VehicleVerdict

2020 Audi RS 3 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 2020 Audi RS 3 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

1

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2020 compare to other RS 3 years?

RS 3 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 highlighted24 complaints2017: 1 complaints2018: 24 complaints2019: 9 complaints2020: 1 complaints2022: 0 complaints2023: 0 complaints2025: 3 complaints
RS 3 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all RS 3 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2020 Audi RS 3 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine1100%

Does the 2020 Audi RS 3 have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“Water pump leaking very slowly. Dealer admitted that they had several cars with the same issue. Water pump failure could cause motor to seize Dealer confirmed water pump leak Warning message in the dash cluster warned of low coolant Searching the internet, there is a very large problem dozens of…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 2, 2021

2020 Audi RS 3 — common questions

Is the 2020 Audi RS 3 reliable?

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

Does the 2020 Audi RS 3 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2020 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 2020 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.