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.

Positive 2020 Audi S3 car reviews

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.
Haleigh Jacobs 2025-09-01

Update: 3/14/20. Although there's nothing particularly 'wrong' with my car, I feel it's time for a refresher. As a regular Audi renter via Silvercar when I travel, I've noticed how outdated my S3's displays and controls are. I'm also envious of the emergency braking and lane-hold tech that are now standard on even run-of-the-mill Hondas. The fully redesigned A3 was recently introduced at the Geneva auto show, and although I haven't seen the sedan version yet (only the fastback was shown), I may just wait for the new S3 to make it to the U.S. If I had to buy a new car today, I'd probably suggest the new-ish A5 or S5 sedan: it's a great-looking car priced much lower than its A7 counterpart. Updated review: 3/12/17. I'm still extremely happy with my car! It's better than the CLA 45 despite being $15K cheaper, and BMW's smallest sedan is a size up from the A3/S3 (comparable to an A4). Yes, it has most of the same underpinnings as the VW Golf R (minus the magnetic suspension, which is absolutely a must-have item), but VW still has the lingering question of how badly Dieselgate will ultimately impact resale values. I also wanted to comment on remarks made in a few reviews posted since I wrote my original one. I've had some curious issues with its Bluetooth system and my phone, but they're different from the ones mentioned by 'Barmoley'. Rather than streaming music getting automatically muted, I've found that the car's Bluetooth system automatically activates the last music app I used, even if I DON'T want to listen to music. Finally, I wanted to correct one error in Jim Glass's otherwise-excellent review: the S3 does include HomeLink, and I'm pretty sure it's standard equipment.The location of the programmable buttons is slightly odd, to the right of the driver-side visor, facing the left window. However, they are definitely there and easy to use. As a longtime BMW aficionado, I had some doubts at first about switching my allegiance over to Audi, but after owning my S3 for a while, I have ZERO regrets. The S3 is a pocket rocket in the truest sense of the term, with razor-sharp handling and incredibly quick acceleration for a four-cylinder vehicle. Audi has upped its game with its S-series of cars, while BMW seems to have lost its way in recent years. The Benz CLA 45 is the S3's only direct competition, but I found it to be subpar in nearly every way, most of all in terms of price. The S3 is the only one of the bunch that offers a measure of practicality to go with its sportiness. It has a surprisingly commodious trunk, with seats that fold down far more easily than those in any BMW I've ever owned. Rear leg room isn't great, but it's certainly better than that in a BMW 2-series (and only slightly less than that in a 3-series).
Tomas Corwin 2025-08-24

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
Titus Robel 2025-07-26

The back seats have low head room and the 19 inch wheels with 235 35 tires can be harsh at times. While the navigation and internet via cell connection are redundant with a smart phone, screen mirroring would cost less and work just as well, if not better. On the bright side, this car is very quick, handles very well, and has strong brakes. It took some getting used to the sensitivity of the brakes on the first touch, but they modulate well after that. The back seats can also fold down for cargo. After two track days at Atlanta Motorsports Park, I found that it was faster than a ctsv Cadillac and Chevy ss on this short, curvy track. Although it is expensive, it backs it up with refinement and capability. It goes like a Subaru in the snow with all season Continental dws 06 tires. I absolutely love it and hope to keep it for a long time. It's worth noting that carbon buildup on the intake valves and ports is a reported problem for direct injection engines, but after 35K miles, mine seems as strong and efficient as ever. While it's possible that a dyno test could show otherwise, I have no baseline test. I'm currently investigating carbon cleaning alternatives, with walnut shell abrasive blasting looking like the best option, although it is expensive at about $700. A before and after cleaning dyno comparison is possible.
Shaun Wunsch 2025-07-13

Hey there! I'm a huge car enthusiast and this is actually my 38th car purchase! I just wanted to point out that there is a USB port in the console under the armrest, right next to the Audi connect port. I've owned several BMW's, including 3 and 5 series, a Z4 3.0, and a bunch of Benzes ranging from S-Class and G-Wagen to SLK and CLK430, and currently a mint CLS500. Two cars before this purchase, I owned a Porsche Cayman S for 4 years. I've autocrossed, done track days, and been a sports car fan since the late 50's when I first saw Jim Kimberly in his Ferrari win a race. But enough about me, let's talk about the S3! I shopped around for the M235i and MB GLA45 AMG before making this purchase, and I have to say, the S3 is a true entry-level luxury rocket. It has all the tech anyone could want (and probably never use). Mine is a Prestige and has all the Driver's assistance goodies, e.g. adaptive cruise, lane assist, blind spot monitoring, Presense braking, etc. These things are truly workable and disconnectable, great for interstate cruising. Now there is also Launch Control, along with 4 driving modes. The sound when in Dynamic, or S drive is among the best I've heard. And did I mention this thing really does fly? Audi says 0-60 in 4.7 sec. Motor Trend, C&D say 4.4 sec. One does have to know how to make it launch, but it can be done in several ways. It only has one The B&O audio is fantastic and there are plenty of entertainment sound options available, including Sirius, two SD cards, BT streaming through your phone or iPad, and it all works seamlessly and automatically once hooked up. The MMI system is as noted by many auto magazines, easy to use, and has a really nice interface. In comparison to BMW or Benz interiors, the Audi's interior is much nicer and has more tech features. Additionally, when comparably equipped (to the extent possible), the BMW or Benz will cost $5-8,000 more. It's worth noting that Audi's depreciation is only 53% after 5 years. In summary, if you're in the market for a small luxury road rocket, you must give this car a look. As an update, I've now taken several road trips and have 8200+ miles on the odometer. The car continues to perform brilliantly, with my only gripe being the inability to receive text messages unless iMessage is disabled and Twitter responses being very limited. Other than those two issues, I continue to believe I made the right decision purchasing this wonderful little sedan. Now, after 2 years of ownership and 26k miles, my opinion hasn't changed. For me, this is a fantastic car. It hasn't been to the dealer except for oil changes. I waxed it last night and it still looks new. I love this car! An update was requested, and I can confirm that my S3 continues to be flawless. It hasn't been to the dealer for anything since I last reported. It's now due for an oil change/inspection. It continues to perform as new and everything still works as intended. Oh, and I tend to drive it like I stole it... I never leave it at a traffic light! Update 9/9/21: First, a correction noted by “It could be a bit better”. Homelink on my car was an option as I recall. My Prestige model did not include this. But the big news is that it left its home on March 16, 2021. The itch for something different became intolerable. I first got in line for a Ford Bronco, but when the first of many delays hit in the middle of the pandemic, I switched my online order to a Mustang Mach E Premium.I'm so glad to hear that you had a great experience with your Audi S3! Despite the expected arrival being delayed until early June, it sounds like the car was well worth the wait. It's impressive that you didn't experience any issues with the car, even after 5 years and 47,000 miles on the odometer. Based on your glowing recommendation, I would definitely consider an Audi S3 for my next car purchase. Thank you for sharing your positive experience! By the way, congratulations on your new driving experience with the First Edition Mustang Mach E 4X!

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 ...