2018 Audi Q3

26 complaints on file, page 1 of 2.

1. Filed Aug 3, 2026Failure May 18, 2026Louisville, COEngine

   On 5/18/2026 my wife left home to run an errand in our newly purchased 2018 Audi Q3. About 1-2 miles away from home, she experienced a strange sound coming from the engine bay, the car lost accelerating power, and the car displayed a warning message that the oil pressure was low and to stop operating the car. The power briefly returned, and she was able to safely return home. Thankfully, she hadn't gotten onto the highway, where the power loss could have caused loss of control of the car resulting in a crash that could have harmed her or others, perhaps fatally. After she returned, I used a consumer-level reader to get the code, which indicated there was catastrophic failure to one of the engine's cylinders. We had it towed to a nearby Audi dealership, where the service department confirmed one of the cylinders had failed and the car needed a new engine. The car had given numerous signals prior to this. First, the night we purchased the car, we experienced the exact same warning light and loss of power. We had it towed then to the same Audi dealership, who said it only needed an oil change. During that conversation, the Audi tech told me that the car had a head gasket replacement the prior year (2025), at around 55k mi, and that the previous owner reported other oil-related warnings. I was then told the oil sensors are sensitive, the car was fine, just be mindful of oil levels. In the proceeding weeks after that (and prior to the engine failure), we experienced moments when the same oil pressure warning flickered on-and-off. The failure on 5/18 was less than 45 days after our first indicator experience.

   NHTSA complaint 11754610
2. Filed Feb 23, 2026Failure Feb 23, 20207,000 milesGreenwood Village, COTires

   The contact owns a 2018 Audi Q3 equipped with Continental Tires, Tire Line: Conti ProContact, Tire Size: 255/40/19, DOT Number: (NA). While driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact experienced a blowout. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and replaced the tire. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. However, upon inspection, the contact found a hole the size of a quarter on the tire. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving approximately 20-30 MPH, the rear driver’s side tire sustained a blowout. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and changed the tire. However, upon inspection, the contact found a hole the size of a quarter on the tire. Most recently, upon inspection, the contact found a bubble on the passenger’s side front tire. The tire was not replaced. Upon further inspection, the contact noticed that all four tires had about 6/16th tread left. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure; however, no assistance was offered. The vehicle and tire failure mileage was approximately 7,000.

   NHTSA complaint 11720022
3. Filed Jul 12, 2024Failure Jul 12, 202442,000 milesBrooklyn, NYEngine

   The contact owns a 2018 Audi Q3. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed as a failure with the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed as a carbon build-up in the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.

   NHTSA complaint 11601595
4. Filed Feb 3, 2024Failure Feb 1, 2024Neptune Beach, FLAir bags

   Steering wheel clicking and accessories and functions not working along with airbag (malfunction) light illuminated on 2018 Audi Q3 with 66,000 miles.

   NHTSA complaint 11569672
5. Filed Feb 2, 2024Failure Feb 1, 2024Venice, FLElectrical system

   The entire air conditioning system had to be replaced at the tune of $2422. The car is only 5 1/2 years old and it was not covered under warranty. I have researched this issue online and there are numerous people complaining about this very same issue. Why haven't a recall been campaigned? air /heat air compressor, condenser and A/C kit had to be replaced.

   NHTSA complaint 11569605
6. Filed Nov 13, 2023Failure Nov 1, 2022Washington, DCPower train

