MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index
NHTSA crash test of the 2020 Audi A3

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2020 Audi A3

Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.

3Recalls
16Complaints
1Investigations
ABOUT THE AUDI A3

The Audi A3 is a compact luxury sedan aimed at buyers who want premium refinement in a smaller, more nimble package. Positioned at the entry point of Audi's lineup, it competes in one of the most hotly contested segments in the market. It appeals to urban professionals and first-time luxury buyers who prioritize a sophisticated driving experience without stepping into a full-size premium car.

VERDICT

The 2020 Audi A3 earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 86 out of 100, an strong result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. It has 3 recalls on record, reflected in the score.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY

Reviewers generally regard the Audi A3 as one of the more polished and well-rounded entries in the compact luxury sedan segment, praising its interior quality and composed driving dynamics. Most professional assessments position it as a strong choice for buyers prioritizing refinement, though some note that rivals offer more space or more advanced technology at a comparable price point.

NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 10.9%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14803

Index breakdown

Crash protection61/70
Avoidance tech8.5/10
Defect record16.5/20
Forward collision warning: StandardLane departure warning: OptionalStability control: Standard

NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images

Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.

NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record

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 Audi’s 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 // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints

16 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.

1reported crash
0reported fire
0reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsAir Bags 9Power Train 2Unknown Or Other 2Engine 1Tires 1Seat Belts 1

Other A3 years

Rivals in Sedan (2020)

Last verified 2026-07-02. Sources: NHTSA SafetyRatings (VehicleId 14803), recallsByVehicle, complaintsByVehicle for Audi A3 2020. Class rank 59 of 105 in Sedan 2020. Methodology · Disclosure