2019 Audi A3 problems
The Audi A3 is a subcompact executive/small family car (C-segment) manufactured and marketed by the German automaker Audi AG since September 1996, currently in its fourth generation.
The first two generations of the Audi A3 were based on the Volkswagen Group A platform, while the third and fourth generations use the Volkswagen Group MQB platform.
First generation (Typ 8L; 1996)
The original A3 (or Type 8L) was announced back in June 1995, but introduced first in the European market for more than year in September 1996, marking Audi's return to the production of smaller cars following the demise of the Audi 50 in 1978. This was the first Volkswagen Group model to use the "PQ34" or "A4" platform, bearing a close resemblance to the contemporary Volkswagen Golf Mk4, which arrived a year later. Within three years, this platform was used for total of seven cars.
The A3 was initially available only with a three-door hatchback body, to present a more sporty image than the Golf, in both front and four-wheel drive. The inline four-cylinder engines were transversely mounted. The Audi A3 was the eighth model in the Audi lineup to use five valves per cylinder. The dashboard was also used by the first generation SEAT León and second generation SEAT Toledo.
The United Kingdom market first received the Audi A3 in November 1996.
In 1999 Audi expanded the range with the introduction of more powerful versions: a 1.8 turbo rated 180 PS (132 kW; 178 hp), and a 1.9 TDI diesel engine with unit injector "Pumpe Düse" (PD) technology and variable geometry turbocharger. The four-wheel-drive A3 1.8T quattro used either the 150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp) or 180 PS (132 kW; 178 hp) engine, and the same Haldex Traction-based four-wheel-drive system as the Audi S3 and the Audi TT. Also in 1999, Audi also introduced a five-door body.
In late 2000 the A3 range was revised with new headlights and rear lamps, other minor cosmetic changes, an improved interior, and the introduction of a six-speed manual gearbox, on the 180 PS (132 kW; 178 hp) 1.8 Turbo and the new 130 PS (96 kW; 128 hp) 1.9 TDI.
Audi's electronic stability control, traction-control, and brake force distribution computer became standard equipment in some countries.
Although the first-generation Audi A3 was replaced in Europe in 2003, the first generation model continued to be sold in some markets. Production of the first generation model stopped in Brazil in 2006.
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Common 2019 Audi A3 problems
The Audi A3, a popular subcompact executive/small family car, has been reported to have several common problems by its owners. Some of these issues have led to Audi announcing recalls on the affected models.
One of the most frequently reported problems is related to the gearbox. Drivers have complained about a stiff gear change, which can be attributed to daily wear and tear on the gear linkage. This issue can lead to grinding or thumping noises and even transmission fluid oil leaks. It is crucial to address these problems promptly, as they can significantly impact the functioning of the car.
Another common problem is related to the engine. Some Audi A3 owners have reported engine problems, which in some cases have resulted in total engine failure. Symptoms of this issue can vary, including a smoking exhaust, illuminating engine management light, and decreased fuel economy. Engine problems can be caused by various factors, and it is recommended to consult a trained mechanic or garage for a proper diagnosis and repair.
The clutch is another component that has been reported to cause issues in the Audi A3. Some drivers have experienced a loss of power while driving, which can be caused by a failing clutch. When the clutch is defective or worn out, the flywheel cannot be firmly clamped by the clutch disc, resulting in a loss of acceleration. If your car is losing power or experiencing clutch problems, it is advisable to consult a specialist garage or mechanic for repairs.
Starting problems have also been reported by Audi A3 owners. These issues can be caused by various factors, including problems with engine coolant sensors, inadequate fuel pressure, or engine ignition. The only way to accurately diagnose the cause of starting problems is to consult a trained specialist.
In addition to these issues, the Audi A3 has also been reported to have problems with the rear hub carrier, passenger airbag, rear head restraint, and DPF (diesel particulate filter) in certain models.
