2016 Audi S3 Safety Report
2016 Audi S3 Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2016 Audi S3
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2016 Audi S3. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | High (3) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Low (13) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 0 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Air Bags | Compare air bags issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2020 | Compare against the 2020 Audi S3 with 1 complaints and 1 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2015 | Check the 2015 Audi S3 before buying across this generation. |
Audi S3 Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Audi S3 years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Audi S3 | 9 | 2 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2015 Audi S3 | 51 | 2 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2018 Audi S3 | 5 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2019 Audi S3 | 2 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2020 Audi S3 | 1 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2024 Audi S3 | 2 | 0 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
2016 Audi S3 Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2016 Audi S3, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Air Bags
6 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Air Bags issues Audi onlyAir Bags,Seats
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Air Bags,Seats issues Audi onlyUnknown Or Other
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Audi onlyAir Bags,Seats,Unknown Or Other
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Air Bags,Seats,Unknown Or Other issues Audi onlyAir Bags,Fuel/Propulsion System,Back Over Prevention
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Air Bags,Fuel/Propulsion System,Back Over Prevention issues Audi onlyAir Bags,Seat Belts,Seats
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Air Bags,Seat Belts,Seats issues Audi onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2016 Audi S3
Reliability Score
The 2016 Audi S3 receives a reliability score of 5 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates below-average reliability. Significant issues have been reported by owners and should be carefully evaluated before purchase.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2016 Audi S3
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2016 Audi S3
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2016 Audi S3:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passenger Airbag System (Pods) Malfunction The recall for the Passenger Airbag System (PODS) has not fully resolved the issue, with the airbag continuing to malfunction. |
Medium | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Engine Overheating The car has overheated multiple times, nearly stranding the driver in the middle of the road. |
High | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2016 Audi S3:
Issues with the Passenger Airbag System (PODS) have been reported, leading to multiple recalls and malfunctions.
Engine overheating has been a common issue, leading to multiple visits to the dealership.
Recall Details for the 2016 Audi S3
The following 3 recalls have been issued for the 2016 Audi S3 by NHTSA:
Summary: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front-passenger air bag module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 16, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69DY and 61C1.
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.
Summary: 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.
Consequence: A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the connector and reroute the cable, free of charge. The recall began September 12, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 69Z4.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2016 Audi S3
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2016 Audi S3 with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
N/A
Received notice for safety recall to have PODs system repaired or replaced free of charge by Audi. Took my vehicle in for the recall. Audi wanted to charge me to complete this safety recall and refused to complete the recall if I didn't pay. This was bluegrass motorsports in Louisville ky. They also damaged my vehicles door trim and stole money from my glove box(my fault for leaving money inside)....
Where do I start? We have taken this car into the Audi dealership four times due to the engine. Overheating and being almost stranded in the middle of nowhere with it because oil was needing to be added to the engine all the time and after charging us hundreds and hundreds of dollars to do to plug in Their service computer system they finally realized that the car third high-pressure fuel pump lea...
1. PASSENGER AIRBAG HAS BEEN OFF FOR 2 WEEKS. 2. oN THE iNFORMATION SCREEN THERE HAS BEEN A SYSTEM MALFUNCTION EVER SINCE. 3. CAR HAS BEEN TAKEN FOR REPAIR TO DEALERSHIP FOR 3 TIMES AND THE ISSUE KEEPS COMING BACK.
CAR HAD NO ISSUES PRIOR TO RECALL 69Z4. AFTER AUDI DEALERSHIP PERFORMED WORK TO SATISFY RECALL 69Z4 (NHTSA 19V474), THE AFFECTED SYSTEM (PODS) NOW DOES NOT FUNCTION AT ALL. THIS RENDERS THE PASSENGER SEAT AIRBAG INOPERABLE REGARDLESS OF WHETHER IT IS OCCUPIED. AUDI WILL NOT COVER THE ADDITIONAL REPAIR TO THE SYSTEM THAT WAS PERFECTLY FUNCTIONAL UNTIL THEIR RECALL REPAIR WAS PERFORMED. THIS APPEARS...
POD WHICH CONTROLS THE PASSENGER AIR BAG
AIRBAG ISSUE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. A RECALL WAS DONE IN DECEMBER 2019 AND THE ISSUE PERSISTED AND NOW THE DEALER WANTS MORE THAN $1,300 TO FIX THE ISSUE.
AFTER BRINGING IN MY VEHICLE FOR SERVICE, THE DEALER INFORMED ME OF A NECESSARY RECALL REPAIR THAT WOULD PREVENT POTENTIAL PASSENGER AIRBAG FAILURE. I AUTHORIZED THE REPAIR, ALTHOUGH I HAD NOT ENCOUNTERED ANY ISSUES PRIOR. HOWEVER ABOUT A MONTH AFTER THE REPAIR, I BEGAN TO RECEIVE A FLASHING WARNING ON THE DASH WHILE DRIVING AND SOMETIMES IMMEDIATELY AFTER STARTING THE CAR WHILE STATIONARY WHICH R...
PASSENGER FRONT AIR BAG SEAT SENSOR WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY YET THE PROBLEM WASN'T FIXED. SEAT WONT DETECT PASSENGER AND PASSENGER AIRBAG WONT DEPLOY BECAUSE OF IT. AUDI SAYS THE WHOLE SENSOR NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AND IS A WEAR AND TEAR PART, WHICH IT IS NOT! THE NHSTSA MUST HOLD AUDI ACCOUNTABLE FOR A FULL FIX NOT A HALF FIX. DO YOUR JOBS!! LOOK INTO THIS PROBLEM ITS DANGEROUS!
DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS INDICATING AIR BAG IS OFF EVEN WHEN PASSENGER SEAT IS OCCUPIED. UNDER WARRANTY SERVICE WAS PERFORMED AND FAILED TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE, WAS TOLD BY DEALER THAT THE REPAIR WOULD BE $1400 DESPITE SAFETY RECALL AND INADEQUATE EFFORT MADE TO REPAIR VEHICLE SAFETY ISSUE UNDER WARRANTY. AUDI OF GRAPEVINE, TEXAS APPEAR TO BE CROOKS.
VERY SIMILAR TO THE RECALL FOR THE 2017-2018 AUDI A3, THE ENGINE COMPLETELY SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING AT SLOW SPEEDS SHORTLY AFTER STARTING THE CAR. THE CAR STARTS NORMALLY, SHIFTS INTO GEAR (DRIVE OR REVERSE) ACCELERATES NORMALLY, BEFORE THE ENGINE DIES (RPM GAUGE DROPS TO 0). THE CAR FORCES ME TO PUT IT IN PARK BEFORE STARTING NORMALLY WHEN PUSHING THE START/STOP BUTTON. IT HAS HAPPENED 15+ TIME...
FRONT AIRBAG RECALL WAS JUST COMPLETED BUT THE CAR KEEPS TOGGLING THE FRONT AIRBAGS ON AND OFF WHEN DRIVING. I ALSO GET A MESSAGE THAT SAYS AUDI PRE-SENSE SYSTEM FAULT. PIC ATTACHED.
FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG KEEPS SHUTTING OFF AND ON WHEN WHILE DRIVING AND WITH A PASSENGER SITTING ON THE SEAT. CAR WAS REPAIRED ONCE BEFORE FOR THE SAME ISSUE BUT THE ISSUE KEEPS SHOWING AGAIN. A RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED RECENTLY FOR THIS ISSUE.
NHTSA Defect Investigations for the 2016 Audi S3
NHTSA defect investigations are higher-signal than ordinary complaints because they indicate the agency opened a formal review of a potential safety defect. Some investigations later connect to recall campaigns; others close without a recall after review.
Component: Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Evaporative Emissions:Canister
Opened 2023-12-12 · Closed 2024-07-01
On December 12, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened RQ23-007 to investigate the remedy repair effectiveness and scope of Volkswagen (VW) recall 16V-647. Recall 16V-647 was issued on September 2, 2016, for a defective suction jet pump (SJP) inside the fuel tank. Failure of the SJP could lead to a fuel leak from the vehicle. This recall covered certain model year (MY) 2015-2016 Volkswagen Golf and Audi A3 passenger car vehicles. The recall remedy repair replaced SJP Version 1.0...
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2016 Audi S3
Has the 2016 AUDI S3 been recalled?
Yes, the 2016 AUDI S3 has 3 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2016 AUDI S3 have?
The 2016 AUDI S3 has 13 complaints filed with NHTSA. None of the complaints involved crashes. No injuries or deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2016 AUDI S3?
The 2016 AUDI S3 received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Frontal crash: 4/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 4/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 AUDI S3?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2016 AUDI S3 involve air bags (6 complaints), air bags,seats (2 complaints), unknown or other (1 complaints). Other affected components include air bags,seats,unknown or other, air bags,fuel/propulsion system,back over prevention, air bags,seat belts,seats.
How many crash reports does the 2016 AUDI S3 have?
There are no crash reports associated with the 2016 AUDI S3 in the NHTSA database.
How many fire reports does the 2016 AUDI S3 have?
There are no fire reports for the 2016 AUDI S3 in the NHTSA database.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2016 AUDI S3?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2016 AUDI S3.
How many injuries are reported for the 2016 AUDI S3?
No injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2016 AUDI S3.
Should I buy a 2016 AUDI S3?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2016 AUDI S3 is generally recommended. It has 13 complaints, 3 recalls, and a excellent (5/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2016 AUDI S3?
The components with the most failures on the 2016 AUDI S3 are: 1. AIR BAGS (6 complaints), 2. AIR BAGS,SEATS (2 complaints), 3. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (1 complaints), 4. AIR BAGS,SEATS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER (1 complaints), 5. AIR BAGS,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM,BACK OVER PREVENTION (1 complaints). AIR BAGS is the single most-reported problem area with 6 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2016 AUDI S3?
Be aware of potential airbag malfunctions and engine overheating issues. Regular maintenance and prompt recall servicing are recommended. The 2016 AUDI S3 has 13 NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).
How reliable is the 2016 AUDI S3?
The 2016 AUDI S3 receives a reliability score of 5/100, indicating below-average reliability. This is based on 13 owner complaints, 3 recalls, and 0 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Passenger Airbag System (PODS) Malfunction and Engine Overheating.
What are the known issues with the 2016 AUDI S3?
Known issues with the 2016 AUDI S3 include: Passenger Airbag System (PODS) Malfunction, Engine Overheating. These are based on patterns found across 13 NHTSA complaints. 3 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
What are the main safety concerns with the 2016 Audi S3?
The main safety concerns are airbag malfunctions and engine overheating, leading to potential airbag failure and being stranded on the road.
How many times has the engine overheated?
The engine has overheated multiple times, nearly stranding the driver in the middle of the road.
What should I do if I experience airbag malfunctions?
Contact your local Audi dealership for recall servicing to address the airbag malfunctions.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be aware of potential airbag malfunctions and engine overheating issues. Regular maintenance and prompt recall servicing are recommended.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2016 Audi S3
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2016 Audi S3. The data includes 13 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 3 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2016 Audi S3 an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-13