2017 Audi S3
Only 9 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 9 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 9
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2017
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2017: 9 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 9 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Air bags
5 of 9 total reports mention: air bags, most commonly citing occupant classification.
Visibility/wiper
1 of 9 total reports mentions: visibility/wiper.
Show complaint excerpts
After purchasing a 2017 Audi S3 I immediately encountered horrible chattering of the wiper blades in my very first drive in the rain. I have subsequently taken my car to the Audi dealership to address this issue 10+ occasions.
NHTSA ODI report, 2019-09-25
Structure
1 of 9 total reports mentions: structure, most commonly citing body.
Show complaint excerpts
I was driving on the freeway at 70 MPH when my sunroof exploded for no apparent reason. I was very fortunate to have not had an accident as it sounded like a gun had gone off in my car.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-04-17
Power train
1 of 9 total reports mentions: power train.
Show complaint excerpts
transmission failed after going over a small pothole at 20mph, after which engine revved up than slammed into high gear and jerked the car forward, car has been towed to dealership for inspection, transmission light came…
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-06-12
Also filed under Forward collision avoidance
Forward collision avoidance
1 of 9 total reports mentions: forward collision avoidance, most commonly citing automatic emergency braking.
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
2017-04-20Air bags17V196000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Audi A3 and S3 Sedan vehicles.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will update the air bag control module software, free of charge. The recall began April 20, 2017. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69Q3.
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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.
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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
2017 Audi S3 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 5 reports on file for this year.
- Visibility/wiper: 1 report on file for this year.
- Structure: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 17V196000 · Air bags
- Recall 21V198000 · Air bags
FAQ
- Is the 2017 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 2017 Audi S3?
- The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 56% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2017 Audi S3 have?
- 2 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.