Audi S3 Problems by Year
NHTSA has 88 owner complaints and 12 safety recalls on file for the Audi S3, across 10 model years (2015–2024). The 2015 model year has the most complaints (53). The most reported problem area overall is air bags.
Audi S3 years to avoid? What the complaint data shows
These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical S3 year: 2015, 2016. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.
Model years with the most complaints
Model years with the fewest complaints
Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.
Most common Audi S3 problems (all years)
| Problem area | Complaints | Model years | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Bags | 49 | 6 | 1 |
| Electrical System | 11 | 3 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 10 | 3 | 0 |
| Power Train | 10 | 4 | 0 |
| Seats | 8 | 2 | 0 |
| Seat Belts | 7 | 3 | 0 |
| Engine | 5 | 2 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 5 | 5 | 0 |
| Back Over Prevention | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Service Brakes | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Structure | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Wheels | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Tires | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 1 | 1 | 0 |
All Audi S3 model years
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Crash rating | Top problem | Compared with other years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 S3 | 2 | 0 | — | Back Over Prevention | |
| 2023 S3 | 0 | 1 | — | — | |
| 2022 S3 | 2 | 7 | — | Air Bags | |
| 2021 S3 | 0 | 1 | — | — | |
| 2020 S3 | 1 | 1 | 5★ | Unknown or Other | |
| 2019 S3 | 2 | 1 | 5★ | Air Bags | |
| 2018 S3 | 5 | 1 | 5★ | Fuel/propulsion System | |
| 2017 S3 | 9 | 2 | 5★ | Air Bags | |
| 2016 S3 | 14 | 3 | 5★ | Air Bags | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2015 S3 | 53 | 2 | 5★ | Air Bags | Far more complaints than other years |
More from Audi: all Audi models · Audi VIN decoder
Frequently asked questions
Which Audi S3 years should you stay away from?
By NHTSA complaints, 2015 (53), 2016 (14) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical S3 year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.
What is the biggest problem with the Audi S3?
Air Bags, with 49 complaints across 6 model years.
How many recalls does the Audi S3 have?
12 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.