Research · Subcompact Cars

2017 Audi RS 3Recalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 1 owner complaint for the 2017 Audi RS 3. Most complaints involve visibility/wiper (1). The EPA rates it 22 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
22mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
1campaigns
Latest Jun 2019
Owner complaints
1
Top: visibility/wiper
Fuel cost / yr
$3,500est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

1 NHTSA campaign · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Air bags: occupant classification

Free remedy

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.

Air bagsReported Jun 19, 2019NHTSA 19V474000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

1 complaints filed with NHTSA · Feb 2020 – Feb 2020
  1. Visibility/wiper1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each RS 3 model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
20171
20201
20251
20261
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Visibility/wiper

1 report
“AUDI WINDSHIELD WIPERS ARE DESIGNED TO STOP CLEARING RAIN WHEN THE CAR IS AT A STOPPED POSITION SUCH AS STOP LIGHT OR STOP SIGN. THE WIPERS WILL TURN BACK ON WHEN VEHICLE IS MOVING. THERE IS A 2 3 SECOND DELAY BEFORE THE WIPERS TURN BACK ON. THIS CHARACTERISTIC APPEARS ON OTHER AUDI VEHICLES (TESTED THIS WITH AUDI DEALER ON OTHER AUDI MODELS). THIS ISSUE CREATES AN ENVIRONMENT WHERE A VEHICLE STARTS TO MOVE BUT YOU CANNOT SEE WHAT IS IN FRONT OF YOU BECAUSE OF THE WIPERS BEING OFF.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 12, 2020Visibility/wiperODI 11308668
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

1 version rated by the EPA
EPA class
Subcompact Cars
Engines
2.5L 5-cyl turbo
Transmissions
Automatic (AM-S7)
Drive
All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Premium Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
RS 3
Auto (AM-S7), 5 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive
192822$3,500399
  • RS 3
    Auto (AM-S7), 5 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo
    19 city · 28 hwy · $3,500/yr
    22
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

New Car Assessment Program
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2017 Audi RS 3 as of Nov 10, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 10, 2026
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2017 RS 3 questions

How many recalls does the 2017 Audi RS 3 have?

1 safety recall as of Nov 10, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2017 Audi RS 3 problems?

Owners filed 1 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are visibility/wiper (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2017 Audi RS 3 get?

The EPA rates the 2017 Audi RS 3 at 22 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 10, 2026