Most common 2019 Audi RS 3 problems
Share of the 5 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Audi RS 3 complaints by model year
Best RS 3 years: 2022. Compare all years →
2019 Audi RS 3 recalls (2)
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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2019 Audi RS 3:
Fuel Leak due to Suction Jet Pump Failure within Fuel Tank (Remedy Effectiveness of Recall 16V647)
On December 12, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened RQ23-007 to investigate the remedy repair effectiveness and scope of Volkswagen (VW) recall 16V-647. Recall 16V-647 was issued on September 2, 2016, for a defective suction jet pump (SJP) inside the fuel tank. Failure of the SJP could lead to a fuel leak from the vehicle.
What 2019 Audi RS 3 owners say
Engine & cooling
I first began noticing symptoms of a cooling system issue on May 23, 2024, including engine temperature fluctuations and loss of coolant, on my 2019 Audi RS3. Over time, the issue worsened, eventually requiring a full replacement of both the water pump and thermostat on January 10, 2025, at 53,981 miles. This resulted in a total out-of-pocket repair cost of $2,809.95. The symptoms included engine overheating and loss of coolant. The issue required full replacement of the water pump assembly, thermostat, coolant, and associated components. Below is a summary of the repair work performed: Thermostat replacement: $847.20 Water pump replacement: $1,725.20 Additional fluids, shop fees, taxes: $237.55 Total paid: $2,809.95 I later learned that Audi had issued a recall (NHTSA Recall No. 18V229000) for water pump failures in other Audi models with similar cooling system components and symptoms. …
My car keeps throwing drive errors, system malfunctions, and throws no trouble codes? I brought this to the attention of Audi, and got no answer. Can you investigate a hacked tcu/ECU? I don't have the gear. Consumer stated electronic oil sensor might have never worked. Dipstick was low, the only light is drive train malfunction light.
2019 Audi RS 3 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 5-cyl turbo | 7-speed dual-clutch | AWD | 19 / 28 / 22 |
EPA ratings. Class: Subcompact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2019 Audi RS 3 a good car?
Based on 5 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2019 RS 3 rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the RS 3 at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2019 Audi RS 3?
The engine & cooling — 3 complaints, 60% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the electrical system (1) and transmission & drivetrain (1).
How many recalls does the 2019 Audi RS 3 have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2019 Audi RS 3, the most recent from March 22, 2021 (front passenger). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Audi RS 3?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2022. See the full Audi RS 3 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2019 Audi RS 3 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 0 miles; 100% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.