2023 Audi S3 Sedan Safety and Reliability

The NHTSA does not yet have a review of the Audi S3's safety, or the new-generation A3 for crash safety. However, the normal A3 was evaluated by the IIHS and attained only Good crash scores, as well as a 2022 Top Safety Pick+ designation. Since the S3 is based on the A3, it should be just as safe.

The new Audi S3 is well-stocked with passive and active safety features. The airbag count includes dual front, dual front side, and dual rear side airbags. Rain-sensing wipers, tire pressure monitoring, a rearview camera, and electronic stability control are all expected features that are standard.

Driver-assistance features on the base model include park assist, high-beam assist, Audi pre sense basic, and lane departure warning. On the Premium Plus, adaptive cruise control, active lane assist, and side assist with rear cross-traffic assist are added. Finally, the Prestige is the only model to get a head-up display and traffic sign recognition. A top-view camera is also available.

For such a new car, the Audi S3 has already had its fair share of recalls. Although the 2023 model remains unscathed at the time of writing, the 2022 variant was recalled seven times. Three of these recalls pertained to a malfunctioning rearview camera display, and others were for a front passenger airbag that may not properly deploy, seat belt tensioners that may not restrain properly, an incorrect child seat anchorage symbol, and a seat belt locking retractor malfunction. Hopefully, these problems don't carry over to the 2023 model at a later stage.

Audi's warranty runs for the first four years or 50,000 miles, including 24 hours of roadside assistance for four years. The powertrain is covered for the same period or distance.