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Audi S3

12 model years from 2015 to 2027, compared on size, efficiency, safety and reliability.

Audi S3
Pictured: Audi S3 Sprintblau. Photo: Thomas doerfer, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Model years
2015–2027
Class
Subcompact Cars
Latest engines
2.0L 4-cyl turbo
Best MPG
24–27 combined, by year
Latest rating
★★★★★ (2020)
Recalls
12 campaigns, all years
Most complaints
2015 (53)
Fewest problems
2023
Interest
4,493 Wikipedia views / 30 days

The 2026 S3 in brief

The 2026 Audi S3 is a subcompact car offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl turbo engine and all-wheel drive.

It measures about 177 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 104-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,483 lb.

EPA rates its most efficient version at 26 MPG combined (23 city / 31 highway), 8% better than the 2026 subcompact car average of 24 MPG, for an estimated $3,150 a year in fuel.

There are no recalls or owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year.

The Audi S3 has 12 model years in our data, from 2015 to 2027.

Its most efficient year was 2022 at 27 MPG combined; across all years the best version ranged from 24 to 27 MPG.

Owners most often report problems with the air bags (48), electrical system (11), power train (10).

Buying used? 2024 has the fewest problems in our data, and 2022 is the year to avoid.

2022 has the most recalls (7); all years together count 12 campaigns and 88 owner complaints.

How the 2015 S3 compares

The 2015 Audi S3 is a subcompact car offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl turbo engine and all-wheel drive.

It measures about 176 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 104-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,450 lb.

About the Audi S3

The Audi S3 is a performance version of the Audi A3 small family car, produced by German automaker Audi since 1999. S3 variants of have been produced from the first generation through the fourth generation of Audi A3.

From the Wikipedia article "Audi S3", licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

2026 S3 pros & cons

Full 2026 details →

What's good

Nothing stands out against similar models in the data.

Watch out for

  • Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.

Best and worst years to buy used

NHTSA recalls and complaints for 9 model years since 2015; use it alongside a pre-purchase inspection. How we calculate this →

Compare head to head

Compare the S3 with any other car →

S3 changes by model year

  1. 2025
    • No hybrid version any more
  2. 2024
    • New hybrid version
  3. 2022
    • Best combined MPG up from 25 to 27
  4. 2018
    • Now crash-tested by NHTSA: 5 stars overall
  5. 2017
    • Best combined MPG down from 26 to 24

Years without a measurable change are left out.

Show all 12 model years side by side
YearLatest enginesBest MPG / rangeLengthWeightOverallRecallsComplaints
20272.0L 4-cyl turbo26 MPG––Not rated00
20262.0L 4-cyl turbo26 MPG177.2 in3,483 lbNot rated00
20252.0L 4-cyl turbo26 MPG177.2 in3,483 lbNot rated00
20242.0L 4-cyl turbo26 MPG177.2 in3,483 lbNot rated02
20232.0L 4-cyl turbo26 MPG177.2 in3,483 lbNot rated10
20222.0L 4-cyl turbo27 MPG177.2 in3,483 lbNot rated72
20202.0L 4-cyl turbo25 MPG176 in3,450 lb★★★★★11
20192.0L 4-cyl turbo25 MPG176 in3,450 lb★★★★★12
20182.0L 4-cyl turbo25 MPG176 in3,450 lb★★★★★15
20172.0L 4-cyl turbo24 MPG176 in3,450 lbNot rated29
20162.0L 4-cyl turbo26 MPG176 in3,450 lbNot rated314
20152.0L 4-cyl turbo26 MPG176 in3,450 lbNot rated253
Best combined MPG by model year — Audi S3
2015: 26 MPG2016: 26 MPG2017: 24 MPG2018: 25 MPG2019: 25 MPG2020: 25 MPG2022: 27 MPG2023: 26 MPG2024: 26 MPG2025: 26 MPG2026: 26 MPG2027: 26 MPG201520172019202220242026max 27 MPG

Alternatives to the 2026 S3

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2026 BMW 3 Series31 MPGNot rated0
2026 Lexus IS22 MPGNot rated0
2026 Tesla Model 3363 miNot rated1
2026 Audi A328 MPGNot rated0
2026 Acura Integra32 MPGNot rated0
2026 BMW 2 Series31 MPGNot rated0

Most common owner-reported problems

Air Bags48
Electrical System11
Power Train10
Fuel/Propulsion System10
Seats8
Seat Belts7
Unknown Or Other5
Engine5
Owner complaints by model year — Audi S3
2015: 532016: 142017: 92018: 52019: 22020: 12022: 22023: 02024: 22025: 02026: 02027: 0201520172019202220242026max 53
Check your VIN for open recalls ↗

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Audi. How we calculate this →