Audi S3 Best and Worst Years (2015–2024)

2015 Audi S3 Index 100 · 53 complaints · 2 recalls

The 2015 S3 has the highest complaint index (100) of any year and 53 total complaints, the most in the lineup. Airbags account for 55% of its issues, mainly passenger occupant detection sensor mat failures that trigger false 'airbag off' warnings, with a median failure mileage of 52,000. Electrical system complaints (17%) and transmission problems, including sudden loss of gears, were also reported. Two recalls cover airbag connector and PODS sensor replacement. One crash and two injuries are tied to this model year.

2015 airbags problems →

2016 Audi S3 Index 89 · 14 complaints · 3 recalls

The 2016 S3 carries a complaint index of 89 with 14 total complaints, 79% involving airbags. Owners reported the front passenger airbag toggling on and off while driving, sometimes even after recall repairs, with a median failure mileage of 38,000. Structure and body complaints, including sunroof issues, made up 29% of reports. Three recalls apply, covering the front-passenger airbag module and PODS sensor/module replacement. No crashes, fires, or injuries were reported for this year.

2017 Audi S3 Index 78 · 9 complaints · 2 recalls

The 2017 S3 shows a complaint index of 78 across 9 complaints, still enough to rank it among the years to avoid. Airbags made up 56% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 35,000, including passenger sensor faults that recurred after repeated repairs. Owners also reported a sunroof shattering while driving and one transmission failure after hitting a pothole. Two recalls address airbag control module software and the PODS sensor system. No crashes, fires, or injuries were reported.