Audi S3: common problems, APK failures and recalls
There are 2,102 Audi S3 cars registered in the Netherlands, first registered between 1999 and 2026.
In a sample of 393 cars, 45.8% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, about as often as average (51.5% across all models).
The most common defect is tyre pressure incorrect (13% of inspected cars).
2.2% have an odometer reading the RDW marks as illogical, a sign of a rolled-back odometer.
Check a specific Audi S3
Free: APK expiry, insurance, open recall and odometer verdict. The full report adds every APK inspection with its defects.
Most common APK defects
| Defect | Cars |
|---|---|
| Tyre pressure incorrect | 13% |
| Dipped beam incorrectly aimed | 11.2% |
| Tyre tread depth insufficient | 8.7% |
| Excessive leak of other fluids | 7.1% |
| Tyre damaged | 3.8% |
| Wipers give insufficient visibility | 3.3% |
| Exhaust not gas-tight / exhaust gases discharged unsafely | 2.8% |
| Airbag/seatbelt warning indicates a fault | 2% |
| CO above the legal limit | 1.8% |
| Windscreen washer not working properly | 1.5% |
Share of 393 sampled cars (first registered 2012–2021) with this defect at an APK inspection since 2024. RDW Open Data: Geconstateerde Gebreken.
Common advisories
| Tyre(s) with tread depth of 1.6 to 2.5 mm | 14% |
| Mechanical brake parts show wear | 6.6% |
| Shock absorber leaking | 1.3% |
| Steering or kingpin ball joint wear up to 1.0 mm | 0.5% |
Advisories are noted at the APK but are not a failure.
Fleet figures
| Registered in the Netherlands | 2,102 |
| Open recall (not yet fixed) | 1.1% |
| Illogical odometer reading | 2.2% |
| Used as a taxi | 0% |
| First registered | 1999 to 2026 |
All Audi S3 passenger cars in the RDW register, 2026-10-06.
Questions
How often does the Audi S3 fail the APK?
In a sample of 393 cars first registered 2012–2021, 45.8% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, against 51.5% across all models.
What are common problems with the Audi S3?
The most common APK defects are: tyre pressure incorrect (13%), dipped beam incorrectly aimed (11.2%), tyre tread depth insufficient (8.7%).
Does the Audi S3 have recalls?
No recalls are registered with the RDW for this model.
Other Audi models
A3 · A4 · A1 · A6 · Q3 · Q5 · Q4 · A5 · Q2 · E-Tron · TT · Q7 · Q8 · Q6 · A2
Source: RDW Open Data (Gekentekende voertuigen, Geconstateerde Gebreken, Terugroepacties), CC0. Model grouping by Factline from RDW trade names. AI agents: factline.dev/llms.txt.