NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2019 Audi A3 Safety Ratings
The 2019 Audi A3 scores 82 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 3 recalls, and 12 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2019 Audi A3 4 DR AWD achieved a five-star overall rating in NHTSA's crash tests. This strong performance, combined with a clean defect record, underpins its NHTSA Safety Index of 82/100, placing it in the Strong band. However, the limited scope of its crash-avoidance technology prevents the vehicle from scoring higher in our assessment.
The 2019 Audi A3 4 DR AWD received a five-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 82 out of 100, based on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 119 Sedans from 2019 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2019 Audi A3 ranks 66 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 82 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 10.9% |
| Recalls on file | 3 |
| Owner complaints | 12 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 66 of 119 Sedans tested for 2019 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2019 Audi A3?
The 2019 Audi A3 4 DR AWD distinguishes itself within the Strong band primarily through its crash-protection sub-score of 61 out of 70, a figure that reflects the five-star overall NHTSA result and a side-impact peak rating. The rollover risk of 11 percent is a concrete data point worth noting: it is low, and the dynamic tip test returned No Tip. Where this specific model year loses ground is in crash-avoidance technology, which contributes only 3.5 out of a possible 10 points. Forward collision warning is absent entirely, and lane departure warning is listed as optional rather than standard equipment, meaning many units on the road today may not carry it at all. Electronic stability control is standard, providing a meaningful baseline. The defect record sub-score of 17 out of 20 reflects the three recall campaigns and the relatively modest complaint volume of 12 reported allegations. No prior-year Safety Index is on file for comparison, so a year-over-year movement cannot be stated. Taken together, the 2019 A3's profile is one of strong passive protection offset by a technology package that lags more recent safety standards.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2019 Audi A3 perform in crash tests?
The 2019 Audi A3 4 DR AWD achieved an overall five out of five stars from NHTSA, signaling a strong performance in federal crash testing. This rating was underpinned by a five-star result in the side-impact test. Both frontal crash protection and rollover resistance were rated at four out of five stars. The vehicle registered an 11 percent rollover risk in testing, and the dynamic tip-test concluded with a "No Tip" designation.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 13688
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2019 Audi A3 have any recalls?
Three recall campaigns cover this model year. One addresses the fuel system on certain front-wheel-drive 2015-2020 Audi A3 Sedans. A second targets tire pressure monitoring and regulating systems across several Volkswagen Group models including the 2019 A3. The third covers the front-passenger air bag occupant classification sensor on certain 2015-2020 Audi A3 Sedans. No do-not-drive or park-outside directive is noted in the data on file.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE24V110000
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the suction pump, free of charge. Final owner notification letters for Audi owners were mailed on July 25, 2024. Final owner letters for VW owners were mailed on August 13, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are VW: 20UF/Audi: 20YF. Vehicles that were previously
Reported 2024-02-14
TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS22V815000
Risk: An undetected sudden loss of pressure in all four tires increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the TPMS software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 18, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audis customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are (Audi) 45J7, and (VW) 45J6 and 45J8.
Reported 2022-10-31
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER21V198000
Risk: A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the PODS sensor mat and update the PODS control module, free of charge. Owners letters were mailed December 23, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 69BY.
Reported 2021-03-22
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2019 Audi A3?
Twelve complaints have been reported to NHTSA for this model year, all unverified consumer allegations. Air bags account for seven of those reports, making them the dominant concern. The fuel and propulsion system and seats each drew two alleged reports, with power train, exterior lighting, and seat belts each cited once.
12 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2019 Audi A3?
Three open recall campaigns for the 2019 Audi A3 necessitate a VIN-specific check with NHTSA before purchase. These recalls address critical safety components: the fuel system, the tire pressure monitoring system, and the air bag occupant classification sensor.
- The 2019 A3 4 DR AWD carries three active recall campaigns specifically tied to this model year, covering the fuel system, tire pressure monitoring, and the front-passenger air bag occupant classification sensor - all three should be verified as completed on any individual unit.
- Forward collision warning is entirely absent on this model year, and lane departure warning is optional, meaning the avoidance technology sub-score of 3.5 out of 10 may actually overstate the equipment level on many specific vehicles in the used market.
- Air bags account for seven of the twelve unverified complaints reported to NHTSA for this model year, a concentration that is directly relevant given the open recall also targeting the occupant classification sensor in the air bag system.
- The 11 percent rollover risk figure and a No Tip result in NHTSA's dynamic test are specific, quantified outcomes for this model year and represent a meaningful data point for buyers weighing sedan options in this segment.
RANKINGSWhere the 2019 Audi A3 places
The 2019 Audi A3 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2019 Audi A3 safety questions
Was the 2019 Audi A3 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2019 Audi A3, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 82 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2019 Audi A3 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2019 Audi A3 earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 10.9%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2019 Audi A3 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 3 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2019 Audi A3. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2019 Audi A3?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 12 owner complaints are on file for the 2019 Audi A3. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other A3 years
Rivals in Sedan (2019)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Acura RLX Sport | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi A4 Allroad | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi Rs5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi S5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi S4 | 98/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2019 Tesla Model S 60d | 98/100 | not rated | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 13688), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Audi A3 2019.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 66 of 119 in the Sedan class for 2019.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.