2015-2024 Audi S3 Problems: 7 Known Issues

2015-2024 Audi S3 Problems: 7 Known Issues | Au7o

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."

Campaign #21V82500020/10/2021

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."

Campaign #22V22400006/04/2022

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."

Campaign #21V60600005/08/2021

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.

Campaign #22V51500020/07/2022

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.

Campaign #22V65200029/08/2022

+ 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 423+ owner reports, the 2015-2024 Audi S3 has 7 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) Failure, DQ250 DSG Mechatronic Unit Failure, DQ381 S-Tronic Mechatronic Unit Failure. Of these, 3 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Audi S3 reliable?

The 2015-2024 Audi S3 has 7 known issues documented across 423+ owner reports. 3 issues are rated critical: High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) Failure and DQ250 DSG Mechatronic Unit Failure and DQ381 S-Tronic Mechatronic Unit Failure. 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.

How much does it cost to fix common Audi S3 problems?

Repair costs for known Audi S3 issues range from $200 to $5,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) Failure, typically costs $800-$1,800 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

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 2015-2024 Audi S3 with 7 documented issues documented across 423+ owner reports.

What is the 2015-2024 Audi S3 High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) Failure?

The EA888 high-pressure fuel pump in the S3 can fail, causing long cranks, stalling, and fuel pressure faults. Early 2015-2017 models were most affected before an updated pump revision. Repairs typically run $800-$1,800. Severity: high.

What is the 2015-2024 Audi S3 DQ250 DSG Mechatronic Unit Failure?

The S3 7-speed DSG transmission can develop mechatronic unit faults causing harsh shifts, gear selection errors, and transmission warnings. Solenoid wear and valve body contamination are common root causes. Repairs typically run $1,500-$4,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2015-2024 Audi S3 DQ381 S-Tronic Mechatronic Unit Failure?

The Audi S3 (2015-2024) with the 7-speed DQ381 S-Tronic dual-clutch transmission experiences mechatronic unit failures that cause harsh shifting, limp mode, and complete loss of drive. The mechatronic unit (the transmission's electronic brain) contains clutch position sensors, so… Repairs typically run $500-$5,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2015-2024 Audi S3 EA888 Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves?

The direct-injected EA888 2.0T in the S3 is prone to carbon buildup on intake valves due to lack of port injection to wash deposits. Buildup worsens after 40,000 miles and causes rough idle, misfires, and power loss. Repairs typically run $400-$900. Severity: medium.

What is the 2015-2019 Audi S3 Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves (Pre-Dual Injection EA888 Gen 3)?

The Audi S3 (2015-2019) with the EA888 Gen 3 2.0T engine (before the Gen 3B dual-injection update) suffers from carbon buildup on intake valves, a hallmark issue of direct-injection engines. Without port injection to wash the valves, PCV oil vapors bake onto intake valve surfaces… Repairs typically run $500-$1,000. Severity: medium.

What is the 2015-2020 Audi S3 IS20 Turbocharger Wastegate Rattle and Actuator Failure?

The Audi S3 (2015-2020) uses the IHI IS20 turbocharger which develops a wastegate rattle due to wear in the wastegate arm pivot hole. The hole where the actuator arm peg fits wears open over time, allowing the wastegate flapper to vibrate loosely when not under boost. This create… Repairs typically run $200-$4,000. Severity: medium.

What is the 2020-2024 Audi S3 2020/2022-2024 Audi S3 2.0 TFSI Coolant-Pump Leak Diagnosis?

Audi TSB 2071515/1 covers 2020 and 2022-2024 S3 vehicles with a 2.0 TFSI engine when the owner reports coolant loss, a leak or a coolant warning and the workshop can assign fresh leakage to the coolant pump. Audi cautions that an apparent loss can instead follow insufficient blee… Severity: medium.

All 7 Known Issues

When Issues Typically Appear

DQ250 DSG Mechatronic Unit Failure#

DQ381 S-Tronic Mechatronic Unit Failure#

High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) Failure#

EA888 Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves#

Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves (Pre-Dual Injection EA888 Gen 3)#

IS20 Turbocharger Wastegate Rattle and Actuator Failure#

2020/2022-2024 Audi S3 2.0 TFSI Coolant-Pump Leak Diagnosis#

Other Audi Models