2020 Audi S3 problems

General information about Audi-S3
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list
Negative car reviews
Positive car reviews

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.

Social links

Common 2020 Audi S3 problems

The Audi S3 2020 is a high-performance compact sedan known for its powerful engine, luxurious interior, and advanced technology features. However, like any vehicle, it is not immune to certain issues and problems that have been reported by some owners. Here are some of the common problems with the Audi S3 2020 based on complaints from owners:

Engine hesitation at high revs: Some Audi S3 2020 owners have reported engine hesitation at high revs, which can be caused by faulty coil packs, spark plugs, or injectors. It is recommended to check these components and replace them if necessary. If the coil packs are fine, then the spark plugs and injectors should be inspected and replaced as necessary.

Window malfunction: The windows of the Audi S3 2020 can have issues with the plastic clips that run up and down on the window regulator, which can break easily. Replacing the plastic clips with metal ones can solve the problem. It is also recommended to check the engine oil breather valve, which can stick and cause misfiring and boost issues. Changing the cam cover every 10,000 miles can prevent this problem .

Fuel cuts and loss of power: Some Audi S3 2020 owners have reported that the fuel keeps cutting out, causing a sudden loss of power. This problem can be caused by a worn-out fuel pump cam follower, which can damage the camshaft if not replaced. Replacing the fuel pump cam follower is a simple and easy solution to this problem.

Excessive steering wheel vibration: Some Audi S3 2020 owners have reported excessive steering wheel vibration, which can be caused by a worn-out top strut bearing. Replacing the top strut bearing is a simple and easy solution to this problem.

Transmission issues: Some Audi S3 2020 owners have reported transmission issues, such as rough downshifts, coolant leaks at the thermostat housing, and reverse not engaging. These issues can be caused by worn-out clutch plates, damaged seals, or faulty solenoids. It is recommended to check these components and replace them if necessary.

Start-stop technology issues: Some Audi S3 2020 owners have reported issues with the start-stop technology, which can shut off the engine at dangerous times and cause the accelerator to malfunction. This problem can be caused by a design defect in the start-stop system, which allows vehicles to roll away. It is recommended to seek legal advice if this problem occurs.

Airbag issues: Some Audi S3 2020 owners have reported airbag issues, which can deploy incorrectly during low-speed crashes. This problem can be caused by a software bug and can be solved by updating the software. It is recommended to check the airbag system and update the software if necessary.

In summary, the Audi S3 2020 is a high-performance compact sedan with some common problems related to the water pump, engine hesitation, window malfunction, fuel cuts, excessive steering wheel vibration, transmission issues, start-stop technology, and airbag issues. It is essential to address these problems promptly to ensure the safety and reliability of the vehicle.

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.

What is the common problem with Audi A3?

Audi A3 owners have encountered issues with the air conditioning and heating systems, such as inadequate cooling or heating, strange odors and noisy operation. These problems may result from faulty compressor units, refrigerant leaks or sensor failures.

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?

Is an Audi S3 a good daily?

What year Audi A3 is most reliable 2020?

Most Reliable Years For The Audi A3

Here are the best years so far for the Audi A3: 2013 Audi A3. 2019 Audi A3. 2020 Audi A3.

2020 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:

Unknown or other problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2020 Audi S3 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2020 Audi S3 complaints

The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2020 Audi S3.

2021-06-23

UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2021-06-22
VIN: WAUE1GFFXLA
Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Summary: 1) Sunroof exploded while merging onto highway from a rest stop (I believe I was still on the on ramp at the time) - Vehicle in the process of being fixed so probably not available for inspection but the collision shop has pictures 2) Fortunate I didn't freak out and was able to process the situation and not get into a collision. 3) not sure 4) The collision shop is inspecting the sun roof, but probably just to figure out what needs to be fixed. 5) Nope, just an explosion. Luckily I had the Sun curtain closed so none of the glass rained down on me.

Add Complaint

2020 Audi S3 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2020 Audi S3.

2021-03-22

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.

Positive 2020 Audi S3 car reviews

Dino Ernser 2025-02-22

I didn't intend to purchase an Audi, nor do I care about owning a If I had the chance, I would definitely buy it. Update as of November 2018: I am still the proud owner of this car and have no intentions of selling it. So far, I have not encountered any reliability issues, although it still has relatively low mileage. It continues to provide me with an impressive 25 mpg overall. I have noticed that the 2015 S3 version is quite rare on the road, as I hardly ever see any. Personally, I prefer the styling of this model over the newer ones with headlights that resemble check marks. I receive numerous compliments on the car and it seems to be quite popular.
Angelo Labadie 2025-02-16

I purchased a '15 Sepang Blue Premium Plus S3 at the end of June 2015. Since this was my personal car for commuting to and from work, I didn't go overboard with the options, choosing just a few: the performance package (primarily for the shocks and stylish wheels), the driver comfort package (with Homelink being the standout feature), and the Driver Assistance package (including a camera and back-up sensors). First and foremost, the car is an absolute joy to drive. Setting the exhaust to dynamic mode maximizes the engine's potential and gives it a considerably sportier sound. The engine is responsive and powerful. Although I suspect that my car may be an underachiever in terms of horsepower, as I'm not getting close to sub-5 second sprints to 60, this could also be due to my engine only having 3K on it. The car handles extremely well and feels as well-planted as anything I've ever owned, including my e92 335i coupe. The biggest disappointment for me is the gearbox. I find that there's a half-second of lag between input and response, which isn't turbo lag per se, but rather the gearbox being slow to respond to the input. This happens across the rev range, even in launch control mode. Audi really needs to look at the software and possibly tweak it. I know that other aftermarket parts suppliers have also noticed this and addressed it through add-ons. I also think that Audi should give this thing more than 6 forward speeds. I think that a 7 or 8 speed DSG would further help with performance and also improve highway mileage. As for the interior, the cabin is stylish and I particularly like the two-tone seats in mine. I went for the black/grey leather combination, as I find the black/red a little too garish for my taste. Overall, I like the interior, although a little more storage space would be welcome. The plastics on certain areas feel a little cheap, but the back seat leg space is sufficient for my kids, although adults could be a little cramped over long distances. All in all, I'm extremely pleased with my car and look forward to driving it.I hope they can address the minor items I've called out above, especially the transmission lag.
Lane Flatley 2025-01-27

I recently traded in my '14 Audi A6 Prestige (which was a great car) for a '15 S3 Prestige. The S3 is definitely more fun to drive! The power delivery is excellent, although there is a small bit of turbo lag (especially in regular 'D' mode). I think a 7-sp DSG (like in the S4) would've been better. The grip is outstanding and the car handles like it's on rails. Braking is also outstanding. Unfortunately, there are some cons for me, such as the lack of storage spaces (for sunglasses, etc.), no memory seat settings, no built-in garage door opener, and no heated steering wheel.
Lowell Kautzer 2025-01-18

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!
Seth Kiehn 2025-01-05

I'm really enjoying this car! I didn't expect to like it as much as I do, especially coming from driving a 2012 E93 BMW M3 convertible, which was an excellent car in its own right. I expected to enjoy the S3 after test driving it, but I never imagined that I would like driving it more than the M3. The M3 felt powerful and fast, while the S3 feels quick and nimble. It's difficult to explain, but for me, driving the S3 is more relaxing and controlled at the same time. The S3's steering and brakes are excellent, and I like the power delivery better than the M3's. In S mode, there's no turbo/transmission lag, and D mode is perfect for everyday driving. The Magnetic/Active damping makes the car more comfortable, and it's stiff, but not nearly as harsh as the M3 was. One thing I'm having a slight trouble with is the Bluetooth connection. I'm using it with my Nexus 6P, and streaming music gets muted very shortly after the car starts and Bluetooth gets connected. The music is still streamed, but sound is not coming through the car or the phone. I need to turn off Bluetooth on my phone and turn it back on to fix it. After that, all is well. Also, if I use Waze and Audible through Bluetooth, Waze interrupts the audiobook, but there is no sound coming from Waze, so I know that it was trying to tell me something, but not what it was trying to say.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2020 Audi S3 problems:

THE AUDI S3 (8V) BUYERS GUIDE | AVOID Buying until watching ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VUyg0D6fvM

Jan 31, 2022 ... Audi S3 8v common problems explained to make sure you get the best car possible with your hard earned money! Considering Subscribing?

8V Audi S3 reliability and common issues? : r/Audi

https://www.reddit.com/r/Audi/comments/a1hq0i/8v_audi_s3_reliability_and_common_issues/

Nov 29, 2018 ... Are there any reliability issues either electrical or mechanical for the 8V S3? Is the sport package/magnetic ride worth it? I'm definitely ...