AUDI Q3
Reliability, NHTSA Complaints & Recall History

Safety Recall

Safety Recall

Safety Recall

Safety Recall

Safety Recall

Safety Recall

Safety Recall

Safety Recall

Safety Recall

Safety Recall

Safety Recall

Safety Recall

Safety Recall

Safety Recall

Safety Recall

Safety Recall

Safety Recall

Safety Recall

Safety Recall

Safety Recall

The vehicle repeatedly disengages critical safety features, including Distance Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition, Adaptive Cruise Assist, Emergency Assist, and Active Front Assist, and displays a malfunction alert. Additionally, the vehicle has abruptly stopped without any identifiable cause while traveling on a straight roadway with no surrounding traffic. The dealer provided me with a brand new 2026 Q3 two weeks ago. The vehicle exhibited the problem described, and the dealer replaced it because they were unable to resolve the issue. However, after I received another new vehicle, the same issue also ap

The contact owns a 2019 Audi Q3. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving while it was raining, the contact felt water dripping on her. The contact stated had observed water dripping from the sunroof panel in three places to the gear shift, and the passenger’s and driver’s seats and the floorboard. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000.

After multiple attempts to have my 2019 Audi Q3 repaired the vehicle is still sitting at Audi of Columbia with the following issues (leaking water, drainage system is compromised, mold in the roof lining, sunroof is leaking).

Vehicle stalls even while actively engaged in driving. Audi diagnosed performing as designed and advised nothing that they can do until diagnosed as “not performing as designed”. Poses imminent crash issue as vehicle will stall at any time. Please investigate. I am terrified to drive the car from place to place.

While driving, Audi Pre sense warning illuminated on dash, then emergency braking occurred while seatbelt tightened. There were no other cars around (neither in front or on the side) I did not hit anything in the street. Safety put at risk from unnecessary braking. Thankfully no cars were behind me. This did startle me but I maintained proper control of the vehicle.

Vehicle fuel pump fails intermittently even while actively engaged in driving. Engine stalled while driving putting me at risk for an accident. Issue was hard to diagnose because the fault would clear after an episode and reappear 300-400 miles after being driven again. Check engine light appears and then after allowing car to sit for a few hours, the car will start again. Sometimes the check engine light remains, other times it goes away on its own. Vehicle was inspected by Audi Little Rock and was performing as designed but issued occurred again 4 days after pickup. Currently the high pressure fuel pump is being replaced to try and solve the problem but vehicle can be made available for inspection if this does not resolve the issue. Since it is intermittently failing, issue hasn’t been duplicated during inspection. Incident has occurred approx 8 times since purchased in Jan 2022.

WITH NO WARNING CAR DIED ON THE FREEWAY IN THE RAIN "DRIVE SYSTEM FAILURE". CAR TOWED TO DEALERSHIP.

WHILE ON THE ROAD, ON THE FIRST MONTH OF DRIVING THE CAR AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019, THE CAR SLOWED DOWN TO 2-5 MPH WITH A NOTE ON THE DASH SCREEN TO CALL SERVICE. I CRAWLED THE CAR TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. GAS PEDAL AND BREAKS NOT WORKING, PULLING THE EMERGENCY PARK BUTTON TO STOP THE CAR. IMMEDIATELY BROUGHT TO AUDI SERVICE IN FAIRFIELD CT FOR DIAGNOSTIC AND FOUND NOTHING. EARLY NOVEMBER 2020 THIS HAS HAPPEN YET AGAIN IN THE MIDDLE OF A STOP LIGHT BUT THIS TIME THE WHOLE ENGINE/CAR DIED WITH THE IGNITION FOR 2 MINUTES. WITH MY HAZARD LIGHTS ON, I CONTINUED TO START THE CAR SEVERAL TIMES UNTIL IT STARTS. UNFORTUNATELY, I DO NOT FEEL SAFE IN MY CAR AND AUDI SERVICES ARE NOT HELPING/CANNOT FIND THE ISSUE. IT NOW HAS HAPPEN MULTIPLE TIMES. WILL I BE DEAD NEXT TIME IS WHAT GOES THROUGH MY MIND.

ON THREE OCCASIONS, TOUCHSCREEN FAILED TO TURN ON PREVENTING REVERSE CAMERA FROM ACTIVATING. SCREEN STAYED BLANK OR WAS UNRESPONSIVE FOR SEVERAL MINUTES. VEHICLE WAS BOTH STATIONARY AND IN MOTION -- SWITCHING IN AND OUT OF REVERSE DID NOT RESOLVE ISSUE. *TR

THE CAR HAD AUTOMATICALLY SHUT OFF SEVERAL TIMES. THIS PAST TIME (WHICH IS WHY I'M REPORTING IT) I WAS DRIVING TO MY OFFICE THAT IS LESS THAN 1.5 MILES FROM HOUSE AND I WAS GOING THROUGH A 4 WAY INTERSECTION AND THE CAR COMPLETED SHUT OFF, STEERING WHEEL LOCKED , BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR PEDALS LOCKED. IT TOOK SEVERAL MINUTES FOR ME TO GET THE CAR STARTED AGAIN.AND I ALMOST GOT HIT FROM ONCOMING VEHICLES. IT IS A BRAND NEW CAR WITH 6,000 MILES ON IT. I HAD IT TOWED TO AUDI DEALERSHIP BECAUSE I WAS NOT COMFORTABLE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. I WAS INFORMED LATER THAT DAY BY AUDI THAT IT IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THE CAR BUT THEY WILL NOT HAVE THE PART TO FIX IT FOR 2 MONTHS. THEY STATE AUDI SAID IT'S NOT A SAFETY ISSUE. IF YOUR CAR SHUTS OFF RANDOMLY AND YOUR ON THE HIGHWAY OR A BUSY INTERSECTION AND ALMOST GET HIT THAT'S A SAFETY ISSUE. I WAS INFORMED TO TURN THE START STOP FEATURE OFF AND THE CAR WILL BE FINE TO DRIVE UNTIL THE PART IS AVAILABLE. I INFORMED AUDI I HAD THAT FEATURE TURNED OFF WHEN IT OCCURRED. THAT ASIDE WHAT IF I GOT IN THE CAR AND FORGOT TO TURN THAT FEATURE OFF AND IT HAPPENED AGAINS AND THIS TIME I GET HIT AND INJURED. OR ONE OF MY CHILDREN DRIVE THE CAR AND DON'T TURN THAT FEATURE OFF AND IT HAPPENS TO THEM. YOU SHOULDN'T SPEND THAT KIND OF MONEY ON A VEHICLE AND HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT TURNING OFF FEATURES THAT ARE EQUIPPED IN THE CAR BECAUSE THE MALFUNCTION. ALL I ASKED FOR WAS A LOANER UNTIL THE PART TO FIX A KNOWN ISSUE THAT AUDI ACKNOWLEDGES WAS AVAILABLE. I'M NOT COMFORTABLE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND MY FAMILIES SAFETY IS AT RISK. THE FACT THAT AUDI HADN'T MADE IT A RECALL OR SAYS IT'S NOT A SAFETY ISSUE IS UNBELIEVABLE.

VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTO START/STOP FEATURE. WHEN STOPPED AT STOPLIGHTS, INTERSECTIONS, ETC, THE VEHICLE ENGINE WILL TURN OFF. WHEN DRIVER'S FOOT IS REMOVED FROM BRAKE PETAL, THE ENGINE REACTIVATES. HOWEVER, ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS, THE POWER STEERING DID NOT REACTIVATE UNTIL 1-2 SECONDS AFTER THE ENGINE RESTARTS. THIS LEFT ME WITH NO CONTROL OF VEHICLE STEERING (AS I WAS UNABLE TO EASILY TURN THE STEERING WHEEL). THIS RESULTED IN SEVERAL PROBLEMATIC INCIDENTS WHERE, FOR EXAMPLE, THE ENGINE DISENGAGED WHILE I WAS INCHING INTO A LEFT-HAND TURN THROUGH AN INTERSECTION. WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO THEN START MY TURN, THE ENGINE RE-ENGAGED, BUT I WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL, CAUSING ME TO DRIVE FORWARD (TOWARD ONCOMING TRAFFIC) INSTEAD OF BEING ABLE TO TURN THE WHEEL LEFT TO COMPLETE MY TURN. SIMILAR EVENTS HAVE HAPPENED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS.

pistons and/or piston rings cause excessive oil consumption, which can lead to the engine catching on fire. This triggers certain sensors in the car "EPC" "Check engine" and "Turn vehicle off now due to low oil pressure" These sensors turn off and on, which is highly risky. I was quoted 10k in repairs. There was a class action settlement about this specific issue, but my vehicle was not included in the settlement Audi Q3 Quattro Prestige Vin: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Car is burning oil at a very rapid pace and is causing knocking and seizing of engine. I had my oil changed recently (10K miles I’m supposed to have prior to my next) it was empty after I drove less then 1,000

The contact owns a 2017 Audi Q3. The contact stated that while her daughter was reversing at an undisclosed speed, the horn inadvertently activated and the contact had to disconnect the clock spring fuse to deactivate the horn. Additionally, the steering wheel made clicking noises while turning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the clockspring needed to be replaced. The dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the clockspring part was on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000.

I lost control over all the functions on my steering wheel, including the horn and the drivers air bag. My mechanic told me, that I needed a new "Clockspring". He called Audi to order the part but Audi confirmed that the part is on back order since last May and that they have no idea when it will be available. Over 4000 people are on the waiting list for that part. I contacted Audi several times, asking if I was expected to drive around without a horn and airbag. I was told not to drive the car if it's not save. Ive been driving around for a few month now without a horn and airbag but I do not feel save.

No steering when car is being driven.

AFTER A SMALL SNOW FALL BUT WIT SOME ICING OVERNIGHT I TURNED ON THE FRONT ANDBACK WARMERS FOR THE WINDOWS. AS I TRAVELLED ABOUT 1/2 A MILE I HEARD A "CREAKING NOISE" IN THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE, WHEN I LOOKED UP I NOTICED A CRACK IN THE GLASS BACKK WINDOW AND THEN CONTINUED TO GET BIGGER AND BIGGER UNTIL THE ENTIRE WINDOW WAS GONE. I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT GLASS IS NOT COVERED BY THE MANU WARRANTY. THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME I'D USED THE BACKWINDOW DEFROSTER, NEEDLESS TO SAY I'M NOT HAPP SINCE I'VE ONLY HAD MY VEHICCLE SINCE DECEMBER 26TH. I'VE ATTACHED TO PHOTOS. MY CAR IS KEPT IN MY FENCED IN BACKYARD.

While driving my brand new 4-day old 2025 Audi Q3 at highway speeds, the vehicle suddenly lost engine power and shut off without warning. At the time of the incident the fuel gauge indicated approximately 1/4 tank remaining and there were no prior warnings. I was forced to pull over in traffic, creating a dangerous situation. The vehicle had to be towed to the dealership. I was initially told the vehicle had "run out of gas", despite the fuel gauge showing fuel remaining. This same failure occurred a second time under similar conditions, again while driving at highway speeds with fuel indicated on the gauge. The vehicle stalled and shut off unexpectedly, requiring another tow. During the second repair visit, Audi technicians confirmed that the fuel tank's internal level sensor was defective and that the vehicle was inaccurately reporting fuel levels. Audi's Technical Assistance Center instructed the dealer to replace the entire fuel tank assembly on this brand-new vehicle. This defect caused repeated loss of engine power while driving, creating a serious safety risk to myself and other motorists. I no longer feel the vehicle is safe to operate due to the risk of sudden stalling without warning.

I purchased a new 2025 Audi Q3 8/18/25 and immediately experienced a potential safety issue with the driver’s seat. The seat structure did not provide stable or secure support, which affected my ability to maintain proper posture and full control of the vehicle while driving. This created concerns about safe operation, particularly during braking, steering, and longer periods of driving. I reported the issue promptly and requested a warranty inspection. However, Audi of America issued a formal denial on October 9, 2025 without performing any inspection of the vehicle or the driver’s seat. As a result, the vehicle was never examined by an Audi technician, manufacturer representative, or any third party. Because the manufacturer refused to inspect the component and I could not safely operate the vehicle, I was forced to exit the vehicle entirely. The lack of inspection prevented any determination of the root cause, potential defect, or safety risk. This procedural failure is the basis of this report.

Vehicle failed to start with many tries despite my own key fob. Initially displayed message with 'Theft' reference, then changed to "Checking remote access rights. Please wait..." on screen. Opening door triggered unexpected shocking alarm, which stopped after using fob to turn it off. Started to video record the situation after about a minute of failed start attempts. Vid lasts 41 secs until on.Two additional photos from myAudi app 'theft' & 'break-in', which was driver exiting vehicle triggering alarm. Prior issue with drivers seatbelt occurred with car in 'park' and ignition on, seat belt unexpectedly pulled occupant tight against seat. Seatbelt adjuster on seatbelt anchor point moved quickly up and down several times making whirring noises before abruptly stopping, releasing occupant after 10-15 seconds. As a 100% disabled veteran with severe neck damage this could paralyze me if happens while driving, and heart stopping shock. Vehicle in Brooklyn Service since 11th Sept. Mgr says today there are no faults in the system and no data to be collected. Even with video proof the service center lack resolution, and Mgr wanted me to pick up the car. I insisted they keep for further testing as it may need extended observation to replicate issue. I feel unsafe. My safety was put at risk due to the non-start incident happening late at night in a low lit area in Elizabeth/Newark not a good area potentially stranding me in an unsafe situation. A starting issue and an alarm malfunction, both of which are critical. This is the second safety issue in a brand new car, within 6 weeks of owning the car. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms prior to failure. They first appeared after I unlocked with fob and sat inside. I caught a brief glimpse of a sentence containing the word "Theft", then unsuccessfully tried to start the car multiple times before I noticed the message telling me it was trying to check remote access rights.