2015 Audi Q3

Vehicle: 2015 Audi Q3 | Engine: 2.0L TFSI 4-Cylinder Turbo Component: Engine Complaint Description: While driving on the interstate at highway speed, the red oil pressure warning light illuminated suddenly and without prior warning. The standard low oil level warning light did NOT illuminate prior to the failure. Oil level was verified as correct and within specification at the time of failure. The vehicle suffered a complete and catastrophic engine failure due to oil starvation and rod knock, despite a verified proper oil level and oil pressure. The engine requires full replacement. This failure occurred at only 3,432 miles since the most recent oil change. The vehicle has a documented history dating back to 2021 of recurring engine oil consumption concerns, fuel contamination of engine oil, and high-pressure fuel pump failure — all serviced at authorized dealerships. A multipoint inspection performed approximately four months prior to this failure returned a fully satisfactory result with no engine concerns flagged. This is believed to be related to the known piston ring defect in Audi/Volkswagen 2.0L TFSI engines documented in federal class action litigation (Rieger v. Volkswagen Group of America, Case No. 1:21-cv-10546-NLH-EAP), which explicitly named the 2012–2017 Audi Q3 as an affected vehicle. The engine failure occurred without warning while at highway speed, posing a significant and immediate safety risk to the driver and other motorists.

NHTSA ID

11741103

Incident

May 22, 2026

I am reporting that authorized dealer Audi Knoxville (Harper Auto Square) is KNOWINGLY AND WILLINGLY attempting to force me to operate an unsafe vehicle. Following an intake manifold repair, the dealership’s service staff identified carbon buildup and fouled spark plugs as a necessary repair, while the manufacturer (Audi of America) has reclassified it as 'maintenance' to avoid coverage. Because this critical 'top-end' work remains incomplete, the vehicle is at high risk for catastrophic stalling at highway speeds. Despite this, the dealership refuses to sign a safety certification for the vehicle. Under threat of property auction and a 48-hour ultimatum to seize my loaner car, they are coercing me into taking possession of a vehicle they themselves will not certify as safe. This is a willful disregard for consumer safety and federal motor vehicle standards.

NHTSA ID

11736168

Incident

May 6, 2026

Vehicle experiences sudden, intermittent loss of motive power, severe engine hesitation, and stalling while operating at highway speeds. Diagnostic scans confirm fault codes P2015 and P0341, indicating a failure of the intake manifold position sensor and camshaft position correlation. These mechanical failures, combined with extreme carbon buildup on the valves, create a hazardous operating condition where the vehicle cannot maintain safe speeds in high-traffic environments. The manufacturer (Audi) has acknowledged the intake manifold failure—which is a known defect under an extended 120,000-mile warranty—but refuses to remediate the consequential engine damage (carbon buildup) caused by the faulty manifold and a previous oil overfill incident at a certified dealership (Chapman Audi of Tucson). Despite a 12-month documented history of seeking repairs for these safety symptoms, the dealership repeatedly failed to diagnose the manifold defect, instead clearing codes and returning the vehicle to the road. This systemic failure resulted in a hazardous operating condition that now puts the driver at immediate risk of rear-end collisions due to unpredictable engine stalling. By refusing to perform the necessary top-end cleaning required to restore the engine to a safe state, Audi is knowingly allowing an unsafe vehicle to remain in service. This represents a significant risk to public safety and a failure to address a documented powertrain defect that compromises vehicle control.

NHTSA ID

11731952

Incident

Mar 31, 2026

My Audi Q3 2015 started with The TPMS on and the traction skid symbol also lit up on dashboard. I brought it to Audi of Warwick, Rhode Island and they did a diagnostic testing on it and found that it was the all-wheel-drive control module on a lot of 2015 Q3 is just like mine had recalls on that same part in my car only has 80,000 miles on it and at 49,000 miles or 50,000. The whole turbo went on that car and had to be replaced.. I feel that the all-wheel-drive control module [XXX] and went on a car with 80,000 miles on it. That’s only driven 15 to 30 miles a day or not even every day. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11687951

Incident

Aug 23, 2025

The contact owns a 2015 Audi Q3. The contact stated that the horn became inoperable and additionally, the hand controls were not functioning as needed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the clock spring needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The horn was also inoperable. The manufacturer was contacted and made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ID

11599198

Incident

Nov 1, 2023

Mileage

80,000 mi

The contact owns a 2015 Audi Q3. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the oil light remained illuminated. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who confirmed that the vehicle was experiencing an abnormal oil consumption. The mechanic performed an oil change however, the failure persisted. Additionally, the contact stated that the controls on the steering wheel were inoperable. The contact stated that the steering wheel air bag was inoperable due to the electrical shortage in the steering wheel. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,600.

NHTSA ID

11574275

Incident

Nov 15, 2023

Mileage

85,600 mi

I have 2015 Audi Q3 is very unsafe suspension. The rear lower arm worn out & unsafe to drive & very dangerous, risk to Accident. Under 98,000 miles & the lower control get Rusty & almost to split in half. The Audi Dealership should have a Recall to this Vehicle & is Unsafe to drive it to all Consumers like me. I keep the Rear Suspension & incase u Guy's like to see it.

NHTSA ID

11561616

Incident

Dec 23, 2023

The contact owns a 2015 Audi Q3. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, the vehicle started shaking uncontrollably. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the failure was due to rusted rear trailing arms, bolts, shocks, and coil springs. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ID

11551041

Incident

Oct 14, 2023

Mileage

59,000 mi

This bulletin provides a statement regarding the bottleneck of supply for VW approved oil types VW 504.00 and VW 507.00.

This bulletin provides information when there is a film/visible rings on the clear glass cover of the headlight when the dipped beam is switched on.

This bulletin provides informatoinw hent here are scratches or a coating on the cover of the instrument cluster, or particles inside of the housing.

This bulletin provides information when there is increased oil consumption; >0.5ltr/1000 km.

This bulletin provides information when there are noises from the area around the instrument cluster.

This bulletin provides informaiton when the engine is not running smoothly, misfiring.