Used Audi S3 2013-2020 reliability
Category: Hot hatch
The S3 is luxurious, quick and a relatively affordable used buy.
What should I look for in a used Audi S3 hatchback?
When viewing a used car, always follow our used car buying checklist.
Any S3 will have been used enthusiastically, so make sure there are no dents and dings in the bodywork and check the underside of the car for any off-road activity. Check the alloy wheels for kerb damage and make sure all the electrical items on the car work as they should.
Some owners have reported issues with rattling from the centre console area, mainly from the trim surrounding the gearlever, and from the boot locking mechanism. Also, there have been reported problems with the sat-nav screen, which rises out of the dashboard and can creak in use. Water pumps have also been reported to leak, and the S3 has been rated poorly for headlight bulb failure. Issues with the fuel pump cam follower wearing have also been reported, and the oil breather valve can stick. Listen for rattling from the manual gearbox, and make sure oil and filters have been changed every 40,000 miles on the S Tronic automatic versions. Check the condition of the brake pads and discs, as these can erode with heavy use.
The S3 has been around for a while and its tried-and-tested major components are shared with many other Volkswagen, Seat and Skoda models, so it should be easy to source the parts and, if you seek out a trusted independent dealer, not unduly expensive to repair.
What are the most common problems with a used Audi S3 hatchback?
Vehicles produced between 30 June 2014 and 15 November 2014 had to have their passenger-side airbag module replaced because of a faulty weld on the gas generator inside. In extreme circumstances, internal components could break off, enter the interior and cause injury.
Poor welds attaching the rear headrest to the rear backrest of some A3s manufactured between 20 May 2018 and 2 September 2018 posed a safety issue. Affected cars had to have the whole backrest replaced, so check with your dealer that this has been done.
All diesel models will come equipped with a diesel particulate filter (DPF) that’s designed to trap soot from the exhaust then burn it off later. If the DPF light comes on, you must take the vehicle on a longer drive at a higher speed to clear the filter.
Click here for more information. Contact your local Audi dealer if you believe your vehicle is involved in a recall.
Is a used Audi S3 hatchback reliable?
Our data suggests the Audi S3 is a reliable car. The S3 (albeit represented by the regular A3) finished 15th out of 29 cars in the family car class of our 2023 What Car? Reliability Survey. It's reliability score was a confidence-inspiring 91.4%.
Sat-nav and infotainment issues caused the most complaints and 15.8% of owners saw problems in that area. What's more, a number of owners – 5.3% of them – cited bodywork as a troubled area they experienced.
Nonetheless, the 2013-2020 A3 (and subsequently S3) is generally more reliable than the rival 2018-present Mercedes A-Class, but not as reliable as the 2011-2019 BMW 1 Series.
As a car brand, Audi ranked 26th out of 32 a manufacturers, which is poor.
