Q3 (8U)
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
2.0T
2.0L 4-cyl / 200 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Show 1 additional engine variant with limited data
Audi Q3 Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Audi Q3, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2015-2018 Audi Q3
On a used 2015-2018 Audi Q3, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the engine (24), the electrical system (18) and the airbags and driver-assist systems (12). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 24 owner complaints on the 2015-2018 Audi Q3 about the engine.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 18 owner complaints on the 2015-2018 Audi Q3 about the electrical system.
- Switch the ignition on and watch the airbag light. On the drive, check the backup camera and any collision or lane warning.Safety. NHTSA has 12 owner complaints on the 2015-2018 Audi Q3 about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
- Drive over a speed bump and a rough patch at 15 to 20 mph with the radio off.Safety. NHTSA has 6 owner complaints on the 2015-2018 Audi Q3 about the suspension.
Recalls (4)
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Audi Q3 vehicles equipped with LED headlights. An inoperable front turn signal may not illuminate an indicator, failing to alert the driver to the issue. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Audi Q3 vehicles. If the parking brake is used during emergency braking, the brake lights on the vehicle will not activate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2016 TT roadster, A3 cabriolet, A3 sedan and A3 e-tron, 2016-2017 TT coupe, 2017 A4 sedan and Q7 and 2015-2017 Q3 vehicles. The affected vehicles may have been programmed with new software that inadvertently makes the side marker lights inoperative in conjunction with the parking lights or the headlights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015 Audi Q3 vehicles manufactured April 4, 2014, to November 5, 2014. If the vehicle is turned off while the sunroof is closing, the sunroof may continue to close instead of stopping. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 118, "Power-Operated Window, Partition, and Roof Panel Systems."
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2015-2018 Audi Q3 complaints?
Owners have filed 85 complaints with NHTSA about the 2015-2018 Audi Q3. The systems they name most often are the engine, the electrical system and the safety systems.
Is the 2015-2018 Audi Q3 a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 85 complaints with NHTSA about the 2015-2018 Audi Q3. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2015-2018 Audi Q3 have?
NHTSA has 85 owner complaints on file for the 2015-2018 Audi Q3 as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2015-2018 Audi Q3?
NHTSA lists 4 recalls covering some 2015-2018 Audi Q3 vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Audi Q3?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the engine, the electrical system and the safety systems, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
Does the Q3 have NHTSA crash test ratings?
NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2015-2018 Audi Q3. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 85 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: moderate. Last updated: 2026-10-12.