2015 Audi S3

53 complaints on file, page 1 of 3.

1. Filed Jul 31, 2026Failure Jul 17, 2026Phoenix, AZFuel/propulsion system

   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.

   NHTSA complaint 11754006
2. Filed Mar 26, 2026Failure Mar 24, 2026Coachella, CAFuel/propulsion system

   I am reporting a Safety Remedy Denial by Audi of America (Case #[XXX]) regarding a failed suction jet pump and charcoal canister in my 2015 Audi S3. This failure resulted in a fuel leak and strong fuel odor near the exhaust, creating an immediate fire hazard. ​ Although Audi issued a 15-year/150,000-mile warranty extension ([XXX]) for the 8V chassis A3 population, they are denying coverage for my S3 variant. This is in direct contradiction to Audi's own TSB 2068171/5, which explicitly states the A3 model group 'includes S and RS versions.' ​ The dealership (Audi Rancho Mirage, RO# [XXX]) confirmed the failure of the suction jet pump (Version 1.0/1.1) but refused the safety repair at no cost because the 'U49 Warranty Key' was not in their digital system. This component is part of NHTSA Recall 24V-110 and Investigation RQ23007. Audi is failing to honor federal safety protections for the S3 variant of the 8V chassis. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

   NHTSA complaint 11727270
3. Filed Mar 22, 2026Failure Mar 20, 2026Saint charles, MOFuel/propulsion system

   Gas pump shuts off and stops pumping fuel into my car with a loud hissing noise before it shuts down the pump. I can not properly fill my vehicle with gas. This is not a single incident it is an ongoing problem.

   NHTSA complaint 11726120
4. Filed Feb 19, 2026Failure Feb 11, 2026Pismo Beach, CAFuel/propulsion system

   Unable to refuel car. Gas pump keeps clicking off and fuel backs up spilling out of fuel port. Mechanic tested fuel system and reported fuel tank has faulty jet pump seal. Mechanic says a recall was effected for certain audi models with this issue due emissions dangers and fire risk.

   NHTSA complaint 11719022
5. Filed Nov 20, 2024Failure Sep 11, 2024Lake Forest, CAElectrical system

   Tail lights stopped working, the wire harness in the vehicle is known to get sheared due to a pinch point at the trunk hinge, this pinch point over a period of time will result in damage to the wire harness that controls the rear taillights as well as the opening and closing functions of the trunk. This is a known issue, with a TSB having been release, replacement is only offered if the damage is noticed during warranty period. This damage is hidden behind the trunk lining and can go unseen until the damage is done.

   NHTSA complaint 11626458
6. Filed Nov 20, 2024Failure Nov 20, 2024Lake Forest, CAElectrical system, Unknown or other

   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.

   NHTSA complaint 11626453
7. Filed Jul 30, 2024Failure Jul 15, 2024Glen Rock, NJAir bags

   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.

   NHTSA complaint 11605361
8. Filed Dec 22, 2023Failure Mar 1, 2023Portsmouth, RIFuel/propulsion system

   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 complaint 11561473
9. Filed Jun 12, 2023Failure Jun 9, 2023Leawood, KSFuel/propulsion system

   The EVAP suction pump stopped working resulting in refueling issues. Fuel accumulates in the EVAP system and spills outside the vehicle

   NHTSA complaint 11526561
10. Filed Jan 28, 2023Failure Mar 1, 2021Grand Junction, COAir bags

    I have had a passenger airbag recall since 2021, and I have tried to schedule the maintenance for that recall several times, but each of the 5 times that I’ve tried, the Audi dealership (in Glenwood Springs, CO) says they don’t have the parts in stock. Each time that happens, I’m told I’ve been put on the list for the next parts shipment. I am so tired of waiting, while in the meantime, my passengers are considered unsafe in this vehicle. I need to have this repaired soon, please. Thank you.

    NHTSA complaint 11504086
11. Filed Nov 18, 2022Failure Nov 17, 2022Boston, MAAir bagsCrash2 injured

    I got into an accident and my air bags didn’t deploy

    NHTSA complaint 11494186
12. Filed Nov 17, 2022Failure Nov 14, 2022Lakewood, COFuel/propulsion system

    Fuel tanks suction pump fails and will not allow you to fill the tank with gas. It will fill a vary small amount of gas then start draining it out onto the ground by the wheel well. If the exhaust is hot it could potentially catch fire

    NHTSA complaint 11494004
13. Filed Nov 15, 2022Failure Nov 15, 2022Marshall, MNVisibility/wiper

    Defroster flap motor keeps going out with code. Been looking up ways to fix and seems like it is a problem a lot of owners have with the 8v vehicles. Cannot see at all through windshield even with max defrost on. Can feel no air through vents.

