VehicleVerdict

2015 Audi S3 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 71 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 15.8 times the median S3 year — the 2015 model ranks #1 of 10 S3 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: airbags issues account for 41% of all reports (29 of 71), far ahead of electrical system at 10. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

71

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2015 compare to other S3 years?

S3 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2015 highlighted71 complaints2015: 71 complaints2016: 22 complaints2017: 10 complaints2018: 7 complaints2019: 2 complaints2020: 1 complaints2021: 0 complaints2022: 5 complaints2023: 0 complaints2024: 4 complaints
S3 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2015 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all S3 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2015 Audi S3 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags2941%
Electrical System1014%
Fuel System68%
Transmission68%
Seat Belts57%
Seats46%
Engine46%
Tires & Wheels34%
Visibility & Wipers11%
Body & Structure11%
Other11%
Brakes11%

Does the 2015 Audi S3 have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

21V198000AirbagsMarch 22, 2021 · 153,152 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the PODS sensor mat and update the PODS control module, free of charge. Owners letters were mailed December 23, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 69BY.

19V474000AirbagsJune 19, 2019 · 138,896 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Audi S3 Sedan, 2015-2019 A3 Sedan and A3 Cabriolet, 2016-2018 A3 e-tron, and 2017-2019 RS3 vehicles. An improper electrical contact may cause the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) to falsely detect a malfunction and deactivate the passenger air bag.

Consequence

A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy

Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the connector and reroute the cable, free of charge. The recall began September 12, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 69Z4.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“MY CAR'S PASSENGER SIDE FRONT SEAT ABRUPTLY DEVELOPED A SENSOR FAILURE. THE "PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF" LIGHT IS LIT, SIGNALING THE AIRBAG WON'T DEPLOY DESPITE A PASSENGER SITTING IN THE SEAT. THIS IS DANGEROUS. THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL ISSUED IN JUNE 2018 ON 140K AUDI CARS WITH SIMILAR PROBLEM, MY MODEL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · September 5, 2018

“MY CAR'S PASSENGER SIDE FRONT SEAT ABRUPTLY DEVELOPED A SENSOR FAILURE. THE "PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF" LIGHT IS LIT, SIGNALING THE AIRBAG WON'T DEPLOY DESPITE A PASSENGER SITTING IN THE SEAT. THIS IS DANGEROUS. THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL ISSUED IN JUNE 2018 ON 140K AUDI CARS WITH SIMILAR PROBLEM, MY MODEL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 5, 2018

“WHILE DRIVING THE TRANSMISSION GOES OUT OF GEAR COMPLETELY LEAVING ME SOMETIMES STRANDED IN THE MIDDLE OF A MULTILANE HIGHWAY UNABLE TO EVEN MOVE THE CAR TO A SAFE AREA. SOMETIME WHEN I GO TO REVERSE OUT OF A PARKING SPOT THE REVERSE GEAR DOESN'T EVEN ENGAGE, LEAVING ME STUCK FOR MINUTES AT A TIME…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · June 12, 2020

“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. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · February 11, 2026

“PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR SRS AIRBAG LIGHT WARNING COMES UP WHETHER OR NOT THERE IS A SEATED PASSENGER. PASSENGER IS NOT BEING DETECTED AND AIRBAG STAYS OFF. HAPPENS WHEN STATIONARY OR IN MOTION. VEHICLE IS ALWAYS GIVING WARNING SOUNDS THAT SEAT BELT IS NOT FASTENED. ISSUE TESTED BY DEALER.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · November 28, 2018

2015 Audi S3 — common questions

Is the 2015 Audi S3 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 71 complaints put the 2015 model at #1 of 10 S3 years. It is one of the S3 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2015 S3 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (29 complaints), electrical system (10 complaints), fuel system (6 complaints).

Does the 2015 Audi S3 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2015 Audi S3. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2015 Audi S3 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Audi S3 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the S3 years to avoid are 2015. The cleanest record among S3 years belongs to 2023.

How safe is the 2015 Audi S3?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2015 Audi S3 earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.