2016 AUDI Q3 — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
N/A
Safety Rating
37
Owner Complaints
3
Recalls
43
Service Bulletins
0
Investigations
Overview of the 2016 AUDI Q3
The 2016 AUDI Q3 has received a total of 37 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 5 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: CRASH IMMINENT BRAKING, EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS. 43 technical service bulletins have been issued by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Electrical System (10 complaints), Engine (6 complaints), and Air Bags (3 complaints).
Recalls for the 2016 AUDI Q3
NHTSA has recorded 5 recalls for the 2016 AUDI Q3, potentially affecting up to 232,539 vehicles.
Recall 19V385000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL
| 23,241 vehicles affected
Defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Audi Q3 vehicles equipped with LED headlights. An inoperable front turn signal may not illuminate an indicator, failing to alert the driver to the issue. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will update the body control module (BCM), free of charge. The recall began June 21, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 97DK.
View full details →Recall 17V400000 — FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: CRASH IMMINENT BRAKING
| 24,754 vehicles affected
Defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Audi Q3 vehicles. If the parking brake is used during emergency braking, the brake lights on the vehicle will not activate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence: A vehicle approaching from behind may not have any warning that the vehicle is stopping, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle software, free of charge. The recall began July 31, 2017. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 45G6.
View full details →Recall 17V400000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
| 24,754 vehicles affected
Defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Audi Q3 vehicles. If the parking brake is used during emergency braking, the brake lights on the vehicle will not activate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence: A vehicle approaching from behind may not have any warning that the vehicle is stopping, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle software, free of charge. The recall began July 31, 2017. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 45G6.
View full details →Recall 16V642000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
| 79,895 vehicles affected
Defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2016 TT roadster, A3 cabriolet, A3 sedan and A3 e-tron, 2016-2017 TT coupe, 2017 A4 sedan and Q7 and 2015-2017 Q3 vehicles. The affected vehicles may have been programmed with new software that inadvertently makes the side marker lights inoperative in conjunction with the parking lights or the headlights....
Consequence: If the side marker lights do not illuminate, the vehicle may be less visible at night, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will upload revised software to correct the issue, free of charge. This recall began November 2016. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 97CB.
View full details →Recall 16V642000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
| 79,895 vehicles affected
Defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2016 TT roadster, A3 cabriolet, A3 sedan and A3 e-tron, 2016-2017 TT coupe, 2017 A4 sedan and Q7 and 2015-2017 Q3 vehicles. The affected vehicles may have been programmed with new software that inadvertently makes the side marker lights inoperative in conjunction with the parking lights or the headlights....
Consequence: If the side marker lights do not illuminate, the vehicle may be less visible at night, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will upload revised software to correct the issue, free of charge. This recall began November 2016. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 97CB.
View full details →Owner Complaints for the 2016 AUDI Q3
37 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2016 AUDI Q3. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 10 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Air Bags | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuelpropulsion System | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown Or Other | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Exterior Lighting | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electronic Stability Control Esc | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Seats | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Structurebody | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Tiressidewall | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibilityrearview Mirrorsdevicesinterior | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Wheels | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Most Recent Complaints
To Whom It May Concern: I am writing this communication to you per an attorney referral. I have an Audi that was included in the Turbo Class Action Lawsuit. See [XXX] My VIN was included in the lawsuit. The lawsuit was won on December 4th 2025. The class action lawsuit only covers and reimburses consumers who had paid out of pocket (prior to a certain date) expenses incurred fixing the Turbo. I have a letter from a Master Mechanic who is saying my engine problems are due to the turbo being bad however, I have not had the issue fixed. The class action lawsuit does not cover consumers who have not had the Turbo fixed or replaced. Please advise on what I should do or refer me to the appropriate person who can guide me through this process. My vehicle is not under warranty and although the class action lawsuit was won, there is no recall issued at this time. See attached. Thank you in advance for your cooperation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
To Whom It May Concern: I am writing this communication to you per an attorney referral. I have an Audi that was included in the Turbo Class Action Lawsuit. See [XXX] My VIN was included in the lawsuit. The lawsuit was won on December 4th 2025. The class action lawsuit only covers and reimburses consumers who had paid out of pocket (prior to a certain date) expenses incurred fixing the Turbo. I have a letter from a Master Mechanic who is saying my engine problems are due to the turbo being bad however, I have not had the issue fixed. The class action lawsuit does not cover consumers who have not had the Turbo fixed or replaced. Please advise on what I should do or refer me to the appropriate person who can guide me through this process. My vehicle is not under warranty and although the class action lawsuit was won, there is no recall issued at this time. See attached. Thank you in advance for your cooperation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The vehicle emits a smell of fuel into the cabin of the car, and if the windows are up, this makes the driver sleepy and could cause a crash. It does not read fuel levels properly. The car has been taken to Butler, who said they could not find a problem. It was then taken to Audi Agusta (Gerald Jones), they replaced a fuel line that had to be correctly tigheted by another servicer Autobahn Automotive in Augusta Ga. That all happened in October and November of 2025. It is December 2025 with the same issue and no correction at this point.
