🇩🇪 Deutsch
Audi · Compact · 2021–2025

Audi RS3 8Y

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

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

Body Variants

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

Limousine
1 Engines
view Limousine →
Schrägheck
1 Engines
view Schrägheck →

Generations

Engine Overview

The Audi RS3 8Y is available with one engine variant at 400 hp.

RS3 · Benziner· 400 PS
2021 2025
Be Careful 14 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →

The Audi RS3 (Benziner, 400 PS) has the DNWC (2.5L TFSI I5) — rated: "Be Careful", 14 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
✖Torque splitter fault — all-wheel drive failure

Early 8Y RS3 units show electromechanical faults in the torque splitter. Audi identified affected production batches via TPI. Full unit replacement required.

Symptoms: Message 'ALL-WHEEL DRIVE FAULT', rear axle drops out under load, stuttering at full throttle, message 'Gearbox overheated'.
from 8,000 km
Ad Torque Splitter RS3 8YHinterachsdifferenzial RS3 8YLamellenclutch quattro 8Y
 High
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Above Average
3 complaints · 2020–2025
Other
1
Wipers & Visibility
1
Electrical
1
Brakes
1
Backup Camera/Sensors
1

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Other (1 complaints)
⚠ Wipers & Visibility (1 complaints)
⚠ Electrical (1 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

Alternatives

Same Segment

VW ID.3 I-FL

Kompaktklasse (2023–2026)

Same Segment

BMW 2er U06

Kompaktklasse (2022–2025)

Same Segment

BMW 2er Coupé G42

Kompaktklasse (2021–2026)

Same Segment

Honda Civic FL

Kompaktklasse (2021–2024)

Same Segment

Kia EV6 CV

Kompaktklasse (2021–2024)

Same Segment

Mercedes-Benz C-Klasse W206

Kompaktklasse (2021–2025)

Known Problems and Issues

A total of 23 weaknesses have been documented for the Audi RS3 8Y (2021–2025) — 14 engine-related and 9 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Gearbox, Brakes, Electronics, Interior.

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 8Y have? +
The Audi RS3 8Y has 14 known engine weaknesses and 9 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Audi RS3 8Y? +
faq.watch_a_none
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: DNWC (2.5L TFSI I5). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the DNWC (2.5L TFSI I5).
Which Audi RS3 8Y engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Audi RS3 8Y — rated: "Legendary!". {description} 400 hp with torque splitter: the rear pushes out at the press of a button. In practice, a track day feature, not a back-road one. The GPF noticeably dampens the five-cylinder sound. Technically the best RS3, emotionally lacking the 8P's rawness. Want the sound: buy a used 8V without GPF.
Is the Audi RS3 8Y worth buying used? +
The Audi RS3 8Y requires careful consideration — choosing the right engine variant is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Audi RS3 8Y? +
The Audi RS3 8Y is available with engine variants from 400 to 400 hp. Petrol: DNWC (2.5L TFSI I5).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee