This page covers 5 recalls, 12 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2018 Audi Rs 3.
22 mpg combined
10.7 L/100km
Subcompact Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted.
Complaints for the 2018 Audi RS 3 are spread thinly across systems, but fueling issues draw the most consistent attention. Multiple owners describe difficulty filling the tank, fuel spitting back, the pump shutting off prematurely, and a persistent fuel odor after refueling, sometimes lasting days. One owner traces the problem to a failed suction pump in the fuel tank that caused fuel to back up into the evaporation canister and exit through a vent tube near the rear wheel well. The airbag system also shows up in more than one report, with owners describing the passenger airbag warning light staying on, the seat illuminating as unoccupied when it isn't, and other electrical warnings cascading alongside it. A water pump failure showing up before 28,000 miles rounds out the complaint picture, with owners noting a coolant leak that worsened over time.
12
Total Complaints
By System
The 2018 Audi RS 3 has 5 recalls, all rated at the same severity level, covering two distinct safety concerns: rear seat head restraints that may not stay in place during a crash, and a passenger airbag that can shut itself off unexpectedly.
The rear seat issues stem from problems with how the head restraints are secured to the seat frame. In some vehicles, the guide sleeves that hold the restraints may be incorrectly welded, reducing stability in a crash. In others, the latching pins for the center rear head restraint may be missing entirely, meaning the restraint can detach and strike an occupant. The passenger airbag concern involves the seat's occupant detection system, which can misread an electrical fault as a malfunction and turn off the front passenger airbag even when someone is sitting in the seat, leaving that occupant without airbag protection in a crash.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger air bag detection system may malfunction and turn off the passenger air bag even when someone is sitting in that seat.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the detection sensor mat and reprogram the detection control module at no cost.
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A faulty electrical connection in the passenger air bag detection system may cause it to incorrectly sense a problem and turn off the passenger air bag.
What the fix does
The dealer will replace the connector and reroute the cable to restore proper air bag operation.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The center rear seat head restraint may be missing its latching pins, which secure it in place.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the head restraints and replace any missing pins at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear seat head restraint guides may not be properly welded to the seat frame. In a crash, the head restraints could shift out of position, increasing injury risk.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the rear seat frame welds. If the head restraint guide welds are insufficient, the guides will be replaced.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear seat head restraint guide sleeves may be incorrectly welded to the seat frame, potentially affecting head restraint function.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the guide sleeves for incorrect welds and replace the rear seat frame if needed, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
