2015 Audi S3 Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 8%of 53 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 52,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the engine of the 2015 Audi S3, 8% of the 53 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 52,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“2015 Audi S3 water pump failed just after the warranty expired at 52k miles requiring $1500 in repairs. The water pump had been leaking through the weep hole for some time. Leak was discovered while car was stationary in garage. I would expect more from a quality perspective from a luxury brand like Audi. The mechanic that completed the repair specialized in Audi and volkswagens and told me he replaces 2-3 water pumps a week on Audi and volkswagen cars with this same engine. Like I said, I would have expected better quality than a plastic water pump on a car like Audi.”
NHTSA complaint #11186594, filed 2019-03, 52,000 miles“Background: bought it used with 19,660 miles. The car was still under warranty for one year after purchase date. Multiple problems arise in the next few months: 1. Coolant leak due to failed water pump. (note: replaced under dealer's 4year/ 50k miles new vehicle limited warranty). 2. Multiple failed wheel bearing (one failed after the other). (note: one wheel bearing was replaced under above mentioned warranty but other wheel bearing(s) failed and no longer under warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #11320903, filed 2020-04, 20,000 miles“Fault water pump/thermostat causing overheating and breakdowns. Known issue in other models with the same motor, yet no recall issued for the A3/S3 models with the 2.0 motor”
NHTSA complaint #11479581, filed 2022-08Related service bulletins
- 11034657Jun 26, 2026This bulletin provides information when there is increased oil consumption; >0.5ltr/1000 km.
- 11034728Jun 10, 2026This bulletin provides informaiton when the engine is not running smoothly, misfiring.
- 11029368Feb 20, 2026This bulletin provides information on the use of the Audi frequencly analysis app, and where the application can be downloaded.
- 11029367Feb 20, 2026This bulletin provides information on VIN Plates, Safety Certification labels, and the ordering procedures.
- 11028398Jan 14, 2026This bulletin provides information regarding UV leak additive for finding oil leaks.
- 11027356Dec 11, 2025This bulletin provides information when there is increased oil consumption; >0.5ltr/1000 km.
- 11016532Mar 12, 2025This bulletin provides informatin when the engine does not run smoothly at idling speeds.
- 11012476Dec 5, 2024This bulletin provides information when the MIL is on; DTCs for misfire, air/fuel ratio imbalance, or lean fuel system stored in the ECM P030000.
- 11009928Oct 8, 2024This bulletin provides informatin when the engine does not run smoothly at idling speeds.
- 11009327Sep 24, 2024This bulletin provides information when ther is an Engine: start/stop system fault shown and start/stop system not is working; mileage below 50 km/32 miles.
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 1 | 7% |
| 2015 | 4 | 8% |
Other parts of the 2015 Audi S3
29 complaintsElectrical system
9 complaintsFuel system
7 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
6 complaintsSeat belts
5 complaintsSeats
4 complaintsWheels
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsTires
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2015 Audi S3
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology