IsItAGoodCar

Common Problems with the
2018–2020 Audi A3 Mk3 (8V)

We've identified 4 known issues that can affect the 2018–2020 Audi A3 Mk3 (8V). 1 of these are serious faults that could be expensive to repair.

4
Known Issues
1
Serious
3
Moderate
0
Minor

The 2018–2020 period has 3 more issues than the Audi A3 Mk3 (8V) average across all year periods.

All Known Issues

DSG (DQ200/DQ381) Mechatronic Wear

SeriousGearbox & Transmission

The 7-speed dry-clutch DQ200 and later wet-clutch DQ381 can suffer mechatronic unit and clutch wear, especially on cars with poor service history.

Most affected: 1.4 TFSI S tronic, 1.5 TFSI S tronic, 2.0 TDI S tronic, S3

Estimated cost: £1,000–£2,200Affects: 2012–2020Often appears around: 60,000–100,000 miles

Typical symptoms

  • •Jerky low-speed manoeuvres
  • •Delayed drive engagement
  • •Gearbox warning light

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Drive in heavy traffic and on hills
  • ✓Check for gearbox fluid change invoices
  • ✓Listen for shunt or clunk when selecting D or R

Water Pump / Thermostat Housing Leak

ModerateCooling System

Plastic cooling components warp and leak on many 8Vs, often starting as a slow loss with no puddle underneath.

Most affected: 1.0 TFSI, 1.4 TFSI, 1.5 TFSI, 2.0 TDI, S3

Estimated cost: £400–£750Affects: 2012–2020Often appears around: 40k-90k miles

Typical symptoms

  • •Low coolant warning
  • •Pink crust near housing
  • •Sweet smell after shutdown

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Inspect around the thermostat housing with a torch
  • ✓Verify coolant level from cold

Electrical Gremlins and ECU Software Faults

ModerateElectrics & Electronics

Infotainment screen freezes, MMI reboots, intermittent reversing camera failures, and various intermittent warning lights are widely reported.

Most affected: All models

Estimated cost: £0–£600Affects: 2013–2020Often appears around: 40,000–90,000 miles

Typical symptoms

  • •Frozen or black MMI screen
  • •Bluetooth disconnects
  • •Camera unavailable message

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Use navigation, media and phone functions together
  • ✓Check software update history
  • ✓Test reversing camera and parking sensors

1.5 TFSI Water Pump Internal Leak

ModerateCooling System

The 1.5 TFSI engine uses a water pump with a plastic housing that develops internal leaks, causing coolant loss without obvious external traces.

Most affected: 1.5 TFSI

Estimated cost: £350–£700Affects: 2017–2020Often appears around: 30,000–70,000 miles

Typical symptoms

  • •Low coolant warning
  • •Pink residue near pump
  • •Overheating in traffic

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Check coolant level from cold
  • ✓Look for pink staining around the pump body
  • ✓Test for overheating in stop-start traffic

Buying Tips for the 2018 Audi A3 Mk3 (8V)

  • ✓Check the water pump and thermostat housing carefully even on low-mileage cars
  • ✓Inspect the MMI screen mechanism and infotainment stability throughout the drive
  • ✓On quattro and S3 models, check Haldex servicing rather than assuming it happened
2017 Audi A3 Mk3 (8V)

Browse 2018–2020 Audi A3 Mk3 (8V) in our Directory

View MOT history, registration data, and reliability scores for 2018–2020 Audi A3 Mk3 (8V) vehicles.

View 2018–2020 Directory

Other Audi A3 Mk3 (8V) Year Periods

20122013–201620172018–2020

Looking at a specific 2018 Audi A3 Mk3 (8V)?

Enter the registration number to check its full MOT history, outstanding finance, write-off status, and more.

Free Vehicle Check