Is the 2017 Audi S3 reliable?

The 2017 Audi S3 has 10 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.0x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: above-average. Most common issue: AIR BAGS problems.

What are common problems with the 2017 Audi S3?

Top problems: AIR BAGS (5 complaints, avg repair $500); BODY/STRUCTURE (1 complaints, avg repair $500); VISIBILITY (1 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2017 Audi S3?

Yes, there are 2 recall(s): AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER, AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION. Contact any Audi dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2017 Audi S3?

The 2017 Audi S3 gets 24 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2000. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2017 Audi S3?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2017 Audi S3 is approximately $2,014/year (sedan-luxury class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2017 Audi S3

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Above Average

Quick Summary

The 2017 Audi S3 has 10 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.0x the segment average of 10. The most common issue is air bags problems (50% of all complaints), specifically: seatpod sensor for passenger air bag fault messages. had this repaired done 4 times since purchased new. i don't feel save driving in this car. please help. bbb cant help me.. There are 2 recalls issued for this model year.

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

5/5

Safety Stars

1.0x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 6)

AIR BAGS

5 complaints

50%

• SEATPOD SENSOR FOR PASSENGER AIR BAG FAULT MESSAGES. HAD THIS REPAIRED DONE 4 TIMES SINCE PURCHASED NEW. I DON'T FEEL SAVE DRIVING IN THIS CAR. PLEASE HELP. BBB CANT HELP ME.
• The contact owns a 2017 Audi S3. The contact received NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V198000 (Air Bags). The owner contacted a local dealer to set up a recall appointment. The contact set the appointment and was told by the dealer that the parts would be ordered and that the dealer would contact the owner
• The contact owns a 2017 Audi S3. The front passenger seat air bag warning light failed to illuminate whether there was a passenger seated in the seat or not. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V198000 (Air Bags). The dealer was contacted and the contact was informed that t

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“SEATPOD SENSOR FOR PASSENGER AIR BAG FAULT MESSAGES. HAD THIS REPAIRED DONE 4 TIMES SINCE PURCHASED NEW. I DON'T FEEL SAVE DRIVING IN THIS CAR. PLEASE HELP. BBB CANT HELP ME.”

— NHTSA complaint filing

Recalls (2)

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER22/03/2021

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.

Fix: 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.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2017 Audi S3

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,001

Per month

$167

Per mile

16.7¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,286/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,715/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2017 Audi S3

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$2,014

Full coverage / month

$168

Liability only / year

$668

vs US avg

+20%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-luxury)1.28x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating0.94x

× vehicle age1.00x

= Full coverage estimate$2014

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Audi S3 Service Intervals

Oil change

10K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

10K mi

Brake fluid

24 months

Transmission fluid

40K mi

Engine coolant

100K mi

Spark plugs

60K mi

Cabin air filter

20K mi

Engine air filter

40K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

40K mi

Long-interval service (LongLife) uses fully-synthetic oil. Some engines have timing belts (check owner's manual).

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Audi New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

4 yr / 50K mi

Powertrain

4 yr / 50K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

12 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

4 yr / unlimited mi

Corrosion coverage is unlimited miles for 12 years

These are the terms for a new Audi. If you're buying a used 2017 S3, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Audi dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

AIR BAGS(~50K mi)

$500

BODY/STRUCTURE(~50K mi)

$500

VISIBILITY(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 10 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
AIR BAGS: SEATPOD SENSOR FOR PASSENGER AIR BAG FAULT MESSAGES. HAD THIS REPAIRED DONE 4 TIMES SINCE PURCHASED NEW. I DON'T FEEL SAVE DRIVING IN THIS CAR. PLEASE HELP. BBB CANT HELP ME.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BODY/STRUCTURE: I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT 70 MPH WHEN MY SUNROOF EXPLODED FOR NO APPARENT REASON. I WAS VERY FORTUNATE TO HAVE NOT HAD AN ACCIDENT AS IT SOUNDED LIKE A GUN HAD GONE OFF IN MY CAR. I SPOKE WITH MY INSURANCE AGENT AND HE TOLD ME TO CALL AUDI BECAUSE IT IS A KNOWN PROBLEM. AUDI DID FIX T
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
VISIBILITY: AFTER PURCHASING A 2017 AUDI S3 I IMMEDIATELY ENCOUNTERED HORRIBLE CHATTERING OF THE WIPER BLADES IN MY VERY FIRST DRIVE IN THE RAIN. I HAVE SUBSEQUENTLY TAKEN MY CAR TO THE AUDI DEALERSHIP TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE 10+ OCCASIONS. THIS CHATTERING AND SKIPPING OF THE WIPER BLADES IS SO BAD THAT I AND M
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS, HIGHWAY SPEED OF 65-75, THE CAR VIBRATES. I ATTEMPTED TO REACH OUT TO OTHER DRIVES AND THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON ISSUES ALL ACROSS THE BOARD. NOT LOCAL AND NOT SELECT YEAR. UNDER FURTHER HOMEWORK, MANY OTHERS HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS ONLINE. MANY OTHERS SHOW THE WO
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 2 recalls have been completed — free at any Audi dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)