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Audi · Compact SUV · 2013–2018

Audi RS Q3 8U

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
2.8 / 5.0 · Based on 9 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

367 PS

2.5L TFSI I5 Benzin

367 hp five-cylinder SUV — the sharpest RS Q3

Fun to Drive!
Most Reliable Engine

179 PS

2.0L TFSI Benzin

5 weaknesses

Good Choice
Problem Engine

163–177 PS

2.0L TDI Diesel

7 weaknesses

Stay Away!

Generations

Engine Overview

The Audi RS Q3 8U is available with one engine variant at 116 hp.

RS Q3 · Benziner· 310 PS
2013 2018
Be Careful 11 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →

The Audi RS Q3 (Benziner, 310 PS) has the CTSA (2.5L TFSI I5) — rated: "Be Careful", 11 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
!S-Tronic Dual Clutch: Premature Wear

The 7-speed S-Tronic gearbox wears the dual clutch prematurely with frequent urban use and trailer operation.

Symptoms: Judder on pull-away and when manoeuvring, rev fluctuations, burning smell, clutch slip
from 80,000 km
Ad S-Tronic clutch Q3DSG clutch Audi Q3 8U0CJ gearbox clutch
 High
!S tronic 7-speed: rough shifts and shift errors

The 7-speed S tronic (DL501) in the RSQ3 8U shows rough gear changes in everyday use and occasional gearbox fault messages. Oil change every 60,000 km recommended — dealers sometimes refuse this as a maintenance item.

Symptoms: Judder on pull-away and during gear changes, gearbox fault message in instrument cluster, delayed engagement of gear
from 80,000 km
Ad S-Tronic Öl DL501 RSQ3Mechatronik DL501 RSQ3 8US-Tronic clutch RSQ3 8U
 High
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Average
77 complaints · 2011–2018
Electrical
18 ⚠ 1
Engine
18
Other
15
Airbags
12
Steering
6

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Electrical (18 complaints)
⚠ Engine (18 complaints)
⚠ Other (15 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 74 weaknesses have been documented for the Audi RS Q3 8U (2013–2018) — 64 engine-related and 10 vehicle-related. 2 problem engines: CDNC (2.0L TFSI), CAHA (2.0L TDI). Typical issues affect Gearbox, Suspension, Electronics, Brakes. Considered reliable: CULB (2.0L TFSI).

What to watch out for with the Audi RS Q3? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Audi RS Q3 8U have? +
The Audi RS Q3 8U has 64 known engine weaknesses and 10 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Audi RS Q3 8U? +
faq.watch_a_avoid faq.watch_a_rec
Which engine is recommended? +
Good choice: CULB (2.0L TFSI). The most reliable engine is the CULB (2.0L TFSI) with the lowest risk score. The most fun to drive is the CZGB (2.5L TFSI I5). Problem engine: CAHA (2.0L TDI) — stay away!
Which Audi RS Q3 8U engine is the most reliable? +
The {code} ({displacement}) is the most reliable engine in the Audi RS Q3 8U. It has the lowest risk score of all available engines and is rated "Good Choice". However, there are 5 known weaknesses to be aware of.
Which Audi RS Q3 8U engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Audi RS Q3 8U — rated: "Fun to Drive!". {description} Performance variant with 367 hp and cast-iron block — 57 hp more than the standard RS Q3. Five-cylinder sound in an SUV body remains unique. Impractical as an SUV, too tall as a sports car, but emotionally spot-on.
Is the Audi RS Q3 8U worth buying used? +
Caution is advised with the Audi RS Q3 8U — 2 of 9 engine variants are rated 'Stay Away!'. The engine choice is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Audi RS Q3 8U? +
The Audi RS Q3 8U is available with engine variants from 116 to 367 hp. Petrol: CDNC (2.0L TFSI), CULB (2.0L TFSI), CZCA (1.4L TFSI), CZGB (2.5L TFSI I5), CTSA (2.5L TFSI I5). Diesel: CAHA (2.0L TDI), CUNA (2.0L TDI), CFFB (2.0L TDI), CFFA (2.0L TDI).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee