Audi›A3›2010›Overview/audi/a3/2010/base/

2010 Audi A3

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2010 A3.

Body PASSENGER CARTransmission Automatic (S6)

The 2010 Audi A3 is a passenger‑car that houses an engine requiring 4.2 qt of oil and is specified for 5W‑30, 5W‑40 or 0W‑40 API grades. Mated to an Automatic (S6) transmission, it achieves EPA fuel‑economy ratings of 22 city, 28 highway and 24 combined mpg. The model’s reliability record shows 50 total owner complaints — with air‑bag concerns leading the list and five recall actions issued — situating its complaint volume between the low of one complaint in 2001 and the peak of 176 complaints recorded in 2015.

Model year2024 2023 2022 2020 2019 2013 2010

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 economy22/28/24 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 sizeP225-45R17OEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter	06J115403Q alt 071115444
Engine air filter	1K0129620L alt 1K0129620G
Fuel filter	1K0201051K alt 3C0127434
Spark plug	06H905601A
Battery	000915089F alt 000915105AD
Front wiper blades	8P1955425J alt 8P1955426J
Thermostat	06J121113A alt 06H121113B
Cabin air filter	1K1819669

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

Transmission

Automatic (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	3263 lb
Track (front / rear)	59.8 / 58.3 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)	60/40

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined	22 / 28 / 24 mpg
Drivetrain	Front-Wheel Drive
Passenger volume	89 cu ft
Cargo volume	20 cu ft
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.

8.5–8.7 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 8.50 sec — 2010 2.0 TDI Premium 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, REAR: AUDI PART NO. G052145A1 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	REAR: AUDI PART NO. G052145A1
Differential Gear Oil Capacity	2 Pints
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 Oil	5W-30 · 5W-40 · API
Engine Oil Capacity	4.9 qt

Engine torques

Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts	7.3 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	1.10-1.21 lbs
Oil Type	PAG 46
Oil Capacity	Denso compressor, 4.39-5.06, Sanden compressor, 3.38-4.05, Zexel compressor, 3.71-4.39 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

150 ft. lbs., step 2: 90

150 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

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

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	Battery (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace) · Drive Axle Assembly (inspect) · Engine Assembly (leak inspection) · Engine Coolant System (inspect fluid level)
Every 20,000 mi	Battery (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace) · Diesel Particulate Filter (inspect) · Drive Axle Assembly (inspect) · Engine Assembly (leak inspection)
At 35,000 mi	Brake Rotor (inspect) · Door Stop (lubricate) · Exterior Lighting (inspect) · Headlamp (inspect alignment) · Hood Latch (lubricate) · Power Steering System (inspect fluid level)
Every 40,000 mi	Brake Rotor (inspect) · Door Stop (lubricate) · Exterior Lighting (inspect) · Headlamp (inspect alignment) · Hood Latch (lubricate) · Power Steering System (inspect fluid level)
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 120,000 mi	Diesel Particulate Filter (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 2010 Audi A3 sits near the peak of a sharp rise in complaints and recalls that began in 2005, climbing from a single recall that year to 5 complaints and 5 recalls in 2010, the highest complaint count in the decade provided. Compared to the previous year (2009, 47 complaints, 5 recalls, 2 investigations) and the following year (2011, 42 complaints, 4 recalls, 2 investigations), 2010’s numbers are only marginally higher, suggesting a plateau rather than a new spike. The trend shows a gradual increase through 2006–2010, followed by a decline in subsequent years, indicating that the 2010 model was part of the generation’s peak issue period. Top complaint areas for 2010—Air Bags, Fuel System (Diesel), Power Train, and Fuel/Propulsion System—mirror the broader trend of safety and drivetrain concerns. With 1 crash complaint and no fire complaints, the 2010 model still carries the higher recall burden of its cohort, so buyers should weigh the risk of potential safety or mechanical issues against price and mileage. Overall, 2010 is not the most favorable year in the generation, and a later model may offer a cleaner record.

Open recalls

NHTSA campaigns

810

Service bulletins

Manufacturer communications

ODI investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Owner complaints

1 involved a crash · 0 a fire

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 50 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Air Bags12

Fuel System, Diesel12

Power Train7

Fuel/Propulsion System3

Fuel System, Gasoline3

Tires2

Engine2

Unknown Or Other1

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 5 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 810 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

Bulletin	Date	Component	Summary
TSB_2070568_6	2026-04-22	Unknown Or Other	This bulletin provides information about professional noise analysis with the VAS 611 015…
TSB_2024323_13	2026-03-17	Electrical System	This bulletin provides information when the parking assistance gives false warnings.
TSB_2024323_12	2026-03-02	Electrical System	This bulletin provides information when the parking assistance gives false warnings.
TSB_2060750_5	2026-01-14	Engine	This bulletin provides information regarding UV leak additive for finding oil leaks.
TSB_2074846_4	2026-01-13	Steering	This bulletin provides information about vibrations and rotational steering vibrations.

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 1K0129620L Fuel filter 1K0201051K Spark plug 06H905601A

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 2010 A3 take?

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

Does the 2010 A3 have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 5 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the A3 get?

EPA figures are 22 city / 28 highway / 24 combined mpg.

2010 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