NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2019 Audi Rs3 Safety Ratings
The 2019 Audi Rs3 scores 79 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), 1 recall, and 5 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2019 Audi RS3 achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 79 out of 100, positioning it in the Average safety band. This standing is supported by a strong defect record score and a passing rollover result. However, limited NHTSA crash-test coverage and a weak avoidance-tech score prevent the vehicle from attaining a higher ranking.
The 2019 Audi RS3 Sedan receives a NHTSA Safety Index of 79 out of 100 and a 4-out-of-5-star NHTSA rollover rating, according to federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 119 Sedans from 2019 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2019 Audi Rs3 ranks 85 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- shoppers who want the full federal safety picture in one place
| NHTSA Safety Index | 79 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 10.9% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 5 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 85 of 119 Sedans tested for 2019 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2019 Audi Rs3?
A key vulnerability in the 2019 Audi RS3's safety profile is its limited standard active-safety technology. This contributes to an avoidance-tech sub-score of 3.5 out of 10. Forward collision warning is not available, and lane departure warning is an optional feature; only electronic stability control is standard. For a performance sedan, this sparse provision of active-safety content defines its standing in this category. Overall, the 2019 RS3 earns a Safety Index of 79 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. Its defect record stands as a clear asset, achieving a sub-score of 19 out of 20, derived from a single recall and just five owner complaints. In crash protection, the RS3 scores 56 out of 70, though this picture is incomplete. Rollover testing yielded a 4 out of 5-star rating, indicating an 11-percent risk. However, direct crash-test evidence for frontal and side impact protection is absent, as these categories remain unrated for the 2019 model year.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2019 Audi Rs3 perform in crash tests?
The 2019 Audi RS3 was not subjected to the full battery of NHTSA crash tests, leaving its overall, frontal, and side protection unrated. The sole available federal safety assessment for the RS3 is its rollover performance. Here, the vehicle received 4 out of 5 stars, presenting an 11 percent rollover risk probability. Notably, the dynamic tip test concluded with no tip.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 13690
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2019 Audi Rs3 have any recalls?
The 2019 Audi RS3 carries one federal recall campaign covering the front-passenger air bag occupant classification sensor. Issued by Volkswagen Group of America under NHTSA, it spans certain 2017 through 2020 RS3 Sedans among other Audi models. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the data on file, but buyers should verify remedy status by VIN.
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER21V198000
Risk: A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the PODS sensor mat and update the PODS control module, free of charge. Owners letters were mailed December 23, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 69BY.
Reported 2021-03-22
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2019 Audi Rs3?
Five owner complaints have been submitted to NHTSA for this model year. The top alleged problem area is the Engine, cited in three reports, followed by single unverified allegations touching Back Over Prevention, the Fuel and Propulsion System, Air Bags, and the Power Train. All are unverified consumer allegations, not established facts.
5 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2019 Audi Rs3?
An unresolved air bag system recall on a used vehicle warrants direct follow-up with an authorized Audi dealer before purchase. Shoppers considering this 7-year-old vehicle should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool to confirm whether the occupant classification sensor recall has been remedied.
- NHTSA did not conduct overall, frontal, or side crash tests on the 2019 Audi RS3, meaning three of the four standard NCAP dimensions carry no rating for this specific model year.
- The single active recall for this model year targets the front-passenger air bag occupant classification sensor, a safety-critical system that affects whether the passenger air bag deploys appropriately in a crash.
- Forward collision warning is entirely absent on the 2019 RS3, and lane departure warning is only an optional feature, producing an avoidance-tech sub-score of just 3.5 out of 10 and distinguishing this year from competitors with more standard active-safety content.
- Five unverified owner complaints are on file with NHTSA for this model year, with three alleging engine-related issues, a relatively low complaint volume that contributes to the strong 19-out-of-20 defect record sub-score.
RANKINGSWhere the 2019 Audi Rs3 places
The 2019 Audi Rs3 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2019 Audi Rs3 safety questions
Was the 2019 Audi Rs3 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2019 Audi Rs3, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 79 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2019 Audi Rs3 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2019 Audi Rs3 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 2019 Audi Rs3 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2019 Audi Rs3. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2019 Audi Rs3?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 5 owner complaints are on file for the 2019 Audi Rs3. 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.
Rivals in Sedan (2019)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Acura RLX Sport | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi A4 Allroad | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi Rs5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi S5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi S4 | 98/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2019 Tesla Model S 60d | 98/100 | not rated | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 13690), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Audi Rs3 2019.
- 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 85 of 119 in the Sedan class for 2019.
- 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.