2021 Audi Q3 problems
The Audi Q3 is a subcompact luxury crossover SUV made by Audi. The Q3 has a transverse-mounted front engine, and entered production in 2011.
First generation (Typ 8U; 2011)
Concept Vehicle: Audi Cross Coupé quattro (2007)
Designed by Julian Hoenig in 2006, it was a concept vehicle with Liquid Silver body colour, 20-inch wheels, fabric folding roof, electrically controlled hood, 4-cylinder 2.0 TDI engine rated at 204 PS (150 kW; 201 hp) and 400 N⋅m (295.02 lbf⋅ft), diesel particulate filter and Bluetec emission control system, quattro permanent four-wheel drive system with Haldex clutch, Audi S tronic dual-clutch gearbox, MacPherson strut front axle and a four-link rear axle, Audi drive select system with 3 modes (dynamic, sport, efficiency), MMI control panel with touch pad and dual-view technology, sound system with the prominent extending tweeters.
The vehicle was unveiled at the Shanghai Motor Show in April, 2007.
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Common 2021 Audi Q3 problems
The 2021 Audi Q3 is a compact luxury SUV known for its stylish design, smooth ride, and advanced technology features. However, as with any vehicle, there are some common problems that owners have reported.
One of the most common issues with the 2021 Audi Q3 is related to the sunroof. Multiple owners have reported leaks in their sunroofs, with water dripping into the car's interior during rainstorms.
Another issue that some owners have reported is related to the electrical system. The Q3's EA888 2.0-liter engine has a history of tensioner problems in its timing chain, which can lead to catastrophic engine failure.
Some owners have also reported issues with the car's brakes. In 2020, Audi recalled 350 Q3 SUVs due to a problem with the backing plates holding the brakes together, which can fall off during sudden stops. This issue can cause a loss of braking power and potentially lead to accidents.
Finally, some owners have reported issues with the car's start-stop system. In 2019, a lawsuit was filed against Audi alleging that the start-stop system causes dangerous acceleration delays, which can be a safety hazard. The lawsuit alleges that Audi dealerships and headquarters tell owners to deactivate the system if they don't like it, but that this is not disclosed to customers at the time of sale.
Overall, while the 2021 Audi Q3 is a stylish and advanced luxury SUV, it is not without its issues. Owners have reported problems with the sunroof, electrical system, brakes, and start-stop system. It is important for potential buyers to be aware of these issues and to consider them when making their purchasing decision.
What is the transmission problem on the 2021 Audi Q3?
2021 Audi Q3 Transmission Problems
Transmission fluid leaks are the most common and critical sign you need a transmission fluid change or potentially even a complete flush service. It's uncommon, but leaks could also mean there's an issue with your transmission hose.
What can go wrong with Audi Q3?
One of the primary concerns reported by Audi Q3 owners revolves around electrical issues. These can manifest in various ways, from malfunctioning infotainment systems to erratic warning lights on the dashboard. While these problems can be frustrating, they often stem from minor glitches rather than major faults.
Is the Audi Q3 a reliable car?
Is the 2024 Q3 Reliable? The 2024 Audi Q3 has a predicted reliability score of 81 out of 100. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average and 0-69 is Fair and considered below average.
What are the cons of a Audi Q3?
Cons
- Lackluster fuel economy.
- Limited rear passenger and cargo space.
- Not much fun to drive.
What is the transmission problem on the 2021 Audi Q3?
2021 Audi Q3 Transmission Problems
Transmission fluid leaks are the most common and critical sign you need a transmission fluid change or potentially even a complete flush service. It's uncommon, but leaks could also mean there's an issue with your transmission hose.
What can go wrong with Audi Q3?
One of the primary concerns reported by Audi Q3 owners revolves around electrical issues. These can manifest in various ways, from malfunctioning infotainment systems to erratic warning lights on the dashboard. While these problems can be frustrating, they often stem from minor glitches rather than major faults.
Is the Audi Q3 a reliable car?
Is the 2024 Q3 Reliable? The 2024 Audi Q3 has a predicted reliability score of 81 out of 100. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average and 0-69 is Fair and considered below average.
How long do Audi Q3 engines last?
What is Audi Q3 lifespan? The estimated lifespan of a Audi Q3 is 150,000mi, before reaching the life expectancy upper limit. Fuel type is a major factor when looking into a vehicles lifespan/life expectancy.
