Ask the seller for proof the repair was completed, or run the free VIN check. Recall repairs are done at no cost by a dealer.
Recalls
Safety issues the manufacturer must repair for free. A recall means confirm the fix was done, not walk away.
Steering recall
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.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Fuel system recall
A damaged vent pipe may allow fuel to spill out of the filler neck when the fuel cap is opened, increasing the risk of an injury.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the internal vent pipe for damage and replace the charcoal canister and the fuel tank, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 1, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20DS.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Seat belts recall
An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect, and replace as necessary, the middle-rear seat belt assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 27, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69CR (VW) and 69CS (Audi).
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Owner complaints by system
Unverified reports owners filed with NHTSA, grouped by the part of the car. Useful for spotting patterns. Open a group to read recent examples.
Engine & powertrain
5
Most reports here involve sudden stalling.
Read full complaint
The contact owns a 2021 Audi Q3. The contact stated while attempting to refuel the vehicle, fuel spilled out of the filler neck and fell onto the ground. The vehicle was taken to dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel tank needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V673000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered because the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11741834 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Electrical & infotainment
1
Most reports here involve sudden stalling.
Read full complaint
Vehicle auto start stop error code pops up on vehicle dashboard. Says “Auto start stop error please contact service” also happens when car is shifted in neutral. Vehicle starting malfunction. Car would try to start but stops and shows error in the dashboard. Then press start button for vehicle to start but with a “Vehicle starting malfunction” Please contact service.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11430884 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Brakes
1
Most reports here involve loss of braking. Of these, 1 mention a crash.
Read full complaint
I was driving down a one lane road in my car that is less than a month old, when all of a sudden my car aggressively veered to the right over the shoulder line, then it veered to the left over the yellow line and then the right again and it kept going over the line down a slight embankment into the woods about 30 feet. All the while the steering and brakes completely failed and would not work and the car was beeping. The only thing that stopped me was hitting a boulder. I kept trying to brake. My foot was pressed all the way down to the floor and it would not stop. It was terrifying. There was a witness who told me I must have had angels watching over me as I was not injured nor was anyone else. If anyone was driving in the opposite direction I could have hit them head on. If I was on a two lane or more road or on a bridge or a highway, it could have been tragic. Clearly there is a mechanical or electrical defect. The car was completely out of my control. Audi of America obtained the data recorder and investigated. They have not found any defects and deny responsibility. This is impossible. The brakes and steering did not work and the car was swerving for no reason. Even the witness attested to this.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11428430 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Steering, suspension & tires
2
Most reports here involve premature wear.
Read full complaint
The contact owns a 2021 Audi Q3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. The contact stated that the steering wheel seized. The " Steering Failure " message was displayed. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road. The contact's two minor children were seated in the rear seat of the vehicle during the failure. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the vehicle was diagnosed with steering wheel sensor failure and steering wheel wiring harness failure. The contact was informed that the steering sensors and steering wheel wiring harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11757395 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Airbags & seat belts
1
Most reports here involve other issues. Of these, 1 mention a crash, 2 mention an injury.
Read full complaint
I was traveling approximately 50 mph on a highway when we were rear-ended. The car spun around and we were both thrown forward due to the malfunctioning of both the driver and passenger seat belts. Further inspection found the rear seatbelts as well did not function properly. Both the driver and front passenger seats reclined and broke during the impact of the accident. The passenger sustained head injuries and had to be taken by ambulance to the hospital. The driver's left arm was injured.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11534285 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Structure & body
4
Most reports here involve software faults.
Read full complaint
By the dome light, it leaks water when it is pouring rain very heavily. It also drips water by the passenger side shade visor. The dome lights will dim and get brighter consistently as it is dripping. the driver side headlight also gets foggy when it rains, which causes the one side of the vehicle not being able to see out from. The rain in the inside goes near the electrical outlets and sometimes gets into it, if i dont wipe the water away. At night time it is dangerous, with the lights dimming & getting brighter , while also leaking from the top as I have to dry it, try to turn the lights off and drive at the same time. No specific date this has occured, it has happened for approximately 3 months now.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11663688 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Other systems
1
Most reports here involve other issues.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11501261 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
How does it compare with other years? The 2021 has 15 complaints on file, fewer than the 2020 (65) and fewer than the 2022 (33). Of the 8 model years of the Audi Q3 we cover, the 2020 has the most (65). Older model years have had longer to collect complaints.