2017 Audi S3 problems
The Audi S3 is a hot hatch version of the Audi A3 small family car, produced by German automaker Audi since 1999. S3 variants of both the first- and second-generation Audi A3 have been produced.
Like all Audi S models, it is only available with quattro four-wheel drive system.
First generation (Typ 8L, 1999-2003)
Overview
The first generation S3 is built on the same A platform of the Audi A3, Volkswagen Golf Mk4, Audi TT, SEAT León and Škoda Octavia.
The straight-4 20v 1.8 L turbocharged petrol engine comes in two versions of power output: 210 PS (154 kW; 207 hp) and 225 PS (165 kW; 222 hp). Early models (1999–2001) had 210 PS (154 kW; 207 hp) which is said to be a de-tuned Audi TT engine, and was said to be reduced to lessen brand competition with the more powerful TT. Later models (2001–2003) had variable valve timing and 225 PS (165 kW; 222 hp). The engine provides a maximum 280 N⋅m (210 ft⋅lbf) of torque, most of which is available from 2200 through to 5500 rpm. This is the first time a small five-valve engine has been used in an Audi S-series car..
Although dubbed "quattro", the S3 uses a different "on-demand" four-wheel drive system. The Haldex Traction coupling adjusts the bias of torque distribution from the front to rear axle as grip requirements change - most of the time it operates as a front-wheel drive.
The S3 was sold in the United Kingdom, Europe, Mexico, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand, but was not officially marketed in the United States.
The S3 was facelifted in 2000, where it was given one-piece headlights/indicator units, different front wings, rear lights clusters, and some minor upgrades to interior trim. There had been minor changes to the design previous to this, including digital clock on the dash.
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Common 2017 Audi S3 problems
The 2017 Audi S3 has been reported to have several common problems by its owners, including issues with the center console area, rattling from the trim surrounding the gearlever, and from the boot locking mechanism.
One of the most common issues reported is rattling from the center console area, mainly from the trim surrounding the gearlever, and from the boot locking mechanism. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including loose screws or worn-out components. It is important to check these areas when purchasing a used S3 to ensure that there are no rattling noises that could indicate a larger issue.
Another common problem reported is issues with the sat-nav screen, which can creak in use. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including loose screws or worn-out components. It is important to check the sat-nav screen when purchasing a used S3 to ensure that it is functioning properly and not causing any unwanted noises.
Water pumps have also been reported to leak in the 2017 Audi S3. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including worn-out seals or a faulty water pump. It is important to check the water pump when purchasing a used S3 to ensure that it is functioning properly and not causing any leaks.
The S3 has also been rated poorly for headlight bulb failure. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including worn-out bulbs or a faulty headlight assembly. It is important to check the headlights when purchasing a used S3 to ensure that they are functioning properly and not causing any issues.
In addition to these common problems, the S3 has also been reported to have issues with the fuel pump cam follower wearing and the oil breather valve sticking. These issues can be caused by a variety of factors, including high mileage or a lack of maintenance. It is important to check these components when purchasing a used S3 to ensure that they are functioning properly and not causing any issues.
Overall, the 2017 Audi S3 has been reported to have several common problems, including issues with the center console area, rattling from the trim surrounding the gearlever, and from the boot locking mechanism, problems with the sat-nav screen, water pump leaks, headlight bulb failure, fuel pump cam follower wearing, and oil breather valve sticking. It is important to thoroughly inspect a used S3 before purchasing to ensure that these common problems have been addressed and that the vehicle is in good working condition.
Is Audi S3 2017 reliable?
Nonetheless, the 2013-2020 A3 (and subsequently S3) is generally more reliable than the rival 2018-present Mercedes A-Class, but not as reliable as the 2011-2019 BMW 1 Series. As a car brand, Audi ranked 26th out of 32 a manufacturers, which is poor.
What is the common engine problem in the Audi S3?
Engine-Related Issues
Oil Consumption: Some owners have reported higher than normal oil consumption, which can lead to more frequent top-ups and potential long-term engine damage if not monitored.
