Is the 2015 Audi S3 reliable?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.

What are the most common problems with the 2015 Audi S3?

The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 55% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2015 Audi S3 have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

2015 Audi S3

○ Not enough data

2015 Audi S3
RENDERED 2026-10-31T15:01:40.881Z

Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 53
Recalls: 2
Investigations: 1
Top problem: Air bags

Complaints per year

2015: 53 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2015	53
2016	14
2017	9
2018	5
2019	2
2020	1
2021	0
2022	2
2023	0
2024	2

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Air bags

55% · 29 reports

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

I got into an accident and my air bags didnât deploy

NHTSA ODI report, 2022-11-18

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-07-30

My car's passenger side front seat abruptly developed a sensor failure. The "Passenger airbag off" Light is lit, signaling the airbag won't deploy despite a passenger sitting in the seat. This is dangerous.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-10-07

Electrical system

17% · 9 reports

Fuel/propulsion system

13% · 7 reports

Show complaint excerpts

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).

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-31

While pumping gas, a strong odor is always present. While pumping gas the pump will stop multiple times before being filled in it's entirety, I can't hold depress gas pump handle I have to slowly fill car with gas or risk spilling fuel.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-12-22

Power train

11% · 6 reports

Show complaint excerpts

Highway driving and car felt as if it went into neutral. Several dash lights came on and car was only able to shift into first gear. I managed to safely get off the highway and avoid a disaster and / or accident.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-05-04

Seat belts

9% · 5 reports

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2019-09-12Air bags19V474000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Audi S3 Sedan, 2015-2019 A3 Sedan and A3 Cabriolet, 2016-2018 A3 e-tron, and 2017-2019 RS3 vehicles.

Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the connector and reroute the cable, free of charge. The recall began September 12, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 69Z4.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2021-12-23Air bags21V198000 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.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the PODS sensor mat and update the PODS control module, free of charge. Owners letters were mailed December 23, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 69BY.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2023-12-12Recall queryClosed 2024-07-01 Fuel Leak due to Suction Jet Pump Failure within Fuel Tank (Remedy Effectiveness of Recall 16V647)

Buy-smart checklist

2015 Audi S3 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Air bags: 29 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 9 reports on file for this year.
Fuel/propulsion system: 7 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 19V474000 · Air bags
Recall 21V198000 · Air bags

FAQ

Is the 2015 Audi S3 reliable?: There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2015 Audi S3?: The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 55% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2015 Audi S3 have?: 2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.