Q3 (8U)
Engine Reliability Ratings
2.0T
2.0L 4-cyl / 200 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Vehicle-Level Issues
These issues affect the Audi Q3 regardless of engine variant.
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."
All Generations
Alternatives in Compact SUV
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2015-2018 Audi Q3 problems?
The 2015-2018 Audi Q3 has accumulated 77 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Engine, Electrical System, Safety Systems. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.
Which Audi Q3 engine is most reliable?
The 2015-2018 Audi Q3 was offered with 1 engine option. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 1.984000L 4-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.
Is the 2015-2018 Audi Q3 a good used car?
The 2015-2018 Audi Q3 can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 77 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2015-2018 Audi Q3 have?
The 2015-2018 Audi Q3 has 77 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.
What recalls affect the 2015-2018 Audi Q3?
There are 4 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2015-2018 Audi Q3 vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.
What should I check before buying a used Audi Q3?
Before buying a used Audi Q3, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Engine, Electrical System, Safety Systems, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or 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. 77 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: moderate. Last updated: 2026-04-07.