How many miles will an Audi S3 last?
How long do Audis last? There are a lot of factors that can impact the lifespan of your car. If properly maintained, Audis can last for 10-13 years or as high as 20 years and can run about 1500,000-200,000 miles.
Is it worth it to buy an Audi S3?
Conclusion: it's a great starter performance car. On the road, where your surroundings don't sap speed quite like they do on track, it feels livelier. My other half, Sophie, took the wheel a fair few times and she always remarked on how much she liked driving it.
Is Audi S3 2017 reliable?
Nonetheless, the 2013-2020 A3 (and subsequently S3) is generally more reliable than the rival 2018-present Mercedes A-Class, but not as reliable as the 2011-2019 BMW 1 Series. As a car brand, Audi ranked 26th out of 32 a manufacturers, which is poor.
What is the common engine problem in the Audi S3?
Engine-Related Issues
Oil Consumption: Some owners have reported higher than normal oil consumption, which can lead to more frequent top-ups and potential long-term engine damage if not monitored.
Is it worth it to buy an Audi S3?
Conclusion: it's a great starter performance car. On the road, where your surroundings don't sap speed quite like they do on track, it feels livelier. My other half, Sophie, took the wheel a fair few times and she always remarked on how much she liked driving it.
Is an Audi S3 a good daily?
The Audi S3 managed to come with all the luxury and performance you need. However, the S3 Sedan also includes enough practicality to seamlessly use the car as your daily driver. This makes it the perfect daily driver for gearheads that are looking for the best of both worlds.
2017 Audi S3 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Audi S3 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Air bags problems
- Power train problems
- Forward collision avoidance problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Visibility/wiper problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2017 Audi S3 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2017 Audi S3 complaints
The NHTSA has received 9 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2017 Audi S3.
POWER TRAIN,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-11
- VIN: WAUB1GFF3H1
- Components: POWER TRAIN,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: transmission failed after going over a small pothole at 20mph, after which engine revved up than slammed into high gear and jerked the car forward, car has been towed to dealership for inspection, transmission light came on
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-09-13
- VIN: WAUB1GFF5H1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: I have contacted Audi dealerships in my area with regard to Manufacturer Recall Number 69BY NHTSA Recall Number 21V198. But they say they do not have the parts to fix the recall and have no idea when they can fix it
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-03-01
- VIN: WAUB1GFFXH1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The contact owns a 2017 Audi S3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V198000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was made aware of the issue and the contact was notified that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer had been notified of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-12-01
- VIN: WAUB1GFF3H1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The contact owns a 2017 Audi S3. The front passenger seat air bag warning light failed to illuminate whether there was a passenger seated in the seat or not. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V198000 (Air Bags). The dealer was contacted and the contact was informed that the part was not available. Several months later an appointment was scheduled; however, later the contact was informed that the part was not available. The contact stated that he rescheduled the appointment for 5/11/2022 and before going to the dealer he called to confirm however, he was informed that parts were not in stock and that the recall was closed due to parts not being available. The dealer stated that there was no time frame for parts availability. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall remedy. The case was closed due to an appointment being made. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 49,500.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-01-17
- VIN: WAUB1GFFXH1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The contact owns a 2017 Audi S3. The contact received NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V198000 (Air Bags). The owner contacted a local dealer to set up a recall appointment. The contact set the appointment and was told by the dealer that the parts would be ordered and that the dealer would contact the owner. The owner waited over one month and had to re-contact the dealer and was told that they no longer preorder parts and the recall was now first-come-first-serve. The contact was advised by the dealer that the appointment was canceled and the vehicle was still pending repair. The contact advised that the passenger airbag sensor light stays illuminated and the instructions in the recall letter advise not to allow a passenger in the front passenger seat. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-07-19
- VIN: WAUB1GFF8H1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: SEATPOD SENSOR FOR PASSENGER AIR BAG FAULT MESSAGES. HAD THIS REPAIRED DONE 4 TIMES SINCE PURCHASED NEW. I DON'T FEEL SAVE DRIVING IN THIS CAR. PLEASE HELP. BBB CANT HELP ME.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-10-24
- VIN: WAUB1GFF6H1
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS, HIGHWAY SPEED OF 65-75, THE CAR VIBRATES. I ATTEMPTED TO REACH OUT TO OTHER DRIVES AND THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON ISSUES ALL ACROSS THE BOARD. NOT LOCAL AND NOT SELECT YEAR. UNDER FURTHER HOMEWORK, MANY OTHERS HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS ONLINE. MANY OTHERS SHOW THE WORK THAT HAS BEEN DONE TO FIX THIS ISSUE, WITH OUT BEING SUCCESSFUL. WHEEL BEARINGS REPLACED, WHEELS BALANCED, CHECK FOR WHEEL DAMAGE AND EVEN DRIVE SHAFTS HAVE BEEN CHECKED. THE CARS STILL HAVE VIBRATION AROUND 65-75 MPH. MY CAR IS AROUND 44K MILES BUT MANY OTHERS HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS SINCE DAY ONE OF OWNERSHIP.
VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-09-25
- VIN: WAUB1GFF1H1
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: AFTER PURCHASING A 2017 AUDI S3 I IMMEDIATELY ENCOUNTERED HORRIBLE CHATTERING OF THE WIPER BLADES IN MY VERY FIRST DRIVE IN THE RAIN. I HAVE SUBSEQUENTLY TAKEN MY CAR TO THE AUDI DEALERSHIP TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE 10+ OCCASIONS. THIS CHATTERING AND SKIPPING OF THE WIPER BLADES IS SO BAD THAT I AND MANY OTHER A3 / S3 OWNERS NO LONGER USE OUR WIPERS IN THE RAIN AS THEY CAUSE MORE OF A DISTRACTION THAN GOOD. MOST OF US ARE NOW USING RAINX OR SOME OTHER REPELLENT TO EVACUATE THE WATER. I SENT THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP VIDEO IN 2017 AND SO FAR THEY HAVE : POLISHED THE WINDOW, REPLACED THE BLADES TWICE, REPLACED THE WINDSHIELD, REPLACED THE DRIVER SIDE WIPER ARM, AND NOW BACK TO POLISHING THE WINDOW AGAIN. I DECIDED TO ESCALATE TO AUDI USA AND RECEIVED THE FOLLOWING RESPONSE: WE UNDERSTAND WHEN PURCHASING A LUXURY VEHICLE YOU DON'T EXPECT CONCERNS TO ARISE. HOWEVER, OUR RESOURCES SHOW THE CHATTERING YOU'RE EXPERIENCING HAS BEEN REVIEWED BY MULTIPLE RESOURCES AND IT HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED AS OPERATING AS DESIGNED. WE REGRET TO LEARN THIS HAS NEGATIVELY IMPACTED YOUR AUDI EXPERIENCE AND WILL ENSURE THIS INFORMATION IS DOCUMENTED FOR OUR RECORDS. WHILE WE ARE UNABLE TO ASSIST WITH THIS CONCERN, SHOULD ANY NEW INFORMATION BECOME AVAILABLE, PLEASE DON'T HESITATE TO REACH BACK OUT TO US. THE REASON I AM BRINGING THIS TO NHTSA IS I BELIEVE THE LACK OF VISIBILITY, AND THE UTTER COMMOTION THIS CAUSES DURING RAIN IS DANGEROUS. I ALSO BELIEVE A3 / S3 OWNERS NOT USING THEIR WIPERS DURING THE RAIN IS ALSO DANGEROUS. I MUST EMPHASIZE, THE BLADES WORK FINE FOR ABOUT 5 - 10 MINUTES THEN THEY START CLATTERING AND JUMPING ALL OVER THE WINDOW. THIS CAN HAPPEN SITTING STILL BUT ESPECIALLY WHILE MOVING. LIGHT RAIN OR HARD RAIN DOESN'T MAKE A DIFFERENCE. ALTHOUGH I CHECKED 35MPH AND 18000 MILES THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON SINCE MILE ONE AND ALL SPEEDS.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-04-03
- VIN: WAUB1GFF8H1
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT 70 MPH WHEN MY SUNROOF EXPLODED FOR NO APPARENT REASON. I WAS VERY FORTUNATE TO HAVE NOT HAD AN ACCIDENT AS IT SOUNDED LIKE A GUN HAD GONE OFF IN MY CAR. I SPOKE WITH MY INSURANCE AGENT AND HE TOLD ME TO CALL AUDI BECAUSE IT IS A KNOWN PROBLEM. AUDI DID FIX THE CAR WHICH WAS HAD A TON OF DAMAGE BECAUSE THE GLASS WENT EVERYWHERE WHEN THE SUNROOF EXPLODED HOWEVER I WAS TOLD BY A GROUP OF ENGINEERS THAT THIS COULD HAPPEN AGAIN AND THAT THEY FELT THAT IT WAS A STRUCTURAL PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE. I DID NOT WANT THE CAR AT THAT POINT. I SPOKE WITH AUDI OF AMERICA AND THEY RESPONDED THEY WERE DOING ME A FAVOR BY FIXING THE VEHICLE AND THEY WOULD NOT BUY IT BACK FROM ME BECAUSE ALTHOUGH THEY HAVE HAD OTHER PEOPLE WITH THIS PROBLEM IT IS NOT A RECALL ISSUE YET.... THIS IS A DANGEROUS CAR - IF I HAD WRECKED ON THE FREEWAY I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED.
2017 Audi S3 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2017 Audi S3.
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
- Remedy: 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.
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Audi A3 and S3 Sedan vehicles. In a lower-speed crash situation, the air bag control unit software may deploy the passenger frontal air bag improperly if the front seat passenger is sitting on the edge of the seat or is laying in the seat with the seat reclined. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
- Consequence: If the air bag deploys with more force than intended, it can increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will update the air bag control module software, free of charge. The recall began April 20, 2017. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69Q3.
Negative 2017 Audi S3 car reviews
Positive 2017 Audi S3 car reviews
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I purchased this car on May 30th, 2015 and I have been blown away every time I get behind the wheel. Full disclosure: this is my fifth Audi in 30 years, so it's safe to say that I'm a big fan. The S3 is an incredible combination of power, speed, comfort, features, and appearance. It comes equipped with Homelink (garage door opener), manual sport seats (of Recaro quality), a navigation system, and a 'jukebox' (hard drive) that can hold up to 3,000 songs. The Bang & Olufsen sound system is fantastic, so I always rip my .mp3s at their highest resolution. The sales staff even provided an after-delivery tutorial session to help me set up the car's parameters. With switchable magnetic suspension and multiple drive and shift modes, this car can outperform even Corvette and Mustang drivers! Plus, it has 4-wheel drive! After 18 months, this car is still incredibly fast and agile, yet it can be driven comfortably in 'granny mode'. A good radar detector is helpful, as even a simple passing maneuver can put the car at 85-90 mph with no conscious effort. It takes gentle mountain curves at 110 mph with ease and a remarkable lack of drama, making a pleasant Sunday drive feel like a thrilling adventure. Not that I have ever done this, of course, but I have read glowing accounts on forums and YouTube.
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I rated the comfort neutral on this car as I'm of 6'8 stature, however I love smaller cars for their fun factor. That being said, I absolutely love everything about this car - from the way it drives, to the power, along with the fit and finish. I recently switched from a heavily modified Focus ST, as I grew tired of shifting gears during my 100mi round trip commute. The S3 has truly checked all the performance boxes for me, as I've already done a track day in the car and consistently frequent the canyons roads here in Southern California. If you're looking for a sedan that will bring a smile to your face while achieving 30mpg, then look no further, as this is the car for you!
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I recently moved from California and was hesitant to drive my two-seater RWD sports car in New Jersey winters. After test driving numerous AWD cars in the $30K to $60K range (which was fewer than I expected), I found that the S3 was an absolute blast to drive. It handles better than a Miata and the virtual cockpit is simply awesome. The only downside is the engine auto-stop/auto-start feature, which can be a bit hesitant. However, it's easy to disable and the default setting cannot be changed. Overall, the S3 is pretty much perfect. I've taken it on several long runs on rough/choppy pavement and it handles it like a champ. The only issue I had was with one of the proximity sensors, which needed resetting after driving through torrential (post-hurricane) rain. But it was no big deal.
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I recently traded in my 2016 Focus RS for an AUDI S3, which I find to be just as enjoyable to drive but with a more refined feel. The S3 is impressively quick when you want it to be, yet can also be quite economical. During a recent 200-mile trip to Dallas, I was able to achieve 30.4mpg while driving at 75+ mph. The fit and finish of the S3 is excellent, and I am very pleased with my decision to switch to this car. Looking back, I wish I had considered the S3 earlier as a potential option.
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Switching out of my aging (2007) BMW 335 was nerve-wracking, as I've always been a fan of BMWs. However, after settling into my new S3, I'm a solid convert. The handling and agility are tight and inspire confidence, while the acceleration is great, especially for the size of the engine. After taking it out for a spin, it took some effort to convince my friends and family that it was only a four-cylinder engine. Shifting into higher gear at high revs sounds great, but engine noise when daily driving is calm and unobtrusive. The size is perfect for an urban area when you still want to fit people in the backseat. I'm 5'11
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2017 Audi S3 problems:
8V Audi S3 reliability and common issues? : r/Audi
Nov 29, 2018 ... I plan on purchasing a low mileage used 2017, 2018, or just buying new if the price is right. I do have a few questions, though: What are any ...
S3 8V common faults? | Audi-Sport.net
Jun 14, 2017 ... Audi Forums A3 Series · A3/S3 (8V Chassis) · E · EthanHD. Registered User. Joined: Apr 24, 2017. Messages: 16. Reaction score: 22. Points: 3.
2017 Audi S3 problems : r/Audi
Jun 8, 2021 ... 2017 Audi S3 problems ... Alright I've had my 2017 S3 for about 8 months now and I absolutely love it. But it wasn't always that way about 3 weeks ...
Audi S3: Common Problems and Solutions | BreakerYard.com
Audi S3 Common Problems and Solutions · High Revs Cause Engine Hesitation · The Car Doesn't Start In Wet Weather · Poor Running · Overheating Thermostats · Window ...
2017 Audi S3 Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2017 Audi S3? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.
Other years of Audi S3
Are you having problems with your 2017 Audi S3?
Noble West 2025-03-25
Over the course of 6 months and 7100 miles, I have had a low coolant warning appear twice. However, the problem has not reoccurred and the car is performing well. As I approach 40k, I am happy to report that the car has been solid and still a joy to drive. The B&O sound system makes my commute so much better too. While I did experience an issue with the water pump housing being cracked, the dealer was able to fix it for $1600. Overall, my experience with Audi has had its ups and downs, but I still enjoy driving the car. However, I have found that the maintenance can be a bit costly and the dealers are often behind schedule. Looking back, I may have reconsidered my purchase, but I still appreciate the fun and peppy ride that the S3 provides.
Nikolas Halvorson 2024-07-15
I waited for the motor to be fully broken in before I measured its performance. After 18 months of ownership, I can honestly say that this S3 looks very nice, but it didn't have the acceleration or reliability I was hoping for. Additionally, the magnetic ride is a farce, and I get a banging noise on the rear passenger side strut, which bothers my passengers as well as me. The dealership says they don't hear anything, and this noise is normal, but other forum posters say it's not normal, as they are in the same predicament. Looks like I should have accepted the legal route after all. I think I'm going to have to look at a Lexus for my next purchase. Well, I've had the car for four years now, and after Audi fixed the rear shocks, the noise subsided. I'm happy to say that there have been no further problems. The mileage is about 27Mpg at 75MPH. It would be greater if it had an extra gear (which the 2018s and above have), but I didn't buy it for mileage. Still, it's a fast and fun car, and I can get another 75hp out of the motor with minimum modifications.