Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2 | −33% | 7 | Seat Belt | Few |
| 2018 | 5 | −50% | 1 | Transmission | Good |
| 2017 | 9 | −65% | 2 | Airbag | Good |
| 2016 | 14 | −53% | 3 | Airbag | Good |
| 2015 | 53 | 3.8× | 2 | Airbag | Avoid |
* Complaints compared with the median S3 year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Audi S3 problems
Latest Audi S3 recalls
Back over prevention › Display function
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022 Golf R A8, Audi S3, RS3 Sedan, Q4 E-Tron SUV, A3 Sedan, and 2022-2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI, and ID4 vehicles. The rearview camera image may be blank or unresponsive when the vehicle is placed in reverse gear or when the park function is manually activated.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed to Audi owners February 14, 2023.
Equipment › Electrical › Infotainment › Video (touch)screen/monitor/unit
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021-2022 AUDI A8, A6 Allroad, E-TRON Quattro, 2022 S3, RSQ8, RS7, RS6 Avant, Q8, Q7, Q3, E-TRON Sportback Quattro, S5 Cabriolet, E-TRON GT, S5 Sportback, A7, A6, A5 Sportback, A5 Cabriolet, A4, A4 Allroad, A3, S8, SQ7, SQ8, S6, and S4 vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the infotainment main unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 6, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 91Ei.
Air bags › Frontal
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022 Audi S3, A3, and RS3 vehicles. The front passenger air bag may have been folded incorrectly.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 13, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2016 Audi TT Roadster, TT Coupe, S3 Sedan, R8 Coupe, A3 Sedan, A3 Etron, A3 Cabriolet, 2016 Golf Sportwagen, Golf R, Golf GTI, Golf A7, and E Golf vehicles. During air bag deployment, the front passenger air bag may explode or deploy improperly.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front-passenger air bag module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 16, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298.
Seat belts › Pretensioner
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022 Audi S3 and A3 sedans. The retention force of the seat belt tensioner on the driver and front passenger seats may be inadequate to properly restrain the occupants during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver and front passenger seat belt assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 15, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Audi S3 should you avoid?
2015 — this year has the most complaints relative to other S3 years at the same age, led by air bags problems in the 2015.
What is the best year for the Audi S3?
2017 has the fewest complaints compared with other S3 years at the same age, followed by 2016 and 2018. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Audi S3 problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the air bags (47), electrical system (10) and fuel & propulsion system (10). Airbag complaints peak in the 2015 model year.
How many recalls has the Audi S3 had?
11 recalls across 2015–2022. The model year with the most is 2022. See all Audi S3 recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.