2017 Audi S3 Safety Report

2017 Audi S3: Excellent Crash Test Scores Marred by Persistent Airbag Recalls and Part Unavailability

9Complaints
2Recalls
★★★★★Safety Rating
65/100Reliability Score
Most reported components: Air Bags (5)Power Train,Forward Collision Avoidance (1)Unknown Or Other (1)Visibility/Wiper (1)Structure (1)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2017 Audi S3

The 2017 Audi S3 presents a mixed safety picture. While it boasts excellent crash test performance with an overall 5-star NHTSA rating, including 5 stars for side impact and 4 stars for frontal and rollover, its recall history and complaint data highlight significant concerns, particularly with the airbag system. There are 9 total complaints, with no reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths. However, 5 of these complaints are related to AIR BAGS, indicating a pattern of issues. Two recalls specifically address airbag problems: one for a deactivated passenger airbag increasing injury risk (NHTSA Recall 21V198000) and another for potential over-force deployment in lower-speed crashes (NHTSA Recall 17V002000). Several complaints detail owners' frustrations with the unavailability of parts for these airbag recalls, leaving them with unrepaired safety defects. Beyond airbags, other complaints are scattered, including one for POWER TRAIN (transmission failure after a pothole), one for VISIBILITY/WIPER (chattering wiper blades), and one for STRUCTURE (exploding sunroof). The low total complaint count (9) for a vehicle of this age is generally positive, but the concentration of airbag-related issues, coupled with active recalls for which parts are reportedly unavailable, is a significant concern. The vehicle's strong crash test ratings provide a baseline of protection, but the unresolved recall issues could compromise that protection in real-world scenarios. Overall, the 2017 Audi S3 demonstrates robust passive safety in controlled crash tests. However, the recurring and unaddressed airbag sensor issues, as evidenced by 5 complaints and two recalls, pose a notable risk. The lack of parts for recall repairs is a critical flaw in the vehicle's safety profile, potentially leaving occupants vulnerable despite high crash test scores. Buyers should be aware of these specific, unaddressed airbag concerns.

Reliability Score

The 2017 Audi S3 receives a reliability score of 65 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2017 Audi S3

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2017 Audi S3:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Airbag Sensor Malfunction/Recall Part Unavailability
Multiple complaints and two recalls (21V198000, 17V002000) indicate issues with the passenger airbag sensor, leading to deactivation or improper deployment. Owners report difficulty getting recall repairs due to unavailable parts.		 High Common unknown miles
Transmission Failure/Malfunction
One complaint details transmission failure after hitting a pothole, with the engine revving and car jerking.		 High Rare unknown miles
Wiper Blade Chattering/Skipping
One complaint describes persistent and severe chattering/skipping of wiper blades, even after multiple dealership attempts to fix.		 Medium Occasional unknown miles
Exploding Sunroof
One complaint reports a sunroof exploding without apparent cause while driving at highway speeds, noted as a 'known problem' by insurance.		 High Rare unknown miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2017 Audi S3:

Air Bags 55% of complaints

The most frequently reported issue, accounting for 5 out of 9 complaints, relates to airbag system malfunctions, specifically concerning the passenger occupant classification sensor and the inability to get recall repairs due to part unavailability.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2017 Audi S3

Is the 2017 Audi S3 safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2017 Audi S3 received an excellent 5-star overall safety rating in crash tests. However, there are significant safety concerns due to two active airbag recalls (21V198000, 17V002000) and multiple owner complaints (5 out of 9 total) about the passenger airbag system, with reports of parts being unavailable for recall repairs. This means that while it performs well in crash tests, a critical safety component may not be functioning correctly or be repairable.

What are common problems with the 2017 Audi S3?

The most reported issues for the 2017 Audi S3, according to NHTSA complaints, are related to the AIR BAGS system, accounting for 55% of all complaints. Owners frequently report issues with the passenger airbag sensor and the inability to get recall repairs due to a lack of parts. Other reported problems include transmission failure, chattering wiper blades, and an exploding sunroof.

Are there any recalls for the 2017 Audi S3?

Yes, the 2017 Audi S3 has two recalls. Both are related to the AIR BAGS system: NHTSA Recall 21V198000 concerns a deactivated passenger airbag increasing injury risk, and NHTSA Recall 17V002000 addresses potential over-force deployment of the passenger front airbag in lower-speed crashes. Several complaints indicate that parts for these recalls are not readily available.

How does the 2017 Audi S3 perform in crash tests?

The 2017 Audi S3 performs very well in NHTSA crash tests, earning an overall 5-star safety rating. It received 4 stars for frontal crash, 5 stars for side crash, and 4 stars for rollover resistance.

What should I know about the airbag recalls for the 2017 Audi S3?

There are two critical airbag recalls for the 2017 Audi S3. Recall 21V198000 addresses a faulty passenger occupant detection system that could deactivate the airbag, increasing injury risk. Recall 17V002000 involves software that could cause the passenger airbag to deploy with excessive force in a lower-speed crash. A significant concern is that multiple owners have reported that dealerships do not have the necessary parts to perform these recall repairs, leaving the safety defect unaddressed.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: While the 2017 Audi S3 has excellent crash test ratings, potential buyers should be aware of the unresolved airbag recalls and reported part unavailability, which could compromise safety. Verify that all recalls, especially those related to airbags, have been completed before purchase.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2017 Audi S3

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2017 Audi S3. The data includes 9 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 2 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2017 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.