2015 Audi S3 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2015 Audi S3, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Airbags2940.8%
- Electrical912.7%
- Fuel system79.9%
- Powertrain (other)68.5%
- Seat belts57.0%
- Engine45.6%
- Interior & seats45.6%
- Other / unspecified22.8%
- Visibility11.4%
- Brakes11.4%
- Body & structure11.4%
- Tires & wheels11.4%
- Driver assistance11.4%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
When driving, without AND more importantly, WITH, a passenger in the front passenger seat, the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) light goes on and indicates that the passenger air bag has been deactivated. I looked on line and saw that Audi has already recalled certain 2015-2019 Audi A3 Sedans but apparently my car is not part of the initial recall. I think the recall is BIGGER than Audi estimated and that my car should also be part of the recall. I plan to take to Audi to repair.
I have had a passenger airbag recall since 2021, and I have tried to schedule the maintenance for that recall several times, but each of the 5 times that I’ve tried, the Audi dealership (in Glenwood Springs, CO) says they don’t have the parts in stock. Each time that happens, I’m told I’ve been put on the list for the next parts shipment. I am so tired of waiting, while in the meantime, my passengers are considered unsafe in this vehicle. I need to have this repaired soon, please. Thank you.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
Tail lights stopped working, the wire harness in the vehicle is known to get sheared due to a pinch point at the trunk hinge, this pinch point over a period of time will result in damage to the wire harness that controls the rear taillights as well as the opening and closing functions of the trunk. This is a known issue, with a TSB having been release, replacement is only offered if the damage is noticed during warranty period. This damage is hidden behind the trunk lining and can go unseen until the damage is done.
Gear Shift Micro Switch This is a documented issue recalled for VW and Audi vehicles between 2015-2019. VW recalled all and still is fixing the issue in cars from those years, yet AUDI decided to just offer an extended warranty to those cars for that specific issue. Who is responsible VW or AUDI. If Audi is owned by VW and the issue is in both types of cars made by them, why aren't AUDI vehicles included to the recall and repair.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
A non-serviceable, faulty rollover valve inside the gas tank is causing the vehicle to leak fuel (also fails to contain fuel in the event of a rollover - exacerbating fire hazards in the event of an accident). The solution is to tear apart the entire bottom of the car to replace the entire gas tank. A $6,000 repair according to the Audi dealership - two local shops quoted $4,000. There are no warning messages. Discovered when I exited the vehicle to strong smell of gasoline as maybe a gallon had spilled outside the vehicle. Dealership was aware of the issue.
I am reporting a Safety Remedy Denial by Audi of America (Case #[XXX]) regarding a failed suction jet pump and charcoal canister in my 2015 Audi S3. This failure resulted in a fuel leak and strong fuel odor near the exhaust, creating an immediate fire hazard. Although Audi issued a 15-year/150,000-mile warranty extension ([XXX]) for the 8V chassis A3 population, they are denying coverage for my S3 variant. This is in direct contradiction to Audi's own TSB 2068171/5, which explicitly states the A3 model group 'includes S and RS versions.' The dealership (Audi Rancho Mirage, RO# [XXX]) confirmed the failure of the suction jet pump (Version 1.0/1.1) but refused the safety repair at no cost because the 'U49 Warranty Key' was not in their digital system. This component is part of NHTSA Recall 24V-110 and Investigation RQ23007. Audi is failing to honor federal safety protections for the S3 variant of the 8V chassis. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
