What are the most common problems with the 2015 Audi S3?

Owners have filed 53 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is air bags (29 complaints), followed by electrical system (9).

How many 2015 Audi S3 complaints mention a crash or fire?

1 of 53 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 2 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2015 Audi S3 recalls and problems

2 recalls and 53 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2015 Audi S3.

recalls

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2015 Audi S3 recalls

Air bags: sensor, occupant classification, front passenger · Air bags: on-off switch assembly

NHTSA campaign 21V198000 · reported March 22, 2021 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · 153,152 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: 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.
The risk: A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: 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.

Air bags: sensor, occupant classification

NHTSA campaign 19V474000 · reported June 19, 2019 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · 138,896 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: 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.
The risk: A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: 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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

Air bags29
Electrical system9
Fuel/propulsion system7
Power train6
Seat belts5
Engine4
Seats4
Wheels2
Electronic stability control (ESC)1
Service brakes1

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Jul 31, 2026 · Fuel/propulsion system
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…

Mar 26, 2026 · Fuel/propulsion system
I am reporting a Safety Remedy Denial by Audi of America (Case #[…]) 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…

Mar 22, 2026 · Fuel/propulsion system
Gas pump shuts off and stops pumping fuel into my car with a loud hissing noise before it shuts down the pump. I can not properly fill my vehicle with gas. This is not a single incident it is an ongoing problem.

Feb 19, 2026 · Fuel/propulsion system
Unable to refuel car. Gas pump keeps clicking off and fuel backs up spilling out of fuel port. Mechanic tested fuel system and reported fuel tank has faulty jet pump seal. Mechanic says a recall was effected for certain audi models with this issue due emissions dangers and fire risk.

Nov 20, 2024 · Unknown or other
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…

S3 model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes
2015	2	53	1
2016	3	14	0
2017	2	9	0
2018	1	5	0

All Audi S3 years →

Questions

Does the 2015 Audi S3 have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2015 Audi S3, the most recent reported on March 22, 2021 (Air bags: sensor, occupant classification, front passenger, Air bags: on-off switch assembly). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2015 Audi S3?: Owners have filed 53 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is air bags (29 complaints), followed by electrical system (9).
How many 2015 Audi S3 complaints mention a crash or fire?: 1 of 53 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 2 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received July 31, 2026.