Is the 2017 Audi A3 CABRIOLET reliable?

The 2017 Audi A3 CABRIOLET has 31 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.7x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: above-average. Most common issue: AIR BAGS problems.

What are common problems with the 2017 Audi A3 CABRIOLET?

Top problems: AIR BAGS (14 complaints, avg repair $500); ENGINE (5 complaints, avg repair $500); TRANSMISSION (3 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2017 Audi A3 CABRIOLET?

Yes, there are 3 recall(s): ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE, AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION, AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION. Contact any Audi dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2017 Audi A3 CABRIOLET?

The 2017 Audi A3 CABRIOLET gets 28 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $1714. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2017 Audi A3 CABRIOLET?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2017 Audi A3 CABRIOLET is approximately $2,143/year (sedan-luxury class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2017 Audi A3 CABRIOLET

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Above Average

Quick Summary

The 2017 Audi A3 CABRIOLET has 31 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.7x the segment average of 46. The most common issue is air bags problems (45% of all complaints), specifically: tl* the contact owns a 2017 audi a3. the contact stated that the dealer (audi west houston, 15865 katy fwy, houston, tx 77094, (855) 627-2941) made no mention of nhtsa campaign number: 17v508000 (engine and engine cooling) before selling the vehicle. the vehicle was also included in nhtsa campaign n. There are 3 recalls issued for this model year.

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

0.7x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

AIR BAGS

14 complaints

45%

• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 AUDI A3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER (AUDI WEST HOUSTON, 15865 KATY FWY, HOUSTON, TX 77094, (855) 627-2941) MADE NO MENTION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V508000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) BEFORE SELLING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN N
• TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 AUDI A3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V474000 (AIR BAGS) WAS RECEIVED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED IN REFERENCE TO THE RECALL. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS D
• The contact owns a 2017 Audi A3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign number: 21V198000 (Air Bags). The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The part was not available for the r

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 AUDI A3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER (AUDI WEST HOUSTON, 15865 KATY FWY, HOUSTON, TX 77094, (855) 627-2941) MADE NO MENTION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V508000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) BEFORE SELLING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN N”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2017 Audi A3 CABRIOLET

Based on 19 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 9K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

AIR BAGS

Later than typicalmedian 55K mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (3)

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE16/08/2017

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Audi A3 Cabriolet and A3 Sedan vehicles. The Engine Control Unit (ECU) software may misinterpret the flywheel rotation on engine start-up as a "knocking" condition, and the adjusted air/fuel mixture may result in an engine stall.

Risk: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the ECU software, free of charge. The recall began September 19, 2017. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 24DF.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2017 Audi A3 CABRIOLET

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$1,715

Per month

$143

Per mile

14.3¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$1,920/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,412/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2017 Audi A3 CABRIOLET

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$2,143

Full coverage / month

$179

Liability only / year

$710

vs US avg

+28%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-luxury)1.28x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age1.00x

= Full coverage estimate$2143

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Audi A3 CABRIOLET Service Intervals

Oil change

10K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

10K mi

Brake fluid

24 months

Transmission fluid

40K mi

Engine coolant

100K mi

Spark plugs

60K mi

Cabin air filter

20K mi

Engine air filter

40K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

40K mi

Long-interval service (LongLife) uses fully-synthetic oil. Some engines have timing belts (check owner's manual).

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Audi New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

4 yr / 50K mi

Powertrain

4 yr / 50K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

12 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

4 yr / unlimited mi

Corrosion coverage is unlimited miles for 12 years

These are the terms for a new Audi. If you're buying a used 2017 A3 CABRIOLET, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Audi dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

AIR BAGS(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

FUEL SYSTEM(~50K mi)

$500

SEATS/RESTRAINTS(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 31 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
AIR BAGS: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 AUDI A3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER (AUDI WEST HOUSTON, 15865 KATY FWY, HOUSTON, TX 77094, (855) 627-2941) MADE NO MENTION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V508000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) BEFORE SELLING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN N
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ENGINE: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 AUDI A3. WHILE DRIVING UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER (CROWN AUDI LOCATED AT 19940 US HIGHWAY 19 N CLEARWATER, FL 33764 888-460-6467) WHERE IT WAS STILL BEING DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFA
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
TRANSMISSION: WHEN THE CAR IS RUNNING AND THE TRANSMISSION IS IN D/S AND THE START/STOP ENGINE BUTTON IS PRESSED TO TURN OFF THE ENGINE, THE TRANSMISSION IS LEFT IN NEUTRAL AND THE CAR CAN ROLL UNIMPEDED. THIS IS FULLY REPEATABLE AND APPEARS TO NOT BE A FAIL-SAFE SITUATION. SHORT VIDEO VIEWABLE HERE: HTTPS://
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
FUEL SYSTEM: I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE FOR MY 18 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER AS A PARENT YOU WANT TO HAVE YOU CHILD AS SAFE AS POSSIBLE.THE VEHICLE IS ANYTHING BUT SAFE. AS A MATTER OF FACT IT'S AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. OR WORST A FATALITY.THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING JUST TURNS OFF. IT WASN'T EVEN A MONTH INTO OWNING T
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 3 recalls have been completed — free at any Audi dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)