Audi S3, representative photo
Representative 2016 model. Photo: Calreyn88, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Recalls & complaints · NHTSA data

2018 Audi S3 recalls

Every recall campaign and owner complaint NHTSA has on file for the 2018 model year. Not every vehicle is affected by every campaign: check a specific car by VIN below.

Recall campaigns
1
Park-it warnings
0
Complaints
5
Latest campaign
Mar 22, 2021

Recall summary by component1

NHTSA Recalls API · cached ≤24 h
ComponentCampaignsLatestCampaign IDs
Air bags1Mar 22, 2021
21V198000

Safety recalls1

NHTSA Recalls API · cached ≤24 h
0Park-it warnings
0Fixable over the air
Mar 22, 2021Latest campaign
Mar 22, 202121V198000

Air bags: sensor occupant classification

A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.

DetailsHide details for campaign 21V198000
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.
Risk
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.
Campaign
NHTSA 21V198000 · Mar 22, 2021
To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or the Audi recall lookup. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer (federal law; see limits).

Owner complaints by component5

NHTSA Complaints API · cached ≤24 h
5Complaints filed
0Involving a crash
0Involving a fire
0Injuries reported
ComponentShareComplaints%CrashesFiresInjuries
Fuel/propulsion system240000
Power train240000
Air bags120000
Unknown or other120000
Visibility/wiper120000

An owner can tag several components, so percentages add up to more than 100. Complaints are unverified owner reports, de-duplicated by NHTSA ODI number.

Latest reports

  • Fuel/propulsion system

    “Having the same issue as the NHTSA Part 573 Safety Recall Report, 24V-110. And, similar to NHTSA 16V647 associated with the Audi Safety Recall 20Y5 - Suction Pump. Apparently there is no recall for my S3, only the A3.”

    Filed 10/25/2024 · ODI 11622004
  • Power train

    “The car was put in Drive "D". As I roll out into traffic and start to accelerate, the car "bang" out of gear like it's in neutral, the revs climb, but the car doesn't accelerate and the "D" display disappeared from the…”

    Filed 06/08/2022 · ODI 11468314
  • Air bags

    “Audi will not fix the problem.”

    Filed 06/07/2022 · ODI 11468028

Other Audi S3 model years

Other Audi models

All Audi models and years →

2018 Audi S3 recall questions

How many recalls does the 2018 Audi S3 have?

NHTSA lists 1 safety recall campaign for the 2018 Audi S3. The most recent, 21V198000 (reported March 22, 2021), concerns air bags. Not every vehicle is covered by every campaign; check a specific car by VIN.

What is the most common complaint about the 2018 Audi S3?

Fuel/propulsion system is the most-reported component, named in 2 complaints out of 5 filed with NHTSA (40%). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How do I check if a recall is open on my 2018 Audi S3?

Enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or the Audi recall lookup. That shows campaigns still unrepaired on that exact car. Safety recall repairs are free at a franchised Audi dealer.

Check a specific Audi by VIN

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