2020 Audi S3: common problems and reliability
An average S3 year.
The best Audi S3 year (few owner reports). All S3 years
1 owner complaint. 1 recall.
Should I buy a 2020 S3?The 2020 Audi S3 has 1 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 1 recall on record.
Safety record for the 2020 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2020 Audi S3 vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other S3 years only. How we score it
Is 2020 a good year for the S3?
Across the 8 S3 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (2020) to 53 (2015). With 1 complaints, the 2020 S3 sits below the model's median of 5.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Recalls affecting the 2020 S3
air bags:sensor:occupant classification:front passenger
Campaign 21V198000Volkswagen 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.
What owners say across generations
Overall sentiment is positive, with the S3 consistently praised as an excellent all-around daily driver that blends performance, luxury, and practicality.
Owner insights cover all generations of the S3. See the full S3 owner picture and every model year.
Other S3 model years
Compare every S3 year side by side to see how 2020 ranks against the rest.
Compare the S3 against its rivals
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