MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2020 Audi RS 3

Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.

0Recalls
1Complaints
1Investigations
ABOUT THE AUDI RS 3

The Audi RS 3 is a compact performance sedan that punches well above its size, targeting driving enthusiasts who want a daily-usable car with genuine track credentials. Built on Audi's MQB platform and powered by a turbocharged five-cylinder engine, it competes in a narrow but serious segment alongside rivals like the Mercedes-AMG A 35 and BMW M2. It is a focused, premium machine aimed at buyers who refuse to compromise on excitement.

VERDICT

The 2020 Audi RS 3 earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 85 out of 100, an strong result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. No vehicle recalls are on file for this model year.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • shoppers who want the full federal safety picture in one place
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY

Reviewers generally celebrate the RS 3 as one of the most viscerally exciting compact sedans available, praising its distinctive turbocharged five-cylinder soundtrack, sharp all-wheel-drive handling, and premium interior quality. Most acknowledge it carries a significant price premium for its segment and that practicality takes a back seat to performance, but the consensus leans strongly favorable for enthusiast buyers.

NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown

OverallNot rated
FrontalNot rated
SideNot rated
Rollover
Rollover risk 10.9%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14766

Index breakdown

Crash protection56/70
Avoidance tech8.5/10
Defect record20/20
Forward collision warning: StandardLane departure warning: OptionalStability control: Standard

NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record

No vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Audi RS 3 at NHTSA as of 2026-07-02. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the safety score.

NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints

1 owner complaint on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.

0reported crash
0reported fire
0reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsEngine 1

Other RS 3 years

Rivals in Sedan (2020)

Last verified 2026-07-02. Sources: NHTSA SafetyRatings (VehicleId 14766), recallsByVehicle, complaintsByVehicle for Audi Rs 3 2020. Class rank 62 of 105 in Sedan 2020. Methodology · Disclosure