NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Audi S3 Safety Ratings
The 2020 Audi S3 scores 89 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 1 owner complaint on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Audi S3 presents a compelling safety profile for used-market shoppers, earning a NHTSA Safety Index of 89/100, placing it in the Strong band. This assessment is backed by a five-star overall NHTSA crash rating and a clean defect record score of 19/20.
The 2020 Audi S3 Sedan achieved a five-star overall NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 89/100, sourced from NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 105 Sedans from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Audi S3 ranks 46 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 89 / 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 | 1 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 46 of 105 Sedans tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Audi S3?
The 2020 Audi S3 represents a measurable step forward from its immediate predecessor: the NHTSA Safety Index climbed five points, from 84 in the 2019 model year to 89 this year, while remaining in the Strong band. That gain is largely anchored by a near-perfect defect record score of 19 out of 20, reflecting just one recall campaign and a complaint file that is essentially empty. The single recall targets the front passenger air bag occupant classification sensor, a system-level concern rather than a structural one, and it spans a broad range of model years across the Audi lineup rather than isolating a 2020-specific manufacturing defect. On the crash-test side, the five-star overall and five-star side ratings are the headline figures, while the four-star frontal and four-star rollover scores keep the crash-protection sub-score at a solid 61 out of 70. The avoidance-tech sub-score of 8.5 out of 10 reflects forward collision warning and electronic stability control as standard equipment, with lane departure warning available only as an option, which accounts for the fractional deduction in that category.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Audi S3 perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Audi S3 earned an overall five-star safety rating from NHTSA, with a perfect five stars recorded in the side-impact test. Frontal and rollover protection were each rated at four stars. The rollover risk, as determined by federal testing, is 11 percent, and the dynamic tip test recorded a No Tip result, which reinforces the four-star rollover figure.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14765
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Audi S3 have any recalls?
The 2020 Audi S3 carries one recall campaign: an air bag occupant classification sensor issue affecting the front passenger position. Volkswagen Group of America issued this recall covering certain 2015-2020 Audi S3 Sedans and related models. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the available data for this campaign.
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 2020 Audi S3?
NHTSA records one owner complaint for the 2020 Audi S3. The single report falls under the Unknown or Other component category and alleges no crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths. These are unverified consumer allegations submitted to NHTSA, not confirmed findings.
1 owner complaint on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Audi S3?
A critical concern remains the unresolved recall for the air bag occupant classification sensor. This issue, vital to proper airbag deployment, necessitates a VIN check through the NHTSA database to confirm repair status prior to any purchase.
- The Safety Index rose five points year-over-year from the 2019 model, reaching 89/100 in the Strong band, driven by a near-perfect defect record sub-score of 19/20.
- One active recall targets the front passenger air bag occupant classification sensor across certain 2015-2020 Audi S3 Sedans - VIN verification of remedy completion is essential for used buyers.
- NHTSA awarded the 2020 S3 five stars overall and five stars in the side-impact test, with four-star scores in both frontal and rollover categories and an 11 percent rollover risk.
- Lane departure warning is listed as optional rather than standard for this model year, which is reflected in the avoidance-tech sub-score of 8.5 out of 10 rather than a full ten points.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Audi S3 places
The 2020 Audi S3 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Audi S3 safety questions
Was the 2020 Audi S3 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Audi S3, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 89 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 2020 Audi S3 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 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 2020 Audi S3 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2020 Audi S3. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Audi S3?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 1 owner complaint is on file for the 2020 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 (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Acura RLX | 99/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Acura RLX Sport | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2020 Audi S5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Infiniti Q50 | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Mazda Mazda3 | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Nissan Maxima | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14765), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Audi S3 2020.
- 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 46 of 105 in the Sedan class for 2020.
- 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.