NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Audi RS 3 Safety Ratings
The 2020 Audi RS 3 scores 85 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), 0 recalls, and 1 owner complaint on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Audi RS 3 achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 85/100, positioning it firmly within the Strong safety band. This assessment is significantly bolstered by a flawless record of zero recalls and no reported defect investigations from NHTSA. However, the limited scope of federal crash-test coverage for this model year remains a crucial consideration for prospective owners.
The 2020 Audi RS 3 4 DR AWD receives a NHTSA Safety Index of 85 out of 100 and a 4-out-of-5-star NHTSA rollover rating, sourced from NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 105 Sedans from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Audi RS 3 ranks 62 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- shoppers who want the full federal safety picture in one place
| NHTSA Safety Index | 85 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 10.9% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 1 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 62 of 105 Sedans tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Audi RS 3?
What distinguishes the 2020 Audi RS 3 in safety terms is a combination of a spotless recall record and a very thin complaint footprint, both of which push the NHTSA Safety Index to 85 out of 100 in the Strong band. The defect record sub-score is a perfect 20 out of 20, a ceiling result that reflects zero NHTSA recall campaigns and only one unverified consumer allegation involving the engine. The avoidance-tech sub-score of 8.5 out of 10 is supported by standard forward collision warning and standard electronic stability control, though lane departure warning is only optional on this trim configuration, which holds that sub-score just below the maximum. The crash-protection sub-score of 56 out of 70 is where the picture becomes less complete: NHTSA has not rated this vehicle in the overall, frontal, or side categories, leaving the rollover 4-star result as the sole tested data point. Because no prior-year Safety Index is on file, a year-over-year comparison cannot be made. The 2020 RS 3 profile is therefore defined by what the data confirms rather than what it leaves open.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Audi RS 3 perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Audi RS 3 lacks complete crash-test data from NHTSA. No overall, frontal, or side star ratings are available for this model year. The agency did issue a 4 out of 5-star rollover rating, based on an 11-percent rollover risk probability and a passing dynamic tip test that showed no tip. The absence of data in three of four primary crashworthiness categories represents a significant gap in the publicly available safety assessment for the 2020 RS 3.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14766
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Audi RS 3 have any recalls?
The 2020 Audi RS 3 has zero recall campaigns on file with NHTSA. No park-outside advisory and no do-not-drive order has been issued for this model year. That absence is a meaningful positive and is directly reflected in the defect record sub-score of 20 out of 20 within the Safety Index.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Audi RS 3?
NHTSA has one owner complaint on file for the 2020 Audi RS 3, an unverified allegation targeting the Engine component. No crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths are alleged in that single report. One complaint across the ownership pool is a notably low figure.
1 owner complaint on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Audi RS 3?
Shoppers considering this 6-year-old RS 3 should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool to confirm no new campaigns have been opened since the vehicle was sold. Zero recalls at this writing is a strong starting point, but recall status can change after publication.
- The 2020 Audi RS 3 carries zero NHTSA recall campaigns, earning a perfect 20-out-of-20 defect record sub-score within the 85-point Safety Index.
- NHTSA has not assigned overall, frontal, or side crash-test star ratings to this specific model year; only the rollover category has been evaluated, yielding 4 out of 5 stars and an 11-percent rollover risk.
- Only one unverified owner complaint is on file with NHTSA for this model year, alleging an engine issue, with no crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths reported.
- Lane departure warning is listed as optional rather than standard on this 2020 configuration, a distinction that keeps the avoidance-tech sub-score at 8.5 out of 10 rather than the maximum.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Audi RS 3 places
The 2020 Audi RS 3 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Audi RS 3 safety questions
Was the 2020 Audi RS 3 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Audi RS 3, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 85 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2020 Audi RS 3 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Audi RS 3 earned 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 10.9%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2020 Audi RS 3 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Audi RS 3 as of Oct 1, 2026. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the Safety Index. Run your VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm the status is current.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Audi RS 3?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 1 owner complaint is on file for the 2020 Audi RS 3. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other RS 3 years
Rivals in Sedan (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Acura RLX | 99/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Acura RLX Sport | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2020 Audi S5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Infiniti Q50 | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Mazda Mazda3 | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Nissan Maxima | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14766), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Audi RS 3 2020.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 62 of 105 in the Sedan class for 2020.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.