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.

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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.

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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.

Negative 2020 Audi S3 car reviews

Isaiah Boehm 2025-10-28

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.
Laurel Moore 2025-09-14

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 doesn'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.

Positive 2020 Audi S3 car reviews

Cleveland Herman 2025-11-11

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 where we set up the car's parameters. The switchable magnetic suspension, multiple drive and shift modes, and 4-wheel drive make this car stand out from the crowd. Even 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 the simple passing maneuver acceleration can put the car at 85-90 with no conscious effort. It takes gentle mountain curves at 110 with ease and a remarkable lack of drama, making a pleasant Sunday drive into take-me-to-jail territory. Not that I have done this, of course, but I have read glowing accounts on forums and YouTube.
Scottie Oberbrunner 2025-11-01

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.
Jeffrey Dickens 2025-10-16

The Audi 3 series cars have become a favorite of my wife and me due to their compact size and excellent maneuverability. I am very pleased with the performance of my car, which accelerates better than most of the highly vaunted muscle cars of the 1960s, while providing outstanding mileage and comfort. Although my car has a seven-speed DCT, contrary to what the Edmunds review states, I wish it had fewer electronic doodads. The Virtual Cockpit can be confusing at times and offers nothing useful to make it superior to the analog display that my A3 had. However, I do like the magnetic ride option, which gives a smoother, quieter ride than a standard suspension. Overall, I am happy with my purchase and would recommend the Audi 3 series to anyone looking for a reliable and fun car to drive.
Marlon Gorczany 2025-09-14

I see that you previously owned the 2015 Audi A3. Let me tell you, this car is on a whole other level! It's like a supercar in a sedan. The performance is incredibly powerful, the tech package is very well done, and the interior is truly best in class. You can even drive with the top down without sacrificing comfort. Plus, with all wheel drive, you can enjoy the excitement of this car all year round, while still maintaining 5 Star safety.
Keegan Graham 2025-09-10

I tried this while looking at the A3 and A4. Although I prefer smaller sedans and would have been content with the A3, the S3 was worth the extra cost for me due to its added acceleration and sport performance. The driving experience between the S3 and A3 is definitely different, with the S3 providing a definite rush due to its extra horsepower. If you enjoy a little 'vroom vroom' while driving, then this car is perfect for you. As of November 2017, I am still loving this car. I took it in for its 25,000 mile service and it is still going strong.

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 ...