2016 Audi Q3
Only 29 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 29 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 29
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2016
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2016: 29 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2008 | 1 |
| 2015 | 24 |
| 2016 | 29 |
| 2017 | 8 |
| 2018 | 26 |
| 2019 | 10 |
| 2020 | 64 |
| 2021 | 15 |
| 2022 | 34 |
| 2023 | 3 |
| 2024 | 18 |
| 2025 | 4 |
| 2026 | 6 |
Known problem areas
Only 29 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Electrical system
10 of 29 total reports mention: electrical system.
Show 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, 2019-10-21
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, 2016-12-31
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, 2017-11-02
Engine
7 of 29 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, 2023-09-06
Fuel/propulsion system
4 of 29 total reports mention: fuel/propulsion system.
Show complaint excerpts
Load Gas smell coming from front and inside of car. No leaks on ground under car.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-10-25
Air bags
3 of 29 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, 2024-09-02
Steering
2 of 29 total reports mention: steering.
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2016-11-01Electrical system, exterior lighting16V642000 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.
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2017-07-31Exterior lighting, forward collision avoidance17V400000 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.
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2019-06-21Exterior lighting19V385000 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.
Buy-smart checklist
2016 Audi Q3 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 10 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 7 reports on file for this year.
- Fuel/propulsion system: 4 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 16V642000 · Electrical system, exterior lighting
- Recall 17V400000 · Exterior lighting, forward collision avoidance
- Recall 19V385000 · Exterior lighting
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 34% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2016 Audi Q3 have?
- 3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.