2020 Audi Q3 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2020 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
- Electrical2223.7%
- Engine2122.6%
- Fuel system1010.8%
- Steering99.7%
- Driver assistance77.5%
- Powertrain (other)66.5%
- Brakes55.4%
- Body & structure44.3%
- Exterior lighting44.3%
- Airbags22.2%
- Other / unspecified11.1%
- Tires & wheels11.1%
- Visibility11.1%
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
Rear hatch randomly operable / inoperable. "Reset" computer without success. Dangerous situation as anything inside hatch is not not accessible. Was told by Audi that the entire rear hatch latch system needs replacement and this is "a common issue"...
I purchased a 2020 Audi Q3 S-Line (VIN: [XXX] ) on [XXX], with 27,564 miles on it. I bought the vehicle from a dealership that specializes in high-end aftermarket cars, and they provided a maintenance report stating the vehicle had passed all inspections at the time of sale. The vehicle had been imported from Canada to the U.S., and the Carfax report reflected consistent maintenance at authorized Audi dealerships in Canada, including a full inspection and alternator/electrical system check roughly a year before my purchase — with no problems reported. In early July 2025, I began experiencing issues with the MMI system: •A loud, persistent humming sound when using Bluetooth or the radio •Audio glitches and failed system reboots •No dashboard warnings or battery alerts After researching, I suspected a low-voltage or charging issue. I took the car to an auto parts store for diagnostics, and at 28,932 miles, they found the battery was severely depleted and the alternator had failed completely — it was no longer charging the system. This means the alternator failed only 1,368 miles after purchase, which is highly abnormal for a well-maintained, low-mileage luxury vehicle. Alternators typically last 80,000 to 150,000 miles. Audi has acknowledged similar issues in Q5 and A4 models, but nothing yet on the Q3. While I know the vehicle is out of warranty and was not purchased from an Audi dealership, I am requesting: 1.That this issue be formally documented and investigated for possible recall or defect pattern. 2.That Audi consider a goodwill repair, based on mileage, maintenance history, and how soon the failure occurred after passing inspection. 3.That this be flagged specifically for Q3s imported from Canada, as mine was. This failure could have left me stranded with no warning. I’m reporting it not only for my own case, but to potentially help others who may be silently experiencing the same issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2020 Audi Q3. The contact stated that while driving or idling, the electrical system started malfunctioning. The contact then stated that the rear-view camera screen became distorted. The Audi pre sense system warning light intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the water pump leaked into the main cabin and the drain needed to be unclogged. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the drain needed to be unclogged. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was out of warranty, and no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
Had service at 34999 - reported hard shifting between 1st/2nd then revved abnormally high at 32k. Dealer was unable to reproduce during service - appointments are a month out. Car has had propulsion/fuel system not responding at random at various severities and rough idle like the engine was struggling to get fuel. Also reported during last service. On one occasion vehicle shutoff at lower speed at approx 20k.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
I purchased my 2020 Audi Q3 in August of 2020. I am submitting this complaint regarding the recurring and unacceptable issue with my Audi. In February of 2023 my vehicle started shaking and stalled while driving. I could not restart for awhile, after a few minutes it restarted. I took it to Audi and they verified that the output of fuel pump did not meet minimum flow. They replaced the pump. Then in November of 2025 my car stalled again, doing the same thing, after a few minutes it would restart but kept intermittently stalling. This Fuel Pump malfunctioned again, and now this time both of them were not working properly. Both the High Pressure and Low Pressure Fuel pump was replaced again in January 2026. Having to replace a major component like the fuel pump twice on a 2020 luxury vehicle is unreasonable and deeply concerning. A fuel pump failure is not a minor inconvenience, it affects the reliability, safety and drivability of the vehicle.
Had service at 34999 - reported hard shifting between 1st/2nd then revved abnormally high at 32k. Dealer was unable to reproduce during service - appointments are a month out. Car has had propulsion/fuel system not responding at random at various severities and rough idle like the engine was struggling to get fuel. Also reported during last service. On one occasion vehicle shutoff at lower speed at approx 20k.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE START STOP FEATURE NEEDS TO BE DEACTIVATED OTHERWISE THE WHEEL LOCKS UP ONCE STOPPED AND VEHICLE DOES NOT MOVE FORWARD ONCE FOOT RELEASES OFF BRAKE. THE VEHICLE SHUTTERED AND RPM DIAL LIT UP AND ENGINE WAS REVVING ONCE START STOP WAS DEACTIVATED. CAR HAD TO BE PULLED OVER AND SHUT OFF. STARTED AGAIN TO MOVE. CLOCK CHANGED TIME ON ITS OWN. INTERIOR READING LIGHTS CAME ON SPONTANEOUSLY NUMEROUS TIMES. CAR WE T TO SERVICE AT DEALER AND WAS TOLD SOFTWARE UPDATE FOR START STOP. GOING BACK IN NOW FOR ENGINE REACTION TO START STOP DEACTIVATION, CLOCK, LIGHTS. STILL NO SOFTWARE UPDATE AVAILABLE. BOUGHT CAR NEW MARCH 2020. ALL EVENTS HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING OR WITH FOOT ON BRAKE. ALL HAPPENED ON STREETS BOTH DRIVING STRAIGHT AND TURNING.
WHILE DRIVING ON ROADWAY YESTERDAY (10/29/2020) THE VEHICLES ENGINE AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEM COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN WITHOUT WARNING. POWER STEERING WENT OUT. WAS ABLE TO DRIFT TO SIDE OF ROAD AND RESTART. WENT HOME AND HAD CAR TOWED TO VALENTI AUDI, WHO DETERMINED THERE IS A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN FOR SOFTWARE UPDATE. NOT A RECALL! RESEARCHED THIS ON THE INTERNET AND OTHERS HAVE REPORTED SIMILAR ISSUES. THIS VEHICLE IS DANGEROUS! TSB PRINTOUT IS IN VEHICLE AND WILL BE RETURNED TO ME AT SALISBURY CT. HOWEVER, NHTSA MUST ISSUE A RECALL ON THIS.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
I was driving on a highway at 65 miles per hour, it was a rental car and the car automatically short stopped by itself and i was unable to move it. the dashboard lights looked like they were blinking and then my car was hit from behind
IN FRONT PASSENGER SEAT IF PASSENGER SITS ON A CUSHION (MY WIFE HAS HIP PROBLEM) OR BLANKET ETC IT TURNS OFF PASSENGER AIRBAG. REPORTED NUMEROUS TIME TO DEALER AND THEIR RESPONSE IS AUDI DESIGNED IT THAT WAY. EASILY REPLICATED. NEXT, VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY AND WITHOUT PROVOCATION SUDDENLY ACCELERATES AT LOW SPEEDS'4-5MPH TO 9-10MPH. ITS UNNERVING ESPECIALLY IF CAR IN FRONT. AIRBAG IS ALL THE TIME EVERYWHERE. ACCELERATION IS GOING FROM STOP TO MOVING PARKING LOTS, STOP LIGHT, ETC. BOTH HAVE HAPPENED SINCE DELIVERY. REPORTED TO DEALER NUMEROUS TIME. NO ANSWER.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
Had service at 34999 - reported hard shifting between 1st/2nd then revved abnormally high at 32k. Dealer was unable to reproduce during service - appointments are a month out. Car has had propulsion/fuel system not responding at random at various severities and rough idle like the engine was struggling to get fuel. Also reported during last service. On one occasion vehicle shutoff at lower speed at approx 20k.
ON FOUR OCCASIONS, THE ENGINE STOPPED WORKING AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS NOT ABLE TO BE TURNED. THIS PREVENTED THE DRIVER FROM MOVING THE VEHICLE FORWARD AND STEERING OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION. IF THE CAR IS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED, THE PROBLEM RESOLVES WITH THIS RESET. THE INTERVALS BETWEEN THESE EPISODES HAVE BEEN SEVERAL MONTHS. THERE ARE NO SPECIFICALLY COMMON VARIABLES, OTHER THAN A LOWER SPEED - START/STOP AS IN WAITING TO CROSS A LINE OF TRAFFIC OR PROCEEDING THROUGH A STOP SIGN. I HAVE TAKEN THE Q3 TO THE DEALER 3 TIMES NOW AND HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT A SOFTWARE UPDATE IS THE FIX. RECENTLY THE CAR HAS BEEN MAKING A VIBRATING NOISE WHEN COASTING, AND IT LOST POWER IN AN INTERSECTION ON THE WAY TO THE DEALER FOR SERVICE. THE CAR COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN AND EVEN ACTIVATED THE PARKING BRAKE. WE ALWAYS DISABLE THE CAR'S AUTO START-STOP FEATURE, AS WE SUSPECTED THAT TO BE INVOLVED, BUT THAT IS NOT THE ISSUE. WE FEEL THIS CAR IS UNSAFE AND THE AUDI DEALER SEEMS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE AND RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. OUR FIRST AUDI PURCHASE, WE HAD ONE OF THE FIRST 2020 Q3 TO ARRIVE IN THE US AND FOUR SHUT-OFF INCIDENTS SINCE WE PURCHASED THE CAR IN OCT 2019. THE CAR WAS DRIVEN LESS THAN ANTICIPATED DUE TO COVID, REMOTE SCHOOL/WORK AND NO TRAVEL. PERHAPS MORE FREQUENT DRIVING WOULD HAVE ACCELERATED THE CLAIM PROCESS FOR US. IRONICALLY, WE CHOSE THE CAR FOR ITS SAFETY FEATURES PRIMARILY FOR OUR TEEN/YOUNG ADULT DRIVERS. THE CAR HAS SHUT DOWN FOR THREE DRIVERS, TWICE FOR OUR TEEN AND ONCE FOR EACH OF THE PARENTS, SO WE ARE CONFIDENT THAT THE PROBLEM EXISTS AS DESCRIBED AND PERSISTS DESPITE ATTEMPTS TO FIX IT. EACH TIME WE FELT IT WAS RESOLVED DUE TO A LONG INTERVAL BETWEEN INCIDENTS, BUT TODAY WAS MORE FRIGHTENING THAN OTHERS DUE TO THE INTERSECTION WHERE IT OCCURRED. THIS COULD CAUSE A CRITICAL ACCIDENT.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
Not sure if this requires investigation by NHTSA so I am reporting it and will let you decide. 2020 Audi Q-3. Purchased Certified Pre-Owned in April 2023 with 13,000 miles on it. Found that at highway speed when you apply brakes the pedal pulsates and shudders. I now have 17,900 miles on it and the pulsation is getting worse. To my regret we did not take a very long test ride when buying. I have not lost control or had any accident, but I Googled the problem and found that this is a common complaint with many Audi models. Brought car back to dealer who states that I need to replace front disc pads and rotors as well as rear brake pads. I feel that this is not normal with such low miles. I am not sure if this needs an investigation by NHTSA but again, if you do an online search it is a problem with many Audi models. I have been advised that this problem could lead to loss of control of the vehicle. Also, the dealer and Audi USA refuse to do the repair under the warranty saying that brakes are "a wear item".