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 to fix heat issue for $3500. Started my car on 8/14/2025 had multiple lights come on dash (lights, brake, TPMs, epc, and brake fluid) so I turned off. Took to mechanic for inspection told something strange different codes instructed to take to dealer. On 10/8/2025 took back to Audi for evaluation and first they stated my fuse box panel was slightly melted couldn’t code read. Ordered part, 2 weeks, and would be $2,000 for repairs. On 10/15/2025 they state I have Coolant migration from over flow and it would be $35,000 for repairs which exceeds vehicle worth to buy another. Have not experienced any coolant loss since water pump failed and was replaced in 2024.
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 to fix heat issue for $3500. Started my car on 8/14/2025 had multiple lights come on dash (lights, brake, TPMs, epc, and brake fluid) so I turned off. Took to mechanic for inspection told something strange different codes instructed to take to dealer. On 10/8/2025 took back to Audi for evaluation and first they stated my fuse box panel was slightly melted couldn’t code read. Ordered part, 2 weeks, and would be $2,000 for repairs. On 10/15/2025 they state I have Coolant migration from over flow and it would be $35,000 for repairs which exceeds vehicle worth to buy another. Have not experienced any coolant loss since water pump failed and was replaced in 2024.
Safety Rating for the 2016 AUDI Q3
NHTSA has not yet tested the 2016 AUDI Q3 in its New Car Assessment Program.
Technical Service Bulletins for the 2016 AUDI Q3
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. has issued 43 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2016 AUDI Q3. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.
A0124362045081_9 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This bulletin provides information when there is no start due to low voltage, GFF battery test is OK.
A9424712050073_2 — STRUCTURE:BODY:BUMPERS:ACTIVE SHUTTERS/GRILL
This bulletin provides information for when the rear lights do not switch from bumper to hatchgate.
A2723472045081_8 — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
This bulletin provides information for when there is an intermittent no start condition; GFF returns an OK result but the battery manager shows low voltage.
A9022572032113_6 — EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
This is an informational bulletin containing information about the outside temperature reading.
A4021302023187_6 — STEERING
This information bulletin provides an explanation for squeaking noises heard when the steering wheel is turned or maneuvered.
A7021722038029_8 — STRUCTURE
This bulletin contains repair instructions for various squeaks and/or rattles that are heard from the roof area on vehicles equipped with pananormic sunroof.
A5520492060901_1 — STRUCTURE:BODY:TRUNK LID
This bulletin contains repair for when the rear lid is out of alignment.
A8720072042340_6 — EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
This technical service bulletin instructs the reader to replace the refrigerant hose for air conditioning that won't cool.
A3920312059759_1 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
This bulletin contains instructions for an oil leak in the bevel box.
A2720362045081_7 — ENGINE
This technical service bulletin provides troubleshooting for the battery for a condition that causes no start due to low voltage.
Showing 10 of 43 technical service bulletins.
NHTSA Investigations for the 2016 AUDI Q3
There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.
Other Model Years of the AUDI Q3
- 2012 AUDI Q3 — 0 complaints
- 2013 AUDI Q3 — 0 complaints
- 2014 AUDI Q3 — 0 complaints
- 2015 AUDI Q3 — 29 complaints
- 2016 AUDI Q3 (current)
- 2017 AUDI Q3 — 6 complaints
- 2018 AUDI Q3 — 29 complaints
- 2019 AUDI Q3 — 15 complaints
- 2020 AUDI Q3 — 110 complaints
- 2021 AUDI Q3 — 21 complaints