2019 Audi RS 3 recalls and problems

The 2019 Audi RS 3 has 2 safety recalls and 5 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Audi dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
5
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2019 Audi RS 3 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2019 Audi RS 3 recalls

Recall 21V-198: Air Bags

Reported Mar 22, 2021 · 153,152 vehicles affected · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

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

Reported Jun 19, 2019 · 138,896 vehicles affected · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

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.

2019 Audi RS 3 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine3
Electrical System1
Power Train1
Air Bags1
Fuel/Propulsion System1
Back Over Prevention1
Unknown or Other1

Most reported parts

  • Back Over Prevention › Warnings — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 5 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 2019 Audi RS 3 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Back Over Prevention · reported Mar 26, 2025
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 miles. This resulted in a total out-of-pocket repair cost of $2,809.95. The symptoms included engine overheating and loss of coolant. The issue required full replacement of the water pump assembly, thermostat, coolant, and associated components. Below is a summary of the repair work performed…
Fuel/Propulsion System · reported Oct 16, 2024
[XXX] Unable to fill the vehicle with fuel normally, with the nozzle clicking off repeatedly, required trickle of fuel to partially fill tank. Same day system failure under normal driving conditions with fuel leak spraying fuel from the gas tank and overflowing under excessive pressure creating serious risk of injury or death due to fire or explosion. Removal of the cap revealed excessive tank pressure causing fuel to spew from the fill opening, creating an additional safety risk in addition to fire and explosion, including eye, skin, and clothing contamination and/or damage. Audi dealer in…
Air Bags · reported Nov 19, 2021
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 would not deploy in the event of a crash. I have to keep the passenger seatbelt fastened at all times with nobody sitting in the seat or else it dings nonstop. I am expecting my first child in Feb 2022 and would like to trade in my car for a more appropriate family sized car. But, with this open recall…
Electrical System · at 5 miles · reported Mar 9, 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. Consumer stated electronic oil sensor might have never worked. Dipstick was low, the only light is drive train malfunction light.

Other Audi RS 3 years

Compare all Audi RS 3 years · All Audi models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2019 Audi RS 3 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2019 Audi RS 3: 21V-198 (air bags), 19V-474 (air bags). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2019 Audi RS 3?

Owners report engine problems most often (3 reports), followed by electrical system (1). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 5 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.