Problems · NHTSA complaints
2015 Audi S3 problems
Owners filed 53 complaints about the 2015 Audi S3 with NHTSA between May 2017 and Jul 2026. The most-cited component is air bags (29).
Complaints
53
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
1
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
2
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Air bags29
- Electrical system9
- Fuel/propulsion system7
- Power train6
- Seat belts5
- Engine4
- Seats4
- Wheels2
- Visibility/wiper1
- Tires1
- Service brakes1
- Electronic stability control (esc)1
- Structure1
- Other / unknown1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 28, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
2
1
7
15
10
8
3
3
0
4
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2017 | 2 |
| 2018 | 1 |
| 2019 | 7 |
| 2020 | 15 |
| 2021 | 10 |
| 2022 | 8 |
| 2023 | 3 |
| 2024 | 3 |
| 2025 | 0 |
| 2026 | 4 |
Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
Air bags
29 reports1 crash2 related recalls
“When driving, without AND more importantly, WITH, a passenger in the front passenger seat, the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) light goes on and indicates that the passenger air bag has been deactivated. I looked on line and saw that Audi has already recalled certain 2015-2019 Audi A3 Sedans but apparently my car is not part of the initial recall. I think the recall is BIGGER than Audi estimated and that my car should also be part of the recall. I plan to take to Audi to repair.”
Electrical system
9 reports
“Gear Shift Micro Switch This is a documented issue recalled for VW and Audi vehicles between 2015-2019. VW recalled all and still is fixing the issue in cars from those years, yet AUDI decided to just offer an extended warranty to those cars for that specific issue. Who is responsible VW or AUDI. If Audi is owned by VW and the issue is in both types of cars made by them, why aren't AUDI vehicles included to the recall and repair.”
Fuel/propulsion system
7 reports
“A non-serviceable, faulty rollover valve inside the gas tank is causing the vehicle to leak fuel (also fails to contain fuel in the event of a rollover - exacerbating fire hazards in the event of an accident). The solution is to tear apart the entire bottom of the car to replace the entire gas tank. A $6,000 repair according to the Audi dealership - two local shops quoted $4,000. There are no warning messages. Discovered when I exited the vehicle to strong smell of gasoline as maybe a gallon had spilled outside the vehicle. Dealership was aware of the issue.”
Power train
6 reports
“Per dealer repair: GUEST STATES DISPLAY SHOWED ELECTRONIC MALFUNCTION THEN SEAT BELT STATED STO SHOW ON DISPLAY, DISPLAY SHOWED PUT CAR IN PARK AFTER TURNED OFF CAR THEN RESTARTED ALL LIGHTS WENT AWAY. CHECK AND ADVISE Comments: fault is for a micro switch inside shift mechanism that is sporadically failing. the complete shift mechanism needs replacement. when micro switch completely fails the shifter may not come out of park. I was also informed verbally that the shifter may malfunction while operational and shift out of gear. Total cost of the repair was approx $2,500.00. The screen shot attached included other repairs”
Seat belts
5 reports
“I GOT A PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF PROBLEM ON THE SECOND YEAR, AND KEEP GOING BACK TO DEALERSHIP TO CHECK THE PROBLEM UNTIL I GOT A RECALL NOTICE. AFTER HAVING THE PASSENGER AIRBAG SENSOR REPAIRED RECALL, THE CAR STILL COMES UP THE SAME PROBLEM PLUS THE PASSENGER SEATBELT OFF LIGHT UP. THE AUDI DEALERSHIP NOW TELL ME THAT THE PODS SENSOR IS FAULTY AND LET ME PAY FOR ITS SAFETY PROBLEMS. I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT HAVE IT DONE WITH MY CAR AFTER RECALL, AND I FEEL REALLY DISAPPOINTED WITH AUDI RIGHT NOW.”
Engine
4 reports
“Fault water pump/thermostat causing overheating and breakdowns. Known issue in other models with the same motor, yet no recall issued for the A3/S3 models with the 2.0 motor”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.