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2020 Audi Q3

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Limited comparison data

There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

35 reports with mileage · 29 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Electrical System. Review the 22 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 20 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Fuel/propulsion System. Review the 10 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

2 crash reports0 fire reports0 injury reports

What owners actually said

64 reports
Mileage unknown · Jan 4, 2023
Unknown Or Other

I have experienced twice now that water leaks from the overhead panel and flickering of the overhead lights from the water interfering with the electrical components. It begins to leak from overhead when the car is running and after it has rained. I have read reviews online that this has happened in the Audi Q3 models.

NHTSA ODI #11500165

Mileage unknown · Nov 11, 2022
Electrical SystemExterior LightingUnknown Or Other

Please investigate the 2020 Audi Q3 and issue a recall - this is a major driver safety issue. I purchased this vehicle new from the Audi Crown Clearwater, FL dealership in late 2019. I am taking it for repair a THIRD time because after it rains, the interior gets flooded with water which pours into the car from the rear-view mi…

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Please investigate the 2020 Audi Q3 and issue a recall - this is a major driver safety issue. I purchased this vehicle new from the Audi Crown Clearwater, FL dealership in late 2019. I am taking it for repair a THIRD time because after it rains, the interior gets flooded with water which pours into the car from the rear-view mirror area which affects driver visibility, lights, electrical components, and more. The water damage is visible and there is so much built-up saturation from the leak that it causes the interior touch lights to stay on. The contact at the dealership who assured me she would help if this ever happened again after the first two fixes was evasive when I tried to ask what measures they took to fix it the first two times (in an effort to understand what they did before as well as suggest they need to attempt something different) and admitted that other Q3s were having this issue. She told me to call Audi America like another customer did, but refused to share the contact number or specify what I should tell them. This is a completely unacceptable situation created by Audi which poses a hazard for drivers. Not to mention Audi failing to stand behind a luxury brand image by putting the burden on customers to jump through hoops to seek recourse for a defective vehicle.

NHTSA ODI #11493172

Mileage unknown · Jul 8, 2022
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train

Had service at 34999 - reported hard shifting between 1st/2nd then revved abnormally high at 32k. Dealer was unable to reproduce during service - appointments are a month out. Car has had propulsion/fuel system not responding at random at various severities and rough idle like the engine was struggling to get fuel. Also reported…

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Had service at 34999 - reported hard shifting between 1st/2nd then revved abnormally high at 32k. Dealer was unable to reproduce during service - appointments are a month out. Car has had propulsion/fuel system not responding at random at various severities and rough idle like the engine was struggling to get fuel. Also reported during last service. On one occasion vehicle shutoff at lower speed at approx 20k.

NHTSA ODI #11472997

Mileage unknown · Jul 8, 2022
Electrical SystemStructureUnknown Or Other

Rained. Got into my car and had water dripping down from the lights/dome of the car. Water was short circuiting the lights and they were turning on by themselves. Tried to turn them off but sensors wouldn’t respond. Water was dripping down to the console where the start engine and other controls including the charging ports/wire…

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Rained. Got into my car and had water dripping down from the lights/dome of the car. Water was short circuiting the lights and they were turning on by themselves. Tried to turn them off but sensors wouldn’t respond. Water was dripping down to the console where the start engine and other controls including the charging ports/wireless charging pad. Water also leaked from the front passenger side housing down to the floor. Occurred at 37.5k This has happened once before earlier in may. I called the dealership but were unable to help due to appt booked out a month. If they cannot reproduce the issue they won’t fix it. Occurred first time at 35k

NHTSA ODI #11472994

Mileage unknown · May 9, 2022
Unknown Or Other

Every time it rain water comes into the vehicle.So it happen from the overhead panel and it mess with the light and it stay on .So where the lights are the water comes out and falls on the phone charger, usb outlet and the gears parking, drive etc.I took the vehicle to the dealer and the results stated check and clear drains sea…

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Every time it rain water comes into the vehicle.So it happen from the overhead panel and it mess with the light and it stay on .So where the lights are the water comes out and falls on the phone charger, usb outlet and the gears parking, drive etc.I took the vehicle to the dealer and the results stated check and clear drains search for TSB found 2056944/8 check seal and sunroof glass and readjust.This is the second time this is happening and every time I open the sun roof it’s moisture there.