Despite these common problems, the Audi A3 is generally considered a reliable car. In the 2023 What Car? Reliability Survey, the model ranked 15th out of 29 cars in the family car class, with a reliability score of 91.4%. However, the largest fault rate (15.8%) and the A3's main trouble spot proved to be the sat-nav/infotainment system.
As a brand, Audi performed poorly in the 2023 What Car? Reliability Survey, ranking 26th out of 32 manufacturers. It proved to be more reliable than Jaguar and Land Rover but less reliable than BMW and Volvo.
In summary, while the Audi A3 is a popular and generally reliable car, it is not immune to common problems, particularly related to the gearbox, engine, clutch, and starting issues. It is important for owners to be aware of these potential issues and to consult trained specialists for proper diagnosis and repair.
Is the Audi A3 2019 reliable?
The 2019 A3 has a predicted reliability rating of three out of five, which is about average for the industry but slightly below average for the class.
What is the common problem with Audi A3?
Audi A3 owners have encountered issues with the air conditioning and heating systems, such as inadequate cooling or heating, strange odors and noisy operation. These problems may result from faulty compressor units, refrigerant leaks or sensor failures.
Is the Audi A3 a reliable car?
The 2024 Audi A3 has a predicted reliability score of 84 out of 100. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average and 0-69 is Fair and considered below average.
How long will a Audi A3 engine last?
between 150,000 and 200,000 miles
What's a good mileage for a used Audi A3? An Audi A3 is expected to last between 150,000 and 200,000 miles before any major work needs to be done such as a transmission or an engine being replaced.
What is the common problem with Audi A3?
Audi A3 owners have encountered issues with the air conditioning and heating systems, such as inadequate cooling or heating, strange odors and noisy operation. These problems may result from faulty compressor units, refrigerant leaks or sensor failures.
Is the Audi A3 a reliable car?
The 2024 Audi A3 has a predicted reliability score of 84 out of 100. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average and 0-69 is Fair and considered below average.
Is Audi A3 expensive to maintain?
Cost. The average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Audi A3 is $741, compared to an average of $801 for luxury compact cars and $652 for all vehicle models.
How long will a Audi A3 engine last?
between 150,000 and 200,000 miles
What's a good mileage for a used Audi A3? An Audi A3 is expected to last between 150,000 and 200,000 miles before any major work needs to be done such as a transmission or an engine being replaced.
2019 Audi A3 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Audi A3 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Air bags problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2019 Audi A3 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2019 Audi A3 complaints
The NHTSA has received 4 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2019 Audi A3.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-03-08
- VIN: WAUAUGFF5KA
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The contact leased a 2019 Audi A3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V198000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. Additionally, the contact called a second dealer, Audi Pembroke Pines (15000 Sheridan St, Pembroke Pines, FL 33331) and a third dealer, The Collection Audi (200 Bird Rd, Coral Gables, FL 33146) who also confirmed that the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and informed the contact that they would follow up with her. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-03-22
- VIN: wauaugff5k1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The contact owns a 2019 Audi A3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V198000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the dealer confirmed that only five parts were received per week. The contact was informed that she could not be added to the waiting list. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue but was unable to confirm when parts would be available. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated indicating that the passenger’s side air bag had failed. Additionally, the sensors had started to malfunction. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-08-01
- VIN: wauaugffxk1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The contact leased a 2019 Audi A3. The contact stated that the passenger’s side air bag warning light had failed to operate as needed. The contact then received a notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V198000 (Air Bags) however, the part for the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer had been notified about the recall and confirmed that the parts were not yet available. The manufacturer had been notified of the recall. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the repair. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts are not available.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-06-19
- VIN: WAUBEGFF3K1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 AUDI A3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V474000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT CALLED AN UNKNOWN DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND DID NOT KNOW WHEN THE PART WOULD BE AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
2019 Audi A3 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 2019 Audi A3.
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: 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 Sportwagen A7, 2015-2017 Golf Sportwagen, 2015-2020 Golf GTI, and 2015-2020 Golf A7 vehicles. Due to a problem with a suction jet pump seal inside the fuel tank, fuel may flow into the evaporative emissions (EVAP) system and possibly leak out of the charcoal canister.
- Consequence: 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 recalled under 16V-647 will need to have the new remedy completed. This recall expands and replaces previous recall number 16V-647.
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan LWB, Golf Sportswagen A7, Golf Alltrack, Golf R GP, Audi Q3, Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Jetta NF, Jetta GLI, Golf GTI, Atlas, Golf A7, Audi A3, 2020-2021 Atlas Cross Sport, and 2021 Atlas FL vehicles. The tire pressure monitoring system may not detect an air pressure loss in adequate time when deflating occurs among all four tires simultaneously. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."
- Consequence: 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.
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
- Summary: 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 (PODS) may malfunction and switch off the passenger air bag even when the seat is occupied.
- Consequence: 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.
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Audi S3 Sedan, 2015-2019 A3 Sedan and A3 Cabriolet, 2016-2018 A3 e-tron, and 2017-2019 RS3 vehicles. An improper electrical contact may cause the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) to falsely detect a malfunction and deactivate the passenger air bag.
- Consequence: A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
- Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the connector and reroute the cable, free of charge. The recall began September 12, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 69Z4.
Negative 2019 Audi A3 car reviews
Positive 2019 Audi A3 car reviews
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This car is a great choice if you're looking for good handling, performance, an upscale feel and look, and good fuel economy on regular gas. Both the quattro and FWD models have plenty of power, so you can't go wrong with either option.
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As an empty nester, my wife and I found the A3 cabriolet to be the perfect car for us. The ride is quiet, powerful, and luxury smooth. The leather seats are standard and very comfortable, and the interior is thoughtfully laid out for convenient access. The car is quite handsome with the top up or down, and the convertible top is incredibly easy to operate. The Audi 3 is equipped with the latest technology, which is more than enough for my needs. One of the many nice little extras I discovered after buying this car is the ability to leave my iPod at home and enjoy all my music from a custom-loaded, tiny sound card. The windscreen is a great standard feature that effectively minimizes the wind inside the cabin, which is a relief for my wife who no longer needs to put the windows up when the top is down to protect her hairdo. Although power seats are not available at any price, it is not a problem for us since I am the primary driver. The car is a bit pricey, but the quality is there, and I believe that you get what you pay for. Therefore, I am confident that this A3 cabriolet will be a durable and reliable car for us for many years to come. It is truly a pleasure to drive, and I am proud to be seen in it. After owning this car for about 20 months, my opinion remains the same. However, I must note that my experience is based on May through November driving only since I store my Audi throughout the winter months. Additionally, the complementary service included with the purchase of this car is minimal, and prices for everything at Audi are quite steep, as they are with most Euro luxury brands. Nevertheless, all things considered, I would buy this car again and continue to be very proud and pleased with it.Updating today, 7/2/2018, after over two years of ownership with barely 5,000 miles on the odometer. I store the car in winter and drive sparingly in summer, but despite this, the car has been completely reliable with no problems at all. I have thoroughly enjoyed driving this car and have found it to be a great investment. Although there are some oddities, such as the windows automatically going up when the top is dropped and the need to re-check the shuffle option when playing music from the SD card, these are minor issues that do not detract from the overall experience. I plan to keep this beautiful red convertible until it no longer meets my needs or until a significant styling change occurs. Rumors suggest that the A3 cabriolet model and the A5 cabriolet will soon be discontinued and replaced by a new A4 convertible, but I am perfectly satisfied with my current car and will only consider upgrading in a few years' time. Updating in July 2019, after owning the Audi 3 for over three years, I am still thrilled with it. The car drives beautifully and remains immaculate with no repairs needed. I prefer my two-tone dash and trim to the all-black newer models, and the USB ports on my car are conveniently located inside the elbow rest, avoiding any exposed cables or devices. I am perfectly satisfied with this car and plan to keep it for the long haul. Updating now in January 2020, I remain very pleased with my car.This Audi 3 has been a great investment. With only a few thousand new miles last year, it continues to drive and look like new, even after five years of ownership. Despite minor recalls, there have been no mechanical problems. I have checked out other cars on the market, but none compare to this one, especially for under $55,000. The fact that the convertible model is now discontinued makes mine even more special. Changing the brake fluid every two years is a small price to pay for such a reliable and beautiful car. I am confident that this car will become a classic someday and I plan to keep it for the rest of my driving life.
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Hey there! Before making a purchase, it's always a good idea to check out the exact features of each car. Sometimes, the features aren't explained clearly, so it's important to do your research beforehand.
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I've been driving my 2019 Audi A3 Quattro AWD for a few weeks now and I have some thoughts to share. Here are the things I love and the things I wish could be improved. Let's start with the positives: the acceleration and speed are fantastic, and the driving experience is top-notch. The premium sound system is definitely the best feature of the car, and I also appreciate the built-in WiFi and wireless charging. The virtual cockpit is amazing, especially when displaying Google Maps. However, there are a few things that could be better. The cabin space is quite limited, with a tiny glovebox and trunk, and the center console is taken up by the wireless charger. The placement of the cupholders could also be improved, as my large Yeti mug is too tall and I have to hold it while driving, which is not very safe. My biggest pet peeve, though, is that despite having a $47,000 car with every high-end tech option, Audi Corporate Office has refused to unlock the “key user” functionality for the 2019 A3 model year. This means that I can't use basic remote features like unlocking doors, checking gas levels, or tracking my vehicle in the event of theft, even though the technology is there. It's frustrating that loyal A3 customers are being locked out of these features just because they don't have $50-150,000 MSRP model vehicles. Despite these issues, I still enjoy driving my A3 and remain hopeful that Audi will push a firmware update that will allow 2019 customers to actually use the technology they paid for. Overall, it's a great car with some room for improvement.The A3 Quattro is a powerful machine. If Audi were to unlock basic features for remote monitoring, it would greatly improve my satisfaction with my purchase. I paid $47,000 for the car, but with local taxes, destination delivery, dealer fees, and maintenance/extended warranty, the total cost was actually $55,000. Just wanted to clarify that.
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Fortunately, I only have a few bad habits, one of which is my tendency to buy lots of vehicles! Over the years, I have owned many, some of which were good (1986 GTI, 2008 Lexus GS350), and some, well, not so good (1982 Plymouth Reliant, 1999 Chevy Blazer). My A3 Quattro is a nice blend of the two good ones mentioned. It's a true sports sedan. I have had no problems with the car in my one year of ownership (I bought it used). Please note that maintenance costs may be higher, but so far, I feel that the A3 is well worth it.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2019 Audi A3 problems:
2019 Audi A3 Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2019 Audi A3? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.
Resolve 2019 Audi A3 Problems + Issues: Free Legal Help
Mar 16, 2023 ... The most common problems facing owners of the 2019 Audi A3 relate to airbags. There is a risk that the airbags may malfunction. Audi ...
Is a 2019 A3 a good 'reliable' car for the long term ? - AudiWorld ...
Sep 6, 2019 ... Audi A3 / S3 / RS 3 - Is a 2019 A3 a good 'reliable' car for the long term ? - I am new to the forum, and did a bit of searching for my ...
Audi A3 common problems (2012-2020) | Haynes Publishing
These include noisy front suspension, a grinding sound from the steering and air-conditioning that is prone to the odd failure. But while Audi garages might ...
Audi A3 Reliability and Common Problems - In The Garage with ...
Feb 1, 2024 ... Audi A3 Reliability and Common Problems · Start-Stop System Malfunction · Misfiring Engine · Defective Fuel Tank Suction Pump · Faulty Airbags.
Other years of Audi A3
Are you having problems with your 2019 Audi A3?
