Audi Q3 Reliability Problems

Q3 owners have made 4 complaints over 6 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 10th in overall reliability out of 19 Audi models, with real electrical and transmission concerns.

2 Common Audi Q3 Problems

A list of some of the most common issues Q3 owners have to deal with.

  1. Busted Timing Chains

    Audi's EA888 2.0-liter engine has a history of tensioner problems in its timing chain. The loose chain is to blame for multiple occurances of catastrophic engine failure. Audi was forced to offer settlement offers, including an extended war…

    Continue reading article "Busted Timing Chains" View of engine timing chain

  2. Sunroof Leaks

    Multiple defects with the sunroof drainage system are causing massive amounts of leak problems for Audi owners. The water is soaking headliners, creating unsafe amounts of condensation, and short circuiting sensitive electronic components. …

    Continue reading article "Sunroof Leaks" Poorly drawn blue box outlining damage made to the headliner from rain leaking in through the sunroof.

What Q3 Owners Complain About

Sometimes it helps just to tally up the complaints and see where the biggest stacks are. Use this information to learn about troublespots or to run for the hills.

Worst Issues

What Breaks the Most

Years to Avoid

Full Lists on CarComplaints.com

Q3 Generations

The Q3 has 2 generations, each with their own issues. Using the same PainRank™ system we've determined that you're better off avoiding the 1st generation (2015–2018).

Q3 Key Numbers

  1. 4 complaints

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  2. 483 service bulletins

    Documenting the process of troubleshooting common problems.

  3. 4 recall campaigns

    Time-sensitive, free repairs for widespread safety problems.

Q3 Class-Action Lawsuits

The Q3 has been named as a class vehicle in the following lawsuits.

  • Swinburne, et al., v. Audi of America, Inc., et al.

    1. Case Filed

      Class action lawsuit alleges the systems cause the engines to hesitate, lag and fail to immediately activate when drivers try to accelerate from full or rolling stops.

    Problem
    Start-Stop Defects
    Class Vehicles
    • 2019-2020 A3
    • 2017-2020 A4
    • 2017-2020 A5
    • 2017-2020 A6
    • 2017-2020 A7
    • 2017-2020 Q3
    • 2017-2020 Q5
    • 2017-2020 Q7
    • 2017-2020 Q8
    Location
    Virginia

  • Cole, et al., v. Volkswagen Group of America, et al.

    1. Case Filed

      A VW/Audi sunroof class action lawsuit alleges California customers must cope with leaking sunroofs that cause water damage to carpets, audio systems, electronics and multiple parts of the interiors.

    Problem
    Sunroof Leaks
    Class Vehicles
    • 2016-present A1
    • 2016-present A3
    • 2016-present TT
    • 2016-present Q2
    • 2016-present Q3
    Class Members
    California Residents
    Location
    California

  • Gjonbalaj, et al., v. Volkswagen Group of America, et al.

    1. Case Filed

      The sunroof leak lawsuit alleges the sunroofs were defectively designed and manufactured due to their drainage systems and seals. In addition, the automaker allegedly doesn't honor warranties when water leaks occur on these vehicles.

    Problem
    Sunroof Leaks
    Class Vehicles
    • 2015-present A1
    • 2015-present A3
    • 2015-present TT
    • 2015-present Q2
    • 2015-present Q3
    Location
    New York

  • Anzhelya Makaryan, et. al., v. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc

    2:2017cv05086

    1. Case Filed

      An Audi timing chain lawsuit alleges Audi and Volkswagen vehicles have defects that cause the timing chains to suddenly fail without warning, causing the engines to fail.

    2. Dismissed

      The case was voluntarily dismissed in November 2017 after a motion to dismiss by Audi was filed earlier that same month.

    Problem
    Start-Stop Defects
    Class Vehicles
    • 2013-2017 A3
    • 2013-2017 A4
    • 2013-2017 A5
    • 2013-2017 A6
    • 2013-2017 A7
    • 2013-2017 A8
    • 2013-2017 S3
    • 2013-2017 S4
    • 2013-2017 S5
    • 2013-2017 S6
    • 2013-2017 S7
    • 2013-2017 S8
    • 2013-2017 RS 5
    • 2013-2017 RS 7
    • 2013-2017 allroad
    • 2013-2017 Q3
    • 2013-2017 Q5
    • 2013-2017 Q7
    • 2013-2017 SQ5
    • 2013-2017 TT
    • 2013-2017 TTS
    • 2013-2017 TT RS
    • 2013-2017 R8
    Location
    California
  • Settlement

    Stockalper, et al., vs. Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft, et al.

