Audi RS 3 Problems by Year
NHTSA has 22 owner complaints and 7 safety recalls on file for the Audi RS 3, across 8 model years (2017–2026). The 2018 model year has the most complaints (13). The most reported problem area overall is air bags.
Audi RS 3 years to avoid? What the complaint data shows
These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical RS 3 year: 2018. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.
Model years with the most complaints
- 2018 RS 3: 13 complaints, 4 recalls
- 2019 RS 3: 5 complaints, 2 recalls
- 2026 RS 3: 1 complaint, 0 recalls
Model years with the fewest complaints
Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.
Most common Audi RS 3 problems (all years)
| Problem area | Complaints | Model years | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Bags | 6 | 2 | 0 |
| Engine | 6 | 3 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 5 | 2 | 0 |
| Electrical System | 4 | 3 | 0 |
| Back Over Prevention | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Lane Departure | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Power Train | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Seats | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Service Brakes | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Wheels | 1 | 1 | 0 |
All Audi RS 3 model years
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Crash rating | Top problem | Compared with other years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 RS 3 | 1 | 0 | — | Wheels | |
| 2025 RS 3 | 1 | 0 | — | Electrical System | |
| 2023 RS 3 | 0 | 1 | — | — | |
| 2022 RS 3 | 0 | 2 | — | — | |
| 2020 RS 3 | 1 | 1 | — | Engine | |
| 2019 RS 3 | 5 | 2 | — | Engine | |
| 2018 RS 3 | 13 | 4 | — | Air Bags | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2017 RS 3 | 1 | 2 | — | Visibility/wiper |
More from Audi: all Audi models · Audi VIN decoder
Frequently asked questions
Which Audi RS 3 years should you stay away from?
By NHTSA complaints, 2018 (13) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical RS 3 year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.
What is the biggest problem with the Audi RS 3?
Air Bags, with 6 complaints across 2 model years.
How many recalls does the Audi RS 3 have?
7 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.