repaired · 2020 Q3
Exterior lighting: turn signal
Risk. Without an indicator informing the driver of an inoperable turn signal, the driver may turn or change lanes without a signal, increasing the risk of crash.
2016 Audi Q3Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 29 owner complaints about the 2016 Audi Q3, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 3 safety recalls, and for recall 19V-385 the manufacturer reports only 91% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 25, 2026. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2016 Audi Q3 has problems
29 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
10Electrical system2 crash/fire/injury
7Engine
4Fuel/propulsion system
3Air bags
2Exterior lighting
2Steering
1Visibility
1Wheels
1Electronic stability control (ESC)
55 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 10 | 2 |
| Engine | 7 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 4 | 0 |
| Air bags | 3 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 2 | 0 |
| Steering | 2 | 0 |
| Visibility | 1 | 0 |
| Wheels | 1 | 0 |
| Electronic stability control (ESC) | 1 | 0 |
| 5 other systems | 5 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2016 Audi Q3 recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2018 Q4
Exterior lighting: brake lights
Risk. A vehicle approaching from behind may not have any warning that the vehicle is stopping, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2018 Q1
Electrical system: software
Risk. If the side marker lights do not illuminate, the vehicle may be less visible at night, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Audi.
Best & worst years
2016 vs. every other Q3 year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Q3 median. How we score
'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2016 Audi Q3 safety ratings
2016 Audi Q3 SUV FWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words
What Q3 owners report
Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
In 4/2024 car wouldn’t start. Took to Audi for new battery and was told Water pump failed so it was replaced with delays. In 3/2025 noticed no heat and car took a long time to warm up. Took back to dealership replaced thermostat. Still no heat so I was told ok to drive but need to flush heater core…
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. Lux Auto Hause advised that I contact Audi Dealership and stated the clock spring is under warranty. I…
My vehicle's Airbag clock spring control unit has failed and does not work. This happened in June 2022. This part controls my airbag, my horn, vehicle display unit and other functions like the radio controls along with navigation. I had this confirmed by my local car repair shop. There is currently…
Own a 2016 Q3?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.