Used Audi A1 2019-present reliability
Category: Small car
Decently practical and brimming with tech, the Audi A1 is a fine used buy - albeit still quite a pricey one
What should I look for in a used Audi A1 hatchback?
The vast majority of examples will still be within the official approved used dealer network and should, therefore, still look like new. However, you can get some rather large alloy wheels on an Audi A1 that could be kerbed quite easily, so check the condition of the alloys and tyres because repairing them can be expensive.
Check for any parking damage to the bumpers because not all models have parking sensors to help you out.
The interior does use some scratchy plastics on the doors, so watch out for any damage to the handle, particularly from people who wear rings.
What are the most common problems with a used Audi A1 hatchback?
This present A1 hasn't thrown up any major issues yet, but some have found the S tronic automatic gearbox to be a tad jerky when pulling away from a junction or merging onto a roundabout. In our experience, this is common to the vast majority of Audi models that use this gearbox.
It's worth checking with your local dealer on any outstanding recalls that may have been issued against the A1. Make sure that all remedial work has been carried out.
Is a used Audi A1 hatchback reliable?
The latest A1 finished in eighth place out of 19 cars in the small car class in our most recent reliability survey with an overall score of 93.9%. That's a good result and placed it above the Dacia Sandero, Ford Fiesta and Toyota Yaris but below the Honda Jazz, the Mini and the Suzuki Swift.
Audi as a brand finished in 24th place out of 31 manufacturers with a poor overall score of 89%. This placed it below BMW, Mercedes and Volkswagen but above Alfa Romeo, Nissan and Vauxhall.
Used Audi A1 reliability: the owners' view
As part of our annual Reliability Survey, What Car? readers offered mixed reviews on the Audi A1, citing some reliability concerns and variable dealer service experiences.
While many owners praised the A1 for its build quality and general reliability, electrical faults were frequently mentioned. Common complaints included malfunctioning infotainment systems, issues with the air conditioning, and faulty warning lights. A few owners reported recurring problems with door locks and keyless entry systems, which required multiple visits to resolve.
Audi’s dealer network received both praise and criticism. Positive feedback highlighted professional service and quick turnaround times for warranty-covered issues. However, others encountered high repair costs for out-of-warranty faults and delays in sourcing parts. Some readers expressed dissatisfaction with inconsistent communication from service staff, particularly regarding updates on repair progress.
Overall, while the Audi A1 boasts a premium feel, reliability concerns and mixed dealer experiences tempered some owners’ enthusiasm.
