Audi A3 vs Pontiac Vibe
The Pontiac Vibe is more fuel-efficient at 29 MPG combined, against 25 MPG for the Audi A3. At EPA assumptions that is about $1,000 less in fuel per year. (Comparison uses each model's most efficient version.)
Side by side
| Audi A3 | Pontiac Vibe | |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints (NHTSA) | 140 | 199 |
| Most reported problem | Air bags | Air bags |
| Crashes and fires | 3 and 0 | 10 and 0 |
| Typical mileage at complaint | 72,000 miles | 82,000 miles |
| Recalls | 4 | 5 |
| Fuel economy, combined | 25 MPG | 29 MPG |
| City and highway | 22 and 29 | 26 and 33 |
| Yearly fuel cost (EPA) | $3,300 | $2,300 |
What the numbers say
NHTSA has 140 complaints for the Audi A3 and 199 for the Pontiac Vibe. Complaint counts depend heavily on how many of each vehicle were sold, so a higher count does not by itself mean a less reliable car.
Safety recalls on file: 4 for the Audi A3, 5 for the Pontiac Vibe.