2016 Audi S3 Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 79%of 14 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 38,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the air bags of the 2016 Audi S3, 79% of the 14 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 38,000 miles. 3 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
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.
“After bringing in my vehicle for service, the dealer informed me of a necessary recall repair that would prevent potential passenger airbag failure. I authorized the repair, although I had not encountered any issues prior. However about a month after the repair, I began to receive a flashing warning on the dash while driving and sometimes immediately after starting the car while stationary which read safety system: system fault! See owner's manual , passenger airbag off and Audi pre sense: system fault! . I now receive the warning every time I start the vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #11366890, filed 2020-10, 55,000 miles“Dashboard warning lights indicating air bag is off even when passenger seat is occupied. Under warranty service was performed and failed to address the issue, was told by dealer that the repair would be $1400 despite safety recall and inadequate effort made to repair vehicle safety issue under warranty. Audi of grapevine, texas appear to be crooks.”
NHTSA complaint #11348678, filed 2020-08, 15,000 miles“Passenger front air bag seat sensor was replaced under warranty yet the problem wasn't fixed. Seat wont detect passenger and passenger airbag wont deploy because of it. Audi says the whole sensor needs to be replaced and is a wear and tear part, which it is not! The nhstsa must hold Audi accountable for a full fix not a half fix. Do your jobs!! Look into this problem its dangerous!”
NHTSA complaint #11361222, filed 2020-09, 110,000 miles“Car had no issues prior to recall 69z4. After Audi dealership performed work to satisfy recall 69z4 (NHTSA 19v474), the affected system (pods) now does not function at all. This renders the passenger seat airbag inoperable regardless of whether it is occupied. Audi will not cover the additional repair to the system that was perfectly functional until their recall repair was performed. This appears to be a widespread issue affecting similar a3/S3 model years.”
NHTSA complaint #11388170, filed 2021-01, 50,000 miles“Front passenger airbag keeps shutting off and on when while driving and with a passenger sitting on the seat. Car was repaired once before for the same issue but the issue keeps showing again. A recall has been issued recently for this issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11287183, filed 2019-12, 38,000 milesRelated recalls
- 22V543000Jul 27, 2022Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2016 Audi TT Roadster, TT Coupe, S3 Sedan, R8 Coupe, A3 Sedan, A3 Etron, A3 Cabriolet…Covers: Audi S3 2016, Volkswagen E-Golf 2016, Golf 2016 +7 more
- 21V198000Mar 22, 2021Volkswagen 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…Covers: Audi S3 2015–2020, A3 2015–2020, RS 3 2017–2020 +1 more
- 19V474000Jun 19, 2019Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Audi S3 Sedan, 2015-2019 A3 Sedan and A3 Cabriolet, 2016-2018 A3 e-tron, and 2017-2019…Covers: Audi S3 2015–2016, A3 Cabriolet 2015–2019, A3 Sportback E-Tron 2016–2018 +1 more
Related service bulletins
- 11030980Mar 2, 2026The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued an urgent warning regarding counterfeit replacement airbag inflators that are being installed in used…
- 11003002Jun 26, 2024This bulletin provides information when the airbag warning light is on, DTC B13BCF2 stored in the airbag control module.
- 11002933Jun 26, 2024This bulletin provides information when the airbag warning light is on, DTC B13BCF2 stored in the airbag control module.
Air bags: other model years
Other parts of the 2016 Audi S3
4 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
1 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2016 Audi S3
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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