2016 Audi Q3
Only 28 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 28 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2008 | 1 |
| 2015 | 22 |
| 2016 | 28 |
| 2017 | 7 |
| 2018 | 25 |
| 2019 | 10 |
| 2020 | 63 |
| 2021 | 14 |
| 2022 | 32 |
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 17 |
| 2025 | 3 |
| 2026 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 28 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
10 of 28 total reports mention: electrical system.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
I WAS DRIVING AND SMELLED FIRE/SMOKE FROM THE DASHBOARD. THERE WAS THE START OF A FIRE AND SMOKE STARTED COMING OUT FROM BEHIND THE MMI SCREEN. THE CONNECTION FOR PHONE GOT CHOPPY BUT DID NOT GO OUT COMPLETELY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20191021
BACKUP CAMERA AND ALARM SYSTEM FAILED TO ACTIVATE RESULTING IN BACK-UP COLLISION WITH ANOTHER CAR, NO PERSONAL INJURIES. OWNER WAS NOT WARNED ABOUT DELAYS IN CAMERA/ALARM ACTIVATION AT DEALER ORIENTATION. OWNERS MANUAL PROVIDES NO SUCH WARNINGS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20161231
THE RADIO TO THE VEHICLE BECOMES NON-OPERATIONAL INTERMITTENTLY, I.E. THIS HAS TAKEN PLACE IN THE PAST TWO CONSECUTIVE DAYS. START THE CAR IN THE MORNING, AND NOTICED NO RADIO, AND LOSS OF VOLUME CONTROL.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171102
7 of 28 total reports mention: engine.
Show complaint excerpts
The Audi dealership in Tysons Corner VA is denying to repair a known flaw that has resulted in Failed emissions. This is a constant struggle with the VW brand, kindly help how to resolve.
NHTSA ODI report, 20230906
3 of 28 total reports mention: fuel/propulsion system.
3 of 28 total reports mention: air bags.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240902
2 of 28 total reports mention: steering.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
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.
Campaign 16V642000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 17V400000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 19V385000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2016 Audi Q3 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (10 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 16V642000 (electrical system, exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 17V400000 (exterior lighting, forward collision avoidance) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V385000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2016 Audi Q3 reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Audi Q3?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 36% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2016 Audi Q3 have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.