2021 Audi Q3 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Audi Q3 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Seat belts problems
- Engine problems
- Fuel/propulsion system problems
- Tires problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2021 Audi Q3 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2021 Audi Q3 complaints
The NHTSA has received 9 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2021 Audi Q3.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-20
- VIN: WA1DECF30M1
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: 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)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-01-08
- VIN: WA1EECF3XM1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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.
SEAT BELTS,SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-07-21
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Crash: 1
- VIN: WA1DECF3XM1
- Components: SEAT BELTS,SEATS
- Summary: 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.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-02-02
- VIN: WA1BUCF38M1
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: 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
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-01-08
- VIN: WA1DECF33M1
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: ******* DELETE VOQ ******* THIS COMPLAINT IS BEING MARKED FOR DELETION BECAUSE THE CONSUMER PLACED THE REQUEST.*DJR ******* DELETE VOQ *******
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-10-16
- VIN: Wa1decf35m1
- Components: ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: 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.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-01-19
- VIN: WA1BUCF36M1
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: 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.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-08-25
- VIN: wa1decf35m1
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: 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.
LANE DEPARTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-07-22
- Crash: 1
- VIN: WA1DECF3XM1
- Components: LANE DEPARTURE
- Summary: 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.
2021 Audi Q3 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2021 Audi Q3.
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Audi Q3 vehicles. The vent pipe within the fuel tank may have been damaged during fuel tank assembly.
- Consequence: 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.
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Volkswagen ID4, Audi A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, Q3, Q5, Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S4 Sedan, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, S5 Sportback, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, SQ8, and 2021-2022 S3 Sedan vehicles. The rear seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
- Consequence: 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).
Negative 2021 Audi Q3 car reviews
Positive 2021 Audi Q3 car reviews
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We were on the hunt for a small SUV that had a sleek design, modern features, and was reasonably priced. Unfortunately, the two Benzes that Edmunds ranked higher among subcompact SUVs didn't meet our criteria for looking good, and the increasingly outdated Lexus NX didn't fit the bill for recent design. After comparing it to the X1 & RDX, we found that the Q3 was easily the best all-around package. However, my biggest complaint is how scarce they are, especially the S-line Premium Plus 45. I checked inventory levels at every Audi dealer in Texas, and only one of them had more than 7 in stock! It's worth noting that many of the Q3s sitting on dealer lots are Q3 40s, not Q3 45s, and for good reason. The 40s (in both Premium & Premium Plus guise) have a significantly less powerful engine: a mere 184 hp and a frankly slow-as-molasses 0-60 time of 8.6 seconds. I didn't even notice it myself until after we test-drove one. The 45s cost $2K more either way, and I *strongly* recommend them! (By the way, all of the S-line models have the larger engine.) I still have my 2016 S3, and the differences in technology between the two are amazing. The Q3 has a touchscreen interface for the latest version of its MMI system, and for the most part it's quite intuitive to use – along with having almost iPhone-level screen quality. (My S3, meanwhile, has a pop-up non-touchscreen with graphics in all of 16 colors.) I was extremely impressed with its adaptive cruise system along with its lane-keeping assistance; while it's not quite at autonomous-vehicle level, using both is extremely handy on long, monotonous drives. However, as some others have pointed out, its lack of certain features is curious, to say the least. If you opt for the Technology Package, Apple CarPlay only works wirelessly.The car lacks memory settings for the seats, which is surprising considering even the 2010 RDX had them. Additionally, it does not have a steering-wheel warmer or cooled seats, which are much needed in Texas. However, the Active Cockpit feature provides a 3-D view of the road ahead via built-in Google Maps, and you can use your phone's native navigation on the center screen. We opted for the 20-inch rims and the parking assistance package, as both of the smaller wheel packages looked dinky. Although we really wanted the Black Optic package, there were none available in the state except in the brashest exterior colors (orange & blue), and we already knew we wanted a gray one. Overall, it's a thoroughly modern car that's surprisingly fun to drive, much more so than the first-gen Q3 we looked at a few years back. It's a shame that Audi only sells the SQ3 outside the US, as we would have loved to see an SQ3 model in the US!
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Great car! I love the handling and the perfect size for my needs. The only thing that I dislike is the auto cutoff when stopping at lights etc. I know it is supposed to save on gas, but it takes getting used to over time. The good thing is you can turn the feature off, but you have to turn off the feature each time. I wish it would stay set until I turned it off, just like the heated seat stays set on even if I start the car the next day.
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If you're looking for a vehicle that offers luxury, comfort, advanced technology, ample cargo space, and comfortable seating for up to five passengers, then this is the perfect choice for you. We absolutely adore all of the safety features that this vehicle has to offer, and the ride is simply amazing - it feels like we're gliding on air!
