RoadVitals

2016 Audi Q3 Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
28
Latest Jun 23, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
14
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
2

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2016 Audi Q3, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Electrical1028.6%
  • Engine720.0%
  • Airbags38.6%
  • Fuel system38.6%
  • Exterior lighting25.7%
  • Steering25.7%
  • Interior & seats12.9%
  • Body & structure12.9%
  • Other / unspecified12.9%
  • Seat belts12.9%
  • Visibility12.9%
  • Suspension12.9%
  • Tires & wheels12.9%
  • Driver assistance12.9%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

10
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

In 4/2024 car wouldn’t start. Took to Audi for new battery and was told Water pump failed so it was replaced with delays. In 3/2025 noticed no heat and car took a long time to warm up. Took back to dealership replaced thermostat. Still no heat so I was told ok to drive but need to flush heater core to fix heat issue for $3500. Started my car on 8/14/2025 had multiple lights come on dash (lights, brake, TPMs, epc, and brake fluid) so I turned off. Took to mechanic for inspection told something strange different codes instructed to take to dealer. On 10/8/2025 took back to Audi for evaluation and first they stated my fuse box panel was slightly melted couldn’t code read. Ordered part, 2 weeks, and would be $2,000 for repairs. On 10/15/2025 they state I have Coolant migration from over flow and it would be $35,000 for repairs which exceeds vehicle worth to buy another. Have not experienced any coolant loss since water pump failed and was replaced in 2024.

NHTSA ID 11693736 · filed Oct 16, 2025

My Audi Q3 was in repair at Audi Spokane WA for an issue with the steering wheel, horn and airbag. I had it inspected at a shop in Moscow ID who diagnosed the damage as the Wheel Clock Spring. Lux Auto Hause advised that I contact Audi Dealership and stated the clock spring is under warranty. I made the next available appt with the dealership because Audi required my vehicle to be inspected at the dealership in Spokane WA before covering a warranty repair. The dealership is approximately 150 miles away and Audi stated in their letter that my Q3 had to meet qualifying factors for the warranty repair which were passenger airbag light that stays on and steering wheel controls not working. Audi covered the warranty repair and returned my Q3 with the steering wheel controls broken and Audi damaged my cruise control. I could hear plastic pieces in my vehicle steering wheel. I requested that they reinspect the supposed repair and waited for another 4 hours at the dealership. Audi did nothing about the damage and insisted it is damage from something else. Audi stated 2 times…we cleared the passenger airbag light which seemed to be their only concern. Audi left me with my vehicle seriously damaged, they did not repair the steering wheel or the hand controls and damaged my ability to drive my Audi with the cruise control. I filed a complaint with Audi in MI and they did not initiate a repair for the damage they caused my Audi Q3. When I attempted to provide the diagnostic from Lux Auto Hause that proved my cruise control did not have an error code prior to being at Audi- they ignored me. Lux Auto Hause is 1 of 2 Authorized European repairers in my area. I have had successful repairs completed there and can’t understand why Audi would be negligent when I can prove the damage didn’t exist prior to the clock spring breaking. My Audi Q3 steering, hand controls and after being at the dealer-my cruise control. Is this something the NHTSA can investigate?

NHTSA ID 11612175 · filed Sep 2, 2024
All 10 reports naming electrical

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The engine oil consumption rate is alarming going thru quarts or entire oil change in a week or two of driving depending how much it was driven. Audi has admitted the pistons are at fault along with piston rings. It is unsafe and can cause engine to seize up and lose control which can lead to dangerous situations or accidents. I was never informed with a class action settlement from Audi. I have lived at the same address for 21 years. I never received a letter from Audi of the class action settlement due to oil consumption.

NHTSA ID 11745833 · filed Jun 23, 2026

To Whom It May Concern: I am writing this communication to you per an attorney referral. I have an Audi that was included in the Turbo Class Action Lawsuit. See [XXX] My VIN was included in the lawsuit. The lawsuit was won on December 4th 2025. The class action lawsuit only covers and reimburses consumers who had paid out of pocket (prior to a certain date) expenses incurred fixing the Turbo. I have a letter from a Master Mechanic who is saying my engine problems are due to the turbo being bad however, I have not had the issue fixed. The class action lawsuit does not cover consumers who have not had the Turbo fixed or replaced. Please advise on what I should do or refer me to the appropriate person who can guide me through this process. My vehicle is not under warranty and although the class action lawsuit was won, there is no recall issued at this time. See attached. Thank you in advance for your cooperation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID 11718686 · filed Feb 18, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

My Audi Q3 was in repair at Audi Spokane WA for an issue with the steering wheel, horn and airbag. I had it inspected at a shop in Moscow ID who diagnosed the damage as the Wheel Clock Spring. Lux Auto Hause advised that I contact Audi Dealership and stated the clock spring is under warranty. I made the next available appt with the dealership because Audi required my vehicle to be inspected at the dealership in Spokane WA before covering a warranty repair. The dealership is approximately 150 miles away and Audi stated in their letter that my Q3 had to meet qualifying factors for the warranty repair which were passenger airbag light that stays on and steering wheel controls not working. Audi covered the warranty repair and returned my Q3 with the steering wheel controls broken and Audi damaged my cruise control. I could hear plastic pieces in my vehicle steering wheel. I requested that they reinspect the supposed repair and waited for another 4 hours at the dealership. Audi did nothing about the damage and insisted it is damage from something else. Audi stated 2 times…we cleared the passenger airbag light which seemed to be their only concern. Audi left me with my vehicle seriously damaged, they did not repair the steering wheel or the hand controls and damaged my ability to drive my Audi with the cruise control. I filed a complaint with Audi in MI and they did not initiate a repair for the damage they caused my Audi Q3. When I attempted to provide the diagnostic from Lux Auto Hause that proved my cruise control did not have an error code prior to being at Audi- they ignored me. Lux Auto Hause is 1 of 2 Authorized European repairers in my area. I have had successful repairs completed there and can’t understand why Audi would be negligent when I can prove the damage didn’t exist prior to the clock spring breaking. My Audi Q3 steering, hand controls and after being at the dealer-my cruise control. Is this something the NHTSA can investigate?

NHTSA ID 11612175 · filed Sep 2, 2024

My vehicle's Airbag clock spring control unit has failed and does not work. This happened in June 2022. This part controls my airbag, my horn, vehicle display unit and other functions like the radio controls along with navigation. I had this confirmed by my local car repair shop. There is currently an air bag warning light illuminated which has been on consistently since June 2022. My horn does not work and has not worked since June 2022. Just prior to this failure the steering wheel made a plastic like crinkling noise. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Audi Services has indicated in email and over the phone that this part is indefinitely on back order. Without this fixed the car will not pass my state's inspection requirements. I have also been informed that this clock spring control unit is the same part used in the recall that VW Tiguans currently have.

NHTSA ID 11488316 · filed Oct 7, 2022

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The vehicle emits a smell of fuel into the cabin of the car, and if the windows are up, this makes the driver sleepy and could cause a crash. It does not read fuel levels properly. The car has been taken to Butler, who said they could not find a problem. It was then taken to Audi Agusta (Gerald Jones), they replaced a fuel line that had to be correctly tigheted by another servicer Autobahn Automotive in Augusta Ga. That all happened in October and November of 2025. It is December 2025 with the same issue and no correction at this point.

NHTSA ID 11703719 · filed Dec 8, 2025

Failure of seal between injector and fuel rail caused fuel to be sprayed into engine compartment. I believe the injector seal was damaged during a prior service. Fuel sprayed onto the front of the engine and gasoline fumes filled cabin. Check engine light came on after engine died from lack of fuel. Safety issue is the accumulation of gasoline in the engine compartment & the car continues to pump fuel. No apparent safety measure to cut off fuel when excessive fuel is being delivered to engine. I repaired vehicle, but only replaced the bad o-ring and another o-ring that appeared to be damaged. I left the other 2 o-rings in place. I couldn't find a contact for Audi that could address my concern. My concern is the design. The seal between the fuel rail and the injector is a pressure fit seal. If the o-ring seal fails, fuel sprays out through the failure point into the engine compartment. Fumes in the engine compartment could be ignited by the sparks inside the starter or other electro-mechanical switching that generates sparks. Vehicle is available for inspection.

NHTSA ID 11427317 · filed Jul 31, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

My rear lights are not working properly. I had a malfunction warning and for the right rear light. Which is making all the lights not functioning. It almost had me rear ended.

NHTSA ID 11439200 · filed Nov 3, 2021

OCCASIONAL SHORTAGE IN TURN SIGNAL AND BREAK LIGHTS.

