2018 Audi RS3: common problems and reliability
One of the worst RS3 years.
One of the Audi RS3 years to avoid. All RS3 years
13 owner complaints, most about air bags. 1 recall.
Should I buy a 2018 RS3?The 2018 Audi RS3 has 13 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 1 recall on record. The most-reported areas are air bags and fuel/propulsion system.
Safety record for the 2018 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2018 Audi RS3 vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other RS3 years only. How we score it
Is 2018 a good year for the RS3?
Across the 6 RS3 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (2020) to 13 (2018). With 13 complaints, the 2018 RS3 sits above the model's median of 1.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2018 RS3
air bags:sensor:occupant classification:front passenger
Campaign 21V198000Volkswagen 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.
What owners say across generations
The sentiment is strongly positive, centered on the vehicle's unique and highly praised 2.5-liter turbocharged 5-cylinder engine (codenamed DAZA).
Owner insights cover all generations of the RS3. See the full RS3 owner picture and every model year.
Other RS3 model years
Compare every RS3 year side by side to see how 2018 ranks against the rest.
Compare the RS3 against its rivals
Looking at a specific car?
We're building a full check by VIN: the exact trim and engine, its known problems and recalls, what to inspect, a fair price, and how it compares with its rivals. Get an email when it's ready.
One email when it launches. Unsubscribe any time. Privacy