VehicleVerdict

2019 Audi RS 3 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 9 complaints on file for the 2019 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.

9

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2019 compare to other RS 3 years?

RS 3 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2019 highlighted24 complaints2017: 1 complaints2018: 24 complaints2019: 9 complaints2020: 1 complaints2022: 0 complaints2023: 0 complaints2025: 3 complaints
RS 3 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2019 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all RS 3 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2019 Audi RS 3 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine333%
Driver Assistance111%
Electrical System111%
Airbags111%
Fuel System111%
Other111%
Transmission111%

Does the 2019 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.

“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.*DT CONSUMER STATED ELECTRONIC OIL SENSOR MIGHT HAVE NEVER WORKED. DIPSTICK WAS LOW, THE ONLY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · March 7, 2021

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · May 23, 2024

“My vehicle has the Audi recall 69BY that came out on March 22, 2021. There is currently still no remedy and its November 19th, 2021. Its been nearly 8 months. The pre-sense warning light and the airbag light are glaring on the dash at all times. Nobody can sit in the passenger seat as the airbag…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · March 22, 2021

“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.*DT CONSUMER STATED ELECTRONIC OIL SENSOR MIGHT HAVE NEVER WORKED. DIPSTICK WAS LOW, THE ONLY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 7, 2021

“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.*DT CONSUMER STATED ELECTRONIC OIL SENSOR MIGHT HAVE NEVER WORKED. DIPSTICK WAS LOW, THE ONLY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · March 7, 2021

2019 Audi RS 3 — common questions

Is the 2019 Audi RS 3 reliable?

The record is thin — 9 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2019 Audi RS 3 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2019 Audi RS 3. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2019 Audi RS 3 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

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.