🇩🇪 Deutsch
Audi · Compact · 2015–2020

Audi RS3 8V

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
3.0 / 5.0 · Based on 3 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

400 PS

2.5L TFSI I5 Benzin

400 hp five-cylinder — finally enough power for the sound

Legendary!

Body Variants

The Audi RS3 8V is available as Limousine and Schrägheck — choose your body type for specific insurance data:

Limousine
3 Engines
view Limousine →
Schrägheck
3 Engines
view Schrägheck →

Generations

Engine Overview

The Audi RS3 8V is available with one engine variant at 367 hp. 1 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.

RS3 · Benziner· 367–407 PS Engine Change
2015 2016
Be Careful 11 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
2017 2020
Be Careful 14 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
2019 2020
Be Careful 12 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →

The Audi RS3 (Benziner, 367–407 PS) comes with 3 different engines: CZGB (2015–2016, Be Careful) und DAZA (2017–2020, Be Careful) und DNWA (2019–2020, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the RS3!

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
✖Angle gear bearing failure

Bearing failure in the angle gear due to pitting and poor OEM oil. Audi acknowledged the issue in TPI 2054707. Bearings not available separately — full unit replacement required.

Symptoms: Grinding or scraping noise when rolling from ~70–90 km/h, initially from cold start. Noise does not change with steering angle.
from 60,000 km
Ad Winkelgearbox RS3 8VKegelrollenlager WinkelgearboxG052580A2 differential fluid
 High
✖Haldex coupling wear from neglected oil change

Gen 5 Haldex is sensitive to contaminated oil. The pre-charge pump screen blocks up, clutch plates wear. Audi specifies no change interval — recommendation: every 2–3 years.

Symptoms: Vibration on pull-away, silver-coloured oil when drained. AWD warning light, judder when cornering under load.
from 90,000 km
Ad Haldex clutch RS3 8VOCQ525554AA HaldexHaldex Öl G052175A2
 High
●S tronic jerks at low speed

The S tronic dual-clutch gearbox is prone to jerky behaviour at low speeds, in stop-and-go traffic and when manoeuvring. Regular gearbox oil changes every 60,000 km are essential.

Symptoms: Juddering on pull-away and at low speeds, gear change shunt between 1st and 2nd
from 60,000 km
Ad S-Tronic transmission fluid Audi S3 8VDQ381 transmission fluid Audi
 High
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Above Average
17 complaints · 2015–2020
Airbags
6
Engine
5
Fuel System
4
Electrical
3
Other
2

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Airbags (6 complaints)
⚠ Engine (5 complaints)
⚠ Fuel System (4 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Average
82 complaints · 2012–2020
Airbags
48 ⚠ 1
Fuel System
9
Electrical
9
Powertrain
9
Seats
8

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Airbags (48 complaints)
⚠ Fuel System (9 complaints)
⚠ Electrical (9 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

Alternatives

Same Segment

Ford Focus DEH

Kompaktklasse (2018–2024)

Same Segment

Kia Ceed CD

Kompaktklasse (2018–2024)

Same Segment

Mercedes-Benz A-Klasse W177

Kompaktklasse (2018–2025)

Same Segment

Honda Civic FK7

Kompaktklasse (2017–2022)

Same Segment

MINI MINI Countryman F60

Kompaktklasse (2017–2024)

Same Segment

Nissan Leaf ZE1

Kompaktklasse (2017–2024)

Known Problems and Issues

A total of 49 weaknesses have been documented for the Audi RS3 8V (2015–2020) — 37 engine-related and 12 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Gearbox, Suspension, Other, Brakes.

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 8V have? +
The Audi RS3 8V has 37 known engine weaknesses and 12 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Audi RS3 8V? +
faq.watch_a_none
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: CZGB (2.5L TFSI I5), DAZA (2.5L TFSI I5), DNWA (2.5L TFSI I5). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the DAZA (2.5L TFSI I5).
Which Audi RS3 8V engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Audi RS3 8V — rated: "Legendary!". {description} The 400 hp version finally has enough grunt to match the noise. DAZA engine with aluminum block saves 26 kg over the cast-iron predecessor. Without GPF, the peak of the 8V era. With GPF (DNWA) still good, but the volume is missing.
Is the Audi RS3 8V worth buying used? +
The Audi RS3 8V requires careful consideration — choosing the right engine variant is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Audi RS3 8V? +
The Audi RS3 8V is available with engine variants from 367 to 407 hp. Petrol: CZGB (2.5L TFSI I5), DAZA (2.5L TFSI I5), DNWA (2.5L TFSI I5).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee