RoadVitals

2017 Audi Q3

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

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.
8
Latest Aug 24, 2026
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
3
Latest May 23, 2019
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
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.
0

Overview

Our database contains 8 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2017 Audi Q3, most frequently naming the airbags, engine and steering categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 598 manufacturer communications are on file.

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

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Airbags233.3%
  • Engine233.3%
  • Steering116.7%
  • Suspension116.7%

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

Safety recalls

3 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
19V385000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL

May 23, 2019
23,241 units potentially affected
The defect: 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."
The risk: Without an indicator informing the driver of an inoperable turn signal, the driver may turn or change lanes without a signal, increasing the risk of crash.
The remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will update the body control module (BCM), free of charge. The recall began June 21, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 97DK.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Manufacturer number 97DKView on NHTSA.gov
17V400000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS; FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: CRASH IMMINENT BRAKING

Jun 26, 2017
24,754 units potentially affected
The defect: 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."
The risk: A vehicle approaching from behind may not have any warning that the vehicle is stopping, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle software, free of charge. The recall began July 31, 2017. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 45G6.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Manufacturer number 45G6View on NHTSA.gov
16V642000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Sep 6, 2016
79,895 units potentially affected
The defect: 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."
The risk: If the side marker lights do not illuminate, the vehicle may be less visible at night, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will upload revised software to correct the issue, free of charge. This recall began November 2016. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 97CB.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Manufacturer number 97CBView on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Engine
Filed Aug 24, 2026

I am reporting a serious safety concern involving my 2017 Audi Q3 Premium Plus, VIN [XXX]. The vehicle is experiencing excessive engine oil consumption requiring frequent addition of oil. I reported the oil-consumption problem shortly after purchasing the vehicle. Audi Coral Springs recently diagnosed the vehicle and recommended substantial repairs. The dealership identified a crankcase breather/PCV condition causing oil to enter the intake system and also recommended replacement of the timing chain. The total recommended repairs are approximately $10,000. Audi's current diagnostic scan also identified multiple camshaft/timing-related engine fault codes, including P0011 (camshaft timing over-advanced/system performance), P0341 (camshaft position sensor range/performance), and P000A (camshaft position slow response). I am concerned about continuing to operate this vehicle because the engine is consuming oil at an abnormal rate. If the oil level or oil pressure becomes critically low while the vehicle is being driven, I am concerned about engine damage, engine failure or loss of power while driving and the potential for an engine-related fire. Of particular concern, while researching the vehicle's history I found a previous NHTSA complaint associated with this same VIN describing excessive oil consumption involving the pistons and/or piston rings and expressing concern that the condition could result in an engine fire. That complaint also described EPC/check-engine/low-oil-pressure warnings and stated that approximately $10,000 in repairs had been quoted. I am now experiencing excessive oil consumption in the same vehicle and same VIN, and I have also received an approximately $10,000 repair recommendation. I am requesting that NHTSA review this complaint together with the prior complaint associated with VIN [XXX] and determine whether the repeated excessive-oil-consumption condition in this vehicle. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11759155
Incident
May 11, 2026
Suspension
Filed Jun 18, 2026

Local state inspection/repair shop found both front coil springs broken. Car has approximately 60,000 miles. Cost to repair $1600.00.

NHTSA ID
11745109
Incident
Jun 2, 2026
Engine
Filed Nov 6, 2024

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)

NHTSA ID
11623793
Incident
Oct 16, 2024
Filed Apr 21, 2024

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

NHTSA ID
11584325
Incident
Apr 12, 2024
Airbags
Filed May 13, 2022

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.

NHTSA ID
11464579
Incident
Jun 1, 2021
Mileage
38,000 mi
Airbags
Filed May 5, 2022

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.

NHTSA ID
11463435
Incident
May 4, 2022
Steering
Filed Jan 11, 2022

No steering when car is being driven.

NHTSA ID
11447017
Incident
Jan 6, 2022
Filed Apr 9, 2017

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.

NHTSA ID
10971522
Incident
Mar 19, 2017
Mileage
1,209 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

TSB_2074436_3

This bulletin provides information when the horn sound quality is poor.

TSB_2069904_3

SERVICE BRAKES

This bulletin provides information for all models regarding brake sounds.

TSB_2069078_4

SERVICE BRAKES

This bulletin provides information on the zirconium insercts in the brake piston (ceramic brakes only).

TSB_2067132_4

SERVICE BRAKES

This bulletin provides information when there is corrosion on the friction survace of steel brake discs.

TSB_2076945_2

STRUCTURE:BODY

This bulletin provides information about leather care and seat repair.

TSB_2075120_3

SERVICE BRAKES

This bulletin provides information about the general approach for brake vibration concerns.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Audi Q3 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2027000—
2026510—
2025410—
2024182056.4
2023210—
2022335054.2
2021153055.7
2020653047.9
2019104039.4
2018261037.3
2017Viewing830—
2016283056.1
2015232052.8
2014000—
2013000—
2012000—
2011000—
2010000—
2009000—
2008100—

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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.