NHTSA ODI #11463825

Mileage unknown · Feb 17, 2022
Electrical System

While waiting at a signal, i got at message that my maps could not continue because I had no power, then the park assist came on with no explanation. After that, I got the message to put the car in park to prevent it rolling away. I tried to restart, but it would not. As the signal changed and traffic had to move around me, I pu…

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While waiting at a signal, i got at message that my maps could not continue because I had no power, then the park assist came on with no explanation. After that, I got the message to put the car in park to prevent it rolling away. I tried to restart, but it would not. As the signal changed and traffic had to move around me, I put on the emergency lights and continued to try to start the car. It took 3-4 tries. I then took it to the dealer who did an inspection and test drive, but nothing showed up. I was about to get on the freeway when this happened and worried about driving. Even after inspection of the vehicle, i am hesitant about driving on the freeway and worried about this happening again, this time with the engine in gear.

NHTSA ODI #11452587

Mileage unknown · Jul 29, 2021
Service Brakes

Brakes and rotors P.s the the pictures I attached are of the new rotors they installed 500 miles ago after they acknowledged that there was a issue Front passenger seat doesn’t lock in position Windows when down they shake when you open and close the doors Shaking when going above 50mph

NHTSA ODI #11427091

6,500 miles · Apr 22, 2021
Service Brakes

AS IN PAST INSTANCE RELATED TO THE DIESEL ENGINE FUEL CONSUMPTION CASE, AUDI IS HIDING THE FACT THAT THEIR BRAKE ROTORS FOR THE Q3 2020 MODEL HAVE A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. THE ROTORS ARE PRODUCED WARPED FROM THE FACTORY AND IT MAY CAUSE VARIOUS BREAKING ISSUES AS THE MILEAGE INCREASES, STARTING WITH NOISES, STEERING WHEEL AND CAR…

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AS IN PAST INSTANCE RELATED TO THE DIESEL ENGINE FUEL CONSUMPTION CASE, AUDI IS HIDING THE FACT THAT THEIR BRAKE ROTORS FOR THE Q3 2020 MODEL HAVE A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. THE ROTORS ARE PRODUCED WARPED FROM THE FACTORY AND IT MAY CAUSE VARIOUS BREAKING ISSUES AS THE MILEAGE INCREASES, STARTING WITH NOISES, STEERING WHEEL AND CAR VIBRATIONS TO POSSIBLE BRAKE FAILURE. AUDI DOES NOT WANT TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE ISSUE SO THEY DO NOT HAVE TO REPAIR THESE CARS PERMANENTLY OR DECLARE THEM UNDRIVABLE AND, AS THEIR MILEAGE INCREASES TO PROVIDE WARRANTY FOR DEFECTIVE PARTS BEYOND THEIR ORIGINAL WARRANTY TERM. THEY ALSO DO NOT WANT TO MAKE THIS AN ISSUE WHICH REQUIRES A MANDATORY RECALL FOR TENS OF THOUSANDS OF VEHICLES PREFERRING TO BLAME IT ON VARIOUS OTHER FACTORS RELATED TO THE VEHICLE BEING DRIVEN TO A LESSER EXTENT AND RUST ACCUMULATING ON THE ROTORS. ​ IN FACT THEY RECOGNIZED THIS AS A KNOWN ISSUE AND REPLACED THE 4 ROTORS AFTER 4000 MILES, AND WHEN THE PROBLEM REAPPEARED AFTER ANOTHER 2500 MILES THE DENIALS AND BLAMING ON THE WAY THE CAR IS BEING USED (LESS THAN AVERAGE MILEAGE) STARTED. THEIR REFUSED TO FIX THE PROBLEM PROPERLY IN THE HOPE THAT AFTER THE WARRANTY EXPIRES THEY WILL BE ABLE TO CHARGE FOR REPAIRS. IN FACT, BEING CONCERNED BY THE SAFETY ISSUES RELATED TO DEFECTIVE PARTS, I OFFERED TO PAY FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THOSE PARTS AND I GOT FROM THEM A QUOTE FOR THE COSTS. THEY REFUSED TO FIX THE PROBLEM BECAUSE THAT WOULD MEAN AN ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF THE EXISTENCE OF THE PROBLEM (NEEDING TO REPLACE 4 ROTORS AFTER 4000 MILES AND 2 REAR ROTORS AFTER ANOTHER 2500 MILES). THEY ALSO ARE BLAMING THE CUSTOMER FOR HEAVING BRAKING WHICH CAUSES THE ISSUE WHEN IN FACT THE CAR IS DRIVEN LIGHTLY AND ONLY WHEN ALLOWED OVER THE 60 MILES/HOUR LIMIT. ISSUE SHOULD BE ADDRESSED WITH A PERMANENT FIX.

