VehicleVerdict

2016 Audi S3 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 22 complaints on file for the 2016 Audi S3 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

22

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2016 compare to other S3 years?

S3 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 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, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all S3 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 Audi S3 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags1150%
Seats418%
Other29%
Fuel System15%
Engine15%
Seat Belts15%
Driver Assistance15%
Visibility & Wipers15%

Does the 2016 Audi S3 have recalls?

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

22V543000AirbagsJuly 27, 2022 · 1,216 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2016 Audi TT Roadster, TT Coupe, S3 Sedan, R8 Coupe, A3 Sedan, A3 Etron, A3 Cabriolet, 2016 Golf Sportwagen, Golf R, Golf GTI, Golf A7, and E Golf vehicles. During air bag deployment, the front passenger air bag may explode or deploy improperly.

Consequence

An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in serious injury or death. An improper air bag deployment may not properly restrain the occupant, increasing their risk of injury in a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the front-passenger air bag module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 16, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69DY and 61C1.

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.

“DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS INDICATING AIR BAG IS OFF EVEN WHEN PASSENGER SEAT IS OCCUPIED. UNDER WARRANTY SERVICE WAS PERFORMED AND FAILED TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE, WAS TOLD BY DEALER THAT THE REPAIR WOULD BE $1400 DESPITE SAFETY RECALL AND INADEQUATE EFFORT MADE TO REPAIR VEHICLE SAFETY ISSUE UNDER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · January 1, 2017

“DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS INDICATING AIR BAG IS OFF EVEN WHEN PASSENGER SEAT IS OCCUPIED. UNDER WARRANTY SERVICE WAS PERFORMED AND FAILED TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE, WAS TOLD BY DEALER THAT THE REPAIR WOULD BE $1400 DESPITE SAFETY RECALL AND INADEQUATE EFFORT MADE TO REPAIR VEHICLE SAFETY ISSUE UNDER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seats · January 1, 2017

“Received notice for safety recall to have PODs system repaired or replaced free of charge by Audi. Took my vehicle in for the recall. Audi wanted to charge me to complete this safety recall and refused to complete the recall if I didn't pay. This was bluegrass motorsports in Louisville ky. They…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · December 22, 2022

“VERY SIMILAR TO THE RECALL FOR THE 2017-2018 AUDI A3, THE ENGINE COMPLETELY SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING AT SLOW SPEEDS SHORTLY AFTER STARTING THE CAR. THE CAR STARTS NORMALLY, SHIFTS INTO GEAR (DRIVE OR REVERSE) ACCELERATES NORMALLY, BEFORE THE ENGINE DIES (RPM GAUGE DROPS TO 0). THE CAR FORCES ME TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 9, 2020

2016 Audi S3 — common questions

Is the 2016 Audi S3 reliable?

The record is thin — 22 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2016 S3 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (11 complaints), seats (4 complaints), other (2 complaints).

Does the 2016 Audi S3 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2016 Audi S3. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2016 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 2016 Audi S3?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2016 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.