrip/moulding. 
74000 mi

US $350
Center console cup holder replaced (broken). 
14000 mi Problems with numerous interior rattles and squeaking brakes. 
14000 mi Driver's side exterior door handle was contacting the door and scratching the paint. 

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2009 Audi A3 2dr Hatch

turbocharged 265hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual AWD

26040 mi

$180
Left Door armest crack, searched internet common problem (Drive side common problem, uk right one).I installed the piece, again searched the internet for instructions. One and a half hour job. 

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2009 Audi A3 2-door

turbocharged 4-cylinder automated manual 2WD

13940 mi

$100
Sunroof with noise (vibration) 

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2008 Audi A3 4dr Hatch

turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD

25820 mi Roof trim was not flush and was a bit loose. Dealer ordered parts and trim now is tight and lies flush.  
37480 mi

C $75
Had to replace lost rear tow hook door that must have fallen off the car. Dealer had trouble matching paint colour. Required custom paint. 

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2008 Audi A3 4dr Hatch

turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual FWD

140 mi

US $10
Rear portion (shell) of driver's seat separated. Resolved issue with epoxy. The latch on the armrest lid broke. 
149800 mi

US $5
Rear portion (shell) of driver and passenger's seats separated. Resolved issue with epoxy. 
21000 mi passenger side rain gutter molding was loose 
26000 mi passenger side rain gutter popped out and bent..caused a chip in the trunk the dealer painted 
2000 mi After delivery, I noticed a scratch (about half-inch in length) on front hood driver's side that gouged thru the finish level of paint. Scratch was touched up and buffed but area was not repainted. Since it was so small, I let this imperfection go. 
6000 mi Small rattle in sky roof. Lubed with silicone spray and added felt to front liner whch elimiated rattle. 
9000 mi roof trim needed clip replacements -- came loose in track 
9200 mi The exterior roof rail molding (ftor on d&p sides) separated again and had to be replaced and reinstalled in a more secure manner The edge of the displaced molding had scratched the paint on the back hatch so it had to be refinished as wel 
54000 mi

US $190
The center armrest/console latch broke, requiring replacement of the entire armrest at a cost of $190. The part was installed at the dealer at no charge. 
55000 mi Armrest latch broken. 
14000 mi Roof molding popped out of position so they added more clips to keep them in position. 
29000 mi The rear part of the drivers seat became detached from (glue). This is the second time in <1 year. 
80700 mi Rear seat armrest would not open/come down due to a faulty mechanical latch - replaced armrest. 
82000 mi

US $85
Sliding sunshade on rear moon-roof would not clip to stay closed. 
92000 mi Sliding sunshade on front moon-roof would not stay latched/closed due to faulty clasp. 
61000 mi

US $450
Seat back came unglued. 
94700 mi

US $150
Armrest cover broke, had to be replaced. Passenger sun visor clip broke, was replaced. 
15000 mi Open skye clunking noise. Said it might be roof clips which they replaced, but clearly the dealer did not attempt to identify the problem fore they made an assumption and replaced parts. 
36000 mi

US $50
Replaced broken "stone guard" that was rattling on the rear suspension. Probably a bad plastic design, which would explain why Audi redesigned them. When I first got my car they rattled. The fix was to tighten them up. 

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2008 Audi A3 4dr Hatch

250-horsepower 3.2L V6 6-speed automated manual AWD

100 mi Roof trim pieces came loose (popping up in rear), damaged hatch spoiler. Repaired under warranty. 
11000 mi Roof rack rails are normally covered by clip-in strips. This is the third time, in three years, that those clips failed and the strips poked up. They replaced the clips and it's now as it's supposed to be. We'll see if it lasts. Roof rack rails are normally covered by clip-in strips. This is the third time, in three years, that those clips failed and the strips poked up. They replaced the clips and it's now as it's supposed to be. We'll see if it lasts. 
20200 mi

US $300
Rear sunroof shade had broken latch. Had to replace the whole shade. (Price is mostly labor charges.) 

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2008 Audi A3 2dr Hatch

turbocharged 265hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual AWD

19840 mi Noise at idle from under drivers seat - dealer said they couldn't find the issue but it was evident when I started the car after service. 
27900 mi Centre console clip broken - console lid needs replacing. Parts ordered but waiting on delivery Fixed four rattles throughout car 
32240 mi The new console clip wasn't ever installed. The dealer later told me that it wouldn't be fixed under warranty, and would cost about $400! So I decided to just live with the broken clip. 

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2007 Audi A3 4dr Hatch

turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD

71200 mi

US $85
The center console latch broke. 
57660 mi Plenum cover was warped by sun and not contacting the windscreen over half the width with a gap at the end of up to 5mm. Added two screws to force it harder against the wind screen. Not perfect but new plenum was over $400. 
2000 mi Open Sky sunshade clip broken, replaced under warranty. 
27000 mi Rear opensky shade latch. 
35000 mi Exterior trim was loose, had it repaired during 35,000 mile service. Dealer reported a TSB so I'll bring it back for a permanent repair. Although the temporary fix looks pretty good. 
42000 mi Exterior trim replaced. 
89000 mi

US $5
Reglued the back of the driver seat back on 
44000 mi Drivers bottom outside seat bolster split. Repeat problem for this car - that area is vinyl, not leather, like the center panel. 

