2023 Audi Q3

I purchased my 2023 Audi Q3 brand-new in March 2023. The vehicle currently has approximately 92,000 miles and has received regular oil changes and routine maintenance. While stopped at a red light, I experienced a sudden loss of propulsion. When the light turned green, I attempted to accelerate, but the vehicle would not move despite remaining in Drive with the engine running. I had to turn the vehicle completely off and restart it before it would move again. There were no check engine lights or dashboard warnings indicating a problem. I also began experiencing an unusual rattling noise coming from the engine. I brought the vehicle to an Audi dealership for inspection, where I was informed that metal debris had been discovered in the engine. The dealership recommended trading in the vehicle rather than repairing it, but did not provide a repair estimate or identify the underlying cause. At the time of the inspection, I only reported the rattling noise, so the loss-of-propulsion incident has not yet been evaluated by the dealership. I am concerned that this vehicle could unexpectedly fail to move again, particularly in traffic or at an intersection, creating a potential collision risk. Given the vehicle's age, maintenance history, and the severity of these issues, I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether this represents a potential vehicle safety defect.

NHTSA ID

11773812

Incident

Oct 16, 2026

I purchased a 2023 Audi Q3 and less than a year of owning the vehicle, I was driving when I lost power to the vehicle’s engine, with absolutely NO warning sign. Thankfully, I was able to pull over on the side of 95 and turn the car off, thinking maybe it was just overheating. I sat in the car for about 10-20 seconds before I saw a huge cloud of black smoke coming from the engine, that is when I got out of the car and called 911 immediately. As I was standing on the side of 95, with semi-trucks flying past me, I saw under the hood was pure flames. The 911 operator stressed I needed to walk away from the vehicle ASAP, and to not return for any of my belongings. About 2 minutes later, the entire car was engulfed in flames. Luckily, I was able to get my cell phone, to make the 911 call, but was not able to get any of my other belongings, purse, cards, laptop, ipad, etc. It took about 15-20 minutes for the police and fire department to come. They had to shut down 95 to control the fire, which took over an hour in total. The fire department came up to me 2 separate times asking if this was an electric vehicle because they were unable to contain the fire. I asked the sheriff what could have possibly caused this to happen, and that is when he stated it was most likely a manufacture defect since I had the car for less than a year and it had less than 50,000 miles on it. The police officer also stated that if I didn’t get out when I did, it was only a matter of seconds until I would have lost control of the vehicle entirely and burnt with it. I know this is a freak occurrence but to say I am traumatized and afraid to get behind the wheel, is an understatement. Especially knowing my guardian angels are the only reason why I am here and able to send this message.

NHTSA ID

11681427

Incident

Jul 4, 2025

If driving and the vehicle is put in park then put back into gear without turning off first, the vehicle will stall. Usually happens to me in parking lots but happened while I was parked on a hill. The vehicle stalled after being put in drive and started rolling down the hill - the power steering and ABS did not work. I had to apply the emergency break to get it to stop. This is a major safety concern. I've only had the car for a week and it has been happening the entire time. It is going in for service immediately.

NHTSA ID

11560744

Incident

Dec 18, 2023

This bulletin provides workshop information when the immobilizer cannot be adapted after the loss of keys.

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This bulletin provides informaiton on the use of the PICO-NVH tool (VAS 611 015).

This bulletin provides information regarding the current top concerns being addressed by the Audi Digital Business Solutions (DBS) team.

This bulletin provides information when the starter battery is discharged or malfunctioning.

This bulletin proides service information when there is a prompt to take over the steering wheel (hands off detection).