Brakes and rotors P.s the the pictures I attached are of the new rotors they installed 500 miles ago after they acknowledged that there was a issue Front passenger seat doesn’t lock in position Windows when down they shake when you open and close the doors Shaking when going above 50mph
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
I purchased this vehicle new in June 2020. Since January 2022, it has experienced recurring water intrusion into the passenger cabin during heavy rain. Water leaks from the ceiling around the overhead console near the front reading/map lights. During heavy rain, water pools and causes the interior lights to turn on unexpectedly while driving. Generally, the lights cannot be turned off or immediately reactivate, creating a safety hazard at night. Water also drips onto the infotainment screen and center stack controls. To try to protect interior electronics, I have used absorbent materials to cover the center stack while parked and to wipe water while driving, which is distracting and unsafe. The issue has occurred repeatedly over multiple years and is reproducible. The vehicle has been inspected multiple times by authorized Audi service centers. Repairs have included cleaning sunroof drain tubes, replacing sunroof seals and adhesive pads, installing updated components, and water leak testing. Technicians confirmed water in the sunroof stowage tray and drains, and light malfunctions were attributed to water entering the cabin from the sunroof. Despite these repairs, the water intrusion continues to recur annually. During the most recent inspection, standing water was found in the rear sunroof drains, and sunroof removal and reinstallation was recommended but not covered. Service personnel confirmed the vehicle was properly maintained and not misused. The vehicle has approximately 17,000 miles. Primary symptoms are water dripping from the headliner and unintended activation of interior lighting while driving. Affected components include the sunroof assembly, drains, overhead console, and interior electrical systems. Other owners have reported similar issues, and multiple NHTSA Technical Service Bulletins acknowledge water entry from sunroof drains and seals. When I contacted Audi of America, I was informed that multiple complaints had been received, even that week.
It rained pretty heavy last night, and driving to work this morning, the interior lamp lights started turning on by themselves. After a few more minutes of driving, water was pouring out of the roof where the lights are. The water dripped straight down onto all of the electrical parts, USB ports and buttons for auto/on off, park assist, etc. There is an obvious leak coming from the sunroof, and a lot of electrical components involved.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
I purchased this vehicle new in June 2020. Since January 2022, it has experienced recurring water intrusion into the passenger cabin during heavy rain. Water leaks from the ceiling around the overhead console near the front reading/map lights. During heavy rain, water pools and causes the interior lights to turn on unexpectedly while driving. Generally, the lights cannot be turned off or immediately reactivate, creating a safety hazard at night. Water also drips onto the infotainment screen and center stack controls. To try to protect interior electronics, I have used absorbent materials to cover the center stack while parked and to wipe water while driving, which is distracting and unsafe. The issue has occurred repeatedly over multiple years and is reproducible. The vehicle has been inspected multiple times by authorized Audi service centers. Repairs have included cleaning sunroof drain tubes, replacing sunroof seals and adhesive pads, installing updated components, and water leak testing. Technicians confirmed water in the sunroof stowage tray and drains, and light malfunctions were attributed to water entering the cabin from the sunroof. Despite these repairs, the water intrusion continues to recur annually. During the most recent inspection, standing water was found in the rear sunroof drains, and sunroof removal and reinstallation was recommended but not covered. Service personnel confirmed the vehicle was properly maintained and not misused. The vehicle has approximately 17,000 miles. Primary symptoms are water dripping from the headliner and unintended activation of interior lighting while driving. Affected components include the sunroof assembly, drains, overhead console, and interior electrical systems. Other owners have reported similar issues, and multiple NHTSA Technical Service Bulletins acknowledge water entry from sunroof drains and seals. When I contacted Audi of America, I was informed that multiple complaints had been received, even that week.
The sunroof in the Audi Q3 leaks and the water drops from the ceiling INTO the cabin. Water also comes through the passenger side panel and drips onto the floor causing flooding of the floorboards. This is a KNOWN issue and Audi has released a TSB (technical service bulletin) to attempt to fix these, but it’s just a band aid. It keeps coming back over and over. Water intrudes into the center lights and they flicker and short out. Water drips from these lights into the center gearshift area and it is an extreme safety hazard. PLEASE force Audi to fix this and make it right with their customers. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND SHOULD BE A FULL RECALL
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
We purchased a 2020 Audi Q3 (36000 miles) from Carvana on December 5, 2024, and it was reported as having no past accidents. It was stolen on January 7. It was recovered on January 20 after the thieves crashed it into a telephone pole. The car sustained significant damage and there is evidence of blood on the interior. We have no idea the extent of any injuries because the thieves fled the scene. Our concern is that when we inspected the vehicle, we noticed that the airbags did not deploy.
IN FRONT PASSENGER SEAT IF PASSENGER SITS ON A CUSHION (MY WIFE HAS HIP PROBLEM) OR BLANKET ETC IT TURNS OFF PASSENGER AIRBAG. REPORTED NUMEROUS TIME TO DEALER AND THEIR RESPONSE IS AUDI DESIGNED IT THAT WAY. EASILY REPLICATED. NEXT, VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY AND WITHOUT PROVOCATION SUDDENLY ACCELERATES AT LOW SPEEDS'4-5MPH TO 9-10MPH. ITS UNNERVING ESPECIALLY IF CAR IN FRONT. AIRBAG IS ALL THE TIME EVERYWHERE. ACCELERATION IS GOING FROM STOP TO MOVING PARKING LOTS, STOP LIGHT, ETC. BOTH HAVE HAPPENED SINCE DELIVERY. REPORTED TO DEALER NUMEROUS TIME. NO ANSWER.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
DRIVING INTO WORK ON 02/13/20 MY LOW TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT CAME ON. I PULLED OFF THE HIGHWAY ONLY TO SEE I HAD A ALMOST FLAT TIRE. I HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY REPLACED THE TIRE AS THEY SAID IT WAS BLOWN AND THAT I MUST OF HIT A POT HOLE. ONE WOULD THINK I WOULD REMEMBER THAT.I RECEIVED MY CAR BACK 02-19 SINCE THIS IS A 2020 APPARENTLY THERE ARE NO TIRES FOR THIS VEHICLE. ON 02-23 I HAVE ANOTHER FLAT TIRE. 1ST ONE WAS DRIVERS REAR AND NOW PASSENGER FRONT. APPARENTLY IT WAS A BIG HOLE.I BELIEVE THESE TIRES ARE DEFECTIVE BUT AM GETTING NO WHERE WITH BRIDGESTONE OR AUDI
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
Last week 4/28/26, I purchased four Crossclimate 2 235/50R19 tires from Costco in [XXX] . Order #XXX. My question is two of the tires do not have a DOT number on the side wall. Two tires have DOT [1426] Along with [047X]. The other tires only have [047X]. No week or year of manufacture. Those tires appear to have a white powdery coating on the sidewall. I asked the technician at Costco about the missing DOT date on two of the tires. He didn't seem to know what I was taking about. Is it legal to sell tires without the DOT manufacturer date? Are theses tires safe to drive? Thanks for taking time to answer this question. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
There is a large flaw on these vehicles. The sunroof framing becomes damaged. This creates an issue of water leaking in the interior. It causes an electrical issue as well as creates a distracted driving environment. I was driving when this happened and I had to start controlling the water leaking from the roof of my vehicle. This is a large safety issue that Audi knows about and even has a technical documentation to repair this issue.
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
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .