Model year

2017 Audi S3

Sedan, gasoline, AWD/All-Wheel Drive, built in Hungary. Owner complaints on file from Apr 17, 2018 to Jun 12, 2024.

Recall campaigns covering this model year2165k vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints9Below the median 2017 sedan
Severity index0.02017 sedans average 7.4
First 24 months1Complaints in its first two years
Complaints over time

Complaints about the 2017 Audi S3 peaked in 2022, with 4 filed

Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.

012342018201920202021202242023202420252026
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Components

56% of complaints about the 2017 Audi S3 name airbags

Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.

Airbags
5
Driver assistance
1
Powertrain
1
Structure
1
Visibility and wipers
1
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls

2 recall campaigns cover the 2017 Audi S3

Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.

Recall campaigns for the 2017 Audi S3
CampaignFiledSubjectComponentVehiclesRemedy
21V-198Mar 22, 2021Passenger occupant detection system (PODS) may malfunction and switch off the passenger air bag even when the seat is occupiedAirbags153,152Part replacement
17V-196Mar 22, 2017In a lower-speed crash situation, the air bag control unit software may deploy the passenger frontal air bag improperly if the front seat…Airbags11,618Software update
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints

What owners reported about the 2017 Audi S3

The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.

9 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.

  1. Filed Jun 12, 2024Failure Jun 11, 2024Henderson, NVAutomatic emergency braking, Power train

    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 on

    NHTSA complaint 11594028
  2. Filed Sep 13, 2022Failure Sep 13, 2022Vienna, VAAir bags

    I have contacted Audi dealerships in my area with regard to Manufacturer Recall Number 69BY NHTSA Recall Number 21V198. But they say they do not have the parts to fix the recall and have no idea when they can fix it

    NHTSA complaint 11484281
  3. Filed May 23, 2022Failure Mar 1, 2021Orinda, CAAir bags

    The contact owns a 2017 Audi S3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V198000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was made aware of the issue and the contact was notified that parts were 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 contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

    NHTSA complaint 11465743
  4. Filed May 9, 2022Failure Dec 1, 202049,500 milesDraper, UTAir bags

    The contact owns a 2017 Audi S3. The front passenger seat air bag warning light failed to illuminate whether there was a passenger seated in the seat or not. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V198000 (Air Bags). The dealer was contacted and the contact was informed that the part was not available. Several months later an appointment was scheduled; however, later the contact was informed that the part was not available. The contact stated that he rescheduled the appointment for 5/11/2022 and before going to the dealer he called to confirm however, he was informed that parts were not in stock and that the recall was closed due to parts not being available. The dealer stated that there was no time frame for parts availability. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall remedy. The case was closed due to an appointment being made. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 49,500.

    NHTSA complaint 11463893
  5. Filed Feb 17, 2022Failure Jan 17, 202235,000 milesSouth San Francisco, CAOccupant classification

    The contact owns a 2017 Audi S3. The contact received NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V198000 (Air Bags). The owner contacted a local dealer to set up a recall appointment. The contact set the appointment and was told by the dealer that the parts would be ordered and that the dealer would contact the owner. The owner waited over one month and had to re-contact the dealer and was told that they no longer preorder parts and the recall was now first-come-first-serve. The contact was advised by the dealer that the appointment was canceled and the vehicle was still pending repair. The contact advised that the passenger airbag sensor light stays illuminated and the instructions in the recall letter advise not to allow a passenger in the front passenger seat. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11452610
  6. Filed Apr 7, 2020Failure Jul 19, 201822,718 milesTracy, CAAir bags

    SEATPOD SENSOR FOR PASSENGER AIR BAG FAULT MESSAGES. HAD THIS REPAIRED DONE 4 TIMES SINCE PURCHASED NEW. I DON'T FEEL SAVE DRIVING IN THIS CAR. PLEASE HELP. BBB CANT HELP ME.

