Facelift 2019 RS3 Coolant Leak

[sve170]

Just a heads up to the Forum.
Got a low coolant warning on my car last week, checked it out and was below MIN level on coolant tank.

Had a good look in engine bay and found evidence of a leak but could not find exact location. Topped-up coolant tank, and over the course of several hours the level dropped again.
Took it straight to dealer and they found that the coolant pump was leaking.
They have now replaced the pump and no more issues so far.

My daughter also has a 2019 RS3, have checked her one out and her car also has a leak from exact same area, her car is now with the dealer also getting coolant pump replaced.
Both cars have only 4000 miles from new.

Let’s hope this not an ongoing issue with the 2019 models.
Has anyone else on the forum had the same issue?




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[RS03_SEN]

Just a heads up to the Forum.
Got a low coolant warning on my car last week, checked it out and was below MIN level on coolant tank.

Had a good look in engine bay and found evidence of a leak but could not find exact location. Topped-up coolant tank, and over the course of several hours the level dropped again.
Took it straight to dealer and they found that the coolant pump was leaking.
They have now replaced the pump and no more issues so far.

My daughter also has a 2019 RS3, have checked her one out and her car also has a leak from exact same area, her car is now with the dealer also getting coolant pump replaced.
Both cars have only 4000 miles from new.

Let’s hope this not an ongoing issue with the 2019 models.
Has anyone else on the forum had the same issue?




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****** rich you lot or what? Wife and dog got rs3's as well?

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[zaka7]

I had this, albeit not a leak, it was confirmed to me by Audi they were not fully filled from the factory, I've had no problems since they topped it up.

https://www.audi-sport.net/xf/threads/engine-coolant-warning.379364/

 

[sve170]

I had this, albeit not a leak, it was confirmed to me by Audi they were not fully filled from the factory, I've had no problems since they topped it up.

https://www.audi-sport.net/xf/threads/engine-coolant-warning.379364/

On both our cars we had confirmed evidence of coolant leaking.
Apart from the coolant level dropping over a few hours there was also coolant on our driveway where both cars are parked.


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[sve170]

****** rich you lot or what? Wife and dog got rs3's as well?

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Not rich, just loads of debt


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[zaka7]

On both our cars we had confirmed evidence of coolant leaking.
Apart from the coolant level dropping over a few hours there was also coolant on our driveway where both cars are parked.


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Wasn't suggesting it didn't have a leak, just very strange that there is/was an issue on many RS3. At least yours is sorted now though

I do hope you have some good security, you'll be a beacon of light for lots of people with 2 of the beasts parked up! I'm paranoid enough with one!

 

[RS03_SEN]

Not rich, just loads of debt


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Hahaha!

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[sve170]

Wasn't suggesting it didn't have a leak, just very strange that there is/was an issue on many RS3. At least yours is sorted now though

I do hope you have some good security, you'll be a beacon of light for lots of people with 2 of the beasts parked up! I'm paranoid enough with one!

Yes, I am the same but have CCTV on them but if they want them they will get them.

Just the way our society is these days.


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[Luiggi]

I had a leaking water pump on mine 2019 RS3 (July); 4500 km.
Pump replaced and micro-belt replaced.

 

[sve170]

I had a leaking water pump on mine 2019 RS3 (July); 4500 km.
Pump replaced and micro-belt replaced.

So that’s three failed Coolant water pumps so far on here.
There has to be a manufacturing defect on the 2019 models. I wonder if there is potential for a recall on these models?


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[sve170]

Good info here - something for all 19+ owners to look out for.

Yes, fortunately once the level drops below MIN on the Coolant Tank a warning light will appear on the Virtual Cockpit.

I have not checked with dealer but having replaced my coolant pump did they just replace it with the same type & model? or have Audi changed the pump and only changing them when a loss of coolant is found?


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[AudiNutta]

So this affects the cars with the OPF only?

 

[sve170]

So this affects the cars with the OPF only?

I am not sure, my Audi dealer said they had not had any in until mine was booked in.


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[Luiggi]

So this affects the cars with the OPF only?

No, my Audi mechanic replaced coolant pump on pre OPF RS3 (30000 km) a week before mine.

 

[EVO855]

I've done a few 2019 models now, but earlier models don't seem affected on the same scale.

Looks like a faulty seal could be to blame, it's no problem though the leak is very minimal and easy to spot, so not like the car just dumps all it's coolant in one go.

 

[DW81]

I've done a few 2019 models now, but earlier models don't seem affected on the same scale.

Looks like a faulty seal could be to blame, it's no problem though the leak is very minimal and easy to spot, so not like the car just dumps all it's coolant in one go.

Thanks for given an actual answer what the cause is, will put some owners at ease at least that maybe effected.

 

[sve170]

Thanks for given an actual answer what the cause is, will put some owners at ease at least that maybe effected.

When mine was in for coolant loss investigation all I got from the technician was that the leak was coming directly out of the pump, no other info was given.
Suspect it was a faulty seal within the pump but cannot confirm that.


