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Audi · Compact · 2011–2012

Audi RS3 8P

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
3.0 / 5.0 · Based on 1 engine variants

Generations

Engine Overview

The Audi RS3 8P is available with one engine variant at 340 hp.

RS3 · Benziner· 340 PS
2011 2012
Be Careful 16 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →

The Audi RS3 (Benziner, 340 PS) has the CEPA (2.5L TFSI I5) — rated: "Be Careful", 16 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
!Side engine mounts crack

The side engine mounts on the S3 8P are subject to heavy wear and can even crack. The problem occurs earlier under spirited driving or with a chip tune.

Symptoms: Vibrations in the cabin, shunting when accelerating, knocking noises under hard acceleration
from 70,000 km
Ad engine mount Audi S3 8P seitlichMotorhalter A3 8P 2.0 TFSI
 Medium
!Haldex pre-charge pump blocked

The Haldex pre-charge pump screen blocks due to old oil and prevents pressure build-up. The all-wheel drive then fails and the rear wheels receive no drive. Often the expensive coupling itself is replaced incorrectly.

Symptoms: Only front-wheel drive detectable, rear wheels don't spin up under slip, AWD fault in display
from 80,000 km
Ad Haldex Filter Audi S3 8PHaldex Vorladepumpe A3 8P quattroHaldex oil filter Sieb
 Medium
●Wheel bearings wear prematurely

Wheel bearing damage on the S3 8P manifests as humming in corners. The quattro drivetrain and higher weight compared to the A3 cause faster wheel bearing wear.

Symptoms: Humming that gets louder in corners, steering wheel vibrations at higher speeds
from 80,000 km
Ad wheel bearing Audi S3 8P frontwheel bearingsatz A3 8P quattro
 Low
●Top mounts knock during quick steering inputs

Knocking noises from the top mount during quick steering manoeuvres are a known problem. The chassis is also sensitive to tyre types not approved by Audi.

Symptoms: Knocking or banging from the front-wheel area when turning, noises over potholes
from 80,000 km
Ad strut mount Audi RS3 8P frontstrutstützlager A3 8Pshock absorber front RS3 8PA
 Low

Known Problems and Issues

A total of 27 weaknesses have been documented for the Audi RS3 8P (2011–2012) — 16 engine-related and 11 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Suspension, Brakes, Rust, Gearbox.

What to watch out for with the Audi RS3? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Audi RS3 8P have? +
The Audi RS3 8P has 16 known engine weaknesses and 11 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Audi RS3 8P? +
faq.watch_a_none
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: CEPA (2.5L TFSI I5). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the CEPA (2.5L TFSI I5).
Which Audi RS3 8P engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Audi RS3 8P — rated: "Legendary!". {description} 340 hp, five-cylinder, S-Tronic — the beginning of an era. Rougher than its successors, less polished, more emotional. No GPF, no sound actuator — the sound comes straight from the manifold. Long-term owners describe it as the most honest car Audi ever built. Used prices reflect the cult status.
Is the Audi RS3 8P worth buying used? +
The Audi RS3 8P requires careful consideration — choosing the right engine variant is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Audi RS3 8P? +
The Audi RS3 8P is available with engine variants from 340 to 360 hp. Petrol: CEPA (2.5L TFSI I5).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee