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Model-year record

2018 Audi Q3
Image: Wikimedia Commons contributor · See source file

2018 Audi Q3

See the complaints, recalls, crash rating, and fuel economy in the public record. Then check the mileage and history of the car you found.

This page shows records, not a buy or avoid call.

The same model year can include a well-kept car and a neglected one. Use these records to plan what to check. Use the specific-car check when you know the mileage.

Complaints filed

25

Reports to NHTSA, 2018

Safety recalls

1

NHTSA campaigns on record

NHTSA crash test

Not rated

Overall NCAP rating

Combined MPG

23

EPA estimate

Known issues

Unknown Or Other issues lead owner complaints (28% of 25 reports), followed by electrical system (20%).

Unknown Or Other28% · 7 reports
Electrical System20% · 5 reports
Engine16% · 4 reports
Air Bags8% · 2 reports
Tires8% · 2 reports
Fuel System4% · 1 report
Power Train4% · 1 report
Service Brakes4% · 1 report

+ 2 more component categories with fewer reports.

Share of all 25 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11552312, ODI 11531020, ODI 11471676, ODI 11466309, ODI 11291837.

Individual complaint reports(25)

Showing the 25 most recent reports
TiresFeb 2026 · ODI 11720022Details +

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.

Reported
Feb 2026
Incident date
Feb 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11720022 at NHTSA →
EngineJul 2024 · ODI 11601595Details +

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.

Reported
Jul 2024
Incident date
Jul 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11601595 at NHTSA →
Air BagsFeb 2024 · ODI 11569672Details +

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

Reported
Feb 2024
Incident date
Feb 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11569672 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemFeb 2024 · ODI 11569605Details +

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.

Reported
Feb 2024
Incident date
Feb 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11569605 at NHTSA →
Power TrainNov 2023 · ODI 11554839Details +

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.

Reported
Nov 2023
Incident date
Nov 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11554839 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherOct 2023 · ODI 11552312Details +

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.

Reported
Oct 2023
Incident date
Sep 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11552312 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherJul 2023 · ODI 11531020Details +

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.

Reported
Jul 2023
Incident date
Jul 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11531020 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemJun 2023 · ODI 11527088Details +

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.

Reported
Jun 2023
Incident date
Jun 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11527088 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemMay 2023 · ODI 11523546Details +

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.

Reported
May 2023
Incident date
May 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11523546 at NHTSA →
EngineMay 2023 · ODI 11521999Details +

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.

Reported
May 2023
Incident date
May 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11521999 at NHTSA →
Fuel SystemFeb 2023 · ODI 11509326Details +

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.

Reported
Feb 2023
Incident date
Oct 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11509326 at NHTSA →
SteeringNov 2022 · ODI 11494918Details +

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

Reported
Nov 2022
Incident date
May 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11494918 at NHTSA →
TiresNov 2022 · ODI 11494139Details +

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.

Reported
Nov 2022
Incident date
Nov 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11494139 at NHTSA →
EngineOct 2022 · ODI 11489429Details +

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

Reported
Oct 2022
Incident date
Oct 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11489429 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherJun 2022 · ODI 11471676Details +

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

Reported
Jun 2022
Incident date
Jun 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11471676 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherMay 2022 · ODI 11466309Details +

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.

Reported
May 2022
Incident date
May 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11466309 at NHTSA →
EngineMar 2022 · ODI 11455494Details +

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.

Reported
Mar 2022
Incident date
Feb 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11455494 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemFeb 2022 · ODI 11450718Details +

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.

Reported
Feb 2022
Incident date
Jan 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11450718 at NHTSA →
Air BagsDec 2021 · ODI 11445347Details +

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.

Reported
Dec 2021
Incident date
Oct 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11445347 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesJan 2021 · ODI 11388824Details +

THIS PARTICULAR MODEL OF AUDI Q3 HAS POOR QUALITY BREAK PADS AND ROTORS, IF YOU LIVE NEAR THE OCEAN LIKE ME IN MIAMI BEACH, THE BREAKES GET DAMAGED AT ONLY 8,000 MILES INTERVALS AND THEY CAN FAIL CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. I REPORTED THE ISSUE TO DEALER AND MANUFACTURER, AND THEY HAVE FULLY WASHED THEIR HANDS. THEY ARE AWARE OF THE ISSUE, AND HAVE NOT ISSUED A RECALL. I AM IN THE PROCESS OF RETAINING CLASS ACTION COUNSEL TO PURSUE CLASS ACTION LITIGATION.

Reported
Jan 2021
Incident date
Jan 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11388824 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherDec 2019 · ODI 11291837Details +

DRIVING DURING THE MORNING ON MY WAY TO WORK I HEARD THIS EXPLOSION AND A SOUND BEHIND. WHEN I PULLED OFF I NOTICED MY MOONROOF WAS SHATTERED. JUST ABOUT TO FELL OFF OR BLOW AWAY. NO OBJECT HAD HIT THE CAR. IT WAS SIMPLY A HUGE EXPLOSION.

Reported
Dec 2019
Incident date
Dec 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11291837 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemSep 2019 · ODI 11257889Details +

BACK UP CAMERA WON'T WORK WHEN CAR TRANSMISSION IS IN REVERSE, NOR WHEN MANUALLY PRESSING PARK ASSIST BUTTON. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON A COUPLE OF OCCASIONS BEFORE BUT I THOUGHT IT WAS A FLUKE, TODAY BACK UP CAMERA WAS COMPLETELY DISABLED MULTIPLE TIMES WHILE DRIVING WHEN PUTTING TRANSMISSION IN REVERSE.

Reported
Sep 2019
Incident date
Sep 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11257889 at NHTSA →
WheelsJun 2019 · ODI 11220011Details +

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 AUDI Q3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A FAILURE WITH THE DIMENSION OF THE TIRES PERTAINING TO A CASTER DIAGNOSIS. THE COLOR GREEN DISPLAYED IF THE TIRES WERE BALANCED AND ALIGNED CORRECTLY WHEN INSTALLED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRE INSPECTION CASTER TESTING REMAINED IN THE RED WITHIN LESS THAN 100 MILES OF OWNING THE VEHICLE. THREE DIFFERENT DEALERS WERE CONTACTED: AUDI NORTH AUSTIN (12971 POND SPRINGS RD, AUSTIN, TX 78729, (844) 473-2985) AUDI DOMINION (21105 I-10, SAN ANTONIO, TX 78257, 1-(888) 478-2089), AND AUDI NORTH PARK (15670 I-35, SELMA, TX 78154, (210) 960-6000). THE DEALERS SERVICED THE VEHICLE, BUT FAILED TO PROVIDE A PERMANENT SOLUTION. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN SAFELY DUE TO SEVERAL ALIGNMENTS, TIRE SERVICING, AND TIRE REPLACEMENTS. TWO DIFFERENT INDEPENDENT TIRE TECHNICIANS PROVIDED FURTHER DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND DETERMINED THAT THE CASTER WAS NOT AVAILABLE FROM THE MANUFACTURER AS PROPRIETARY INFORMATION. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100. *BF *TR

Reported
Jun 2019
Incident date
Apr 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11220011 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherNov 2018 · ODI 11145136Details +

I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT DUSK AT 50MPH WHEN THE SUNROOF IN MY Q3 SPONTANEOUSLY EXPLODED INTO A MILLION PIECES AND RAINED GLASS DOWN ON ME. I WAS UNHARMED AND ABLE TO EXIT, BUT IT COULD HAVE CAUSED A MAJOR ACCIDENT AS IT WAS A TREMENDOUSLY LOUD AND STARTLING EVENT. AUDI DETERMINED THAT THERE WAS NO PROJECTILE THAT CAUSED THE BREAKAGE AND ARE REPLACING IT AS BEING "UNDER WARRANTY".

Reported
Nov 2018
Incident date
Oct 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11145136 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherApr 2018 · ODI 11084510Details +

TAKATA INFLATORS: MULTIPLE SERVICE ATTEMPTS TO FIX SPEAKER BLUETOOTH ISSUES. WAS NOT ABLE TO RESOLVE. CONSISTENTLY HAPPENED. GARBLED INAUDIBLE COMMUNICATION USING HANDS FREE PHONE SPEAKER. WAS IN SERVICE 6 TIMES FOR SAME ISSUE.

Reported
Apr 2018
Incident date
Dec 2017
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11084510 at NHTSA →

Recalls(1)

Open a recall to read what NHTSA says is wrong, what can happen, and how it gets fixed. Check the VIN and remedy eligibility with a dealer; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though a manufacturer may offer more coverage.

Exterior Lighting · 19V385000Details +

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."

Risk: 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.

Open full NHTSA recall record →

A campaign can apply to this model year without being incomplete on a specific vehicle. Check the VIN with NHTSA or a dealer to confirm whether a particular car needs repair.

Investigations

0 NHTSA investigations on record

No investigations are on record as of Jul 2026. An empty record is not a clean bill of health.

Crash-test ratings

2018 Audi Q3 SUV AWD NHTSA source

Overall
Not rated
Frontal
Not rated
Side
Not rated
Rollover
Not rated

2018 Audi Q3 SUV FWD NHTSA source

Overall
Not rated
Frontal
Not rated
Side
Not rated
Rollover
Not rated

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).

Fuel economy by trim

TrimEngineDrivetrainCityHwyCombined
Q32.0L 4-cylFront-Wheel Drive202823

EPA laboratory estimates by trim and engine. Actual mileage varies with driving, weather, load, and maintenance. EPA source.

Before you buy

Useful next checks

Federal records tell you about patterns. These checks can tell you more about the specific car in front of you.

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Compare the year-by-year record

Open another year for its own evidence-gated decision. TireKick does not crown a best year from raw complaint totals.

2018 Audi Q3: frequently asked

What does the complaint record show for the 2018 Audi Q3?

Owners filed 25 NHTSA complaints about the 2018 Audi Q3. This is raw owner-reported complaint volume with no production or exposure normalization, so it is not a reliability score or a best/worst-year ranking.

What are the most common problems on the 2018 Audi Q3?

The most-reported problem areas are Unknown Or Other (28% of complaints) and electrical system (20%).

How many recalls does the 2018 Audi Q3 have?

1 recall has been issued that affect the 2018 Audi Q3, covering components such as exterior lighting. Check the VIN with NHTSA and ask a dealer to confirm remedy eligibility; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though manufacturers may offer more coverage.

What gas mileage does the 2018 Audi Q3 get?

The EPA rates the 2018 Audi Q3 at 23 mpg combined.