2015 Audi S3
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2015 | 52 |
| 2016 | 14 |
| 2017 | 9 |
| 2018 | 5 |
| 2019 | 2 |
| 2020 | 1 |
| 2021 | 0 |
| 2022 | 2 |
| 2023 | 0 |
| 2024 | 2 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
56% of complaints: air bags — 29 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I got into an accident and my air bags didnât deploy
NHTSA ODI report, 20221118
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, 20240730
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, 20181007
17% of complaints: electrical system — 9 distinct reports on file.
12% of complaints: power train — 6 distinct reports on file.
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, 20170504
12% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 6 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
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, 20231222
10% of complaints: seat belts — 5 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 19V474000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 21V198000 — check if this car was fixed
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
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (29 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (9 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 19V474000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V198000 (air bags) has been completed.
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 56% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2015 Audi S3 have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.