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Research · Subcompact Cars

2020 Audi RS 3Recalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 1 owner complaint for the 2020 Audi RS 3. Most complaints involve engine (1). The EPA rates it 23 mpg combined.

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Combined MPG
23mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
1
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$3,350est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2020 Audi RS 3 as of Nov 11, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 11, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

1 complaints filed with NHTSA · Sep 2021 – Sep 2021
  1. Engine1

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 11, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Engine

1 report
“Water pump leaking very slowly. Dealer admitted that they had several cars with the same issue. Water pump failure could cause motor to seize Dealer confirmed water pump leak Warning message in the dash cluster warned of low coolant Searching the internet, there is a very large problem dozens of owners of Audi RS3 cars having water pump issues. Attached video from the dealer https://api.mykaarma.com/video-walkaround/details?inspection_uuid=61313c6b5a870b0001f117db&fileType=image_and_video”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 20, 2021EngineODI 11433590
Send a problem to a mechanic on findmechanic.ai
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 11, 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 11, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
RS3
Auto (AM-S7), 5 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive
192823$3,350392
  • RS3
    Auto (AM-S7), 5 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo
    19 city · 28 hwy · $3,350/yr
    23
    mpg comb.
Estimate your fuel costCost of ownership
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 11, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2020 Audi RS 3 as of Nov 11, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 11, 2026Vehicle 14766
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

2020 RS 3 questions

How many recalls does the 2020 Audi RS 3 have?

0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 11, 2026.

What are the most common 2020 Audi RS 3 problems?

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

What MPG does the 2020 Audi RS 3 get?

The EPA rates the 2020 Audi RS 3 at 23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 11, 2026