2016 Audi S3: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2016 Audi S3: 3 recalls, 14 owner complaints and up to 26 mpg combined.
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Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Airbags Vehicle recall #19V474000 · 2019 · 138,896 vehicles
What's wrong: Volkswagen group of america, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Audi s3 sedan, 2015-2019 a3 sedan and a3 cabriolet, 2016-2018 a3 e-tron, and 2017-2019 rs3 vehicles. An improper electrical contact May cause the passenger occupant detection system (pods) to falsely detect a malfunction and deactivate the passenger air bag.
Why it matters: A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the connector and reroute the cable, free of charge. The recall began September 12, 2019.
Airbags, Airbags Vehicle recall #21V198000 · 2021 · 153,152 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the pods sensor mat and update the pods control module, free of charge. Owners letters were mailed December 23, 2021.
Airbags Vehicle recall #22V543000 · 2022 · 1,216 vehicles
What's wrong: Volkswagen group of america, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2016 Audi tt roadster, tt coupe, s3 sedan, r8 coupe, a3 sedan, a3 etron, a3 cabriolet, 2016 golf sportwagen, golf r, golf gti, golf a7, and e golf vehicles. During air bag deployment, the front passenger air bag May explode or deploy improperly.
Why it matters: An inflator explosion May result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in serious injury or death. An improper air bag deployment May not properly restrain the occupant, increasing their risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the front-passenger air bag module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 16, 2022.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Airbags (11): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Seats (4): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Other / unknown (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Engine (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2016 Audi S3 has 14 owner complaints, ranking #2 of 10 S3 model years for complaints (1.6× the average S3 year). Complaints peaked in 2020 (7 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 44,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2015 (53 complaints, 2 recalls), 2017 (9 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 23 | 31 | 26 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2016 Audi S3.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2016 Audi S3 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2016 Audi S3. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2016 Audi S3 problems?
Owners have filed 14 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (11), seats (4), other / unknown (2).
What gas mileage does the 2016 Audi S3 get?
EPA ratings run up to 26 mpg combined (2.0 L, Automatic (AM-S6)), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2016 Audi S3 repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.