What year Audi A3 Cabriolet should I avoid?

The 2015 and 2016 model years are flagged to avoid, with complaint indexes of 100 and 75 respectively, the highest in the lineup. 2017 is listed as a caution year with an index of 50.

Is the 2015 Audi A3 Cabriolet reliable based on complaints?

It has the highest complaint index in the model at 100, with 87 total complaints, 5 recall campaigns, and airbags as the top problem area at 44% share.

Does the Audi A3 Cabriolet have airbag recalls?

Yes. Airbags are the top problem area across all years, making up 47% of total complaints, and multiple recall campaigns including 19V474000 address an airbag connector issue on 2015-2019 models.

Which Audi A3 Cabriolet years have the fewest reported problems?

2018 has a complaint index of 25 with 12 complaints, and 2019 has an index of 0 with only 4 complaints, making them the strongest years in this data set.

Were there fires reported in any Audi A3 Cabriolet year?

Yes, the 2016 model year had 2 reported fires, while 2015 and other years had none.

Audi A3 Cabriolet Best and Worst Years (2015–2019)

Avoid 2015 and 2016 Audi A3 Cabriolet years: 2015 has a complaint index of 100 (worst) with 87 complaints and 5 recalls, while 2016 posts a 75 index with 36 complaints, 3 recalls, and 2 fires. 2018 (index 25) and 2019 (index 0) show far fewer reported problems.

Avoid 2015 Avoid 2016

Model years: 5; 2015–2019
NHTSA complaints: 164
Recall campaigns: 11
Crashes reported: 1
Fires reported: 2
Top problem area: Airbags

A3 Cabriolet Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Audi A3 Cabriolet problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2015	Avoid	100	87	1	0	5	Airbags	27	—
2016	Avoid	75	36	0	2	3	Airbags	27	—
2017	Caution	50	25	0	0	3	Airbags	26.5	—
2018	Good	25	12	0	0	5	Airbags	26.5	—
2019	No verdict	0	4	0	0	1	Airbags	27	—

A3 Cabriolet years to avoid: what went wrong

2015 Audi A3 Cabriolet Index 100 · 87 complaints · 5 recalls

The 2015 Audi A3 Cabriolet ranks worst in this model line with a complaint index of 100 and 87 total complaints. Airbags account for 44% of its complaints, followed by fuel system issues at 17% and electrical problems at 15%. Airbag failures show a median mileage of 52,500, while electrical issues appeared earlier at 25,500 miles. NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for this year, including an airbag connector recall and a fuel system suction pump recall. One crash was reported, though no fires, injuries, or deaths.

2015 airbags problems →2015 fuel system problems →

2016 Audi A3 Cabriolet Index 75 · 36 complaints · 3 recalls

The 2016 Audi A3 Cabriolet has a complaint index of 75, ranking second worst. It logged 36 complaints, with airbags making up 42% of them at a median mileage of 38,500. Fuel system complaints hit early, with a median mileage of just 16,357.5. Owners also reported engine problems at a median of 20,039 miles. NHTSA recorded 2 fires for this year and 3 recall campaigns, covering airbag connectors, a fuel pump suction issue, and an electrical software correction.

2016 airbags problems →

Most common Audi A3 Cabriolet problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.

Airbags77 (47%)
Fuel System27 (16%)
Engine23 (14%)
Electrical System21 (13%)
Suspension, Wheels & Tires11 (7%)
Transmission & Powertrain11 (7%)
Other8 (5%)
Brakes5 (3%)
Seat Belts4 (2%)
Structure & Body4 (2%)

Frequently asked questions

What year Audi A3 Cabriolet should I avoid?: The 2015 and 2016 model years are flagged to avoid, with complaint indexes of 100 and 75 respectively, the highest in the lineup. 2017 is listed as a caution year with an index of 50.
Is the 2015 Audi A3 Cabriolet reliable based on complaints?: It has the highest complaint index in the model at 100, with 87 total complaints, 5 recall campaigns, and airbags as the top problem area at 44% share.
Does the Audi A3 Cabriolet have airbag recalls?: Yes. Airbags are the top problem area across all years, making up 47% of total complaints, and multiple recall campaigns including 19V474000 address an airbag connector issue on 2015-2019 models.
Which Audi A3 Cabriolet years have the fewest reported problems?: 2018 has a complaint index of 25 with 12 complaints, and 2019 has an index of 0 with only 4 complaints, making them the strongest years in this data set.
Were there fires reported in any Audi A3 Cabriolet year?: Yes, the 2016 model year had 2 reported fires, while 2015 and other years had none.