    NHTSA complaint 11320434
  7. Filed Oct 25, 2019Failure Oct 24, 201944,000 milesAlbaby, ORUnknown or other

    UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS, HIGHWAY SPEED OF 65-75, THE CAR VIBRATES. I ATTEMPTED TO REACH OUT TO OTHER DRIVES AND THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON ISSUES ALL ACROSS THE BOARD. NOT LOCAL AND NOT SELECT YEAR. UNDER FURTHER HOMEWORK, MANY OTHERS HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS ONLINE. MANY OTHERS SHOW THE WORK THAT HAS BEEN DONE TO FIX THIS ISSUE, WITH OUT BEING SUCCESSFUL. WHEEL BEARINGS REPLACED, WHEELS BALANCED, CHECK FOR WHEEL DAMAGE AND EVEN DRIVE SHAFTS HAVE BEEN CHECKED. THE CARS STILL HAVE VIBRATION AROUND 65-75 MPH. MY CAR IS AROUND 44K MILES BUT MANY OTHERS HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS SINCE DAY ONE OF OWNERSHIP.

    NHTSA complaint 11270922
  8. Filed Sep 25, 2019Failure Sep 25, 201918,000 milesMuskogee, OKVisibility/wiper

    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. THIS CHATTERING AND SKIPPING OF THE WIPER BLADES IS SO BAD THAT I AND MANY OTHER A3 / S3 OWNERS NO LONGER USE OUR WIPERS IN THE RAIN AS THEY CAUSE MORE OF A DISTRACTION THAN GOOD. MOST OF US ARE NOW USING RAINX OR SOME OTHER REPELLENT TO EVACUATE THE WATER. I SENT THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP VIDEO IN 2017 AND SO FAR THEY HAVE : POLISHED THE WINDOW, REPLACED THE BLADES TWICE, REPLACED THE WINDSHIELD, REPLACED THE DRIVER SIDE WIPER ARM, AND NOW BACK TO POLISHING THE WINDOW AGAIN. I DECIDED TO ESCALATE TO AUDI USA AND RECEIVED THE FOLLOWING RESPONSE: WE UNDERSTAND WHEN PURCHASING A LUXURY VEHICLE YOU DON'T EXPECT CONCERNS TO ARISE. HOWEVER, OUR RESOURCES SHOW THE CHATTERING YOU'RE EXPERIENCING HAS BEEN REVIEWED BY MULTIPLE RESOURCES AND IT HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED AS OPERATING AS DESIGNED. WE REGRET TO LEARN THIS HAS NEGATIVELY IMPACTED YOUR AUDI EXPERIENCE AND WILL ENSURE THIS INFORMATION IS DOCUMENTED FOR OUR RECORDS. WHILE WE ARE UNABLE TO ASSIST WITH THIS CONCERN, SHOULD ANY NEW INFORMATION BECOME AVAILABLE, PLEASE DON'T HESITATE TO REACH BACK OUT TO US. THE REASON I AM BRINGING THIS TO NHTSA IS I BELIEVE THE LACK OF VISIBILITY, AND THE UTTER COMMOTION THIS CAUSES DURING RAIN IS DANGEROUS. I ALSO BELIEVE A3 / S3 OWNERS NOT USING THEIR WIPERS DURING THE RAIN IS ALSO DANGEROUS. I MUST EMPHASIZE, THE BLADES WORK FINE FOR ABOUT 5 - 10 MINUTES THEN THEY START CLATTERING AND JUMPING ALL OVER THE WINDOW. THIS CAN HAPPEN SITTING STILL BUT ESPECIALLY WHILE MOVING. LIGHT RAIN OR HARD RAIN DOESN'T MAKE A DIFFERENCE. ALTHOUGH I CHECKED 35MPH AND 18000 MILES THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON SINCE MILE ONE AND ALL SPEEDS.

