Power
0–100 km/h
Top speed
Fuel (combined)
What owners say
Overview
Overall sentiment is positive, with the S3 consistently praised as an excellent all-around daily driver that blends performance, luxury, and practicality. Owners frequently describe it as "stupid fast," a "rocket," and a "blast" to drive, with the Quattro all-wheel drive system i
Best version
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus "best" model year or trim. Discussions indicate a preference for the 7-speed DSG (DQ381) transmission found in 2018+ models over the 6-speed (DQ250) for its smoothness and increased t
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearSource: NHTSA (US)Show table
Recall notices5 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2020 · air bags:sensor:occupant classification:front passengercampaign 21V198000
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.
2018 · air bags:sensor:occupant classification:front passengercampaign 21V198000
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.
2016 · air bags:sensor:occupant classificationcampaign 19V474000
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 passeng
2016 · air bags:sensor:occupant classification:front passengercampaign 21V198000
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.
2016 · air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator modulecampaign 22V543000
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.
Specifications
Generation
2.0 TFSI (333 Hp) quattro S tronic
From 2024-2026
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