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2018 Audi RS 3 Recalls

Updated Jun 2, 2026·Ryan Davis3 Critical Recalls

Recall Summary

The 2018 Audi RS 3 has 5 recalls recorded by NHTSA.

3 High Risks Found — View Now

Total Recalls

5
3 High Risks

Source: NHTSA Campaign Data

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How to Handle Recalls

Check your VIN

Locate your 17-character VIN on the dashboard or driver's door jamb.

Verify Status

Visit the NHTSA Recall Website or the manufacturer's official page.

Schedule Repair

Contact a franchised dealership. Recall repairs are always free of charge.

Document It

Keep records of the repair for your vehicle history file to maintain value.

Note: Unrepaired recalls can affect vehicle safety and resale value. We recommend checking for open recalls at least once a year.

Recall Summary

What the recall count means for the 2018 Audi RS 3

The 2018 Audi RS 3 has 5 recall campaigns on record. Yes, buyers should pay close attention. The 2018 Audi RS 3 has 3 serious recalls touching safety-critical systems, so a VIN-specific remedy check should happen before you buy.

Which systems are affected?

The main systems named in recall filings for the 2018 Audi RS 3 include SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY, AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION, AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER, AIR BAGS:ON-OFF SWITCH ASSEMBLY.

What should buyers check before purchase?

Run a VIN recall lookup, confirm dealer remedy completion, and compare the recall themes against the maintenance and complaints reports before committing.

What is the most serious recall on the 2018 Audi RS 3?

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.

Read the full buyer guideMaintenance costs and intervalsOwner complaints by system2019 RS 3 recalls2017 RS 3 recalls2020 RS 3 recalls
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Data and Methodology

MethodologyHow we score →

Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.

FAQ

How many recalls does the 2018 Audi RS 3 have?

There are 5 recall campaigns for the 2018 Audi RS 3.

Recall rows are tied to NHTSA campaign-level source references.

Review recall campaigns

Are there safety critical recalls for the 2018 Audi RS 3?

There are 3 which have high risk. Prioritize campaigns affecting brakes, steering, airbags, fuel systems, or fire risk, then confirm remedy availability with VIN lookup.

Recall response workflow is provided next to the data table.

Show high risk recalls
Recall campaigns
5
Primary source
NHTSA recall filings and campaign references
Workflow
Count, campaign details, remedy status, and VIN verification

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Start here for the 2018 Audi RS 3

Start here

Buyer guide

Full ownership breakdown

Maintenance guide

Costs + intervals

Owner complaints

Issue volume + categories

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Subscribe to Recall Alerts

Get notified when a new recall or important ownership update lands for the 2018 Audi RS 3.

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In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Action Plan
  3. 03Should Buyers Worry?
  4. 04NHTSA Recalls
  5. 05Data and Methodology

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Recalls for 2018 Audi RS 3 Buyer's Guide

5 total campaigns, 3 marked high risk

low
ID: 18V803000

Seats

Mid/Rear Assembly

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen e-Golf and Golf R vehicles, and Audi A3 Sedan and RS3 vehicles. The rear seat frame head restraint guide sleeves may be incorrectly welded to the seat frame.

High Riskcritical
ID: 19V474000

Air Bags

SensorOccupant Classification

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.

low
ID: 19V095000

Seats

Mid/Rear Assembly

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Audi A3 sedan and RS3 vehicles. The latching pins for the center rear seat head restraint may be missing.

High Riskcritical
ID: 21V198000

Air Bags

SensorOccupant ClassificationFront Passenger

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Audi S3 Sedan, A3 Sedan, 2016-2018 A3 Etron, 2017-2020 RS3 Sedan, and 2015-2019 A3 Cabriolet vehicles. The passenger occupant detection system (PODS) may malfunction and switch off the passenger air bag even when the seat is occupied.

High Riskcritical
ID: 21V198000

Air Bags

On-Off Switch Assembly

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Audi S3 Sedan, A3 Sedan, 2016-2018 A3 Etron, 2017-2020 RS3 Sedan, and 2015-2019 A3 Cabriolet vehicles. The passenger occupant detection system (PODS) may malfunction and switch off the passenger air bag even when the seat is occupied.