NHTSA ID 11324847 · filed May 17, 2020

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

My Audi Q3 was in repair at Audi Spokane WA for an issue with the steering wheel, horn and airbag. I had it inspected at a shop in Moscow ID who diagnosed the damage as the Wheel Clock Spring. Lux Auto Hause advised that I contact Audi Dealership and stated the clock spring is under warranty. I made the next available appt with the dealership because Audi required my vehicle to be inspected at the dealership in Spokane WA before covering a warranty repair. The dealership is approximately 150 miles away and Audi stated in their letter that my Q3 had to meet qualifying factors for the warranty repair which were passenger airbag light that stays on and steering wheel controls not working. Audi covered the warranty repair and returned my Q3 with the steering wheel controls broken and Audi damaged my cruise control. I could hear plastic pieces in my vehicle steering wheel. I requested that they reinspect the supposed repair and waited for another 4 hours at the dealership. Audi did nothing about the damage and insisted it is damage from something else. Audi stated 2 times…we cleared the passenger airbag light which seemed to be their only concern. Audi left me with my vehicle seriously damaged, they did not repair the steering wheel or the hand controls and damaged my ability to drive my Audi with the cruise control. I filed a complaint with Audi in MI and they did not initiate a repair for the damage they caused my Audi Q3. When I attempted to provide the diagnostic from Lux Auto Hause that proved my cruise control did not have an error code prior to being at Audi- they ignored me. Lux Auto Hause is 1 of 2 Authorized European repairers in my area. I have had successful repairs completed there and can’t understand why Audi would be negligent when I can prove the damage didn’t exist prior to the clock spring breaking. My Audi Q3 steering, hand controls and after being at the dealer-my cruise control. Is this something the NHTSA can investigate?

NHTSA ID 11612175 · filed Sep 2, 2024

POWER STEERING FAILURE ON AUDI Q3 2016 MY CAR HAS FAILED ON ME TWICE. THE PROBLEM IS THAT THE STEERING WHEEL STOPS WORKING DURING LONG COMMUTES. IT HAS HAPPENED TWICE THAT DURING A 100 MILE JOURNEY, I STOP THE ENGINE AND START IT AGAIN AND THE STEERING WHEEL IS STIFF. THE FIRST TIME I CALLED ROAD SIDE ASSISTANCE BUT JUST BEFORE THEY DISPATCHED A TOWING TRUCK I STARTED THE CAR AGAIN AND THE PROBLEM WASN'T THERE ANYMORE. THIS HAPPENED ON MAY 19, 2017. THE SECOND TIME IT HAPPENED THE SAME WAY. AFTER A 100 MILE DRIVE I STOP AND START AGAIN AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS STIFF AGAIN. THE SECOND TIME WAS JUNE 3, 2017. ON JUNE 8, 2017 I TOOK THE CAR TO AUDI ARLINGTON FOR REPAIRS. ON JUNE 9, I RECEIVED THE DIAGNOSIS FROM MY SERVICE CONSULTANT. HE EXPLAINED THE COMPUTER FOUND A PROBLEM WITH THE POWER STEERING MODULE, ITS FAULTY AND IT HAS TO BE REPLACED, THE SERVICE CONSULTANT EXPLAINED THAT THEY HAVE TO REACH OUT TO AUDI TO CLAIM WARRANTY. ONE WEEK LATER (JUNE 16, 2017) THE SERVICE CONSULTANT EXPLAINED THAT AUDI IS NOT GOING TO FIX THE PROBLEM BECAUSE THEY WANT THE STEERING STIFFNESS TO OCCUR AGAIN BEFORE THEY ARE WILLING TO REPLACE THE FAULTY MODULE. THE SERVICE CONSULTANT SAID THAT THEY HAVE TO RELEASE THE CAR BACK TO ME AND EXPLAINED THAT WHEN IT HAPPENS AGAIN TO TAKE IT BACK TO THEM. MY AUDI Q3 2016 IS UNDER WARRANTY WITH 5800 MILES ON IT AND ITS ALREADY BREAKING. THE STEERING IS FUNDAMENTAL FOR OPERATING A MOTOR VEHICLE. FOR ALL I KNOW I COULD BE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE STEERING STOPS WORKING. I WOULD PUT MY FAMILY AND THE LIFE OF OTHER DRIVERS IN DANGER. ALL THIS BECAUSE AUDI WANTS TO SAVE MONEY. ITS UNETHICAL AND IRRESPONSIBLE. IT MAKES ME WONDER IF THERE'S ANYTHING ELSE WRONG WITH MY CAR AND THEY ARE NOT SAYING ANYTHING, I'M SERIOUSLY DOUBTING THEIR INTEGRITY AT THIS POINT. PLEASE ADVICE KIND REGARDS, [XXX] [XXX]@HOTMAIL.COM (?PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).?)

NHTSA ID 10995511 · filed Jun 16, 2017

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

CONTINUE TO MALFUNCTION WHILE DRIVING. LIGHT,BRAKE, SEAT LIGHT,SYSTEM LIGHT,TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT, STEERING LIGHT, EVERYTHING IS MALFUNCTION INCLUDING THE BATTERY LIFHT,LIGHT, UT WOULDN'T START,HAD THE BATTERY REPLACE AND ALL THE LIGHTS STILL ON ON THE VEHICLE. AFAID TO DRIVE IT THAT IT COULD CATCH ON FIRE WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM MALFUNCTION. WOULD NOT START SITTING HAD TO JUMP IT TO GET HOME.

NHTSA ID 11349635 · filed Aug 16, 2020

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

Owned car for 4 years. Car has a panoramic sunroof in two sections. rear section is glass and does not move. Front section is glass and does actuate. On [XXX]. All was fine. Driving on smooth highway, [XXX (at XXX]. No other vehicles within site behind or in front around me). Sunroof was 100% closed the entire trip. Suddenly my front (moveable segment) of the sunroof literally exploded, raining glass all over me. I maintained control of the vehicle and arrived at work 20 min later. Was able to take photos when the sun came up. No apparent cause. I found no other debris in the car except the glass. No vehicles were around me at the time. Temperature was high 50s that morning. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID 11655074 · filed Apr 16, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, ALL OF THE SUDDEN THE CAR LOSES CONTROL AND IS FISHTAILING. I WAS ABLE TO REGAIN CONTROL AND PULL OFF THE ROAD AT AN EXIT RAMP. THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR TIRE WAS COMPLETELY BLOWN OUT. I DO NOT RECALL RUNNING OVER ANYTHING OR HEARING A POP, THE TIRE SIMPLY EXPLODED. THE TIRES ARE CONTINENTAL CONTIPROCONTACT 255/40/19. THE TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR DID NOT INDICATE LOW PRESSURE BEFORE THE BLOWOUT OR FOLLOWING THE INCIDENT.

NHTSA ID 11399030 · filed Mar 3, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

Passenger-side rear seat belt buckle (latch) no longer secures the seat belt tongue (latch plate). Repeated attempts were made to engage the tongue and reset the buckle with no success. Seat is currently unusable.

NHTSA ID 11425726 · filed Jul 20, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact's wife owns a 2016 Audi Q3. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the rearview mirror detached. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was determined that the rearview mirror needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 42,465.

NHTSA ID 11519120 · filed Apr 26, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

Drivers rear wishbone control arm has a baseball seize hole corrosion. Passenger rear wishbone has surface cracks. Significant safety consern if driver rear wishbone failed while driving . Dealer recommended not to drive vehicle replacement of the component is required

NHTSA ID 11593745 · filed Jun 11, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

255/40 R19 100H Rear driver side tire spontaneously blew while parked. Tire side wall shows about 1.5 inch linear mark with irregular border (not cut by a person but occurred naturally). Also has a near by person's dash cam video showing gun like "pop" sound when the tire blew spontaneously.

NHTSA ID 11428252 · filed Aug 8, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

CONTINUE TO MALFUNCTION WHILE DRIVING. LIGHT,BRAKE, SEAT LIGHT,SYSTEM LIGHT,TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT, STEERING LIGHT, EVERYTHING IS MALFUNCTION INCLUDING THE BATTERY LIFHT,LIGHT, UT WOULDN'T START,HAD THE BATTERY REPLACE AND ALL THE LIGHTS STILL ON ON THE VEHICLE. AFAID TO DRIVE IT THAT IT COULD CATCH ON FIRE WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM MALFUNCTION. WOULD NOT START SITTING HAD TO JUMP IT TO GET HOME.

NHTSA ID 11349635 · filed Aug 16, 2020

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .