Audi A3 vs Mercedes-Benz A-Class
Which used car has the cleaner record?
We line up what owners actually reported to NHTSA — complaints and recall campaigns — for both cars, so you can compare their paper trail before you buy.
Last updated: June 28, 2026
Body type
- A3
- Hatchback
- A-Class
- Hatchback
Years sampled
- A3
- 2016, 2020, 2024
- A-Class
- 2016, 2020, 2024
Owner complaints
- A3
- 129
- A-Class
- 21fewer
Recall campaigns
- A3
- 4
- A-Class
- 0fewer
NHTSA investigations
- A3
- 5
- A-Class
- 0fewer
Overall safety (NHTSA, US)
- A3
- 5/5
- A-Class
- n/a
Combined economy (EPA, US)
- A3
- 7.4 L/100km
- A-Class
- n/a
The quick read
Over the sampled model years, the Audi A3 has 129 complaints and 4 recalls, and the Mercedes-Benz A-Class has 21 complaints and 0 recalls. Lower numbers point to fewer reported issues, but always confirm the exact car with a VIN check.
NHTSA (US) owner-complaint and recall counts over recent model years. A reliability signal, not a check of any one car. Always run the VIN.