    NHTSA complaint 11258174
  9. Filed Apr 17, 2018Failure Apr 3, 20186,703 milesLake Oswego, ORBody

    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. I SPOKE WITH MY INSURANCE AGENT AND HE TOLD ME TO CALL AUDI BECAUSE IT IS A KNOWN PROBLEM. AUDI DID FIX THE CAR WHICH WAS HAD A TON OF DAMAGE BECAUSE THE GLASS WENT EVERYWHERE WHEN THE SUNROOF EXPLODED HOWEVER I WAS TOLD BY A GROUP OF ENGINEERS THAT THIS COULD HAPPEN AGAIN AND THAT THEY FELT THAT IT WAS A STRUCTURAL PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE. I DID NOT WANT THE CAR AT THAT POINT. I SPOKE WITH AUDI OF AMERICA AND THEY RESPONDED THEY WERE DOING ME A FAVOR BY FIXING THE VEHICLE AND THEY WOULD NOT BUY IT BACK FROM ME BECAUSE ALTHOUGH THEY HAVE HAD OTHER PEOPLE WITH THIS PROBLEM IT IS NOT A RECALL ISSUE YET.... THIS IS A DANGEROUS CAR - IF I HAD WRECKED ON THE FREEWAY I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED.

    NHTSA complaint 11088634
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations

1 NHTSA investigation on file

  • RQ23007 Recall query, Fuel system
    Fuel Leak due to Suction Jet Pump Failure within Fuel Tank (Remedy Effectiveness of Recall 16V647)
    Opened Dec 12, 2023, closed Jul 1, 2024 · led to a recall
Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins

612 manufacturer communications cover this model year

Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall; the 60 most recent are listed.

