'17+ A3 2.0T Common Maintenance Items - Question

[DownhillA4]

Hey all,

Not sure if this is correct area as I see a lot of S3 threads. I come from the B6/B7 A4 2.0T world with loads of information, DIY's, common problems, etc. Obviously those cars are higher mileage and over a decade old.

Looking for advice from the owners of the new A3, Quattro, 2.0T platform. Parent's are looking to pick 2 of them up as new cars and they usually keep cars past 100K. I do all the wrenching myself.
I've searched this forum section along with YouTube and don't see much.
Used to the older platforms where doing Timing Belts / Waterpumps / Thermostats / Coolant Flange / Wheel Bearings / Cam Followers / etc are the typical DIY items that need to be addressed once the mileage gets up near 80K mark.

What seems to be the common failure items on the 2017-2018 A3 2.0T?
Are these new 2.0T belt or chain driven?
Popped the hood of a 2017 and saw the motor is now sideways, doesn't look fun for belt jobs.

I've heard the Haldex fluid should be replaced every 40k


Thanks for any information or to steer me in the direction of more information on this topic.

[Audi9]

On the facelift (17+) cars I haven't really seen much outside of a few water pumps leaking (they're located under the intake manifold on the block) on the engine side of things.

The rest of the car is pretty solid besides the occasional rear wheel bearing going bad or front suspension squeak/clunk.

The pre-facelift cars had a few known issues that popped up more frequently like water pumps leaking, HPFPs, shifter assemblys, haldex units/modules and sunroof rattles.


Engine is chain driven and the haldex fluid should be changed every 3 years regardless of mileage (when changing the haldex fluid pay attention to which drain/fill holes you're using because the rear diff has its own as well. I've seen too many people put the wrong fluid where it doesn't belong)

[DownhillA4]

@audi9 I appreciate the detailed response!

Thank you!

[MikTip]

The E888 2.0L is chain driven. Finally! I had the old 1.8t for 14 years...

The DSG and Haldex oils should be changed regular. And clean the screen on the haldex pump.

Anything can "break" or fail on these cars like any other car...their a machine....

Audi sold 23,000 A3 in 2017...

Exact failure parts figures are a closely guarded dealer secret...which you and I cant get...unless we work at a dealership and have access to that data...

Posting such here, would probably get you fired and sued by Audi...

Everyone here on the forum live and drive in different areas and conditions and driving styles...so forum failed parts data is sketchy at best...

Even with such data...you cant really change the part until it goes bad...especially under warrenty.

I say drive and enjoy it! When it breaks get it fixed.

[DownhillA4]

@miktip, I totally agree. Thanks for response.

More was curious if items were a known issue to replace as preventative maintenance like we used to tell people on B6 forums such as known items to fail: thermostat, rear coolant flange, etc.

[MikTip]

@miktip, I totally agree. Thanks for response.

More was curious if items were a known issue to replace as preventative maintenance like we used to tell people on B6 forums such as known items to fail: thermostat, rear coolant flange, etc.

There seems to be a mix of items

Problem here...very few DIY their own cars...so that tech knowledge is missing here....

Also there needs to be "sticky" posts to have a forum built database...

So far only the battery and oil fumes seperator on mine...

I frequent the VWVortex Golf R forums...allot more going on there and allot more info