2017 Audi S3: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2017 Audi S3: 2 recalls, 9 owner complaints and up to 24 mpg combined.

Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Airbags Vehicle recall #17V196000 · 2017 · 11,618 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: If the air bag deploys with more force than intended, it can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will update the air bag control module software, free of charge. The recall began April 20, 2017.
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.
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 (5): the most common themes are warning light on (2).
- Body & structure (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Visibility/Wiper (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Other / unknown (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2017 Audi S3 has 9 owner complaints, ranking #3 of 10 S3 model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 9). Complaints peaked in 2022 (4 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 28,859 miles. Neighboring years: 2016 (14 complaints, 3 recalls), 2018 (5 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 21 | 28 | 24 | 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 2017 Audi S3.
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FAQ
Does the 2017 Audi S3 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2017 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 2017 Audi S3 problems?
Owners have filed 9 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (5), body & structure (1), visibility/wiper (1).
What gas mileage does the 2017 Audi S3 get?
EPA ratings run up to 24 mpg combined (2.0 L, Automatic (AM-S6)), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2017 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.