2015-2020, 2022-2024 Audi S3 Problems & Issues
2015-2020, 2022-2024 model years · 294+ owner reports · Updated October 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 294+ owner reports, the 2015-2020, 2022-2024 Audi S3 has 5 documented known issues, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is Six-speed S tronic drops into limp mode or loses gears (owner reports). The most commonly reported issue is Carbon buildup on the intake valves (owner reports) with 178 owner reports. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
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All 5 Known Issues
NHTSA Recalls9 recalls
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi A8 and S8, 2022 Audi A5 Sportback, A4 Sedan, E-Tron GT, Q3, Q5, RS6 Avant, A3 Sedan, S5 Sportback, Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RSQ8, SQ7, SQ8, and S3 Sedan vehicles. A software error may prevent the rear-view image from initially displaying when the vehicle begins to reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
CHILD SEAT:VEHICLE LATCH ANCHOR
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2022 A3 Sedan and S3 Sedan vehicles. The child seat anchorage fitting sleeves are incorrectly marked with a different symbol than the one described in the owner's manual. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems."
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Volkswagen ID4, Audi A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, Q3, Q5, Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S4 Sedan, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, S5 Sportback, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, SQ8, and 2021-2022 S3 Sedan vehicles. The rear seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022 Audi S3 and A3 sedans. The retention force of the seat belt tensioner on the driver and front passenger seats may be inadequate to properly restrain the occupants during a crash.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022 Audi S3, A3, and RS3 vehicles. The front passenger air bag may have been folded incorrectly.
+ 4 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Audi S3 problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 294+ owner reports, the 2015-2020, 2022-2024 Audi S3 has 5 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Six-speed S tronic drops into limp mode or loses gears (owner reports), Carbon buildup on the intake valves (owner reports), Coolant leak traced to the coolant pump — bulletin 2071515. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Audi S3 reliable?
The 2015-2020, 2022-2024 Audi S3 has 5 known issues documented across 294+ owner reports. 1 issue is rated critical: Six-speed S tronic drops into limp mode or loses gears (owner reports). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
What year Audi S3 is the most reliable?
Reliability varies across model years of the Audi S3. Based on documented issues, problems are most commonly reported in earlier model years. Au7o recommends checking the specific known issues for your target year before purchasing, and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Our known issues database covers the 2015-2020, 2022-2024 Audi S3 with 5 documented issues documented across 294+ owner reports.
What is the 2015-2017 Audi S3 Six-speed S tronic drops into limp mode or loses gears (owner reports)?
Owners of 2015 S3s with the six-speed S tronic (DQ250) report the car stuck in limp mode or unable to use some gears, in one case with a 'gearbox malfunction, no reverse gear' warning. In these reports Audi of America agreed to replace one gearbox, and another owner had the mecha… Severity: high.
What is the 2015-2020 Audi S3 Carbon buildup on the intake valves (owner reports)?
Owners report carbon deposits baking onto the backs of the intake valves of the direct-injected 2.0 TFSI. One owner describes lost power, hesitation and shaking while waiting at traffic lights that he no longer felt after a shop walnut-blasted the valves. Owners note US-market ca… Severity: medium.
What is the 2020-2024 Audi S3 Coolant leak traced to the coolant pump — bulletin 2071515?
The owner sees coolant loss, a leak or the coolant warning lamp, and the workshop traces fresh leakage to the coolant pump. Audi cautions that a low level can instead come from insufficient bleeding at the factory or after an earlier repair. Applies to: 2020 and 2022-2024 Audi S3… Severity: medium.
What is the 2018 Audi S3 'Gearbox Malfunction' warning from the seven-speed S tronic auxiliary hydraulic pump — bulletin 2050723?
The 'Gearbox Malfunction' message appears and the transmission control module logs DTC P0C2900 (auxiliary transmission fluid pump driver circuit performance). Audi's bulletin traces it to a component issue with the gearbox's auxiliary hydraulic pump. Applies to: 2018 Audi S3 (Typ… Severity: medium.
What is the 2015-2020 Audi S3 Turbo wastegate rattle (owner reports)?
Owners on the A3/S3 8V forum report a metallic rattle from the turbocharger wastegate of the 2.0 TFSI, and one S3 owner says he has lived with it for three years. One owner says Audi treated it as a normal characteristic and offered no fix. Applies to: 2015-2020 Audi S3 (Typ 8V,… Severity: low.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.