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2007 Audi A3 4dr Hatch

turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual FWD

9000 mi Gas line rattle behind glove box. 
55690 mi

US $1723
Rear armrest broken. Attempted repair (failed) Cpo car seatback fell off Rear arm rest broken on newly certified car 
62000 mi

US $1485
Interior door handle broke 
25000 mi

US $54
Rear armrest replaced to repair brokem latch. 
41 mi 1. Replaced broken window regulator, driver side back door -- warranttee 2. Replaced retainer clip for driver side sunshade -- warranttee 3. Leaking valve cover gasket: replaced gasket, spark plugs and ignition coils -- warranttee 
24000 mi A number of interior rattles and squeaks that drove me crazy when sold. 
7000 mi Dash rattles cured. 
34000 mi Repair sunshade latch. Also replaced roof trim (TSB). 
5000 mi Rattle in rear of car. Not normal. Dealer claimed they could not duplicate. Since the sound was not horribly loud, i'm sure they felt "it was normal" 
44000 mi 2. front sunroof shade was sticking in the tracks; both parts ordered. 
38000 mi Installed new sunroof shade. 
48000 mi Brake light cover was leaking and needed to be replaced. 
5000 mi Roof moulding strip alongside Open Sky panel was beginning to lift. 
15000 mi there was a single click noise when the steering wheel was turned. The problem was resolved and described as a loose spring in the airbag compartment. 
20000 mi Rear center armrest lid clasp broke. The lid to the center armrest storage area could not be latched due to broken item. 
22000 mi  Left bottom seat bolster on Sport seat is cracking. Unannounced visit to dealer to report problem. Dealer stated there was no fix as the cracking was normal wear and tear, and would not be covered by the dealer.  
22000 mi Dealer will not cover cost of repairing driver side seat bolster on Sport seat. 
27000 mi Rear center armrest hinge (1 of 2 hinges on either side of the armrest lid) broke. Glued the plastic hinge at home. Was told by Livermore Audi they would not cover the repair. 
35000 mi

US $625
driver side passenger window was scratched due to misaligned window trim. Rear console hinge broke, as well as lid latch. 
46000 mi

US $375
Fabric wind deflector on Open Sky tore and was replaced by dealer at owner cost. 
63860 mi Glovebox hinge broke because of faulty glovebox breaker (damper). 
57000 mi Plastic backing piece came loose on both front seats at the top. Both were held on with adhesive from the factory. Reattached with silicone-based adhesive. Performed repair myself, so no cost (had the adhesive on hand.) 
15000 mi Driver's window squeaking due to being out of alignment. Window realigned. Problem solved. Covered by warranty. Plastic molding on roof rail could potentially come loose. Dealer pointed-out issue and placed additional clips to better secure. 
37000 mi Rattle in headliner isolated to gasket associated with sunroof. Gasket replaced. Rattle fixed. 
35480 mi Roof rails had lifted from the roof Repaired roof side rails 
73000 mi

US $1100
Replaced both front and rear open sky shade latches 
29000 mi Trim piece came loose and replaced 

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2007 Audi A3 4dr Hatch

250-horsepower 3.2L V6 6-speed automated manual AWD

16000 mi Clip for sunroof sunshade broken. Fixed under warranty. 
28000 mi Rear sunshade clip and track broken. Fixed under warranty (3 visits required). 
29000 mi Replace sunroof guide frams Remove and install roof rail (sunroof) Fixed under warranty ($1200) 
37000 mi Roof trim strip on driver's side - detached at rear of roof and popped up. 3rd repair attempt. 
38000 mi Installed new roof trim. 
63500 mi Rear window trim/weatherstripping not properly aligned from prior window repair, leaving 1/4" gap to door opening along with attendant wind noise and water leaks. Shop repaired. 
5600 mi minor, warranty-related: driver's door window rattle 
15000 mi Buzzing noise in or around glove box, psgr seat, psgr door at low speeds. Noise was reproduced for service advisor but not consistently enough to locate without keeping the car for longer. 
35000 mi Sunroof shade pull was cracked; known problem with design of part 
45000 mi

US $230
Sunroof shade latch was broken (third time for this part) 
55000 mi

US $550
drivers door lock switch fell off. seatback panel loose, was secured without replacement. loose wiring and clips within passenger door reported several times, finally addressed. drivers seat bolster cracking. dealer's contracted repair person unavailable so repaired elsewhere. 
58000 mi

US $200
Cowl below windshield needed replacement Driver's seat bolster cracked vinyl 
66000 mi Rear seat armrest/drink holder/pass-thru release broke off, stuck in closed position. 

