2016 Audi S3 recalls and problems
The 2016 Audi S3 has 3 safety recalls and 14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Audi dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2016 Audi S3 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2016 Audi S3 recalls
Recall 22V-543: Air Bags
Problem: 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.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in serious injury or death. An improper air bag deployment may not properly restrain the occupant, increasing their risk of injury in a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the front-passenger air bag module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 16, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69DY and 61C1.
Recall 21V-198: Air Bags
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.
Risk: A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
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.
Recall 19V-474: Air Bags
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.
Risk: A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
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.
2016 Audi S3 problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Air Bags | 11 | |
| Seats | 4 | |
| Unknown or Other | 2 | |
| Engine | 1 | |
| Seat Belts | 1 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 1 | |
| Back Over Prevention | 1 | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 |
Most reported parts
- Back Over Prevention › Warnings — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 50,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2016 Audi S3 complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Audi S3 years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2016 Audi S3 have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2016 Audi S3: 22V-543 (air bags), 21V-198 (air bags), 19V-474 (air bags). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2016 Audi S3?
Owners report air bags problems most often (11 reports), followed by seats (4). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 50,000 miles.
Are Audi recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Audi dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.