Used car guide

2023 Audi RS3: known problems and what to check

Cars registered in 2023 haven’t had their first MOT yet (it’s due at 3 years old), so there are no MOT results to show. Here’s what we do know about the 2023 Audi RS3, and what to check before you buy one.

1,057on the UK register at the end of 2025
2026first MOT due
Petrolfuel type
2known faults listed below

Known faults on the 2023 Audi RS3

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

  • Brake servo rod and seatbelt recalls

    Some cars

    The bolted rod between the brake servo and pedal could loosen and lose normal braking, and the front seatbelts might not restrain properly. An interior electrical connector was also recalled.

    At the viewing: Ask an Audi dealer to confirm the recalls were done.

    Source: What Car?: used Audi A3 (2020 on) reliability

  • Infotainment, electrical faults and warning lights

    All engines

    59% of cars in What Car?'s survey had a fault, mostly infotainment (44%) and electrics, often needing a week or more in the workshop. Diesels had recurring exhaust system faults.

    At the viewing: Use the screen, check for warning lights and test the electrics.

    Source: What Car?: used Audi A3 (2020 on) reliability

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2023 Audi RS3

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

  1. Have the brake servo and seatbelt recalls been done?
  2. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

What to check on a 2023 car

  • Warranty left

    Ask for the date it was first registered and check how much of the maker’s warranty is left, and that it transfers to you. Electric and hybrid batteries usually have a longer, separate warranty.

  • Servicing

    Servicing on time with the maker’s schedule keeps the warranty valid. Ask for the service book or the dealer’s digital record.

  • Finance

    Nearly new cars are often still on finance. A history check shows outstanding finance, and whether it has been written off or stolen.

  • Recalls

    Ask whether any recall work has been done, and check the reg on GOV.UK’s free recall checker.

  • Logbook (V5C)

    The name and address should match the seller, and the VIN on the V5C should match the car.

Check for recalls on GOV.UK

Looking at an Audi RS3?

Check the actual car: tax, ULEZ, fuel costs and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

Every year of the Audi RS3 compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2026–Too new for MOT data
2025–Too new for MOT data
2024–Too new for MOT data
2022535Tyres 15%
2021129Tyres 16%
2020–Too few tests
2019–Too few tests
2018–Too few tests
2017–Too few tests
2016–Too few tests
2015–Too few tests

Where this comes from: how many are on the road is from the Department for Transport’s vehicle licensing statistics (DVLA records), counted by the year each car was first registered. Known faults are from UK buying guides, in our own words, with links. How we score