2018 Audi RS 3 recalls and problems
The 2018 Audi RS 3 has 4 safety recalls and 13 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Audi dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2018 Audi RS 3 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2018 Audi RS 3 recalls
Recall 21V-198: Air Bags
Problem: 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.
Risk: A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix: 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.
Recall 19V-474: Air Bags
Problem: 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.
Risk: A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix: 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.
Recall 19V-095: Seats
Problem: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Audi A3 sedan and RS3 vehicles. The latching pins for the center rear seat head restraint may be missing.
Risk: In the event of a crash, the head restraint may detach and cause injury to the vehicle occupants.
Fix: Audi has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the head restraints, replacing any that are missing pins, free of charge. The recall began on March 7, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 72I8.
Recall 18V-803: Seats
Problem: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen e-Golf and Golf R vehicles, and Audi A3 Sedan and RS3 vehicles. The rear seat frame head restraint guide sleeves may be incorrectly welded to the seat frame.
Risk: If the guide sleeves are incorrectly welded, in the event of a crash, the rear seat head restraints may have reduced stability, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Volkswagen and Audi will notify their owners, and dealers will inspect the guide sleeves for incorrect welds, replacing the rear seat frame, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 28, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 72H8 (VW) and 72H9(Audi).
2018 Audi RS 3 problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Air Bags | 5 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 4 | |
| Engine | 2 | |
| Lane Departure | 2 | |
| Electrical System | 2 | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 2 | |
| Unknown or Other | 2 | |
| Seats | 1 | |
| Power Train | 1 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 1 | |
| Back Over Prevention | 1 | |
| Seat Belts | 1 |
Most reported parts
- Lane Departure › Blind Spot Detection — 2
- Back Over Prevention › Warnings — 1
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 1
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 13,338 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2018 Audi RS 3 complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Audi RS 3 years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2018 Audi RS 3 have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2018 Audi RS 3: 21V-198 (air bags), 19V-474 (air bags), 19V-095 (seats), 18V-803 (seats). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2018 Audi RS 3?
Owners report air bags problems most often (5 reports), followed by fuel/propulsion system (4). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 13,338 miles.
Are Audi recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Audi dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.