NHTSA ODI #11413350

1,937 miles · Apr 16, 2021
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System

CAR LEASED JULY 2020, HAS 1936 MILES, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON 4/14/21, TOOK TO DEALER , LEFT FOR REPAIR . DEALER STATES 'REPLACE FUEL PUMP MODULE ' REQUIRED . THIS CAR ALSO HAD PROBLEM IN MARCH 2021 WHICH I REPORTED WHERE CAR SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING. DEALER SAID SOFTWARE UPDATE WAS REQUIRED FROM RECALL THAT I HAD NOT GOTTEN NO…

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CAR LEASED JULY 2020, HAS 1936 MILES, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON 4/14/21, TOOK TO DEALER , LEFT FOR REPAIR . DEALER STATES 'REPLACE FUEL PUMP MODULE ' REQUIRED . THIS CAR ALSO HAD PROBLEM IN MARCH 2021 WHICH I REPORTED WHERE CAR SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING. DEALER SAID SOFTWARE UPDATE WAS REQUIRED FROM RECALL THAT I HAD NOT GOTTEN NOTICE FOR .

NHTSA ODI #11408429

4,500 miles · Mar 27, 2021
EngineFuel/propulsion System

WE STOPPED AT AN ALL WAY STOP INTERSECTION AND THE CAR'S STOP-START SYSTEM HAD TURNED OFF THE ENGINE. WHEN THE ENGINE RESTARTED THE ENGINE HESITATED, WARNING LIGHTS LIT UP ON THE DASH, AND THE CAR WENT INTO ITS "LIMP HOME" MODE. WE WERE IN THE PROCESS OF MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN AND THE CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE ABOVE A VERY SLOW …

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WE STOPPED AT AN ALL WAY STOP INTERSECTION AND THE CAR'S STOP-START SYSTEM HAD TURNED OFF THE ENGINE. WHEN THE ENGINE RESTARTED THE ENGINE HESITATED, WARNING LIGHTS LIT UP ON THE DASH, AND THE CAR WENT INTO ITS "LIMP HOME" MODE. WE WERE IN THE PROCESS OF MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN AND THE CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE ABOVE A VERY SLOW SPEED. LUCKILY IT WAS ON A CITY STREET WITH A 25 MPH LIMIT AND TRAFFIC WAS LIGHT. WE WERE ABLE TO MAKE IT THROUGH THE INTERSECTION AND PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. WE TURNED THE CAR OFF AND WAITED A FEW SECONDS AND RESTARTED IT. THE CAR WORKED NORMALLY AFTER RESTARTING AND THE PROBLEM HAS NOT HAPPENED AGAIN. I HAVE RECEIVED A NOTICE FOR A RECALL THAT SEEMS TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE (OEM ID: 96H5. RECALL NAME: ENGINE CONTROL UNIT (ECU) SOFTWARE) AND HAVE SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT WITH MY DEALER TO HAVE IT INSTALLED ASAP.

NHTSA ODI #11405108

Official recalls

3

26V590000 · Steering

Sep 11, 2026

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Tiguan, 2018-2019 Atlas, and 2019-2021 Audi Q3 vehicles. One of the bolts that attaches the steering rack to the subframe may corrode and break. If this happens, the steering rack housing can break.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A broken steering rack housing can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the right-side steering rack mounting bolt, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 10, 2026. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 48LG and 48VT. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on September 16, 2026.

20V786000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:pedals And Linkages

Dec 16, 2020

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2020 Audi Q3 vehicles. The brake pedal plate can bend or detach under the pressure applied during sudden stopping.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A bent or detached brake pedal plate decreases the contact area for the driver's foot and increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the weld between the brake pedal and the brake pedal plate and, as necessary, replace the entire brake pedal, free of charge. The recall began January 12, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 46i7.

20V644000 · Seats; Seats:critical Fasteners

Oct 19, 2020

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling one 2020 Audi Q3 vehicle. The driver's seat frame may have incorrectly been bolted to the seat rail.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: The incorrect bolt connection could fail, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the bolt connection and, as necessary, replace the seat structure, free of charge. The recall began November 10, 2020. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 72L4.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Seats:critical Fasteners

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling one 2020 Audi Q3 vehicle. The driver's seat frame may have incorrectly been bolted to the seat rail.

Consequence: The incorrect bolt connection could fail, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the bolt connection and, as necessary, replace the seat structure, free of charge. The recall began November 10, 2020. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 72L4.

Seats

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling one 2020 Audi Q3 vehicle. The driver's seat frame may have incorrectly been bolted to the seat rail.

Consequence: The incorrect bolt connection could fail, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the bolt connection and, as necessary, replace the seat structure, free of charge. The recall began November 10, 2020. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 72L4.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.