2018 Audi Q3 Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Aug 3, 2026 · 26 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other Q3 years
Far more complaints than other years 4th of 13 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 26 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Audi Q3. That ranks 4th out of 13 Q3 model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is engine (7 complaints, 27%), typically at around 42,000 miles. There is 1 safety recall covering this model year.

Audi Q3
Audi_Q3_FJ_Sportback_IAA_2025 at IAA 2025. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: Alexander-93, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

Compare with another car

Most common 2018 Audi Q3 problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Engine7 · ~42,000 mi
Unknown or Other7 · ~13,750 mi
Electrical System6 · ~103,000 mi
Air Bags4 · ~103,000 mi
Tires2 · ~20,000 mi
Fuel System, Gasoline1 · ~62,352 mi
Power Train1
Service Brakes1
Steering1
Wheels1 · ~100 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Engine727%42,000——
Unknown or Other727%13,750——
Electrical System623%103,000——
Air Bags415%103,000——
Tires28%20,000——
Fuel System, Gasoline14%62,352——
Power Train14%———
Service Brakes14%———
Steering14%———
Wheels14%100——

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2022, with 7 complaints
2018: 2201822019: 3201932021: 2202122022: 7202272023: 7202372024: 3202432026: 220262

n = 26 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2018 Audi Q3 recalls (1)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Exterior lighting:turn signalMay 23, 2019 · NHTSA campaign 19V385000 · 23,241 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

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…

Engine · received Aug 3, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11754610

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…

Tires · received Feb 23, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11720022

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…

Engine · received Jul 12, 2024 · NHTSA complaint 11601595

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

Air Bags · received Feb 3, 2024 · NHTSA complaint 11569672

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…

Electrical System · received Feb 2, 2024 · NHTSA complaint 11569605

Other Audi Q3 years

← 2017 Q3 · 2019 Q3 →

YearComplaintsRecalls
2026 Q351
2025 Q341
2024 Q3182
2023 Q321
2022 Q3345
2021 Q3153
2020 Q3663
2019 Q3104
2018261
2017 Q383
2016 Q3283
2015 Q3232
2008 Q310

See all Audi Q3 problems by year, every Audi model, or the Audi VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Owners most often report engine, unknown or other, electrical system problems. The top one, engine, accounts for 7 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2018 Audi Q3?

Yes, 1 safety recall. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2018 Audi Q3 a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other Q3 model years, the 2018 has far more complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.