Most common 2018 Audi S3 problems
Share of the 5 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Audi S3 complaints by model year
Best S3 years: 2017, 2016, 2018. Years to avoid: 2015. Compare all years →
2018 Audi S3 recalls (1)
Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classification › Front passenger
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Audi S3 Sedan, A3 Sedan, 2016-2018 A3 Etron, 2017-2020 RS3 Sedan, and 2015-2019 A3 Cabriolet vehicles. The passenger occupant detection system (PODS) may malfunction and switch off the passenger air bag even when the seat is occupied.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the PODS sensor mat and update the PODS control module, free of charge. Owners letters were mailed December 23, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2018 Audi S3:
Fuel Leak due to Suction Jet Pump Failure within Fuel Tank (Remedy Effectiveness of Recall 16V647)
On December 12, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened RQ23-007 to investigate the remedy repair effectiveness and scope of Volkswagen (VW) recall 16V-647. Recall 16V-647 was issued on September 2, 2016, for a defective suction jet pump (SJP) inside the fuel tank. Failure of the SJP could lead to a fuel leak from the vehicle.
2018 Audi S3 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 7-speed dual-clutch | AWD | 22 / 28 / 25 |
EPA ratings. Class: Subcompact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2018 Audi S3 a good car?
Based on 5 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2018 S3 rates better than average: 50% fewer complaints than a typical year of the S3 at the same age. It is one of the best S3 years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2018 Audi S3?
The transmission & drivetrain — 2 complaints, 40% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the fuel & propulsion system (2) and windows, wipers & sunroof (1).
How many recalls does the 2018 Audi S3 have?
There is 1 recall for the 2018 Audi S3, the most recent from March 22, 2021 (front passenger). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Audi S3?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2017, 2016 and 2018. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2015. See the full Audi S3 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2018 Audi S3 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 11,000 miles; 100% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.