VehicleVerdict

2017 Audi RS 3 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 2017 Audi RS 3 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

1

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2017 compare to other RS 3 years?

RS 3 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 highlighted24 complaints2017: 1 complaints2018: 24 complaints2019: 9 complaints2020: 1 complaints2022: 0 complaints2023: 0 complaints2025: 3 complaints
RS 3 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all RS 3 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2017 Audi RS 3 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Visibility & Wipers1100%

Does the 2017 Audi RS 3 have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

21V198000AirbagsMarch 22, 2021 · 153,152 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

19V474000AirbagsJune 19, 2019 · 138,896 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.

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. Audi's number for this recall is 69Z4.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“AUDI WINDSHIELD WIPERS ARE DESIGNED TO STOP CLEARING RAIN WHEN THE CAR IS AT A STOPPED POSITION SUCH AS STOP LIGHT OR STOP SIGN. THE WIPERS WILL TURN BACK ON WHEN VEHICLE IS MOVING. THERE IS A 2 3 SECOND DELAY BEFORE THE WIPERS TURN BACK ON. THIS CHARACTERISTIC APPEARS ON OTHER AUDI VEHICLES…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · February 4, 2020

2017 Audi RS 3 — common questions

Is the 2017 Audi RS 3 reliable?

The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2017 Audi RS 3 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2017 Audi RS 3. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.