Audi›A3›2013›Overview/audi/a3/2013/base/

2013 Audi A3

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2013 A3.

Body PASSENGER CARTransmission Automatic (AM-S6)

The 2013 Audi A3 is a passenger car equipped with an engine that requires 4.2 qt of oil and is approved for 5W‑30, 5W‑40 or 0W‑40 API viscosities, paired with an automatic AM‑S6 transmission; it achieves EPA fuel economy of 21 mpg city, 28 mpg highway and 24 mpg combined. The model records 20 total owner complaints, three recalls, and the bulk of those complaints center on air bag issues, placing its complaint volume near the lower end of the model's historical range. This contrasts with the peak of 176 complaints seen in 2015, while the lowest single‑year count was just one in 2001, indicating relatively stable reliability for the 2013 version.

Model year2024 2023 2022 2020 2019 2013 2012

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity4.2 qtOEM · verified

Engine oil type5W-30 / 5W-40 / 0W-40 APIOEM · verified

Lug nut torque89 ft-lbsOEM · verified

EPA fuel economy21/28/24 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 48 · 600 CCA battery, OE oil filter 06J115403Q. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 48 · 600 CCAOEM · verified

Tail / brake / turnLAMPOEM · verified

Tire sizeP225-45R17, SPORT TITANIUM PKG: P225-40R18OEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter	06J115403Q alt 071115444
Engine air filter	1K0129620G alt 1K0129620L
Fuel filter	1K0201051K alt 3C0127434
Spark plug	06H905621A alt 06H905601A
Battery	000915089F
Front wiper blades	8P1955425J alt 8P1955426J
Serpentine belt	06J260849D alt 03L903137T
Thermostat	06H121113B alt 06J121113A
Cabin air filter	1K1819669

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

Transmission

Automatic (AM-S6)

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length	168.9 in
Overall width	68.5 in
Overall height	55.9 in
Wheelbase	101.6 in
Curb weight	3219 lb
Track (front / rear)	59.8 / 58.3 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)	60/40

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined	21 / 28 / 24 mpg
Drivetrain	Front-Wheel Drive
Recommended fuel	Premium Gasoline

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the A3 of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

5.8–8.7 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 5.80 sec — 2006 3.2 Quattro S-Line Wagon

Year	Trim / engine	0–60	¼ mile	HP	Drivetrain
2010	2.0 TDI Premium Wagon 2.0L Turbo Diesel I-4	8.50 sec	16.70 sec	140 hp	FWD
2010	2.0 TDI Premium Wagon 2.0L Turbo Diesel I-4	8.70 sec	16.90 sec	140 hp	FWD
2009	2.0T Quattro Wagon 2.0L Turbo I-4	6.30 sec	14.90 sec	200 hp	AWD
2006	3.2 Quattro S-Line Wagon 3.2L V6	5.80 sec	14.50 sec	250 hp	AWD
2006	2.0T Wagon 2.0L Turbo I-4	6.10 sec	14.70 sec	200 hp	FWD
2006	2.0T Wagon 2.0L Turbo I-4	6.20 sec	14.60 sec	200 hp	FWD
2006	2.0T Wagon 2.0L Turbo I-4	6.40 sec	15.00 sec	200 hp	FWD
2006	2.0T Wagon 2.0L Turbo I-4	6.40 sec	14.90 sec	200 hp	FWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 4.2 qt of 5W-30 / 5W-40 / 0W-40 API engine oil, USE AUDI PART NO. G052145A1 OR EQUIVALENT in the differential. Torque lug nuts to 89 ft-lbs, the oil drain plug to 22.1 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-3-4-2. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Differential Gear Oil	USE AUDI PART NO. G052145A1 OR EQUIVALENT
Differential Gear Oil Capacity	2.0 qt
Engine Oil	5W-30 · 5W-40 · API · 0W-40
Engine Oil Capacity	4.2 qt
Engine Oil	5W-30 · 5W-40 · API
Engine Oil Capacity	4.9 qt