Jeremy Collier 2025-02-18
I really like the look and handling of this car. I've had the S-Line Premium Plus for almost 5 years now and it has served me well. Although there were a few recalls on the passenger airbag, Audi took care of them free of charge, which was great. As some other reviews have mentioned, the shift can be a bit jerky, especially when the car is cold or the AC is on. However, when accelerating, the shift is very smooth. I have run into some maintenance issues recently, such as the water pump and thermostat needing to be replaced. It's important to be aware of this issue if you're considering buying a used A3. Overall, I would give this car a 4-star rating because I enjoy driving it and I like the looks of the S Line. I hope this review helps someone who is researching the vehicle. Update July 2023: Unfortunately, the mechatronics unit on the gearbox failed at about 76k miles, which was a major disappointment. Although the dealer tried to get some warranty from Audi USA, they wouldn't agree to cover any of the cost. This experience has made me less of a fan of Audi, so I'm reducing my rating to 3 stars.
Jerry Will 2025-02-05
I'm a huge fan of Audi and it's the only car I drive. When I purchased this car, I was thrilled because it was beautiful and a great deal. However, I must admit that the car has some major flaws. Although you wouldn't expect it, there are blind spots in this car that can be quite dangerous. The side mirrors were designed to look sleek and sporty, but they're so small that they don't provide much visibility. To solve this issue, I purchased stick-on blind spot mirrors, which have been helpful. Anyone who drives my car has the same complaint. Additionally, the wipers don't move fast enough in the rain, which can be frustrating. There have been times when I've had to pull over because I couldn't see in a normal rainstorm. I never had this problem with my previous Audis. Within the first year, the car broke down three times and had to be taken back to Audi for repairs. The turbo leaked into the engine, a pipe started disintegrating, and a spark plug clogged - all within the first year. Fortunately, since I leased the car, Audi fixed it for free. However, the fact that so many problems occurred when the car was brand new was concerning. Despite these issues, the car drives very well and gets decent mpg. I mostly drive on the highway to work each day, and the mpg ranges from 30-33. The entertainment system and climate control are also great. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this car, which is heartbreaking because I love Audi so much.
Alexie Jast 2024-11-13
We have been loyal Ford customers for many years and have never experienced any issues with their vehicles, even after driving them for long distances. However, my college-age daughter recently had to replace the transmission in her car after less than two months of use. Despite this setback, we remain confident in the quality and reliability of Ford cars.
Tate Herzog 2024-08-19
I was disappointed to find out that my 2018 Audi A3 Quattro convertible did not come with a spare or a donut. I was not informed of this during the sales pitch, and unfortunately, I had two unrepairable flat tires in less than 18 months. This caused me some inconvenience as I had to buy new tires each time. I have owned several cars in the past, including a Fiat, a Capri, a previous Audi, several Mazdas, and several Toyotas, and they all came with full-size spares or usable donuts. I did not think to ask about the A3 convertible. I am currently in a dispute with the Audi dealer that sold me the car for not disclosing this information. Despite the fact that the spray sealant and pump that came with the car would have been of no use, I was disappointed to find out that Pirelli tires do not endorse the use of sealants to repair a puncture, even temporarily. I hope that Audi customer service can help me resolve this issue.
Johnpaul Eichmann 2024-06-27
This car has some great features, but unfortunately, it has a serious issue with vibration. The vibration is not just the normal road feel that you might expect from a small car. When I took the car to the dealership, I was told that 3 tires were 'out of round,' but Audi of North America only approved replacement for 2. Even after the replacement, the car still vibrates at an unacceptable level for a car of this price. I will be calling to have it serviced again. It's not just me, as there are vibration issues with a wide array of A-3's in various nations. You can check out more information on this at http://www.audiforums.com/forum/audi-a3-12/2015-a3-limo-noise-vibration-214549/page4/. Despite the build quality issue, the car has some great features such as great steering, good acceleration, great MMI system, and nice fit and finish. However, I would not buy this car again, and will never buy another Audi. I will be going back to BMW.