Per dealer repair: GUEST STATES DISPLAY SHOWED ELECTRONIC MALFUNCTION THEN SEAT BELT STATED STO SHOW ON DISPLAY, DISPLAY SHOWED PUT CAR IN PARK AFTER TURNED OFF CAR THEN RESTARTED ALL LIGHTS WENT AWAY. CHECK AND ADVISE Comments: fault is for a micro switch inside shift mechanism that is sporadically failing. the complete shift mechanism needs replacement. when micro switch completely fails the shifter may not come out of park. I was also informed verbally that the shifter may malfunction while operational and shift out of gear. Total cost of the repair was approx $2,500.00. The screen shot attached included other repairs
THE CAR HAS ISSUES WITH PARK LOCK WILL NOT STAY LOCKED AND WILL ROLL WITHOUT THE EMERGENCY BRAKE BEING USED ALSO THE CAR HAS DSG EMERGENCY MODE COME ON WHEN GOING INTO REVERSE. THE CAR HAS TRANSMISSION FAULT CODES CLUTCH 1 STAYING OPEN THE CAR WILL NOT GO INTO REVERSE AND HAS HAD MULTIPLE TRANSMISSION FAULT CODES THE FIRST CODE WAS UNEXPECTED / IMPLAUSIBLE MECHANICAL GEAR DISENGAGEMENT P2711 00 [200] - THE CAR WAS THEN WORKED ON AND WHAT WAS FOUND WAS BURNED CLUTCH DISKS THE CLUTCH PACK WAS THEN REPLACED BUT NOW A CODE OF CLUTCH 1 OPENS UNINTENTIONALLY P175D 00 [072] THE CAR ALSO WILL NOT STAY PARKED WHEN LEFT IN PARK IT WILL ROLL AND COULD POSSIBLY KILL SOMEONE BECAUSE THE PARK LOCK IS NOT WORKING
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
I GOT A PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF PROBLEM ON THE SECOND YEAR, AND KEEP GOING BACK TO DEALERSHIP TO CHECK THE PROBLEM UNTIL I GOT A RECALL NOTICE. AFTER HAVING THE PASSENGER AIRBAG SENSOR REPAIRED RECALL, THE CAR STILL COMES UP THE SAME PROBLEM PLUS THE PASSENGER SEATBELT OFF LIGHT UP. THE AUDI DEALERSHIP NOW TELL ME THAT THE PODS SENSOR IS FAULTY AND LET ME PAY FOR ITS SAFETY PROBLEMS. I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT HAVE IT DONE WITH MY CAR AFTER RECALL, AND I FEEL REALLY DISAPPOINTED WITH AUDI RIGHT NOW.
AFTER HAVING THE PASSENGER AIRBAG SENSOR REPAIRED PER RECALL CAMPAIGN 19V474000, I STARTED GETTING PASSENGER AIRBAG WARNINGS AGAIN. THE AUDI DEALERSHIP NOW SAYS THE PODS SENSOR IN THE SEAT ITSELF IS FAULTY, AND REQUIRES A >$1,700 REPAIR. GIVEN THE NUMBER OF TIMES THIS EXACTLY PROBLEM - HAVING THE PODS SENSOR FAIL AFTER HAVING THE RECALL ADDRESSED - HAS BEEN REPORTED TO THE NHTSA AND ON AUDI FORUMS, IT SEEMS PRETTY CLEAR THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE LIKELY EITHER ASSOCIATED WITH OR TRIGGERED BY THE RECALL ITSELF. IT LOOKS LIKE AUDI IS TRYING TO GET AWAY WITH A "CHEAP" FIX VIA THE RECALL, WHEN THERE IS A BROADER MORE EXPENSIVE ISSUE GOING ON.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
Fault water pump/thermostat causing overheating and breakdowns. Known issue in other models with the same motor, yet no recall issued for the A3/S3 models with the 2.0 motor
THE VEHICLE ENGINE LOST IGNITION POWER WHILE DRIVING, STRANDING THE VEHICLE IN TRAFFIC. INVESTIGATION BY THE DEALER REVEALED THAT COOLANT ENTERED THE ENGINE HARNESS VIA ELECTRONIC COOLANT VALVES AND PROGRESSED TO THE GRAY T14 CONNECTOR. COOLANT WAS FOUND AT THE VALVE CONNECTOR SOURCE AND IN THE ENGINE HARNESS CONNECTOR. THE COOLANT CAUSED THE VALVE TERMINAL, AND THE NEIGHBORING TERMINAL WHICH PROVIDES POWER TO ALL COILS TO CORRODE AND BREAK. AUDI RELEASED A TSB FOR THIS ISSUE (2045122) BUT ONLY CONSIDERS THIS AS A INTERMITTENT START PROBLEM. THE IDENTICAL PROBLEM WAS FOUND ON THE A8 MODELS PROMPTING RECALL NUMBER 16V619000. THIS RECALL SHOULD BE EXPANDED TO EARLY MODEL AUDI S3S AND MAYBE OTHERS.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
Audi has had a safety recall on this vehicle since I purchased the car in June 2019. In 2019 and early 2020, there were no issues. About two years into owning the vehicle, I started experiencing faults, error codes, and safety lights on my dash due to issues with the passenger seat air bag. I brought the vehicle to Audi Burlington in MA and they said that the issues I was having was due to the recall but there was no fix. In January of 2022, I received a letter saying that there was fix for the recall. I called to schedule an appointment and they were booked 6 months out due to part availability. I made my appointment for June 6th, first available. A few weeks before my appointment, I received a letter saying Audi of America was stopping the fix due to part availability and not to bring my car in to my appointment. This recall is preventing me from passing state inspection and is a safety issue for any passengers in the car.
