NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2019 Audi S3 Safety Ratings
The 2019 Audi S3 scores 84 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 2 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2019 Audi S3 demonstrates a strong safety profile, earning a NHTSA Safety Index of 84/100. This places the vehicle in our "Strong" safety band, a rating driven by impressive NHTSA crash-test performance. While the S3's overall data is positive, a single recall and a modest avoidance-tech score prevent it from achieving the highest safety tier. The available data suggests a sound choice for a used sedan.
The 2019 Audi S3 Sedan earned a 5-out-of-5 overall NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 84 out of 100, according to NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 119 Sedans from 2019 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2019 Audi S3 ranks 58 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 84 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 10.9% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 2 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 58 of 119 Sedans tested for 2019 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2019 Audi S3?
The 2019 Audi S3 achieved a perfect 5-star overall crash-test rating from NHTSA, anchoring its strong NHTSA Safety Index of 84 out of 100. This top-tier overall rating is supported by a 5-star score in side impact protection and 4-star ratings in both frontal crash and rollover assessments. The rollover risk, measured at 11 percent with a "No Tip" dynamic result, further demonstrates structural integrity. The S3's crash-protection sub-score stands at 61 out of 70, reflecting these robust physical safety attributes. However, its avoidance technology sub-score of 3.5 out of 10 is notably low due to the absence of forward collision warning and the optional, rather than standard, inclusion of lane departure warning. Electronic stability control is standard equipment, preventing an even lower score in this category. The vehicle's defect record contributes 19 out of 20 points to the Safety Index. This is based on a single recall concerning the front-passenger air bag occupant classification sensor, an issue that affected a wide range of Audi models from 2015 through 2020. Owner complaints are minimal for this model year, with two unverified reports, both related to air bag concerns, which align with the subject of the sole recall.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2019 Audi S3 perform in crash tests?
The 2019 Audi S3 earned a commendable 5 out of 5 stars overall from NHTSA. Side impact protection received the highest rating, at 5 stars. Frontal crash protection and the rollover resistance assessment each scored 4 out of 5 stars. The rollover risk for the S3 was 11 percent, with a dynamic test result of No Tip. All safety categories were rated.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 13689
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2019 Audi S3 have any recalls?
The 2019 Audi S3 carries one recall campaign issued by Volkswagen Group of America covering the front passenger occupant classification sensor within the air bag system. This campaign spans multiple Audi models from the 2015 through 2020 model years. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the available data, but remedy completion should be confirmed by VIN.
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER21V198000
Risk: A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the PODS sensor mat and update the PODS control module, free of charge. Owners letters were mailed December 23, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 69BY.
Reported 2021-03-22
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2019 Audi S3?
NHTSA records two owner complaints for the 2019 Audi S3. Both are unverified allegations targeting the Air Bags component. No crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths are alleged in those reports. The complaint volume is low, though small samples should be interpreted cautiously.
2 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2019 Audi S3?
A specific safety recall campaign on the air bag occupant classification sensor merits attention for any 2019 Audi S3 under consideration. Prospective owners should verify that this recall has been addressed by checking the vehicle's VIN against the NHTSA database. No other open recalls for this model year are indicated in the available data.
- The 2019 Audi S3 holds a 5-star NHTSA overall rating, with side protection reaching the maximum 5 stars and both frontal and rollover categories at 4 stars.
- One recall is on record for this model year, specifically targeting the front passenger air bag occupant classification sensor, a campaign that also covers related Audi models from 2015 through 2020.
- The avoidance-tech sub-score of 3.5 out of 10 reflects the absence of standard forward collision warning and the optional rather than standard status of lane departure warning on this model year.
- Only two unverified owner complaints appear in NHTSA records for the 2019 S3, both alleging air bag concerns, which is a notably low complaint count for a vehicle now in its seventh year on the road.
RANKINGSWhere the 2019 Audi S3 places
The 2019 Audi S3 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2019 Audi S3 safety questions
Was the 2019 Audi S3 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2019 Audi S3, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 84 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2019 Audi S3 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2019 Audi S3 earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 10.9%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2019 Audi S3 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2019 Audi S3. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2019 Audi S3?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 2 owner complaints are on file for the 2019 Audi S3. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other S3 years
Rivals in Sedan (2019)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Acura RLX Sport | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi A4 Allroad | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi Rs5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi S5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi S4 | 98/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2019 Tesla Model S 60d | 98/100 | not rated | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 13689), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Audi S3 2019.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 58 of 119 in the Sedan class for 2019.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.