2018 Audi S3: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2018 Audi S3: 1 recall, 5 owner complaints and up to 25 mpg combined.
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Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
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
- Transmission & drivetrain (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Fuel & propulsion (2): 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 2018 Audi S3 has 5 owner complaints, ranking #4 of 10 S3 model years for complaints (well below the 9 average). Complaints peaked in 2022 (2 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 6,250 miles. Neighboring years: 2017 (9 complaints, 2 recalls), 2019 (2 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S7) | All-Wheel Drive | 22 | 28 | 25 | 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 2018 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.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 2018 Audi S3 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2018 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 2018 Audi S3 problems?
Owners have filed 5 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are transmission & drivetrain (2), fuel & propulsion (2), visibility/wiper (1).
What gas mileage does the 2018 Audi S3 get?
EPA ratings run up to 25 mpg combined (2.0 L, Automatic (AM-S7)), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2018 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.