2020 Audi S3 Problems: 3 Known Issues
2020 model year · 178+ owner reports · Updated October 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 178+ owner reports, the 2020 Audi S3 has 3 documented known issues. None of the listed issues is rated critical; this is not a complete reliability assessment. The most commonly reported issue is Carbon buildup on the intake valves (owner reports) with 178 owner reports. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
2020 · All trims · 2.0L TFSI
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All 3 Known Issues
NHTSA Recalls9 recalls
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
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. The passenger occupant detection system (PODS) may malfunction and switch off the passenger air bag even when the seat is occupied.
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."
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2023 Audi S3, RS3, and A3 vehicles. The Safety Certification label on the B-pillar is missing weight capacity information. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification."
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."
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022 Golf R A8, Audi S3, RS3 Sedan, Q4 E-Tron SUV, A3 Sedan, and 2022-2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI, and ID4 vehicles. The rearview camera image may be blank or unresponsive when the vehicle is placed in reverse gear or when the park function is manually activated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
+ 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 178+ owner reports, the 2020 Audi S3 has 3 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Carbon buildup on the intake valves (owner reports), Coolant leak traced to the coolant pump — bulletin 2071515, Turbo wastegate rattle (owner reports). None are rated critical, but regular maintenance is recommended.
Is the Audi S3 reliable?
The 2020 Audi S3 has 3 known issues documented across 178+ owner reports. None of the matching records is rated critical; this is not a complete reliability assessment. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
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 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.