VehicleVerdict

2017 Audi S3 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 10 complaints on file for the 2017 Audi S3 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 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.

10

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2017 compare to other S3 years?

S3 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 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, 2017 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all S3 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2017 Audi S3 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags550%
Driver Assistance110%
Other110%
Body & Structure110%
Transmission110%
Visibility & Wipers110%

Does the 2017 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.

17V196000AirbagsMarch 22, 2017 · 11,618 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Audi A3 and S3 Sedan vehicles. In a lower-speed crash situation, the air bag control unit software may deploy the passenger frontal air bag improperly if the front seat passenger is sitting on the edge of the seat or is laying in the seat with the seat reclined. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Consequence

If the air bag deploys with more force than intended, it can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

Audi will notify owners, and dealers will update the air bag control module software, free of charge. The recall began April 20, 2017. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69Q3.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“I have contacted Audi dealerships in my area with regard to Manufacturer Recall Number 69BY NHTSA Recall Number 21V198. But they say they do not have the parts to fix the recall and have no idea when they can fix it”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · September 13, 2022

“UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS, HIGHWAY SPEED OF 65-75, THE CAR VIBRATES. I ATTEMPTED TO REACH OUT TO OTHER DRIVES AND THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON ISSUES ALL ACROSS THE BOARD. NOT LOCAL AND NOT SELECT YEAR. UNDER FURTHER HOMEWORK, MANY OTHERS HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS ONLINE. MANY OTHERS SHOW THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · October 24, 2019

“transmission failed after going over a small pothole at 20mph, after which engine revved up than slammed into high gear and jerked the car forward, car has been towed to dealership for inspection, transmission light came on”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · June 11, 2024

“I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT 70 MPH WHEN MY SUNROOF EXPLODED FOR NO APPARENT REASON. I WAS VERY FORTUNATE TO HAVE NOT HAD AN ACCIDENT AS IT SOUNDED LIKE A GUN HAD GONE OFF IN MY CAR. I SPOKE WITH MY INSURANCE AGENT AND HE TOLD ME TO CALL AUDI BECAUSE IT IS A KNOWN PROBLEM. AUDI DID FIX THE CAR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · April 3, 2018

“AFTER PURCHASING A 2017 AUDI S3 I IMMEDIATELY ENCOUNTERED HORRIBLE CHATTERING OF THE WIPER BLADES IN MY VERY FIRST DRIVE IN THE RAIN. I HAVE SUBSEQUENTLY TAKEN MY CAR TO THE AUDI DEALERSHIP TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE 10+ OCCASIONS. THIS CHATTERING AND SKIPPING OF THE WIPER BLADES IS SO BAD THAT I AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · September 25, 2019

2017 Audi S3 — common questions

Is the 2017 Audi S3 reliable?

The record is thin — 10 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2017 S3 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (5 complaints), driver assistance (1 complaints), other (1 complaints).

Does the 2017 Audi S3 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2017 Audi S3. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2017 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 2017 Audi S3?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2017 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.