Audi RS3 common problems and MOT failures
What goes wrong on a used Audi RS3, year by year: known faults from UK buying guides, the parts flagged at MOT more than on other cars (from 664 MOTs done during 2023–2025), and what to check before you buy one.
The 2020 Audi RS3
Too few Audi RS3 cars first registered in 2020 had an MOT during 2025 for reliable MOT figures. There are no known faults on record for this year in the UK buying guides we use, so the rest of this page covers the Audi RS3 as a whole.
What to check on a 2020 car
- MOT history
Check the reg below: its MOT history shows what has been failed or advised, and whether the mileage adds up.
- Service history
Look for regular servicing and receipts for big jobs like a cambelt or clutch.
- Finance and write-offs
MOT records don’t show outstanding finance or insurance write-offs. A history check does.
- Test drive
Listen for knocks over bumps, check every warning light goes out, and make sure the gears and brakes feel right.
Other years
Most years have their own guide. The year is when the car was first registered (it’s on the logbook, or check the reg below).
What usually goes wrong with an Audi RS3?
Known faults reported by owners, mechanics and UK buying guides, in our own words. Most apply to certain years or engines only, so check which the car has.
- Cars registered 2021–2025 · Some cars
Brake servo rod and seatbelt recalls
The bolted rod between the brake servo and pedal could loosen and lose normal braking, and the front seatbelts might not restrain properly. An interior electrical connector was also recalled.
At the viewing: Ask an Audi dealer to confirm the recalls were done.
- Cars registered 2021–2025 · All engines
Infotainment, electrical faults and warning lights
59% of cars in What Car?'s survey had a fault, mostly infotainment (44%) and electrics, often needing a week or more in the workshop. Diesels had recurring exhaust system faults.
At the viewing: Use the screen, check for warning lights and test the electrics.
Audi RS3 MOT pass rate by year
Older cars fail more, so compare each year with all cars registered the same year.
Questions to ask the seller before buying an Audi RS3
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Have the brake servo and seatbelt recalls been done?
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at an Audi RS3?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Where this comes from: MOT figures are the DVSA’s anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, grouped by the year each car was first registered. How many are on the road is from the Department for Transport’s vehicle licensing statistics. Known faults are from UK buying guides, in our own words, with links. How we score