    NHTSA complaint 11493721
14. Filed Oct 20, 2022Failure Mar 22, 2021Pass Christian, MSAir bags

    The contact owns a 2015 Audi A3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V198000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

    NHTSA complaint 11490200
15. Filed Sep 2, 2022Failure Sep 2, 2022Sharon, MAAir bags

    A recall for my car's PODS system has been in place since March of 2021 but Audi continues to inform me that the part is not available to fix the recall. It has been a year and a half since the recall and the passenger airbag in my car continues to turn on and off randomly. I feel that it's completely unacceptable to have to wait this long for a fix. I just spoke with my dealership today (Audi of Westwood, Massachusetts) and they again informed me that there are no parts available to complete the repair. I find this unacceptable and am filing this complaint.

    NHTSA complaint 11482560
16. Filed Aug 30, 2022Failure Aug 2, 2022Proctorville, OHAir bags

    I had scheduled with the dealership to have the PODS recall fix completed. While waiting for the scheduled date my vehicle began showing symptoms described in the recall and they were sporadic just as described in the recall and only lasted a few seconds. The dealer called and cancelled my appointment as there are no parts available and they do not know when the recall parts will become available again. Then in early August things got worse than described in the recall campaign. Now I get the same Audi pre sense error on the dash when starting the vehicle and the airbag is disabled. The front passenger airbag has been disabled since early August and is never enabled if there is a passenger or not. I called dealer and was still told that they do not know when parts will be available. Called Audi and was told the same information as in the recall to read the owner manual and avoid the front passenger seat. There is no way to use the front passenger seat safely as the airbags are disabled and no one can tell me when I may be able to get it fixed. For my family we need to use every seat in the car so there is no way to not have someone in the front passenger seat. I would like Audi to fix the issue or at the least give a date of when it would be able to fix the vehicle. I need Audi to respond so that I know if I need to make decision to sell the vehicle for my families safety.

    NHTSA complaint 11481928
17. Filed Aug 16, 2022Failure Aug 16, 2022Rancho Cordova, CAEngine

    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

    NHTSA complaint 11479581
18. Filed May 31, 2022Failure Aug 1, 2020Woburn, MAAir bags, Seats

    Audi has had a safety recall on this vehicle since I purchased the car in June 2019. In 2019 and early 2020, there were no issues. About two years into owning the vehicle, I started experiencing faults, error codes, and safety lights on my dash due to issues with the passenger seat air bag. I brought the vehicle to Audi Burlington in MA and they said that the issues I was having was due to the recall but there was no fix. In January of 2022, I received a letter saying that there was fix for the recall. I called to schedule an appointment and they were booked 6 months out due to part availability. I made my appointment for June 6th, first available. A few weeks before my appointment, I received a letter saying Audi of America was stopping the fix due to part availability and not to bring my car in to my appointment. This recall is preventing me from passing state inspection and is a safety issue for any passengers in the car.

    NHTSA complaint 11466835
19. Filed Nov 9, 2021Failure Feb 1, 2021Santa Clarita, CAAir bags

    The contact's husband owns a 2015 Audi S3. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, an abnormal beeping sound would emit from the passenger’s side occupant detection system while the passenger’s side seat was vacant. The passenger’s side air bag warning light would remain illuminated at start-up. The contact stated that she would either buckle the seat belt or place a heavy object in the passenger’s seat to stop the beeping. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed her that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V198000 (Air Bags) however, the part was not yet available. The manufacturer had been notified of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

    NHTSA complaint 11439882
20. Filed Oct 14, 2021Failure Oct 13, 2021Raleigh, NCSidewall

    Tire size is 225/40R18XL Driving east on US Highway 64 from Washington, NC to Raleigh, NC the low pressure alarm for passenger rear tire went off. 15-20 minutes later the tire blew out. We stopped to change to our spare and found that the inner side wall was blown out. This is the second tire in two months to do this.

    NHTSA complaint 11436796