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[EVO855]

Thanks for given an actual answer what the cause is, will put some owners at ease at least that maybe effected.

Once the coolant drops in the reservoir it’ll trigger the level sensor so you’ll know then something is amiss.
If this happens check the undertray area and just under the water pump area for signs of staining / moisture.

Don’t automatically assume a failing pump though, the factory filling isn’t great sometimes and over a period the level can drop naturally, so top up accordingly if no leak is evident.

I would expect most owners who check their cars on a regular basis would spot anything amiss anyway.

Oh and on the check your car thing, the Pirelli tyre inner edge wear can be spotted by putting full lock on and getting down on the floor with a torch, you can pretty much view half the tyre inner edge.




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[sve170]

Once the coolant drops in the reservoir it’ll trigger the level sensor so you’ll know then something is amiss.
If this happens check the undertray area and just under the water pump area for signs of staining / moisture.

Don’t automatically assume a failing pump though, the factory filling isn’t great sometimes and over a period the level can drop naturally, so top up accordingly if no leak is evident.

I would expect most owners who check their cars on a regular basis would spot anything amiss anyway.

Oh and on the check your car thing, the Pirelli tyre inner edge wear can be spotted by putting full lock on and getting down on the floor with a torch, you can pretty much view half the tyre inner edge.




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Good explanation, my first indication was the warning light on the Virtual Cockpit, even though I check engine bay on a regular basis.
There were no initial signs of leakage on the lower trays prior to the warning light appearing, but on opening the bonnet following the warning light there was lots of coolant sitting in the lower tray and signs of ‘dried-up’ coolant.
So I suspect the coolant had been leaking very slightly but with no evidence on the tray, but then the seal must have completely failed hence the warning light.


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[Jeff Bates]

Just flagged up on mine too, checked and it’s a touch below minimum, taking it to dealers tomorrow to get them to top it up and book it in, assuming it was at max when I bought it it’s done 3500 ml to reach min level.
Went to Halfords to get some to top it up and the said they don’t sell it for 19 plate rs3, dunno how true that is, told me it’s something I can only get from Audi direct?

 

[EVO855]

Just flagged up on mine too, checked and it’s a touch below minimum, taking it to dealers tomorrow to get them to top it up and book it in, assuming it was at max when I bought it it’s done 3500 ml to reach min level.
Went to Halfords to get some to top it up and the said they don’t sell it for 19 plate rs3, dunno how true that is, told me it’s something I can only get from Audi direct?

Just tell them you are aware of a water pump leak issue, they should check for the leak and top up accordingly, if it’s just coolant settling down.

 

[sve170]

Just flagged up on mine too, checked and it’s a touch below minimum, taking it to dealers tomorrow to get them to top it up and book it in, assuming it was at max when I bought it it’s done 3500 ml to reach min level.
Went to Halfords to get some to top it up and the said they don’t sell it for 19 plate rs3, dunno how true that is, told me it’s something I can only get from Audi direct?

Incorrect info from Halfords (as usual).
The Audi owners manual has the details of which type of coolant is required, don’t use anything else, for emergency top-up use some distilled water if coolant not available.


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[EVO855]

G13 Coolant.

 

[Jeff Bates]

I read the manual when I got home and found it was G13, they didn’t have this in Halfords, went to the dealers to see if they had any lay about on the off chance but as it was Sunday and no mechanics in none he could lay his hands on.
The cars packed up for the night so it will be took back down in the morning, only 3 mile away, gonna make sure they give me enough coolant to keep it topped up till it goes in so I’m not dipping into my own pocket

 

[TRANC3]

Although these cars are relatively bullet proof the water pumps are a common point of failure. I just took my 2017 in to my mechanic for a 'warranty check-up' (check to see if anything needs repairing prior to warranty expiring) and have found the same on mine (50k km). Booking in to Audi as we speak to have it replaced as well as redo sump seal (weeping), and fix non functional scroll wheel on steering wheel.

Annoyingly there are no upgradeable parts for the water pump and it will happen again, so best to have it replaced whilst you have a warranty.

 

[EVO855]

Although these cars are relatively bullet proof the water pumps are a common point of failure. I just took my 2017 in to my mechanic for a 'warranty check-up' (check to see if anything needs repairing prior to warranty expiring) and have found the same on mine (50k km). Booking in to Audi as we speak to have it replaced as well as redo sump seal (weeping), and fix non functional scroll wheel on steering wheel.

Annoyingly there are no upgradeable parts for the water pump and it will happen again, so best to have it replaced whilst you have a warranty.

Sump seal is quite common and easy to spot with the tray off.

These engines have a sealant applied and it seems to weep after a while.

Easy repair though.

 

[Madmo]

Think mines has just become a victim of this fault. Was out in the car tonight and when i put it back in the garage i noticed light steam coming out the front grill so i opened the bonnet and noticed a little pool of water on the undertray at the front of the engine. Its only done 1800 miles ***. Its booked in at the stealers next week for a couple of warranty things so will get them to look at it.
How long does it normally take to repair? Do most dealers have the parts on the shelf?

