What are the most common Audi S3 problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 423+ owner reports, the 2015-2024 Audi S3 has 7 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) Failure, DQ250 DSG Mechatronic Unit Failure, DQ381 S-Tronic Mechatronic Unit Failure. Of these, 4 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Audi S3 reliable?

The 2015-2024 Audi S3 has 7 known issues documented across 423+ owner reports. 4 issues are rated critical: High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) Failure and DQ250 DSG Mechatronic Unit Failure and DQ381 S-Tronic Mechatronic Unit Failure and Water Pump and Thermostat Housing Failure (EA888 Gen 3). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Audi S3 problems?

Repair costs for known Audi S3 issues range from $200 to $5,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) Failure, typically costs $800-$1,800 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What year Audi S3 is the most reliable?

Reliability varies across model years of the Audi S3. Based on owner reports, issues are most commonly reported in earlier model years. Au7o recommends checking the specific known issues for your target year before purchasing, and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Our known issues database covers the 2015-2024 Audi S3 with 7 documented issues from 423+ owner reports.

Audi S3 Problems: 7 Issues Every Owner Should Know

Audi S3 Problems: 7 Issues Every Owner Should Know | Au7o

⚠️NHTSA Recalls9 recalls

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2023 Audi S3, RS3, and A3 vehicles. The Safety Certification label on the B-pillar is missing weight capacity information. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification."

Campaign #22V90100007/12/2022

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi A8 and S8, 2022 Audi A5 Sportback, A4 Sedan, E-Tron GT, Q3, Q5, RS6 Avant, A3 Sedan, S5 Sportback, Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RSQ8, SQ7, SQ8, and S3 Sedan vehicles. A software error may prevent the rear-view image from initially displaying when the vehicle begins to reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Campaign #21V82500020/10/2021

CHILD SEAT:VEHICLE LATCH ANCHOR

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2022 A3 Sedan and S3 Sedan vehicles. The child seat anchorage fitting sleeves are incorrectly marked with a different symbol than the one described in the owner's manual. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems."

Campaign #22V22400006/04/2022

BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022 Golf R A8, Audi S3, RS3 Sedan, Q4 E-Tron SUV, A3 Sedan, and 2022-2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI, and ID4 vehicles. The rearview camera image may be blank or unresponsive when the vehicle is placed in reverse gear or when the park function is manually activated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Campaign #22V82300002/11/2022

SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Volkswagen ID4, Audi A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, Q3, Q5, Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S4 Sedan, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, S5 Sportback, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, SQ8, and 2021-2022 S3 Sedan vehicles. The rear seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Campaign #21V60600005/08/2021

+ 4 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

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Audi S3 Problems: 7 Issues Every Owner Should Know

All 7 Known Issues

When Issues Typically Appear

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Audi S3 problems?

Is the Audi S3 reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Audi S3 problems?

What year Audi S3 is the most reliable?