repaired · 2025 Q2
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
2016 Audi S3Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 14 owner complaints about the 2016 Audi S3, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 3 safety recalls, and for recall 22V-543 the manufacturer reports only 62% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through March 29, 2026. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2016 Audi S3 has problems
14 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
11Air bags
4Seats
1Fuel/propulsion system
1Seat belts
1Visibility/wiper
1Back over prevention
1Engine
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 11 | 0 |
| Seats | 4 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 1 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 1 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 1 | 0 |
| Back over prevention | 1 | 0 |
| Engine | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2016 Audi S3 recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2024 Q2
Air bags: on-off switch assembly
Risk. A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
repaired · 2020 Q4
Sensor: occupant classification
Risk. A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Audi.
Best & worst years
2016 vs. every other S3 year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the S3 median. How we score
'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2016 Audi S3 safety ratings
2016 Audi S3 4 DR AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (10.9% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Optional
- Lane departure warning: Optional
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2016 Audi S3, and the recalls they led to.
- Fuel Leak due to Suction Jet Pump Failure within Fuel Tank (Remedy Effectiveness of Recall 16V647)Led to recall 24V-110
In owners' words
What S3 owners report
Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
Received notice for safety recall to have PODs system repaired or replaced free of charge by Audi. Took my vehicle in for the recall. Audi wanted to charge me to complete this safety recall and refused to complete the recall if I didn't pay. This was bluegrass motorsports in Louisville ky. They…
Where do I start? We have taken this car into the Audi dealership four times due to the engine. Overheating and being almost stranded in the middle of nowhere with it because oil was needing to be added to the engine all the time and after charging us hundreds and hundreds of dollars to do to plug…
1. PASSENGER AIRBAG HAS BEEN OFF FOR 2 WEEKS. 2. oN THE iNFORMATION SCREEN THERE HAS BEEN A SYSTEM MALFUNCTION EVER SINCE. 3. CAR HAS BEEN TAKEN FOR REPAIR TO DEALERSHIP FOR 3 TIMES AND THE ISSUE KEEPS COMING BACK.
Own a 2016 S3?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.