THE PODS SENSOR IN THE ACTUAL PASSENGER SEAT IS FAULTY ON ALL AUDI A3/S3/RS3 MODELS AND WILL SHUT OFF THE AIRBAG WHILE DRIVING WITH A PASSENGER IN THE SEAT. THIS ISSUE IS NOT DUE TO THE CURRENT RECALL ON THE HARNESS BUT THE ACTUAL SEAT SENSOR. IT'S A KNOWN ISSUE THAT THE MANUFACTURE SHOULD HAVE A RECALL FOR.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
BACKGROUND: BOUGHT IT USED WITH 19,660 MILES. THE CAR WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY FOR ONE YEAR AFTER PURCHASE DATE. MULTIPLE PROBLEMS ARISE IN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS: 1. COOLANT LEAK DUE TO FAILED WATER PUMP. (NOTE: REPLACED UNDER DEALER'S 4YEAR/ 50K MILES NEW VEHICLE LIMITED WARRANTY). 2. MULTIPLE FAILED WHEEL BEARING (ONE FAILED AFTER THE OTHER). (NOTE: ONE WHEEL BEARING WAS REPLACED UNDER ABOVE MENTIONED WARRANTY BUT OTHER WHEEL BEARING(S) FAILED AND NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY.
HALDEX PUMP FAILURE, OCCURRED SLOWLY AND EXISTED FOR OVER A YEAR. I FINALLY SEARCHED FOR INFORMATION ON "FRONT RIGHT WHEEL SLIP AUDI S3" AND DISCOVERED THERE IS A WELL ESTABLISHED COMMUNITY OF PEOPLE WITH HALDEX PUMPS THAT STOP WORKING.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
Defroster flap motor keeps going out with code. Been looking up ways to fix and seems like it is a problem a lot of owners have with the 8v vehicles. Cannot see at all through windshield even with max defrost on. Can feel no air through vents.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE CAR HAS ISSUES WITH PARK LOCK WILL NOT STAY LOCKED AND WILL ROLL WITHOUT THE EMERGENCY BRAKE BEING USED ALSO THE CAR HAS DSG EMERGENCY MODE COME ON WHEN GOING INTO REVERSE. THE CAR HAS TRANSMISSION FAULT CODES CLUTCH 1 STAYING OPEN THE CAR WILL NOT GO INTO REVERSE AND HAS HAD MULTIPLE TRANSMISSION FAULT CODES THE FIRST CODE WAS UNEXPECTED / IMPLAUSIBLE MECHANICAL GEAR DISENGAGEMENT P2711 00 [200] - THE CAR WAS THEN WORKED ON AND WHAT WAS FOUND WAS BURNED CLUTCH DISKS THE CLUTCH PACK WAS THEN REPLACED BUT NOW A CODE OF CLUTCH 1 OPENS UNINTENTIONALLY P175D 00 [072] THE CAR ALSO WILL NOT STAY PARKED WHEN LEFT IN PARK IT WILL ROLL AND COULD POSSIBLY KILL SOMEONE BECAUSE THE PARK LOCK IS NOT WORKING
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
SUNROOF EXPLODED WHILE DRIVING (CAR WAS NOT INVOLVED IN ANY COLLISION). SUNROOF COMPLETELY SHATTERED INTO FRAGMENTS.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
Tire size is 225/40R18XL Driving east on US Highway 64 from Washington, NC to Raleigh, NC the low pressure alarm for passenger rear tire went off. 15-20 minutes later the tire blew out. We stopped to change to our spare and found that the inner side wall was blown out. This is the second tire in two months to do this.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
HALDEX PUMP FAILURE, OCCURRED SLOWLY AND EXISTED FOR OVER A YEAR. I FINALLY SEARCHED FOR INFORMATION ON "FRONT RIGHT WHEEL SLIP AUDI S3" AND DISCOVERED THERE IS A WELL ESTABLISHED COMMUNITY OF PEOPLE WITH HALDEX PUMPS THAT STOP WORKING.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .