Model year

2021 Audi Q3

SUV, gasoline, AWD/All-Wheel Drive, built in Hungary. Owner complaints on file from Aug 9, 2021 to Aug 17, 2026.

Recall campaigns covering this model year3267k vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints15Below the median 2021 suv
Severity index13.32021 suvs average 6.1
First 24 months3Complaints in its first two years
Complaints over time

Complaints about the 2021 Audi Q3 peaked in 2023, with 4 filed

Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.

012342021202220234202420252026
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Components

33% of complaints about the 2021 Audi Q3 name fuel system

Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.

Fuel system
5
Electrical system
3
Engine and cooling
3
Driver assistance
2
Seat belts
2
Lighting
1
Seats
1
Steering
1
Structure
1
Tires
1
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls

3 recall campaigns cover the 2021 Audi Q3

Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.

Recall campaigns for the 2021 Audi Q3
CampaignFiledSubjectComponentVehiclesRemedy
26V-590Sep 11, 2026One of the bolts that attaches the steering rack to the subframe may corrode and breakSteering208,724Part replacement
22V-673Sep 8, 2022Vent pipe within the fuel tank may have been damaged during fuel tank assemblyFuel system13,004Part replacement
21V-606Aug 5, 2021Rear seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properlySeat belts45,496Part replacement
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints

What owners reported about the 2021 Audi Q3

The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.

15 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.

  1. Filed Aug 17, 2026Failure Aug 7, 202694,000 milesOrlando, FLSteering

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11757395
  2. Filed Jun 3, 2026Failure May 9, 202667,000 milesWarwick, NYFuel system, Gasoline

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11741834
  3. Filed May 30, 2025Failure Mar 19, 2025Miami Beach, FLFuel/propulsion system

    I am reporting a recurring fuel system defect affecting my Audi Q3, consistent with Safety Recall 20YF – Suction Jet Pump. The problem began as difficulty refueling and now mirrors an identical issue I experienced with a previous Audi A3, which ultimately leaked fuel severely both while driving and when parked. That incident put me and my passengers in danger and caused breathing difficulties from fumes. The Q3 now shows the same early signs — gas pump shutoff, failed refueling attempts, and multiple $200 credit card holds at stations without fuel entering the tank. Audi replaced the tank in 2024, but the issue returned. This is not an ordinary maintenance issue — it is a serious safety hazard. Audi’s solution has been to keep replacing the part, while denying a vehicle replacement or compensation. They redirected me to BBB, but I felt it was necessary to report this publicly. If the gas leak recurs, it could lead to fire or poisoning. The fuel system should not fail like this, and I want to ensure no one else faces this danger. If anything happens to me as a result, I will pursue further legal action.

    NHTSA complaint 11664032
  4. Filed May 29, 2025Failure Mar 5, 2025Piscataway, NJElectrical system, Exterior lighting, Unknown or other

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11663688
  5. Filed Mar 6, 2025Failure Jan 20, 2025Anaheim, CAFuel/propulsion system

    The car stalled while driving. There were no warning lights or indicators before the failure. The car was unable to be restarted so it was towed to a mechanic. It was discovered the car was out of gas however the gauge read there was still a lot of gas in the tank. We then took the car to an Audi service center and they informed us it was one of the gas tank sensors that was faulty. They replaced the first sensor and charged us $1k and that didn’t fix the problem so they contacted Audi and were told it was a faulty second sensor inside the gas tank and the only fix is to replace the whole tank. We opted not to replace the tank at this time. After further research I found that the sensor we had replaced is recalled on other Audi models of the same year recall #22V155 I believe more investigation and recall is needed to include the Q series Audis as well as further investigation into the gas tanks internal sensor that requires a replacement of the whole system.

    NHTSA complaint 11646861
  6. Filed Feb 14, 2025Failure Feb 10, 2025Jacksonville, FLElectrical system, Engine, Automatic emergency braking

    My 2021 Audi Q3 SUV had been very dangerous to drive stalling, stopping on the highway and shuttering for about two weeks. While I was going about 70 miles an hour my vehicle stalled. It lead to me almost being killed and rear ended. My vehicle had been displaying a stop start malfunction code and check engine light. I contacted Audi USA Roadside Assistance. Paloma R. Said they would help and towed me to Audi of Jacksonville on Atlantic. I was told the diagnosis was $300 and it would go towards fixing the vehicle. However, my vehicle was not fixed properly with them charging me $300 separate from the repair. My total came to $855, they are a scam. Alex told me over the phone that the $300 would apply to the balance. This is extremely deceptive and I feel they should be investigated. I’m still out of a vehicle with no safe way to get around. As soon as I left the dealership the check engine light was back on. It began to steer, and stop turning. Audi know the diagnosis will not solve the real issue. They also included a part on the repair list that was part of a known recall. The National Highway of Safety has flagged Audi Q3 for coolant leaks and issues. They quoted $657 for a part that would have been covered under a recall. I have a service bulletin. The real issue is listed as a turbo charge replacement which is $3,300. That will not fix my vehicle’s issue and they know it. It’s extremely predatory, after further investigation and research Audi doesn’t have a remedy for the stop start malfunction. Which cause engine failure and a dangerous driving hazard. Audi Of America knows the service will not fix the main problem of the stop/start malfunction. Even after $6,500 worth of repairs its false claims and most importantly a waste of money.

    NHTSA complaint 11642776
  7. Filed Aug 20, 2024Failure Aug 20, 2024Tempe, AZTires

    Tire Size p235/50r19 Bought car used with new tires on [XXX] is now 08/20 have driven car for roughly 2500miles and tires began losing air irregularly took into tire shop to find both fronts with severe separation damage and wear patterns on both front tires. Rear tires also experienced separation damage as well. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

    NHTSA complaint 11609729
  8. Filed Jul 28, 2023Failure Jan 8, 2023N Las Vegas, NVElectrical system

    Child safety lock failure alert. First incident was January 2023. Second was July 2023. Repeating issue after repair. Puts small children at risk for being able to open door while vehicle is operating which also would distract the driver.

    NHTSA complaint 11534955
  9. Filed Jul 25, 2023Failure Jul 21, 2023East Setauket, NYSeat belts, SeatsCrash2 injured

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11534285
  10. Filed Feb 12, 2023Failure Feb 2, 2023Northridge, CASeat belts

    Two weeks ago my 2021 Audi Q3 displayed a child lock malfunction error. The rear passengers cannot open the door from the inside even after turning off the child lock feature because of this fault. I dropped my vehicle at the Audi dealership in Ontario, California. They called me a few hours later and said that they fixed the malfunction by doing a software update. The next day the fault alert came back. My parents are over 80 years old and I'm concerned that if I get in to an accident my family members will get stuck in the back

    NHTSA complaint 11506816
  11. Filed Jan 11, 2023Failure Jan 8, 2023Cambridge, MAEngine, Fuel/propulsion system, Vehicle speed control

    ******* DELETE VOQ ******* THIS COMPLAINT IS BEING MARKED FOR DELETION BECAUSE THE CONSUMER PLACED THE REQUEST.*DJR ******* DELETE VOQ *******

    NHTSA complaint 11501261
  12. Filed Oct 16, 2022Failure Oct 16, 2022Mcdonald, PAEngine, Fuel/propulsion system

    Vehicle has a starting error. Dealer fixed p085 with the park neutral module but problems comes back. At stop light vehicle shut down and when brake was released there was a error starting it back up again. Had to put vehicle in park and start it again.

    NHTSA complaint 11489494
  13. Filed Feb 12, 2022Failure Jan 19, 2022Piscataway, NJBody

    While merging onto the highway, there was a loud bang and the overhead lights as well as driver door alert on the dashboard came on. Upon checking, the front driver door had popped open on it's own. This was inspected by dealer and no issues were found however told that there is a two-step locking process which, in rare circumstances, may not fully engage.

    NHTSA complaint 11451695
  14. Filed Aug 28, 2021Failure Aug 25, 2021mcdonald, PAUnknown or other

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11430884
  15. Filed Aug 9, 2021Failure Jul 22, 2021Florham Park, NJAssistCrash

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11428430
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations

NHTSA has not opened an investigation on this model year

Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins

857 manufacturer communications cover this model year

Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall; the 60 most recent are listed.

  • TSB_2082976_2 Aug 27, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides general information about the current tpp issues for Audi connect.
  • TSB_2082976_1 Aug 6, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides general information about the current tpp issues for Audi connect.
  • TSB_2079732_2 Aug 11, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when there is a paint issue on alloy wheels.
  • TSB_2079696_2 Aug 21, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    A particularly noticeable factor is the vibration of the air column in a tire. When a tire starts to vibrate because of the road contact, this can lead to cavity resonances inside the tire that are transmitted via the wheel rim and the running gear to the v…
  • TSB_2078648_3 Aug 4, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This service information TSB provides warranty coverage information for vehicles with a broken sunroof panel.
  • TSB_2076945_2 Aug 20, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information about leather care and seat repair.
  • TSB_2075120_3 Aug 11, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information about the general approach for brake vibration concerns.
  • TSB_2074843_3 Aug 21, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when there is a wheel/tire imbalance.
  • TSB_2074475_5 Aug 21, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides service information when DTC U0101000 is logged, lost communication with the TCM in diagnostic address 23.
  • TSB_2074436_3 Aug 26, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when the horn sound quality is poor.
  • TSB_20741717_15 Aug 11, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information on the GFF test plan required for AC compressor replacements regardless of the concern.
  • TSB_2072304_4 Aug 11, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when there is an ABS/ESC speed sensor implausible signal.
  • TSB_2069904_3 Aug 21, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information for all models regarding brake sounds.
  • TSB_2069078_4 Aug 21, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information on the zirconium insercts in the brake piston (ceramic brakes only).
  • TSB_2068999_4 Aug 21, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This TSB describes a corrosion issue due to outside influence and the prohibition of warranty in these cases.
  • TSB_2068629_3 Aug 24, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides informaiotn when there are rattling/grinding noises reported from the front end.
  • TSB_2067132_4 Aug 21, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when there is corrosion on the friction survace of steel brake discs.
  • TSB_2064681_6 Aug 21, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when there is an issue with wireless charging/wireless charging is not working.
  • TSB_2082846_1 Jul 27, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides a statement regarding the bottleneck of supply for VW approved oil types VW 504.00 and VW 507.00.
  • TSB_2081573_4 Jul 13, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when DTC B105A1A, B103E25 is stored in 0017; fuel tank level implausible.
  • TSB_2081573_3 Jul 2, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when DTC B105A1A, B103E25 is stored in 0017; fuel tank level implausible.
  • TSB_2078648_2 Jul 10, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This service information TSB provides warranty coverage information for vehicles with a broken sunroof panel.
  • TSB_2073747_4 Jul 9, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides informatoinw hent here are scratches or a coating on the cover of the instrument cluster, or particles inside of the housing.
  • TSB_2073282_1 Jul 9, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when there is a film/visible rings on the clear glass cover of the headlight when the dipped beam is switched on.
  • TSB_2061464_12 Jul 10, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides informaiotn regarding squeaking noises when steering or maneuvering.
  • TSB_2043424_20 Jul 23, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when there are creaking/squeakignnoises from the front end on uneven roads.
  • TSB_2082323_1 Jun 10, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides informaiton when the engine is not running smoothly, misfiring.
  • TSB_2081573_2 Jun 2, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides informatio when fuel pump/ sender, fuel tank level implausible, DTC B105A1A B103E29 Stored in 0017.
  • TSB_2080373_2 Jun 25, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when there are uncomfortable gear shifts when shifting in higher gears.
  • TSB_2079226_5 Jun 24, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when the sliding glass panoramic sunroof is leaking.
  • TSB_2076404_8 Jun 29, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides a deployment overview for customer service packages MLB and MQB for MIB3/connectivity box/OCU3/LSR.
  • TSB_2076404_7 Jun 1, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides a deployment overview for customer service packages MLB and MQB for MIB3/connectivity box/OCU3/LSR.
  • TSB_2074640_3 Jun 26, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when there is increased oil consumption; >0.5ltr/1000 km.
  • TSB_2073867_3 Jun 4, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when DTC U140A00 Terminal 30 is stored in the ECM.
  • TSB_2068573_5 Jun 4, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides informaoitn when the rear parking sensor sometimes does not work, is loose, or there is a rear parking sensor fault message.
  • TSB_2065960_6 Jun 23, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when the display of the Audi virtual cockpit is distorted due to a broken screen.
  • TSB_2064983_15 Jun 22, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when there are pixel faults on the virtual cockpit.
  • TSB_2059335_7 Jun 23, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when there are noises from the area around the instrument cluster.
  • TSB_2052680_6 Jun 4, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Reporting Obligation requires technicains to contact the Technical Assistance Center (TAC) in cases where the airbag/seatbelt is deployed/not deployed; general accident information; and fire and overheat damage.
  • TSB_2074729_3 Jun 23, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides informationwhen noises/vibration are detected from front of vehicle in dynamic mode.
  • TSB_2080517_4 May 22, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides informaiotn when the starter battery is discharged or defective.
  • TSB_2074808_4 May 6, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    The high-voltage batteries in electric vehicles are subject to various ageing effects which could lead to the energy content (energy density) being reduced. This reduction in the energy content, which is due to factors. Revised header. Added Model years
  • TSB_2074721_3 May 5, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when there is noise from the backrest of the front seat.
  • TSB_2067557_2 May 15, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides informaiton when the windscreen/rear window washer pump is not working (B126101, B126113).
  • Q2_Audi closures May 18, 2026 · Other
    Multiple campaign closues
  • AOS-26-25 May 26, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct the issue: The ODIS Audi Brand update 2.41.1 is setting a ODS5003E error code when …
  • TSB_2081828_1 Apr 28, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information to address whistling noises during calls, which change with engine speed.
  • TSB_2081722_1 Apr 22, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin is informational and contains information on the various warning lamps that may appear.
  • TSB_2081573_1 Apr 6, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides informatio when fuel pump/ sender, fuel tank level implausible, DTC B105A1A B103E29 Stored in 0017.
  • TSB_2080517_3 Apr 30, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides informaiotn when the starter battery is discharged or defective.
  • TSB_2079226_4 Apr 30, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when the sliding glass panoramic sunroof is leaking.
  • TSB_2070568_6 Apr 22, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information about professional noise analysis with the VAS 611 015 PICO-NVH tool
  • TSB_2066315_4 Apr 13, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This TSB provides information when the customer reports that the USB socket is missing, pushed in, or loose.
  • TSB_2065485_8 Apr 29, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides informaiotn when voice control isn't working; telephone/SDS.
  • TSB_2022032_12 Apr 30, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides diagnostic information for the vehicle locking system.
  • TSB_2081531_1 Mar 27, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Reporting obligation requests that technicians contact the Technical Assistance Center (TAC) when the diagnostic tester refers to this reportin gobligation or to TPI 2033392.
  • TSB_2081409_1 Mar 26, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides informaiton regarding the Universal Traffic Recorder.
  • TSB_2081405_1 Mar 20, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides informaiotn about various infortainment system complaints.
  • TSB_2081200_1 Mar 4, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides informaito when Apple CarPlay/Android Auto does not react to touch inputs.
  • TSB_2071297_4 Mar 13, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when remote locking/unlocking is not possible.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.