MotorDeets

2017 Audi S3: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2017 Audi S3: 2 recalls, 9 owner complaints and up to 24 mpg combined.

2vehicle recalls
9owner complaints
0mention a crash
24best combined mpg
2017 Audi S3
Photo: EurovisionNim · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Airbags Vehicle recall #17V196000 · 2017 · 11,618 vehicles

What's wrong: Volkswagen group of america, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Audi a3 and s3 sedan vehicles. In a lower-speed crash situation, the air bag control unit software May deploy the passenger frontal air bag improperly if the front seat passenger is sitting on the edge of the seat or is laying in the seat with the seat reclined. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor…

Why it matters: If the air bag deploys with more force than intended, it can increase the risk of injury.

The fix: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will update the air bag control module software, free of charge. The recall began April 20, 2017.

Airbags, Airbags Vehicle recall #21V198000 · 2021 · 153,152 vehicles

What's wrong: 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.

Why it matters: A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.

The fix: Dealers will replace the pods sensor mat and update the pods control module, free of charge. Owners letters were mailed December 23, 2021.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Airbags5
Body & structure1
Visibility/Wiper1
Other / unknown1
Forward collision avoidance1
Transmission & drivetrain1

What owners describe

The 2017 Audi S3 has 9 owner complaints, ranking #3 of 10 S3 model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 9). Complaints peaked in 2022 (4 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 28,859 miles. Neighboring years: 2016 (14 complaints, 3 recalls), 2018 (5 complaints, 1 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
2.0 L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S6)All-Wheel Drive212824Premium

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 2017 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
Check 2017 Audi S3 manual
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
Check 2017 Audi S3 manual
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
Check 2017 Audi S3 manual
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 2017 Audi S3 manual

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FAQ

Does the 2017 Audi S3 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2017 Audi S3. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2017 Audi S3 problems?

Owners have filed 9 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (5), body & structure (1), visibility/wiper (1).

What gas mileage does the 2017 Audi S3 get?

EPA ratings run up to 24 mpg combined (2.0 L, Automatic (AM-S6)), across 1 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2017 Audi S3 repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other S3 years

2015201620172018201920202021202220232024