vinkodex.2024–, estate, petrol, 115 HP.
The list covers this version.
What you save stays on this device only. My saves
5 fault write-ups. 4 important. 4 recalls.
If you know the year, pick it. Faults for other years drop out of the list.
Before you buy
Because of a badly fitted heat shield the brake fluid reservoir can melt, and the brake fluid can leak into the engine bay. It affects cars with the electromechanical brake booster and DSG. It is safety critical, and a recall covers it, so it is tied to the VIN and free of charge.
What to check
The DSG gearbox jerks and hesitates at low speed, in congestion, in a stop and go rhythm. It affects higher mileage cars run without an oil and filter change: the oil change here is not a lifetime fill but prescribed maintenance.
What to check
The piston of a rear caliper with an electric parking brake cannot be wound back by hand: the caliper has to be put into service mode with a diagnostic tool. Where that was bypassed, the actuator of the caliper is damaged, and soon after a disc replacement the caliper needs replacing too.
The other complaint that recurs on owner forums is the parking brake fault itself: an "electric parking brake faulty" message, sometimes together with faults in the related controllers (hill hold, hill start assist, stop-start). In that case it is not necessarily the brake that failed, but the sensor or the communication between the controllers.
What to check
Because of a broken seal or a blocked drain, water gets into the cabin. It collects in the foam under the carpet, so for a long time only the misting windows and the musty smell show it. In a post 2020 car the number of control units and connectors running in the floor has grown by orders of magnitude, and from then on the damp fault is an electrical one.
What to check
On the MQB evo generation the MIB3 touchscreen freezes, restarts on its own, and sometimes stays black. In the What Car? survey, 59 per cent of 8Y A3 owners reported a fault, and 44 per cent of those concerned the infotainment. Volume and temperature are set on touch sliders instead of physical buttons, and if the system hangs you cannot adjust them while driving either.
The maker released several software updates. Many cases are resolved by them, but not all. The update is free and fault finding is not, so before you buy, check whether the latest version has been installed.
What to check
vinkodex.Checklist
First what you would check on any car. Then the faults of this model.
Before you buy
The printed sheet starts with what you would check on any car. What you tick stays on this device only.
The manufacturer fixes these for free at a franchised dealer. Ask with the VIN whether it was done.
A12/00566/22Safety recallBurns, Fireno date · EU Safety GateEngine design covers installed on affected vehicles could come loose from the attachment depending on use (e.g. very sporty driving style or poor road surface conditions) and the running time. If the design cover is not fastened, there is a possibility that it will come into contact with the hot area of the exhaust gas turbocharger, increasing the risk of burns or fire. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of Motor Vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown
We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice
A12/00636/22Safety recallFire, Injuriesno date · EU Safety GateA defective fuse can produce a voltage flashover into the vehicle interior. This might cause fire and lead to an accident. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of Motor Vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown
We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice
A12/01114/20Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety GateThe eCall service may not function properly and the call centre/rescue coordination centre cannot be activated because of the lack of audio connection and data transmission. As a result, the driver will not be able to get help through the system in the event of a fault or accident.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown
We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice
A12/02508/23Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety GateThe rear left steering knuckle may be defective, affecting the vehicle's suspension and steering. The stability of the vehicle can be impaired, increasing the risk of an accident. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown
We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice
No engine and transmission for this yet. When they are in, you see them here.
Variant data
The manufacturer specifies this for this version. Of the mileage and the time, the one that comes first is the one that counts.
Air filter
Cabin (pollen) filter
Engine oil and oil filter
Brake fluid change
Coolant (antifreeze) change
We write the descriptions, and we put the source next to them. A person reviews them before they go out. They are still information, not a technical expert opinion.