  • TSB_2079732_2 Aug 11, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when there is a paint issue on alloy wheels.
  • TSB_2078648_3 Aug 4, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This service information TSB provides warranty coverage information for vehicles with a broken sunroof panel.
  • TSB_2076945_2 Aug 20, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information about leather care and seat repair.
  • TSB_2075120_3 Aug 11, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information about the general approach for brake vibration concerns.
  • TSB_2074436_3 Aug 26, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when the horn sound quality is poor.
  • TSB_20741717_15 Aug 11, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information on the GFF test plan required for AC compressor replacements regardless of the concern.
  • TSB_2072304_4 Aug 11, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when there is an ABS/ESC speed sensor implausible signal.
  • TSB_2069904_3 Aug 21, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information for all models regarding brake sounds.
  • TSB_2069078_4 Aug 21, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information on the zirconium insercts in the brake piston (ceramic brakes only).
  • TSB_2068999_4 Aug 21, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This TSB describes a corrosion issue due to outside influence and the prohibition of warranty in these cases.
  • TSB_2068629_3 Aug 24, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides informaiotn when there are rattling/grinding noises reported from the front end.
  • TSB_2067132_4 Aug 21, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when there is corrosion on the friction survace of steel brake discs.
  • TSB_2082846_1 Jul 27, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides a statement regarding the bottleneck of supply for VW approved oil types VW 504.00 and VW 507.00.
  • TSB_2078648_2 Jul 10, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This service information TSB provides warranty coverage information for vehicles with a broken sunroof panel.
  • TSB_2073747_4 Jul 9, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides informatoinw hent here are scratches or a coating on the cover of the instrument cluster, or particles inside of the housing.
  • TSB_2073282_1 Jul 9, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when there is a film/visible rings on the clear glass cover of the headlight when the dipped beam is switched on.
  • TSB_2043424_20 Jul 23, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when there are creaking/squeakignnoises from the front end on uneven roads.
  • TSB_2082323_1 Jun 10, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides informaiton when the engine is not running smoothly, misfiring.
  • TSB_2074640_3 Jun 26, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when there is increased oil consumption; >0.5ltr/1000 km.
  • TSB_2073867_3 Jun 4, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when DTC U140A00 Terminal 30 is stored in the ECM.
  • TSB_2059335_7 Jun 23, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when there are noises from the area around the instrument cluster.
  • TSB_2052680_6 Jun 4, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Reporting Obligation requires technicains to contact the Technical Assistance Center (TAC) in cases where the airbag/seatbelt is deployed/not deployed; general accident information; and fire and overheat damage.
  • TSB_2074729_3 Jun 23, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides informationwhen noises/vibration are detected from front of vehicle in dynamic mode.
  • TSB_2080517_4 May 22, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides informaiotn when the starter battery is discharged or defective.
  • TSB_2074808_4 May 6, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    The high-voltage batteries in electric vehicles are subject to various ageing effects which could lead to the energy content (energy density) being reduced. This reduction in the energy content, which is due to factors. Revised header. Added Model years
  • AOS-26-25 May 26, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct the issue: The ODIS Audi Brand update 2.41.1 is setting a ODS5003E error code when …
  • TSB_2080517_3 Apr 30, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides informaiotn when the starter battery is discharged or defective.
  • TSB_2070568_6 Apr 22, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information about professional noise analysis with the VAS 611 015 PICO-NVH tool
  • TSB_2022032_12 Apr 30, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides diagnostic information for the vehicle locking system.
  • TSB_2081531_1 Mar 27, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Reporting obligation requests that technicians contact the Technical Assistance Center (TAC) when the diagnostic tester refers to this reportin gobligation or to TPI 2033392.
  • TSB_2081409_1 Mar 26, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides informaiton regarding the Universal Traffic Recorder.
  • TSB_2081405_1 Mar 20, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides informaiotn about various infortainment system complaints.
  • TSB_2051095_11 Mar 13, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information about where to download the Audi frequency app.
  • TSB_2024323_13 Mar 17, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when the parking assistance gives false warnings.
  • TSB_2024323_12 Mar 2, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when the parking assistance gives false warnings.
  • TSB_2023187_8 Mar 24, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides informaiotn regarding squeaking noises when steering or maneuvering.
  • DC_Audi_CF_ Airbag Mar 2, 2026 · Other
    The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued an urgent warning regarding counterfeit replacement airbag inflators that are being installed in used vehicles.
  • TSB_2080517_2 Feb 17, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides informaiotn when the starter battery is discharged or defective.
  • TSB_2059335_6 Feb 17, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This TSB provides information when there are noises from the area around the instrument cluster.
  • TSB_2052680_4 Feb 12, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Reporting Obligation requires technicains to contact the Technical Assistance Center (TAC) in cases where the airbag/seatbelt is deployed/not deployed; general accident information; and fire and overheat damage.
  • TSB_2051095_10 Feb 20, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information on the use of the Audi frequencly analysis app, and where the application can be downloaded.
  • TSB_2021205_10 Feb 20, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information on VIN Plates, Safety Certification labels, and the ordering procedures.
  • TSB_2043424_19 Jan 30, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when there are creaking/squeakignnoises from the front end on uneven roads.
  • TSB_2080681_1 Jan 21, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information regarding contact checks for event memories, intermittent.
  • TSB_2080329_1 Jan 22, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides informaiotn when there are noises from the headliner.
  • TSB_2074846_4 Jan 13, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information about vibrations and rotational steering vibrations.
  • TSB_2060750_5 Jan 14, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information regarding UV leak additive for finding oil leaks.
  • TSB_2056019_5 Jan 5, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when the anti-theft alarm activates for no reason, or does not activate.
  • TSB_2080517_1 Dec 19, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides informaiotn when the starter battery is discharged or defective.
  • TSB_2061669_3 Dec 19, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides service infrmation for workshop mode with Audi connect vehicles.
  • TSB_2021205_9 Dec 16, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information on VIN Plates, Safety Certification labels, and the ordering procedures.
  • TSB_2079652_2 Dec 11, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when the Emergency call LED in the roof module is not lit up green.
  • TSB_2074808_3 Dec 11, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides additoinal information to assist in determining the energy content of lithium-ion high-voltage batteries.
  • TSB_2074640_2 Dec 11, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when there is increased oil consumption; >0.5ltr/1000 km.
  • TSB_2028220_13 Dec 11, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides regarding visual damage for all vehicles.
  • TSB_2080126_1 Dec 1, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when there is a noise from the fuel line.
  • TSB_2061397_2 Dec 3, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information about voice recognition performance, and bluetooth call quality issues on the other end of the line.
  • TSB_2018187_18 Dec 9, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when there are speaker rattles, vibrations, or audio interference.
  • TSB_2069904_2 Oct 22, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information for all models regarding brake sounds.
  • TSB_2079732_1 Oct 17, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when tehre is a paint issue on alloy wheels.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.