   In 2020, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. extended the warranty on its transfer case for 2011 - 2018 Porsche Cayenne and Macan models. This was in response to what one article described as “[m]any Porsche Cayenne and Macan owners have experienced recurring problems with their 4wd transfer case. We have the issues and the symptoms, such as vibrations under acceleration, highlighted in our common problems section.” Porsche and Audi share vehicle architecture for SUV models. In an April 2017 press release, Porsche touted the fact that Audi and Porsche share architecture with respect to the two brands’ SUVs noting “Audi, VW and Porsche have worked together successfully for many years in the area of SUVs, and with the new development cooperation, Porsche and Audi are positioning themselves for the next decade. In the coming months, joint teams will prepare the specific areas of cooperation and define the roadmap as far as 2025. The focus is on the joint development of shared vehicle architectures, modules and components.” My 2018 Audi experiences a “jerk” during gear shifts feeling like an interruption during acceleration with a slight vibration. This jerky shifting is especially prominent when driving uphill. The issue persists today despite two service professionals trying to diagnose and correct the issue. I cannot speak to the safety risks this issue may present to myself and my passengers other than to say the “jerking” and surprise hard-shift may cause passengers to react in an unsafe manner when traveling at high-speeds. I am submitting this matter as I believe the issue that existed with the Porsche SUVs that motivated Volkswagen, i.e., the Parent Company’s, decision to extend the transfer case warranty, exists with the same model year Audis and may present a safety risk. More Audi’s exist than Porsche models making it more expensive for Volkswagen to correct this for Audi. Correcting this for only high-end models and not lower-end is worth reviewing.

   NHTSA complaint 11554839
7. Filed Oct 27, 2023Failure Sep 29, 2023Mountain Brook, ALUnknown or other

   Heard a loud exploding sound while driving down the street. Quickly realized that the sunroof exploded and shattered on it own. No impact and nothing fell on it. Just a random explosion. Called local Audi dealership and they have heard of this issue in Audis, but that there is no active recall.

   NHTSA complaint 11552312
8. Filed Jul 8, 2023Failure Jul 6, 2023statesboro, GAEngine, Unknown or other

   My car stalled. I could not moved the car. Mobile Mechanic came saw the alternator belt was broke. He repaired the Belt and Alternator. When he started the car, smoke and loud squeal came from engine. He immediately shut it off. The car has less than 60k miles. I have not driven the car as much due to travel.

   NHTSA complaint 11531020
9. Filed Jun 14, 2023Failure Jun 13, 2023103,000 milesSachse, TXAir bags, Electrical system

   The contact owns a 2018 Audi Q3. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the steering wheel hand activated controls ceased functioning. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to control of the vehicle however, the contact was unsure if the air bags would deploy in the event of a crash. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent at first but had become constant with the air bag warning light remaining illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.

   NHTSA complaint 11527088
10. Filed May 23, 2023Failure May 20, 2023Gilbert, AZElectrical system

    My 2018 Audi Q3 had a defective clock spring which caused the buttons on the steering wheel to not work and the airbag to not work. This is apparently a known issue with certain volkswagen manufactured clock springs and there is a recall on the VW cars and not on the Audi.

    NHTSA complaint 11523546
11. Filed May 15, 2023Failure May 1, 2023Lafayette, LAEngine

    My daughter was driving with her brother and a friend and stopped at an intersection on red signal. The car stopped and would not start. Definitely the safety of the passengers and the people behind were put at risk because of stalled car due to engine failure at a busy intersection. It is a 2018 model and followed the Audi's recommended maintenance schedule. Check engine light was on few days before and diagnosed to be a failure of a sensor by an independent service center and was waiting to get the part. After the incident the car was towed to the dealership and they have diagnosed to be low engine compression and needs engine replacement.

    NHTSA complaint 11521999
12. Filed Feb 27, 2023Failure Oct 26, 202262,352 milesJacksonville, FLEngine, Fuel system, Gasoline

    The contact owns a 2018 Audi Q3. The contact stated that on numerous occasions, the check engine warning light intermittently illuminated. The contact then stated that while driving at undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated and stalled. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the gas cylinder, fuel needed to be flushed and two unknown parts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the fuel needed to be flushed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 62,352.

    NHTSA complaint 11509326
13. Filed Nov 25, 2022Failure May 14, 2022Surprise, AZAir bags, Electrical system, Steering

    The steering wheel started to make a weird noise while turning the airbag light then came on the steering wheel buttons stopped working. Took the car to dealer and the clock spring was defective non working. This is a safety issue I paid 821.57 to fix this issue out of pocket. My car only has 50 k in mileage and the airbag would have not deployed if I was in an accident. This sounds like a safety issue needing a recall for this vehicle

    NHTSA complaint 11494918
14. Filed Nov 18, 2022Failure Nov 1, 202233,000 milesSan Diego, CATires

    The contact owns a 2018 Audi Q3 equipped with Continental tires, Tire Line: ContiproContact, Tire Size: P225/40R/19, DOT Number: AF5WWA46 1717. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30 MPH, the tire pressure monitor indicated that the driver’s side rear tire pressure was low. The contact also had heard a humming noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact pulled off the road into a service station and noticed that the rear driver’s side tire only had 20 PSI. The contact inflated the tire to 35 PSI and continued to his destination. The vehicle was taken to a tire dealer who reported that while dismounting the tire, the inner sidewall had a 3-inch gash large enough that the technician could fit his hand through the gash. The tire was replaced. The passenger’s side rear tire was inspected and showed a 10-inch gash that had separated from the inner sidewall. The tire was also replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate vehicle failure mileage was 33,000. The tire failure mileage was unknown.

    NHTSA complaint 11494139
15. Filed Oct 16, 2022Failure Oct 15, 2022Jurupa Valley, CAEngine

    The vehicle is burning and consuming too much oil too quickly between oil changes. Oil pressure light keeps turning off and on even when there is oil. Vehicle has been serviced and worked on by Audi dealership. Currently vehicle is at Audi for exact same issues after Audi claimed to fix it. Vehicle had to be taken back to the dealer for repairs within 30 minutes after picking up the vehicle from dealership for the same light. Paid $2300 for the first time I took the car in for repairs and I had to take it back cause nothing was fixed

    NHTSA complaint 11489429
16. Filed Jun 30, 2022Failure Jun 1, 2022Jurupa Valley, CAUnknown or other

    Center sliding armrest defective. Cover under the armrest that pops in the tubes came off maki g the armrest lose and exposing the metal tubes. Internet search mentions it’s a common issue and nothing has been resolved

    NHTSA complaint 11471676
17. Filed May 26, 2022Failure May 26, 2022Decatur, GAUnknown or other

    Panoramic sunroof exploded today while driving at highway speeds. Broken glass gave way. Car was not struck by any objects before the glass failed. There were no warnings. Have not yet taken the car to a dealer or service provider. Though it did not happen to me, there’s danger from the explosion itself and from the glass entering the cabin.

    NHTSA complaint 11466309
18. Filed Mar 7, 2022Failure Feb 17, 20229,600 milesAve Maria, FLEngine

    The contact owns a 2018 Audi Q3. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled without warning. The contact was assisted by a Police Officer to move the vehicle out of the roadway. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed but was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 9,600.

    NHTSA complaint 11455494
19. Filed Feb 7, 2022Failure Jan 24, 2022Silver Spring, MDElectrical system

    CPO with 20k miles that I bought back on August 25, 2021 from Audi. It is equipped with push/start. Vehicle won't start. I have tried to use both key-fob with fresh brand new battery. Did not work I even checked to see if the battery was good. Still it won't start. I ran my scanner got a U0101 Loss communication to TCM (Transmission Control Module). I had Audi came with a flat bed to pick up the vehicle on January 24, 2022 (Vehicle have around 26k miles). Just Last Friday February 4, 2022 Audi dealership in Rockville, Maryland text my wife said they need to get in contact with the Audi in Germany. This whole time they DID NOT get us a loaner or a rental to use. It's hard to communicate with the service provider.

    NHTSA complaint 11450718
20. Filed Dec 28, 2021Failure Oct 15, 2021Williamsburg, VAAir bags

    noticed a clicking sound in the steering column that was intermittent; after a week, the airbag light lit up and stayed lit ... per the manual, contacted Audi immediately for service. Was told it was a "clock spring module" and that it would take a few weeks for the part to come in. I was also told that the airbag would likely not activate in a crash ... they could not guarantee it would also not automatically just deploy. It has now been over 2 months and the service department at Audi has told me that they have no idea when that part will be available. additionally, none of the other buttons on the steering column are active now.

    NHTSA complaint 11445347