    1. Settlement

      A VW timing chain class-action lawsuit may be nearing the end as the automaker has agreed to settle the multidistrict litigation that comprises seven class-action lawsuits.

    2. Case Filed

      An Audi timing chain lawsuit alleges Audi and Volkswagen vehicles have defects that cause the timing chains to suddenly fail without warning, causing the engines to fail.

    Problem
    Busted Timing Chains
    Class Vehicles
    • 2008-2012 A3
    • 2008-2012 A4
    • 2008-2012 A5
    • 2010-2012 A6
    • 2012 A7
    • 2008-2012 TT
    • 2010-2012 Q3
    • 2009-2012 Q5
    • 2012 Q7
    Location
    New Jersey
  • Settlement

    David Zimand, et al v. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. and Audi of America, Inc.

    1. Settlement

      A VW timing chain class-action lawsuit may be nearing the end as the automaker has agreed to settle the multidistrict litigation that comprises seven class-action lawsuits.

    2. Case Filed

      A Volkswagen timing chain tensioner lawsuit alleges numerous VW and Audi vehicles have defects in the timing chain tensioning systems that cause complete engine failure.

    Problem
    Busted Timing Chains
    Class Vehicles
    • 2008-2012 A3
    • 2008-2012 A4
    • 2008-2012 A5
    • 2010-2012 A6
    • 2012 A7
    • 2008-2012 TT
    • 2010-2012 Q3
    • 2009-2012 Q5
    • 2012 Q7
    Location
    New Jersey

Recent Q3 News

There's a lot of news out there, but not all of it matters. We try to boil down it to the most important bits about things that actually help you with your car problem. Interested in getting these stories in an email? Signup for free email alerts over at CarComplaints.com.

  3. A Virginia based lawsuit says Audi's start-stop system suffers from defects that cause delayed acceleration or lurching that can put occupants in danger.

    The plaintiffs say that Audi HQ and dealerships will just tell owners to deactivate the start-stop system if they don't like it, but the system starts up automatically each time the ignition is pressed and must be manually deactivated by pressing a separate burden. Something the case refers to as a inconvenience and mandatory burden that is not disclosed to the Class Members ar the time of the sale.…

    keep reading article "Another Audi Start-Stop Lawsuit Says the Technology Causes Dangerous Acceleration Delays"

  5. The lead plaintiff in a proposed leaky sunroof class-action has requested a voluntary dismissal of the entire case, without prejudice.

    This is New Jersey we're talking about here, so it's not out of bounds to think the plaintiff was told "that's a nice car you've got there, it'd be a shame if something happened to it." Or maybe they just a free fix under the table and that was good enough for them.…

    keep reading article "Audi Sunroof Lawsuit Suddenly Dropped by Lead Plaintiff 🤔"

  6. There's a serious defect with VW Group's panomaric sunroofs. So a class-action lawsuits wants to know when are they going to do something about it?

    The NJ based suit says a difference in the expansion rate between the plastic water channels and steel reinforcement plates may cause stress cracks to occur at the edges of the reinforcement plates, more than wide enough to let water seep in.…

    keep reading article "Lawsuit Claims Audi's Sunroofs Have Defective Drainage Systems"

  7. A sunroof class-action lawsuit has been proposed for all California Audi owners and lessees with defective, leaky panoramic sunroofs.

    It's widely believed that VW Group, parent company of Audi, used sunroof drainage systems with a serious defect. A difference in expansion rates is causing the plastic water channel to crack were it meets steel reiforcement plates. The water then heads through the crack and into the interior.…

    keep reading article "California Audi Owners Are Tired of Leaky Sunroofs Damaging their Interiors"

  8. A proposed class-action filed in the Easter District of NY is fed up with Audi (and it's parent company Volkswagen Group) denying warranty claims for leaky, panoramic sunroofs.

    The lawsuit lists a long line of TSBs that talk about problems with the sunroof drainage systems. They even give dealerships tips on how to repair the issue on unsold inventory, but they won't honor warranty claims asking for the same repair.…

    keep reading article "Audi's Warranty is Useless For Leaky Sunroofs, Says Lawsuit"

See All Q3 News

Other Audi Models