Is the 2016 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 2016 Audi S3?

The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 79% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2016 Audi S3 have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

2016 Audi S3

○ Not enough data

2016 Audi S3
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:44:29.968Z

Only 14 complaints on file — too few 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.

Only 14 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 14
Recalls: 3
Investigations: 1
Top problem: —

Complaints per year

2016: 14 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

Only 14 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Air bags

11 of 14 total reports mention: air bags.

Show complaint excerpts

Received notice for safety recall to have PODs system repaired or replaced free of charge by Audi. Took my vehicle in for the recall. Audi wanted to charge me to complete this safety recall and refused to complete the recall if I didn't pay.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-04-13

Also filed under Seats

Front airbag recall was just completed but the car keeps toggling the front airbags on and off when driving. I also get a message that says Audi pre-sense system fault. Pic attached.

NHTSA ODI report, 2020-01-03

Front passenger airbag keeps shutting off and on when while driving and with a passenger sitting on the seat. Car was repaired once before for the same issue but the issue keeps showing again. A recall has been issued recently for this issue.

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-12-05

Also filed under Seats

Seats

4 of 14 total reports mention: seats.

Visibility/wiper

1 of 14 total reports mentions: visibility/wiper.

Seat belts

1 of 14 total reports mentions: seat belts.

Fuel/propulsion system

1 of 14 total reports mentions: fuel/propulsion system.

Safety timeline

3 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 →
R

2022-12-16Air bags22V543000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2016 Audi TT Roadster, TT Coupe, S3 Sedan, R8 Coupe, A3 Sedan, A3 Etron, A3 Cabriolet, 2016 Golf Sportwagen, Golf R, Golf GTI, Golf A7, and E Golf vehicles.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the front-passenger air bag module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 16, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834.

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

2016 Audi S3 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Air bags: 11 reports on file for this year.
Seats: 4 reports on file for this year.
Visibility/wiper: 1 report on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 19V474000 · Air bags
Recall 21V198000 · Air bags
Recall 22V543000 · Air bags

FAQ

Is the 2016 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 2016 Audi S3?: The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 79% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2016 Audi S3 have?: 3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.