Federal safety data shows 2 recalls and 14 complaints for the 2016 Audi S3, a low safety profile overall. Check the known issues section below for the most common problem areas.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes

Fires

Recall Findings

21V1980002021-22-03

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER

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.

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

View at NHTSA

19V4740002019-19-06

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION

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.

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

View at NHTSA

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Top Complaint Areas

Of 14 issues reported over 1 model years, air bags problems are the most common for the 2016 Audi S3. A pre-purchase inspection should focus here first.

01Air Bags6

02Air Bags,seats2

03Visibility/wiper1

04Unknown Or Other1

05Air Bags,seats,unknown Or Other1

14 total across 1 model years (2016–2016)Full data at NHTSA.gov

Audi S3 Fuel Economy

26mpg combined

23city

31hwy

$3,150/yr

The 2016 Audi S3 is rated at 26 MPG combined. No surprises here regardless of which trim you pick.

S3 - Automatic (AM-S6)

26mpg

2.0L 4-cyl Turbo · All-Wheel Drive

23 city31 hwy~$3,150/yr6/10 Average

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Where to Find 2016 Audi S3

33States

34%in top 3

California has the most inventory at 12%, with options spread across 33 states. Willing to ship? Your selection opens up significantly.

CACalifornia

6412%

FLFlorida

6212%

TXTexas

5611%

COColorado

295%

NYNew York

295%

NJNew Jersey

285%

ILIllinois

245%

GAGeorgia

204%

WAWashington

173%

PAPennsylvania

173%

DEDelaware

163%

AZArizona

163%

UTUtah

122%

CT10

DC10

MIMichigan

102%

MDMaryland

92%

NHNew Hampshire

92%

NC9

MO9

TN8

MA5

MN5

IN5

OK5

VA4

AR4

NV4

WI4

OH4

OR4

LA4

AL3

Geographic distribution reflects all active listings for this model, not just 2016.

2016 Audi S3: Questions Buyers Ask

Pricing, reliability, and ownership answers

Is the 2016 Audi S3 a good car to buy?

The 2016 Audi S3 has its strengths and its watch-outs. 2 recalls have been issued, so verify completion with the dealer. Owners report air bags as the area to watch most closely. Check the safety section for recall details and the pricing data to see if the numbers work for you.

Are there recalls on the 2016 Audi S3?

Yes, 2 recalls on record. The good news: recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Check the safety report for specifics, and always run the VIN before buying.

What's the gas mileage of the 2016 Audi S3?

The 2016 Audi S3 delivers 26 MPG combined per EPA testing. The fuel economy breakdown has city and highway numbers.

What are common problems with the 2016 Audi S3?

Out of 14 owner complaints, air bags issues lead the pack. Get a pre-purchase inspection that specifically covers this area. The known issues breakdown has all the details.

How does the 2016 compare to other Audi S3 years?

Each Audi S3 model year has different pricing, recall counts, and owner satisfaction patterns. Compare all available years on the Audi S3 overview page.