Audi A3: Timing Belt Or Timing Chain? (2006 - 2024)

In North America, from model years 2009 to 2024, the 2.0L gas and hybrid Audi A3 engines along with the A3 3.2L V6 gas engine have timing chains and interference engines. From 2006 to 2008 there are some A3's with belts. The 2.0L TDIs (diesel) have timing belts and interference engines.

Scroll down to see detailed timing belt data for your particular model year of the Audi A3.

Audi A3 Timing Belt Or Chain

Year	Engine	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-Interference
2006 – 2024	2.0L 4 Cyl. (gas)	Timing Chain	Interference
2006 - 2009	3.2L V6	Timing Chain	Interference
2006 - 2008	2.0L 4 Cyl. (gas)	Timing Belt	Interference
2010 - 2016	2.0L TDI (diesels)	Timing Belt	Interference

Check out the Belt Or Chain specifications for other makes and models.

2024 Audi A3 - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2024 Audi A3 models have a timing chain and an interference engine.

2024 Audi A3 Timing Belt Or Chain

Engine	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-Interference	Replacement Interval (miles)
2.0L 4 Cyl.	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime

2023 Audi A3 - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2023 Audi A3 models have a timing chain and an interference engine.

2023 Audi A3 Timing Belt Or Chain

Engine	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-Interference	Replacement Interval (miles)
2.0L 4 Cyl.	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime

2022 Audi A3 - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2022 Audi A3 models have a timing chain and an interference engine.

2022 Audi A3 Timing Belt Or Chain

Engine	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-Interference	Replacement Interval (miles)
2.0L 4 Cyl.	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime

2020 Audi A3 - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2020 Audi A3 models have a timing chain and an interference engine.

2020 Audi A3 Timing Belt Or Chain

Engine	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-Interference	Replacement Interval (miles)
2.0L 4 Cyl.	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime

2019 Audi A3 - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2019 Audi A3 models have a timing chain and an interference engine.

2019 Audi A3 Timing Belt Or Chain

Engine	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-Interference	Replacement Interval (miles)
2.0L 4 Cyl.	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime

2018 Audi A3 - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2018 Audi A3 models have a timing chain and an interference engine.

2018 Audi A3 Timing Belt Or Chain

Engine	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-Interference	Replacement Interval (miles)
1.4L 4 Cyl. Hybrid 204 hp	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
2.0L 4 Cyl.	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime

2017 Audi A3 - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2017 Audi A3 models have a timing chain and an interference engine.

2017 Audi A3 Timing Belt Or Chain

Engine	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-Interference	Replacement Interval (miles)
1.4L 4 Cyl. Hybrid 204 hp	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
2.0L 4 Cyl.	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime

2016 Audi A3 - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2016 Audi A3 gas and hybrid models have a timing chain and an interference engine. The 2016 Audi A3 2.0L Diesel has a timing belt and interference engine.

2016 Audi A3 Timing Belt Or Chain

Engine	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-Interference	Replacement Interval (miles)
2.0L 4 Cyl. Diesel 220 hp	Timing Belt	Interference	130k
1.4L 4 Cyl. Hybrid 204 hp	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
2.0L 4 Cyl.	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime

2015 Audi A3 - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2015 Audi A3 gas models have a timing chain and an interference engine. The 2015 Audi A3 2.0L Diesel has a timing belt and interference engine.

2015 Audi A3 Timing Belt Or Chain

Engine	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-Interference	Replacement Interval (miles)
2.0L 4 Cyl. Diesel 220 hp	Timing Belt	Interference	130k
2.0L 4 Cyl.	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime

2013 Audi A3 - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 2013 Audi A3 2.0L gas engine has a timing chain and is an interference engine. The 2013 Audi A3 2.0L Diesel has a timing belt and interference engine.

2013 Audi A3 Timing Belt Or Chain

Engine	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-Interference	Replacement Interval (miles)
2.0L 4 Cyl. Diesel 140 hp	Timing Belt	Interference	130k
2.0L 4 Cyl. 200 hp	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime

2012 Audi A3 - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 2012 Audi A3 2.0L gas engine has a timing chain and is an interference engine. The 2012 Audi A3 2.0L Diesel has a timing belt and interference engine.

2012 Audi A3 Timing Belt Or Chain

Engine	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-Interference	Replacement Interval (miles)
2.0L 4 Cyl. Diesel 140 hp	Timing Belt	Interference	130k
2.0L 4 Cyl. 200 hp	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime

2011 Audi A3 - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 2011 Audi A3 2.0L gas engine has a timing chain and is an interference engine. The 2011 Audi A3 2.0L Diesel has a timing belt and interference engine.

2011 Audi A3 Timing Belt Or Chain

Engine	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-Interference	Replacement Interval (miles)
2.0L 4 Cyl. Diesel 140 hp	Timing Belt	Interference	130k
2.0L 4 Cyl. 200 hp	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime

2010 Audi A3 - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 2010 Audi A3 2.0L gas engine has a timing chain and is an interference engine. The 2010 Audi A3 2.0L Diesel has a timing belt and interference engine.

2010 Audi A3 Timing Belt Or Chain

Engine	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-Interference	Replacement Interval (miles)
2.0L 4 Cyl. Diesel 140 hp	Timing Belt	Interference	130k
2.0L 4 Cyl. 200 hp	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime

2009 Audi A3 - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2009 Audi A3 models have a timing chain and an interference engine.

2009 Audi A3 Timing Belt Or Chain

Engine	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-Interference	Replacement Interval (miles)
3.2L V6 250 hp	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
2.0L 4 Cyl. 200 hp	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime

2008 Audi A3 - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2008 Audi A3 models have a timing chain and an interference engine.

2008 Audi A3 Timing Belt Or Chain

Engine	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-Interference	Replacement Interval (miles)
3.2L V6 250 hp	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
2.0L 4 Cyl. 200 hp	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime

2007 Audi A3 - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2007 Audi A3 models have a timing chain and an interference engine.

2007 Audi A3 Timing Belt Or Chain

Engine	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-Interference	Replacement Interval (miles)
3.2L V6 250 hp	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
2.0L 4 Cyl. 200 hp	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime

2006 Audi A3 - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2006 Audi A3 models have a timing chain and an interference engine.

2006 Audi A3 Timing Belt Or Chain

Engine	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-Interference	Replacement Interval (miles)
3.2L V6 250 hp	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
2.0L 4 Cyl. 200 hp	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime

Timing Belt Basics

The primary purpose of the timing belt or timing chain is to maintain the timing (syncronization) between the crankshaft and the camshaft(s).

A timing belt is made of a rubber compound while a timing chain is made of chain similiar to a bicycle chain.

A timing belt wears out over time and must be replaced at the manufacturer's specified interval. Timing belt failure can result in serious engine damage.

Although a timing chain will wear over time it is usually good for the lifetime of the engine but it should be routinely inspected.