Is the 2018 Audi S3 reliable?

The 2018 Audi S3 has 7 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.7x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: above-average. Most common issue: TRANSMISSION problems.

What are common problems with the 2018 Audi S3?

Top problems: TRANSMISSION (2 complaints, avg repair $500); FUEL SYSTEM (2 complaints, avg repair $500); VISIBILITY (1 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2018 Audi S3?

Yes, there are 1 recall(s): AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER. Contact any Audi dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2018 Audi S3?

The 2018 Audi S3 gets 25 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $1920. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2018 Audi S3?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2018 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.

2018 Audi S3

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Above Average

Quick Summary

The 2018 Audi S3 has 7 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.7x the segment average of 10. The most common issue is transmission problems (29% of all complaints), specifically: car doesn't engage gear or "jumps" when reverse (r) is selected.. There is 1 recall issued for this model year.

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

5/5

Safety Stars

0.7x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 5)

TRANSMISSION

2 complaints

29%

• CAR DOESN'T ENGAGE GEAR OR "JUMPS" WHEN REVERSE (R) IS SELECTED.
• 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 instrument panel. The gear selector display on the instrument panel is now blan

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

“CAR DOESN'T ENGAGE GEAR OR "JUMPS" WHEN REVERSE (R) IS SELECTED.”

— NHTSA complaint filing

Recalls (1)

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 2018 Audi S3

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$1,920

Per month

$160

Per mile

16.0¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,182/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 2018 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 2018 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

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

FUEL SYSTEM(~50K mi)

$500

VISIBILITY(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

AIR BAGS(~50K mi)

$500

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

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 7 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
TRANSMISSION: CAR DOESN'T ENGAGE GEAR OR "JUMPS" WHEN REVERSE (R) IS SELECTED.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
FUEL SYSTEM: A) AUDI OF CENTRAL HOUSTON SOLD US 2018 S3 ON AUG13, 2018 WITH: 1) DELAMINATING WINDSHIELD CREATING A MAJOR SAFETY HAZARD 2) DEFECTIVE WIPER FUNCTION NB: WINDSHIELD WAS REPLACEMENT ON DEC 31, 2019 WHEN WE HAD ACTUALLY REQUESTED REPLACEMENT OF THE VEHICLE WITH ANOTHER BRAND NEW VEHICLE B) AUDI
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
VISIBILITY: A) AUDI OF CENTRAL HOUSTON SOLD US 2018 S3 ON AUG13, 2018 WITH: 1) DELAMINATING WINDSHIELD CREATING A MAJOR SAFETY HAZARD 2) DEFECTIVE WIPER FUNCTION NB: WINDSHIELD WAS REPLACEMENT ON DEC 31, 2019 WHEN WE HAD ACTUALLY REQUESTED REPLACEMENT OF THE VEHICLE WITH ANOTHER BRAND NEW VEHICLE B) AUDI
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: A) AUDI OF CENTRAL HOUSTON SOLD US 2018 S3 ON AUG13, 2018 WITH: 1) DELAMINATING WINDSHIELD CREATING A MAJOR SAFETY HAZARD 2) DEFECTIVE WIPER FUNCTION NB: WINDSHIELD WAS REPLACEMENT ON DEC 31, 2019 WHEN WE HAD ACTUALLY REQUESTED REPLACEMENT OF THE VEHICLE WITH ANOTHER BRAND NEW VEHICLE B) AUDI
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 1 recall have been completed — free at any Audi dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)