MotorDeets

Audi S3 problems, recalls & best years

The deets on every S3 from 2015 to 2024: 88 owner complaints and 19 recalls across 10 model years.

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2015 (53), 2016 (14), 2017 (9). Best fuel economy: 27 mpg combined (2022).

Audi S3
Photo: Calreyn88 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Problem areas across all years

Airbags49
Electrical11
Fuel & propulsion10
Transmission & drivetrain10
Seats8
Seat belts7
Other / unknown6
Engine5

Year by year

YearRecallsComplaintsBest mpg
201525326
201631426
20172924
20181525
20191225
20201125
202110–
20227227
20231026
20240226

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the Audi S3.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check Audi S3 manual

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FAQ

What is the worst year for the Audi S3?

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2015 (53), 2016 (14), 2017 (9).

How many recalls has the Audi S3 had?

Across 2015–2024, NHTSA lists 19 vehicle recall campaigns by model year (a campaign that covers several years counts once per year).