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2006 Audi A3

Engine not specified

53000 mi

US $200
broken rail clip on driver side 

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2006 Audi A3 4dr Hatch

turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD

6000 mi Replace both side mark lights, have water inside . 
175000 mi Replaced the support bow for the sunshade. As I understand it, the failure of the latch mechanism was a known issue. I replaced that myself. 
128740 mi Rusted through both fenders behind the plastic trim. Vehicle had perforation warranty, but Audi Canada declined the claim based on the photos taken by the dealer. Photos didn't show detail, they said the cause was stone damage and declined 
45880 mi seats - leather was cracked driver seat leather was cracked on both parts lower and back, replaced both, would have cost 2000$CAN to replace if not under warranty 
46500 mi Also the interior driver's door handle making crackling noise and did not spring back in place properly, replaced thereit, would have cost 400$. sun roof shade did not slide properly, replaced clips/tracks, would have cost 2000$ if not under warranty, there was also the interior driver's door handle making crackling noise and did not spring back in place properly, replaced it, would have cost 400$ 
48980 mi

C $60
the sun roof shade was not sliding properly, first time they replaced it, was still having problem, this time they replaced the clips, now it works fine, the originl repair was 1year warranty so no cost 
44000 mi Center armrest lid latch had broken. Lid replaced under warranty. 
18000 mi Latch on rear seat roof shade not operable. 
24000 mi Front sunshade latch broke. Unfortunately, these latch breakages for the 2006 A3 are so common, the car shows up as a bad repair risk when it is really not. 
18600 mi Internal door handle binding. Replaced. 
48000 mi Tears in driver side seat.  OpenSky sunshade does not retract correctly. Dealer ordered parts. Driver's side b pillar paint flaking. 
49000 mi Entire driver's seat cover replaced with new cover. Replaced entire front sun shade assembly under warranty. The exterior B-Pillar trim began to peel at about 45000 miles. Dealer replaced with a new trim piece under warranty.  

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2006 Audi A3 4dr Hatch

turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual AWD

65260 mi

A $100
Both exterior B-pillar inserts started to peel and discolour in various spots. Inserts had to be re-painted. 

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2006 Audi A3 4dr Hatch

turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual FWD

19000 mi The OpenSky roof mechanism broke such that one side would catch and would not close. Apparently a guide wheel broke which caused the glass to not to move along the left rail. 
10500 mi rear seat armrest latch replaced 
36000 mi

US $200
sun shade for sun roof broken, once repaired under warranty 
87000 mi Sunroof clip replaced. 
15500 mi drivers seat squeaking 
40000 mi Left Side DSG paddle was delaminating, replaced under warranty. 
45000 mi Cold air coming in under radio and glove box area. Dealer fixed under warranty, a loose Pollen filter housing. Did this with free 45k maintenance. 
54000 mi

US $700
rear sun roof shade latch. Family member broke item 
68000 mi rusty 
32000 mi Rear Seat armrest latch broken. 
38000 mi broken sun shade and bubbles on door sign. 
34000 mi Rattling screw in hatch. 
32000 mi The leather on the driver's seat bolster was cracked and worn. Audi replaced the bottom driver's seat cover.  
41000 mi Coating on metal exterior piece between driver side front and rear door was peeling away. Audi of American claims that it is not covered under warrarny. 
82000 mi Repaired opensky sunscreen clasps that broke. Replaced clasp on drivers armrest console. Adjusted driver door strikeplate -- making clunking sound. 
34782 mi Cracking leatherette on driver's seat - Seat bottom Driver's side seat leatherette cracking (sides, not surface) replaced under warranty 
45880 mi Driver's side passenger window trim rusting.  Broke a weather strip during repairs and had to order for subsequent repair. 
47740 mi Simply replaced the window molding when received Replaced the door weatherstripping broken when they replaced a rusting window moulding 
57800 mi

US $50
the finish on a window switch peeled off. 

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2006 Audi A3 4dr Hatch

250-horsepower 3.2L V6 6-speed automated manual AWD

15000 mi Sunroof rattling due to poor alignment. Email 050107: Dealer checked alignment, claimed normal. 
20000 mi Squeaky sun roof 
35000 mi Cracked bolster on driver's seat cushion Rattle in headliner above passenger rear seat. 
40000 mi Slight buzzing noise that comes and goes with highway speeds coming from open sky sunroof 
41000 mi Fixed sunroof buzz myself with silicone weatherstriping. Lowered buzz by a useful amount. 
22000 mi Goodwill repair of small cracks in leather seat. 

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2006 Audi A3 4-door

turbocharged 4-cylinder automated manual 2WD

14000 mi Rattle in engine bay repaired by replacing missing screw and tightening loose screw. Open Sky wind noise above normal level. Dealer adjusted to remedy cause. 

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Audi A3 / S3 / RS3 Body Problems

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently Audi A3 / S3 / RS3 problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.