 

[sve170]

Think mines has just become a victim of this fault. Was out in the car tonight and when i put it back in the garage i noticed light steam coming out the front grill so i opened the bonnet and noticed a little pool of water on the undertray at the front of the engine. Its only done 1800 miles ***. Its booked in at the stealers next week for a couple of warranty things so will get them to look at it.
How long does it normally take to repair? Do most dealers have the parts on the shelf?

Seems a very common fault now, I would like to see Audi do a re-call on this, coolant leak is not good and if not for the warning light on VC it could be catastrophic for the engine.

Mine & the daughters RS3’s were both in for 3 full days, main issue was the pumps are not a stock item (at my dealer anyway) and had to be ordered, but they arrived the next day.
It’s also a full day for the technician to remove/replace pump and test.

My concern is the pumps have been replaced with the same type of pump, so we will all be running on eggshells until the warning light appears again.
Audi need to get closure on this and come up with a new pump.


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[Jeff Bates]

Mines booked in for the 9th dec, they want it for two days, They topped up the coolant and booked it in, they must be aware of the problem if they have said two days.
I’m gonna ask if the new pump has been modified to fix the issue or as sve 170 says is it a like for like replacement where it’s gonna be constantly going back in to be replaced.

 

[EVO855]

Guys, please stop worrying about this.

It’s a bad batch of water pumps, nothing else.

Yes it’s a minor inconvenience, but it’ll get sorted, these things can and do happen.

 

[Ja5on]

Guys, please stop worrying about this.

It’s a bad batch of water pumps, nothing else.

Yes it’s a minor inconvenience, but it’ll get sorted, these things can and do happen.

Well said. Just need to keep an eye on it.

Thats what a warranty is for

 

[sve170]

Guys, please stop worrying about this.

It’s a bad batch of water pumps, nothing else.

Yes it’s a minor inconvenience, but it’ll get sorted, these things can and do happen.

A minor inconvenience, agree but slightly off topic, last night I needed to top-up my windscreen washer bottle.
Simple job, yes but on topping-up I find all the fluid is has gone into the bottle and straight out the bottom?
You guessed it, my water bottle is leaking?

So another jaunt to local dealer, get it booked in. need a courtesy car and will be with them for probably another few days.

You could not make it up


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[EVO855]

A minor inconvenience, agree but slightly off topic, last night I needed to top-up my windscreen washer bottle.
Simple job, yes but on topping-up I find all the fluid is has gone into the bottle and straight out the bottom?
You guessed it, my water bottle is leaking?

So another jaunt to local dealer, get it booked in. need a courtesy car and will be with them for probably another few days.

You could not make it up


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Either someone’s topped it up with just water and it’s frozen then cracked the plastic container or the pump is leaking where it fits the reservoir.

 

[sve170]

Either someone’s topped it up with just water and it’s frozen then cracked the plastic container or the pump is leaking where it fits the reservoir.

Never just use water, I am pretty anal when it comes to looking after the RS.
Having just had coolant pump changed, wonder if the water bottle has been damaged although it’s on the opposite side of the engine, already booked in to dealer for investigation.


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[EVO855]

Never just use water, I am pretty anal when it comes to looking after the RS.
Having just had coolant pump changed, wonder if the water bottle has been damaged although it’s on the opposite side of the engine, already booked in to dealer for investigation.


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No need to mess with the wing / inner wing on that side when replacing the water pump.

 

[sve170]

No need to mess with the wing / inner wing on that side when replacing the water pump.

Correct, not sure how difficult it is for the technician to replace the bottle, just the hassle and I am always cautious when leaving car with local Audi dealer.


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[EVO855]

Correct, not sure how difficult it is for the technician to replace the bottle, just the hassle and I am always cautious when leaving car with local Audi dealer.


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Jeeez we aren’t all incompetent you know.

 

[sve170]

Jeeez we aren’t all incompetent you know.

From actual experience with service dept at my dealer on more than one occasion I am always cautious.



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[jebusRS]

Think mines has just become a victim of this fault. Was out in the car tonight and when i put it back in the garage i noticed light steam coming out the front grill so i opened the bonnet and noticed a little pool of water on the undertray at the front of the engine. Its only done 1800 miles ***. Its booked in at the stealers next week for a couple of warranty things so will get them to look at it.
How long does it normally take to repair? Do most dealers have the parts on the shelf?

Hmmmm, i have noticed steam coming from the front grill before, didnt think anything of it as i know the engine gets quite hot and thought it was just splashed water?? Might need to keep an eye on it, mines is a 67 plate.

 

[sve170]

Jeeez we aren’t all incompetent you know.

I agree, not all of them are incompetent, but from experience many are just turning up everyday and really don’t care about the customers car.
Shoddy workmanship, oily boot prints on the mats, damaging the alloys when removing/replacing tyres and recently the 37 mile test drive after replacing the faulty coolant pump.




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