DecodedCarsAudi RS 3
2 model years from 2017 to 2018, compared on size, efficiency, safety and reliability.
- Model years
- 2017–2018
- Class
- Subcompact Cars
- Latest engines
- 2.5L 5-cyl turbo
- Best MPG
- 22–22 combined, by year
- Latest rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 4 campaigns, all years
- Most complaints
- 2018 (13)
- Fewest problems
- 2017
The 2018 RS 3 in brief
The 2018 Audi RS 3 is a subcompact car offered with a 2.5L 5-cyl turbo engine and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 176 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 104-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,505 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 22 MPG combined (19 city / 28 highway), 7% worse than the 2018 subcompact car average of 23.7 MPG, for an estimated $3,750 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 13 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.
The Audi RS 3 has 2 model years in our data, from 2017 to 2018.
Its most efficient year was 2018 at 22 MPG combined; across all years the best version ranged from 22 to 22 MPG.
Owners most often report problems with the air bags (5), fuel/propulsion system (4), engine (2).
Buying used? 2017 has the fewest problems in our data, and 2018 is the year to avoid.
2018 has the most recalls (4); all years together count 4 campaigns and 14 owner complaints.
2018 RS 3 pros & cons
Full 2018 details →What's good
Nothing stands out against similar models in the data.
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Best and worst years to buy used
2017 RS 3
1 owner complaint · 2 recalls
Year to avoid2018 RS 3
13 owner complaints · 4 recalls
Most reported: Air Bags
NHTSA recalls and complaints for 2 model years since 2015; use it alongside a pre-purchase inspection. How we calculate this →
Show all 2 model years side by side
Alternatives to the 2018 RS 3
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 BMW 3 Series | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2018 Lexus IS | 26 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2018 Audi A4 | 31 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2018 Tesla Model 3 | 310 mi | ★★★★★ | 19 |
| 2018 Audi A3 | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 7 |
| 2018 Audi A5 | 27 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
Most common owner-reported problems
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Audi. How we calculate this →