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2018 Audi A3 maintenance schedule

The 2018 A3 is part of the 8V generation (2015-2020), sold as a sedan. Below: its service intervals with the source behind each one, the fluids it takes, and the NHTSA recalls issued for it.

Service schedule

What the 2018 A3 needs, and when

8 of these 12 items come from Audi's own published schedule. Manufacturer rows link to Audi's own schedule, Independent rows to a service shop or parts retailer's published guide.

ServiceIntervalSource
Engine oil and filter

Synthetic required

10,000 mi / 1 yearManufacturer
Engine air filter

Inspect at 40k

Inspect, replace as neededIndependent
Cabin air filter

Dust/Pollen

20,000 mi / 2 yearsIndependent
Tire rotation

Check treadwear

Inspect, replace as neededManufacturer
Brake fluid

Full flush

2 yearsManufacturer
Engine coolant

Check level

Inspect, replace as neededManufacturer
Transmission fluid

Fluid and filter

40,000 miManufacturer
Spark plugs (Gasoline)

TFSI interval

40,000 mi / 4 yearsManufacturer
Timing belt (EA288)

Belt on TDI (EA288); chain on TFSI (EA888 Gen 3) - the interval applies to the diesel belt

130,000 miIndependent
Serpentine belt

Visual inspection

Inspect, replace as neededManufacturer
Differential and transfer case fluid (AWD)

Haldex clutch fluid

40,000 miIndependent
12V battery

Load test

Inspect, replace as neededManufacturer

Intervals are for normal driving; towing, short trips, extreme heat or dust shorten them. Services we could not find an interval for are left off rather than guessed.

Fluids and engines

What goes in it

Engine oil
VW 502 00 (5W-40), 6 qt
Coolant
G12++ / G13
Transmission fluid
VW G 052 182

Powertrains in this generation

  • 1.8L 4-cyl (EA888 Gen 3), 170 hp, 6-speed DSG, FWD
  • 2.0L 4-cyl (EA888 Gen 3), 220 hp, 6-speed DSG, FWD / AWD
  • 2.0L 4-cyl diesel (EA288), 150 hp, 6-speed DSG, FWD

Confirm the exact spec against the owner's manual or the label under the hood; capacities vary by engine and drivetrain.

Safety recalls

2 NHTSA recalls for the 2018 Audi A3

From NHTSA's recall database, matched by model and year. Recall repairs are free at Audi dealers, and a given car may already be fixed or fall outside a campaign, so check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before you buy.

Fuel system, gasoline

NHTSA 24V110000

February 2024

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.

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.

Air bags

NHTSA 21V198000

March 2021

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.

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.

Running costs

What maintenance typically costs

A typical year of maintenance
$1,050
Five years of maintenance
$4,800
The major service near 100,000 mi
$1,850

Typical US independent-shop estimates for this generation; they vary by region and condition.

Other A3 model years

8V (2015-2020)

201520162017201820192020

Shopping new? The Audi A3 guide covers the current model, with what it costs to keep for 1 to 15 years.

Sources

Researched 2026-09-17. Modeling, not mechanic advice - always confirm against your car's owner's manual and service records.

Running an A3 for income?

Carlyle scores the exact listing on cost per remaining mile and projected Turo income, so you know what a 2018 A3 earns before you buy it.

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