Is the 2019 Audi RS 3 reliable?

The 2019 Audi RS 3 has 9 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.4x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: above-average. Most common issue: ENGINE problems.

What are common problems with the 2019 Audi RS 3?

Top problems: ENGINE (3 complaints, avg repair $500); ELECTRICAL (1 complaints, avg repair $500); TRANSMISSION (1 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2019 Audi RS 3?

Yes, there are 1 recall(s): AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION. Contact any Audi dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2019 Audi RS 3?

The 2019 Audi RS 3 gets 22 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2182. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2019 Audi RS 3?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2019 Audi RS 3 is approximately $2,143/year (sedan-luxury class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2019 Audi RS 3

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Above Average

Quick Summary

The 2019 Audi RS 3 has 9 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.4x the segment average of 24. The most common issue is engine problems (33% of all complaints), specifically: 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.*dt consumer stated electronic oil sensor might have never worked. dipstick was low, the on. There is 1 recall issued for this model year.

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

0.4x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 7)

ENGINE

3 complaints

33%

• 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.*DT CONSUMER STATED ELECTRONIC OIL SENSOR MIGHT HAVE NEVER WORKED. DIPSTICK WAS LOW, THE ON
• 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 m
• The water pump has failed twice in under 46,000 miles, first was at 3000 miles 2nd was at 46000 miles

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“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.*DT CONSUMER STATED ELECTRONIC OIL SENSOR MIGHT HAVE NEVER WORKED. DIPSTICK WAS LOW, THE ON”

— NHTSA complaint filing

Recalls (1)

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION19/06/2019

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.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2019 Audi RS 3

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,182

Per month

$182

Per mile

18.2¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,527/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,715/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2019 Audi RS 3

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$2,143

Full coverage / month

$179

Liability only / year

$710

vs US avg

+28%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-luxury)1.28x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age1.00x

= Full coverage estimate$2143

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Audi RS 3 Service Intervals

Oil change

10K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

10K mi

Brake fluid

24 months

Transmission fluid

40K mi

Engine coolant

100K mi

Spark plugs

60K mi

Cabin air filter

20K mi

Engine air filter

40K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

40K mi

Long-interval service (LongLife) uses fully-synthetic oil. Some engines have timing belts (check owner's manual).

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Audi New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

4 yr / 50K mi

Powertrain

4 yr / 50K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

12 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

4 yr / unlimited mi

Corrosion coverage is unlimited miles for 12 years

These are the terms for a new Audi. If you're buying a used 2019 RS 3, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Audi dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

AIR BAGS(~50K mi)

$500

FUEL SYSTEM(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 9 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ENGINE: 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.*DT CONSUMER STATED ELECTRONIC OIL SENSOR MIGHT HAVE NEVER WORKED. DIPSTICK WAS LOW, THE ON
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: 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.*DT CONSUMER STATED ELECTRONIC OIL SENSOR MIGHT HAVE NEVER WORKED. DIPSTICK WAS LOW, THE ON
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
TRANSMISSION: 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.*DT CONSUMER STATED ELECTRONIC OIL SENSOR MIGHT HAVE NEVER WORKED. DIPSTICK WAS LOW, THE ON
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
AIR BAGS: 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 w
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 1 recall have been completed — free at any Audi dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)

Audi RS 3 — Year Comparison

How does 2019 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.

Full years-to-avoid analysis →

NHTSA Safety Rating

No NHTSA safety rating available

At a Glance

Complaints: 9
Recalls: 1
Fire reports: 0
Crash reports: 0
Injury reports: 0
Segment avg: 24

Check a Specific VIN

See recalls for YOUR 2019 Audi RS 3

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