Engine torques

Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts	17 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts	7.3 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug	22.1 ft-lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs	17 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts	89 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Fill Plug	11.0 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Drain Plug	Bevel box: 44.0, Haldex Clutch: 22.0 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order	1-3-4-2
Spark Plug Manufacturer	Audi/VW
Spark Plug Torque	22 ft-lbs
Spark Plug Torque	22.0 ft-lbs

Battery & A/C

Refrigerant	R134a
Refrigerant Capacity	1.25-1.40 lbs
Oil Group	PAG
Oil Type	46
Oil Capacity	4.70-5.30 oz
Standard BCI Group Number	48
Standard BCI Cranking Performance	600 cca

Service checks

Pressure Test	14.5 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief	20-23 psi
Engine Compression	159-203 PSI @ RPM. 44 maximum variation PSI.

Brakes

Brake Application	WITH 1KD, 1KQ / WITH 1KZ, 1KE, 1KJ, 1KU
Torque Caliper to Bracket	26 ft-lbs
Brake Application	WITH 1KF / WITH 1KJ, 1KU / WITH 2EA, 1KW
Torque Caliper to Bracket	26 ft-lbs
Torque Caliper to Bracket	22 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle	140 ft-lbs / 144 ft-lbs
Torque Caliper to Bracket	22 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle	140 ft-lbs / 144 ft-lbs

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Torque to Knuckle — tightening sequence 1 stages

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages

6 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90

6 ft. lbs

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages

33 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90

33 ft. lbs

Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages

7 ft. lbs., step 2: 90

7 ft. lbs

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 4 stages

Prep Do not reuse old bolts. Use new bolts coated with clean engine oil. Tighten all bolts to finger tight then continue on with the following procedure.

1	220 ft. lbs.	220 ft. lbs
2	36.9 ft. lbs.	36.9 ft. lbs
3	90 degrees	90 degrees
4	90 degrees	90 degrees

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 5 stages

Prep Do not reuse old bolts. Use new bolts coated with clean engine oil. Tighten all bolts to finger tight then continue on with the following procedure.

1	29.5 ft. lbs.	29.5 ft. lbs
2	90 degrees	90 degrees
3	90 degrees	90 degrees
4	crankcase vent bolt pretighten to 6.0 ft. lbs.	6 ft. lbs
5	90 degrees	90 degrees

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 5 stages

Prep Do not reuse old bolts. Use new bolts coated with clean engine oil. Tighten all bolts to finger tight then continue on with the following procedure.

1	29.5 ft. lbs.	29.5 ft. lbs
2	37.0 ft. lbs	37 ft. lbs
3	180 degrees	180 degrees
4	crankcase vent bolt pretighten to 6.0 ft. lbs.	6 ft. lbs
5	90 degrees	90 degrees

Engine Flywheel Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages

44 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90

44 ft. lbs

Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages

5.9

Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages

4 ft. lbs., step 2: 9 ft. lbs., step 3: 12 ft. lbs., step 4: step 18

4 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter at 5,000 mi; spark plugs at 55,000 mi.

At 5,000 mi	Brake System (inspect) · Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Headlamp Washer Nozzle (inspect) · Headlamp Washer System (inspect fluid level) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate)
Every 10,000 mi	Brake System (inspect) · Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Headlamp Washer Nozzle (inspect) · Headlamp Washer System (inspect fluid level) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (inspect)
At 15,000 mi	Air Conditioning Evaporator Case Drain (inspect) · Battery (inspect) · Body Fasteners (torque) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace) · Drive Axle Assembly (inspect)
Every 20,000 mi	Air Conditioning Evaporator Case Drain (inspect) · Battery (inspect) · Body Fasteners (torque) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace) · Diesel Particulate Filter (inspect)
At 35,000 mi	Body Lock Cylinders (lubricate) · Brake Rotor (inspect) · Door Hinge (lubricate) · Hood Latch (lubricate) · Transfer Case Assembly (drain & refill) · Transmission Fluid & Filter (replace)
Every 40,000 mi	Body Lock Cylinders (lubricate) · Brake Rotor (inspect) · Door Hinge (lubricate) · Hood Latch (lubricate) · Transfer Case Assembly (drain & refill) · Transmission Fluid & Filter (replace)
At 55,000 mi	Engine Air Filter Element (replace) · Engine Air Filter Housing (clean) · Spark Plugs (replace)
Every 60,000 mi	Engine Air Filter Element (replace) · Engine Air Filter Housing (clean) · Spark Plugs (replace)
At 75,000 mi	Accessory Drive Belt (inspect)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2013 Audi A3 shows a notable decline in complaints compared to its immediate predecessors, dropping from 43 complaints in 2012 to just 20 in 2013. Recall activity also fell, with 4 recalls in 2012 versus 3 in 2013, while investigations remained at zero for both years. This downward trend aligns with the broader generational arc, where complaints peaked in 2015 at 176 and then gradually fell, reaching only 12 in 2019. In 2013, the top complaint categories were air bags (9), engine (2), fuel/propulsion system (2), and engine cooling (1), with no crash or fire complaints recorded. The data suggest that 2013 is a relatively smooth year within this generation, offering lower complaint and recall exposure, making it a favorable year to consider for purchase.