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I absolutely love this car! It has so many amazing features that make driving a joy. My 2021 Premium Plus has a 360 degree camera, upgraded sport seats, kick to open trunk, wireless phone charger, wireless Apple Car Play, integrated infotainment screen, and keyless entry and locking. I test drove several other brands including the Q3, Q5, X1, X3, C300, Macan, and the Evoque, but the Audi Q3 was by far my favorite. The best part is that the base price is lower than the other brands, which allowed me to add many upgrades that I wouldn't have been able to afford otherwise. I even got the Black Optic package which includes the beautiful Sport seats! The Navigation/Technology package, Audi beam rings, and 20
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I absolutely adore my newest addition to the car family! It rides so smoothly and looks amazing - sporty, sexy, and durable. The only downside is that there's no seat memory, so another driver would need to readjust the seat manually each time. Additionally, for a car with this type of horsepower, I expected it to have better pickup. It's a bit sluggish and takes a while to build up speed. It's also not the most fuel-efficient car out there. However, overall I'm extremely happy with my purchase!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2021 Audi Q3 problems:
Do NOT Buy a Q3!!! - Page 2 - AudiWorld Forums
May 3, 2023 ... ... -2023 01:36 PM. AudiWorld Member. We have a 2021 q3 45 tfsi-e in Europe, absolutely zero issues. We also have a 2020 q3 in the US with zero ...
Q3 Owners, what are your biggest complaints? : r/AudiQ3
Apr 26, 2022 ... My 2021 Q3 45 Premium Plus is paid off and ... audi-q3-small-suv/. We love ... been told by the dealership that it's a common problem in the Q3.
2021 Audi Q3 Reliability - Consumer Reports
Owner Reported Trouble Spots · Noises And Leaks · Exhaust · Electrical Accessories · Brakes · Engine Major · Drive System · Steering And Suspension · Climate ...
Hi all! I keep seeing the Audi Q3 around and really love the look of it ...
Mar 6, 2021 ... Audi reliability makes me nervous though! I ... 2021 Audi Q3 S Line Premium Plus. For ages I ... He had a bad experience with his Audi being in for ...
2021 Audi Q3 Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2021 Audi Q3? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.
Other years of Audi Q3
Are you having problems with your 2021 Audi Q3?
Josiah Leuschke 2025-02-21
I regret purchasing the Q3 due to the loud engine and rough transmission. In comparison, the 2021 X3 is significantly smoother and quieter, making it a much more enjoyable driving experience. While the Q3 may have an attractive exterior, the engine and transmission performance leave much to be desired.
Jillian Gaylord 2024-11-07
Had the car as a loaner while my A4 Quattro was in the shop. Drove it for 250 miles - city, highway and country.The car is very pleasant for SUV lovers, though it’s on the smaller side, so probably not the best choice for families.The inside looks very nice, real leather is a standard, the car drives well.The biggest let down for me was the gas mileage: 27 mpg combined, despite super conservative driving and lots of highway miles. Even on the highway it’s really hard to achieve 30 mpg.During a period of climate change and with a RAV4 Hybrid getting around 40 mpg with similar engine performance, that’s lousy.Other minor letdowns were the touch screen that’s difficult to safely operate while driving. The old interface pre touchscreen was much better. The engines also sounds a bit corse, but those are small gripes.Audi, you can do much better gas mileage wise!!
Sigrid Osinski 2024-09-06
I recently upgraded from a Honda SUV to a brand new 2020 Audi Q3 SUV. While I was initially excited about my purchase, I unfortunately experienced some mechanical and electrical issues about 3 months into owning the car. Despite these issues, I still love the overall size, style, interior, and screen controls of the Q3. However, I did experience some problems with the 4 cylinder engine, such as jerking when going up hills or making more noise when accelerating too fast. Over the last 3 years, I have had a few issues with the car, including a skylight leak, a screen display that would never have the correct day or time, and a malfunctioning child lock that had to be replaced multiple times. While these issues were inconvenient, I appreciate that Audi was able to fix them for me. I also experienced some more serious issues, such as the parking brake activating by itself and the alarm going off randomly, which were related to the child lock malfunction. Additionally, the screen completely shut off and went into a 'training' mode that only Audi could reprogram. Finally, I have had some trouble with the USB outlet only connecting my phone about 50% of the time, and while Audi replaced the outlet once, they have not yet found a permanent fix. Despite these issues, I still enjoy driving my Q3 and appreciate the great service I have received from Audi.