Is the 2017 Audi A3 a good car?
An honest AI verdict — reliability, common problems, and real cost to own.
B6/10
The 2017 Audi A3 is a solid choice if you're looking for a premium feel in a compact package, but be prepared for possible maintenance costs.
Pros
- Lively performance and handling
- Upscale interior
- Advanced tech features
Cons
- Limited rear seat space
- Higher maintenance costs
- Potential for electronic issues
Ownership at a glance
Fuel economy
26 mpg
Maintenance cost
$1,800/yr
Expected lifespan
200,000 miles
Common problems to watch for
- Infotainment system glitches
- Oil consumption in 2.0T engines
- DSG transmission shudder
CarsJudge exclusive data
Active recalls (2)
The 2017 Audi A3 has 2 NHTSA recalls on record. Most recent: Fuel System, Gasoline (campaign 24V110000). All recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.
- Air Bags — Sensor — Occupant Classification — Front Passenger — Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Audi S3 Sedan, A3 Sedan, 2016-2018 A3 Etron, 2017-2020 RS3 Sedan, and 2015-2019 A3 Cabriolet vehicles. The passenger occupant detection system (POD…
- Fuel System, Gasoline — Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain front-wheel drive 2015-2020 Audi A3 Sedan, 2015-2019 Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI, 2018 Golf Sportwagen GP, 2018-2019 Golf Sportwag…
Real owner data from the CarsJudge fleet
2 2017 Audi A3 owners track this exact car in CarsJudge.
Recall data: NHTSA. Owner costs & MPG: anonymized aggregates from CarsJudge users who track this vehicle. Updated 2026-07-05.
Compare similar cars
This AI-generated assessment is general guidance only, not a substitute for a professional inspection. Always inspect a used vehicle before purchase.