Open recalls

NHTSA campaigns

851

Service bulletins

Manufacturer communications

ODI investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Owner complaints

0 involved a crash · 0 a fire

NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars

Overall★★★★★

Frontal★★★★★

Side★★★★★

Rollover★★★★★

Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

’01 ’03 ’04 ’05 ’06 ’07 ’08 ’09 ’10 ’11 ’12’13’15 ’18 ’19 ’20 ’24 ’25

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 20 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Air Bags9

Engine2

Fuel/Propulsion System2

Engine & Engine Cooling1

Power Train,Unknown Or Other1

Exterior Lighting1

Air Bags,Unknown Or Other1

Visibility1

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 3 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

18V082000Air Bags:Frontal:Driver Side:Inflator ModuleReported 30/01/2018

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2006-2013 Audi A3, 2007-2009 A4 Cabriolet and S4 Cabriolet, 2008 RS4 Cabriolet, 2009-2012 Q5, and 2010-2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet and S5 Cabriolet… Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 23, 2018. Owners…

16V079000Air Bags:Frontal:Driver Side:Inflator ModuleReported 10/02/2016

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2006 Volkswagen Passat sedans and wagons, 2005-2013 Audi A3, and 2006-2009 Audi A4 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's… Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began March 2017. Volkswagen owners may contact…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 851 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

Bulletin	Date	Component	Summary
TSB_2059335_7	2026-06-23	Electrical System	This bulletin provides information when there are noises from the area around the…
TSB_2082323_1	2026-06-10	Engine	This bulletin provides informaiton when the engine is not running smoothly, misfiring.
TSB_2052680_6	2026-06-04	Unknown Or Other	This Reporting Obligation requires technicains to contact the Technical Assistance Center…
AOS-26-25	2026-05-26	Unknown Or Other	This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the…
TSB_2074808_4	2026-05-06	Power Train	The high-voltage batteries in electric vehicles are subject to various ageing effects…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420

Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1

P0300

Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected

P0171

System too lean — Bank 1

P0455

Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak

P0128

Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature

P0442

Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN

Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific A3. OEM

Build data

Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.

Recalls

Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Group 48 battery Vehicles taking 4.2 qt Engine oil filter 06J115403Q Engine air filter 1K0129620G Fuel filter 1K0201051K Spark plug 06H905621A

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Vehicle recalls & TSBs OBD-II trouble codes Torque specifications Maintenance schedules Fluid capacities & specs

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2013 A3 take?

4.2 qt of 5W-30 , 5W-40 API, OR 0W-40- MEETING VW SPECIFICATION VW50700, per the factory manual.

Does the 2013 A3 have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 3 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the A3 get?

EPA figures are 21 city / 28 highway / 24 combined mpg.

2013 Audi A3

Quick specs

Fitment & sizes

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Full specifications

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

Performance & power Independent road tests

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Lubricants & capacities

Engine torques

Chassis torques

Ignition

Battery & A/C

Service checks

Brakes

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Common OBD-II trouble codes

VIN tools

Vehicles with shared specs

Reference guides

Related vehicles

Other years

Frequently asked