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2018 Audi S3 recalls and problems

The 2018 Audi S3 has 1 safety recall and 5 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Audi dealer.

Recalls
1
Complaints
5
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2018 Audi S3 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2018 Audi S3 recalls

Recall 21V-198: Air Bags

Reported Mar 22, 2021 · 153,152 vehicles affected · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

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.

2018 Audi S3 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Power Train2
Fuel/Propulsion System2
Visibility/Wiper1
Unknown or Other1
Air Bags1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 10,500 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 2018 Audi S3 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Fuel/Propulsion System · reported Oct 25, 2024
Having the same issue as the NHTSA Part 573 Safety Recall Report, 24V-110. And, similar to NHTSA 16V647 associated with the Audi Safety Recall 20Y5 - Suction Pump. Apparently there is no recall for my S3, only the A3. Dealer has determined the suction pump and gas tank are faulty. (Inherit defect by manufacture?). Audi is not acknowledging any upcoming recall but may try to help through their assistance program.
Power Train · reported Jun 8, 2022
The car was put in Drive "D". As I roll out into traffic and start to accelerate, the car "bang" out of gear like it's in neutral, the revs climb, but the car doesn't accelerate and the "D" display disappeared from the instrument panel. The gear selector display on the instrument panel is now blank (instead of "D" if it was in gear or "N" if it was out of gear). I have to pull to the side of the road and stop and the "D" reappeared and then all seems to be fine again. This has happened twice in the last two months. I had a local mechanic scan the vehicle for transmission fault, but found…
Fuel/Propulsion System · at 2,000 miles · reported Jan 9, 2019
A) audi of central houston sold us 2018 s3 on aug13, 2018 with: 1) delaminating windshield creating a major safety hazard 2) defective wiper function nb: windshield was replacement on dec 31, 2019 when we had actually requested replacement of the vehicle with another brand new vehicle b) audi of north america (Through its dealer) has: 1) sold us a brand new car with fire hazard in its fuel lines on aug 13, 2018 2) failed to notify us to date (Jan 09, 2019) regarding recall code 20bk dealing with faulty fuel lines

Other Audi S3 years

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Frequently asked questions

Does the 2018 Audi S3 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2018 Audi S3: 21V-198 (air bags). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2018 Audi S3?

Owners report power train problems most often (2 reports), followed by fuel/propulsion system (2). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 10,500 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.