Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 0 | −50% | 2 | — | Few |
| 2019 | 5 | typical | 2 | Engine | Average |
| 2018 | 13 | — | 4 | Airbag | Limited data |
| 2017 | 1 | — | 2 | Window & Wiper | Few |
* Complaints compared with the median RS 3 year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Audi RS 3 problems
Latest Audi RS 3 recalls
Back over prevention › Display function
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022 Golf R A8, Audi S3, RS3 Sedan, Q4 E-Tron SUV, A3 Sedan, and 2022-2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI, and ID4 vehicles. The rearview camera image may be blank or unresponsive when the vehicle is placed in reverse gear or when the park function is manually activated.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed to Audi owners February 14, 2023.
Air bags › Frontal
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022 Audi S3, A3, and RS3 vehicles. The front passenger air bag may have been folded incorrectly.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 13, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classification › Front passenger
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Audi S3 Sedan, A3 Sedan, 2016-2018 A3 Etron, 2017-2020 RS3 Sedan, and 2015-2019 A3 Cabriolet vehicles. The passenger occupant detection system (PODS) may malfunction and switch off the passenger air bag even when the seat is occupied.
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.
Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classification
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Audi S3 Sedan, 2015-2019 A3 Sedan and A3 Cabriolet, 2016-2018 A3 e-tron, and 2017-2019 RS3 vehicles. An improper electrical contact may cause the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) to falsely detect a malfunction and deactivate the passenger air bag.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the connector and reroute the cable, free of charge. The recall began September 12, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
Seats › Mid/rear assembly
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Audi A3 sedan and RS3 vehicles. The latching pins for the center rear seat head restraint may be missing.
Remedy: Audi has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the head restraints, replacing any that are missing pins, free of charge. The recall began on March 7, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Audi RS 3 should you avoid?
None of the Audi RS 3 years has an unusually high number of complaints compared with the others at the same age.
What is the best year for the Audi RS 3?
2022 has the fewest complaints compared with other RS 3 years at the same age. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Audi RS 3 problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the air bags (6), fuel & propulsion system (5) and engine & cooling (5). Airbag complaints peak in the 2018 model year.
How many recalls has the Audi RS 3 had?
6 recalls across 2017–2022. The model year with the most is 2018. See all Audi RS 3 recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.