What weaknesses does the Audi S3 8V have?

The Audi S3 (Benziner, 280–310 PS) comes with 5 different engines: CJXB (2012–2016, Be Careful) und CJXG (2013–2016, Be Careful) und CJXC (2013–2016, Be Careful) und DJHB (2016–2020, Be Careful) und DJHA (2016–2020, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the S3!

Vehicle Weaknesses

	Weakness	Cost
!	Haldex Gen5 pre-charge pump blocked The Gen 5 Haldex pre-charge pump screen blocks with oil sludge and prevents pressure build-up. The all-wheel drive fails gradually. This was a particularly frequent weak point until the facelift. Symptoms: Rear wheels don't spin up under traction loss, AWD warning light, only front-wheel drive detectable from 60,000 km Ad Haldex Vorladepumpe Audi S3 8V Gen5 Haldex Filter 8V quattro Haldex Pumpe A3 8V	Medium
●	Wheel bearings wear under AWD load Wheel bearing defects on the S3 8V manifest as characteristic humming in corners. The combination of all-wheel drive and spirited driving accelerates wear versus front-wheel-drive variants. Symptoms: Humming that increases in corners and correlates with speed, slight steering wheel vibration from 80,000 km Ad wheel bearing Audi S3 8V front wheel bearingsatz A3 8V quattro	Low

NHTSA Owner Complaints

Average

82 complaints · 2012–2020

Airbags

48 ⚠ 1

Fuel System

Electrical

Powertrain

Seats

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Airbags (48 complaints)

⚠ Fuel System (9 complaints)

⚠ Electrical (9 complaints)

Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 45 weaknesses have been documented for the Audi S3 8V (2012–2020) — 40 engine-related and 5 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Suspension, Brakes, Gearbox, Electronics.

What to watch out for with the Audi S3? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Audi S3 8V have? +

The Audi S3 8V has 40 known engine weaknesses and 5 vehicle weaknesses.

What should I look for when buying a used Audi S3 8V? +

faq.watch_a_none

Which engine is recommended? +

Be careful: CJXG (2.0L TFSI), DJHB (2.0L TFSI), CJXC (2.0L TFSI), DJHA (2.0L TFSI), CJXB (2.0L TFSI). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the CJXG (2.0L TFSI).

Which Audi S3 8V engine is the most fun? +

The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Audi S3 8V — rated: "Fun to Drive!". {description} Same EA888, same Haldex — which feels like FWD in normal driving. The premium buys a nicer interior and quieter exhaust, not driving dynamics. Anyone chasing performance buys the Golf R and puts the savings into a Stage 1 tune. Anyone wanting comfort with speed on tap: right choice.

Is the Audi S3 8V worth buying used? +

The Audi S3 8V requires careful consideration — choosing the right engine variant is crucial.

What horsepower variants are available for the Audi S3 8V? +

The Audi S3 8V is available with engine variants from 280 to 320 hp. Petrol: CJXG (2.0L TFSI), DJHB (2.0L TFSI), CJXC (2.0L TFSI), DJHA (2.0L TFSI), CJXB (2.0L TFSI).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee