Audi S3 years to avoid and best years
Newer Audi S3 years have about the same owner complaints per year as the older ones. 2017 has the most complaints per year, at 1 (9 complaints). Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2016 at 0 (from 14 complaints), 2020 at 0 (from 1 complaint), and 2019 at 0 (from 2 complaints). The Audi S3 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet. On the 2017 Audi S3, 5 of 9 complaints name Air bags.
Data as of .
2016
2020
2019
2025–26
Audi S3 reliability by year
Each year is complaints filed in that year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. A model year younger than 3 years is too early to compare, so it is left out of the years named as having the fewest or the most complaints. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market Audi S3. How we count.
By model year
| Year | Per year on the road | Complaints | Recalls | Most-filed complaint | Avg. combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Too early | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 26 |
| 2025 Too early | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 26 |
| 2024 | 1 | 2 | 0 | Electrical system, Service brakes, Back-over prevention | 26 |
| 2023 | 0 | 0 | 1 | — | 26 |
| 2022 → | 0 | 0 | 7 | — | 27 |
| 2020 Fewest | 0 | 1 | 1 | — | 25 |
| 2019 Fewest | 0 | 2 | 1 | Air bags | 25 |
| 2018 → | 1 | 5 | 1 | Powertrain | 25 |
| 2017 → Most | 1 | 9 | 2 | Air bags | 24 |
| 2016 → Fewest | 0 | 14 | 3 | Air bags | 26 |
| 2015 → | 1 | 53 | 2 | Air bags | 26 |
Years with a → link have a full model-year page.
What owners file about
Generations
- Body styles
- Sedan
- Oil
- 5W-30 or 5W-40 (VW 502.00 common US fills; ~6.0 qt with filter) · 6 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 225/40R18 or 235/35R19 (trim-dependent)
Known issues for this generation
Recall 19V474000 covers certain 2015-2016 Audi S3 Sedan models (with 2015-2019 A3 Sedan and A3 Cabriolet) where the Passenger Occupant Detection System may malfunction. Recall 21V198000 covers certain 2015-2020 S3 Sedan and A3 Sedan models (with A3 e-tron and other overlapping years) for a front-passenger occupant classification sensor concern as stated in NHTSA's summary.
- Body styles
- Sedan
- Oil
- 0W-30 (common US fills; ~6.0 qt with filter) · 6 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 225/40R18 or 235/35R19 (trim-dependent)
Known issues for this generation
Recall 22V224000 covers certain 2022 A3 Sedan and S3 Sedan vehicles where the child seat anchor may not meet the intended specification. Recall 22V515000 covers certain 2022 Audi S3 and A3 sedans for a seat belt pretensioner retention-force concern. Recall 22V652000 covers certain 2022 Audi S3, A3, and RS3 vehicles for a front passenger air bag concern as stated in NHTSA's summary.
Frequently asked questions
Which Audi S3 years have fewer owner complaints?
Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2016 at 0 (from 14 complaints), 2020 at 0 (from 1 complaint), and 2019 at 0 (from 2 complaints).
Which Audi S3 year has the most owner complaints?
2017 has the most complaints per year, at 1 (9 complaints). On the 2017 Audi S3, 5 of 9 complaints name Air bags.
How do Audi S3 owner complaints compare by year?
Newer Audi S3 years have about the same owner complaints per year as the older ones.
Which Audi S3 years are too early to compare?
The Audi S3 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet.
What engine oil does an Audi S3 use?
8V-generation S3 models commonly use 5W-30/5W-40 (~6.0 qt); 8Y models commonly list 0W-30 (~6.0 qt)—confirm VW oil specs on the container.
What tire sizes does an Audi S3 use?
OEM sizes commonly include 225/40R18 and 235/35R19 depending on wheel package.
What passenger detection recall covers certain S3 Sedans?
Recall 19V474000 covers certain 2015-2016 Audi S3 Sedan models (with A3 Sedan/Cabriolet) where the Passenger Occupant Detection System may malfunction.