Before you buy
This 2017 Audi S3 has 9 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Airbag Malfunctions.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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2017 Audi S3 Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA official fuel economy rating for the 2017 Audi S3.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions.
2017 Audi S3 Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
10.9% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
10.9% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
AUDI S3 2017 has 9 NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls. Airbag malfunctions account for 5 complaints, the top issue. No crash-related complaints were reported. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
- Make
- Audi
- Model
- S3
- Model year
- 2017
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 9
- Crash-related complaints
- 0
- Safety recall campaigns
- 2
- Top reported component
- Airbag Malfunctions
- Reliability signal
- Good Record
- EPA MPG combined
- 24
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 21 / 28
- Fuel type
- Premium Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Common problems
Most common 2017 Audi S3 problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Airbag Malfunctions
Transmission / Drivetrain
Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB
Complaint patterns center on Airbag Malfunctions, Transmission / Drivetrain, Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2017 Audi S3?
The 2017 Audi S3 may be worth considering if you find a well-maintained example with all recalls addressed, but the airbag complaint cluster warrants caution. Given low data confidence, treat this as a preliminary warning rather than a definitive reliability judgment.
Airbag malfunctions are safety-critical; even a small number of complaints can indicate a systemic issue. Two recalls also mean prior owners may have unresolved safety defects.
May Suit
This year may suit buyers who prioritize performance and are willing to perform thorough pre-purchase inspections and recall checks.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers seeking maximum reliability and minimal safety concerns should consider other model years with fewer airbag complaints.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2017 Audi S3
Inspection Focus
- Inspect airbag warning lights and system operation.
- Check transmission for smooth shifting and any warning codes.
- Verify forward collision avoidance system functionality.
Before You Close the Deal
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Inspect airbag system for warning lights or prior repairs.
- Request service records for transmission and AEB systems.
- Have a mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2017 Audi S3, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2017 Audi S3 shows a low-confidence pattern with 9 total complaints, most concerning airbag malfunctions (5 complaints). Two recalls were issued for this model year. Buyers should verify recall completion and inspect airbag systems before purchase.
Year context: Compared to other model years, the 2017 S3 has a low complaint count but a high proportion of airbag issues, while later years may have different complaint profiles.
Recall context: Two recalls mean at least two safety defects were officially identified; verify both are completed before purchase.
- Airbag malfunctions account for 5 of 9 total complaints (56%).
- Only 1 model year (2017) was analyzed, limiting trend comparisons.
- No crash-related complaints were reported.
- Airbag Malfunctions (5 complaints)
- Transmission / Drivetrain (1 complaint)
- Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB (1 complaint)
Full breakdown
All 2017 Audi S3 complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2017 Audi S3. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag Malfunctions | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2017 Audi S3. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
transmission failed after going over a small pothole at 20mph, after which engine revved up than slammed into high gear and jerked the car forward, car has been towed to dealership for inspection, transmission light came on
I have contacted Audi dealerships in my area with regard to Manufacturer Recall Number 69BY NHTSA Recall Number 21V198. But they say they do not have the parts to fix the recall and have no idea when they can fix it
The contact owns a 2017 Audi S3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V198000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was made aware of the issue and the contact was notified that parts were not yet available…
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…
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 wou…
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.
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. MAN…
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…
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 PROBLE…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2017 Audi S3.
Safety recalls
2017 Audi S3 recalls
2 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2017 Audi S3. Two recalls mean at least two safety defects were officially identified; verify both are completed before purchase. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2017 Audi S3 buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2017 Audi S3 reliable?▾
Good Record. NHTSA currently shows 9 owner complaints, 0 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2017 Audi S3 may be worth considering if you find a well-maintained example with all recalls addressed, but the airbag complaint cluster warrants caution. Given low data confidence, treat this as a preliminary warning rather than a definitive reliability judgment. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Audi S3?▾
#1: Airbag Malfunctions (5 complaints). #2: Transmission / Drivetrain (1 complaints). #3: Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB (1 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2017 Audi S3?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2017 Audi S3?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2017 Audi S3, NHTSA complaints include 0 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 9 total complaints. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2017 Audi S3 have any recalls?▾
Yes. 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2017 Audi S3. A major recall area is AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER. Two recalls mean at least two safety defects were officially identified; verify both are completed before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2017 Audi S3?▾
The 2017 Audi S3 may be worth considering if you find a well-maintained example with all recalls addressed, but the airbag complaint cluster warrants caution. Given low data confidence, treat this as a preliminary warning rather than a definitive reliability judgment. Airbag malfunctions are safety-critical; even a small number of complaints can indicate a systemic issue. Two recalls also mean prior owners may have unresolved safety defects. Pay extra attention to Airbag Malfunctions during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpectorAI.
Wider context: See the full Audi S3 reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2017 Audi S3 based on your ownership experience.
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.