Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 6 | typical | 1 | Collision Avoidance | Few |
| 2024 | 18 | 2.5× | 2 | Electrical | Caution |
| 2022 | 34 | 3.1× | 5 | Collision Avoidance | Avoid |
| 2021 | 15 | 1.3× | 3 | Fuel System | Average |
| 2020 | 66 | 5.4× | 3 | Electrical | Avoid |
| 2019 | 10 | −29% | 4 | Electrical | Average |
| 2018 | 26 | 1.8× | 1 | Engine | Caution |
| 2017 | 8 | −60% | 3 | Airbag | Good |
| 2016 | 28 | 1.9× | 3 | Electrical | Caution |
| 2015 | 24 | typical | 2 | Engine | Average |
* Complaints compared with the median Q3 year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Audi Q3 problems
Latest Audi Q3 recalls
Steering
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Tiguan, 2018-2019 Atlas, and 2019-2021 Audi Q3 vehicles. One of the bolts that attaches the steering rack to the subframe may corrode and break. If this happens, the steering rack housing can break.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the right-side steering rack mounting bolt, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 10, 2026. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.
Visibility › Sun/moon roof assembly
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2026 Q3 vehicles. Incorrect software may allow remote sunroof closing from a distance that prevents the operator from clearly seeing the sunroof.
Remedy: Dealers will update the sunroof control module software and the owner's manual, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 22, 2026. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
Back over prevention › Software
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Tiguan, 2023 Arteon, and 2024-2025 Audi Q3 vehicles. An error may occur in the camera control unit at vehicle startup, resulting in the rearview camera image not displaying as intended.
Remedy: Dealers will update the camera control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed to Audi owners April 3, 2024, and Volkswagen owners November 18, 2025.Volkswagen owners will receive a second…
Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classification › Front passenger
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2023 Audi S5 Cabriolet, A4 Allroad, Q5 Sportback, A3 Sedan, S5 Sportback, SQ7, TT Coupe, TT Roadster, RS5 Sportback, 2024 A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, Q8, RSQ8, 2023-2024 Q3, Q5, and Q7 vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the passenger seat occupant detection system control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 8, 2024. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
Tires › Pressure monitoring and regulating systems
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan LWB, Golf Sportswagen A7, Golf Alltrack, Golf R GP, Audi Q3, Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Jetta NF, Jetta GLI, Golf GTI, Atlas, Golf A7, Audi A3, 2020-2021 Atlas Cross Sport, and 2021 Atlas FL vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will update the TPMS software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 18, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi's customer service at…
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Audi Q3 should you avoid?
2020, 2022, 2024, 2016 and 2018 — these years have the most complaints relative to other Q3 years at the same age, led by electrical system problems in the 2020.
What is the best year for the Audi Q3?
2017 has the fewest complaints compared with other Q3 years at the same age, followed by 2019. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Audi Q3 problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the electrical system (62), engine & cooling (54) and fuel & propulsion system (35). Electrical complaints peak in the 2020 model year.
How many recalls has the Audi Q3 had?
19 recalls across 2015–2026. The model year with the most is 2022. See all Audi Q3 recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.