2020 Audi Q3
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2020 Audi Q3. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 2020 Audi Q3. Newest first.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Tiguan, 2018-2019 Atlas, and 2019-2021 Audi Q3 vehicles. One of the bolts that attaches the steering rack to the subframe may corrode and break. If this happens, the steering rack housing can break.
Risk and remedy
Risk
A broken steering rack housing can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the right-side steering rack mounting bolt, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 10, 2026. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 48LG and 48VT. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on September 16, 2026.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2020 Audi Q3 vehicles. The brake pedal plate can bend or detach under the pressure applied during sudden stopping.
Risk and remedy
Risk
A bent or detached brake pedal plate decreases the contact area for the driver's foot and increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Audi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the weld between the brake pedal and the brake pedal plate and, as necessary, replace the entire brake pedal, free of charge. The recall began January 12, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 46i7.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling one 2020 Audi Q3 vehicle. The driver's seat frame may have incorrectly been bolted to the seat rail.
Risk and remedy
Risk
The incorrect bolt connection could fail, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy
Audi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the bolt connection and, as necessary, replace the seat structure, free of charge. The recall began November 10, 2020. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 72L4.
Owner complaints
66 complaints3 involved a crash
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Steering
The contact owns a 2020 Audi Q3. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving 2 MPH, the vehicle started shaking, and there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The steering wheel was shaking and became uncontrollable, and the vehicle crashed into a parked BMW. Upon research…
The contact owns a 2020 Audi Q3. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving 2 MPH, the vehicle started shaking, and there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The steering wheel was shaking and became uncontrollable, and the vehicle crashed into a parked BMW. Upon research, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V590000 (Steering). The driver left a message. The driver of the BMW was gone when the driver returned. There was damages to the parked BMW.
- Steering
The contact owns a 2020 Audi Q3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V590000 (Steering); however, the part to complete the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue.
- Unknown or other
The sunroof leaked during rain causing both known and unknown damage to electrical components in the overhead panel. Lights came on and went off intermittently.
- Tires › Markings
Last week 4/28/26, I purchased four Crossclimate 2 235/50R19 tires from Costco in [XXX] . Order #XXX. My question is two of the tires do not have a DOT number on the side wall. Two tires have DOT [1426] Along with [047X]. The other tires only have [047X]. No week or year of manufacture.…
Last week 4/28/26, I purchased four Crossclimate 2 235/50R19 tires from Costco in [XXX] . Order #XXX. My question is two of the tires do not have a DOT number on the side wall. Two tires have DOT [1426] Along with [047X]. The other tires only have [047X]. No week or year of manufacture. Those tires appear to have a white powdery coating on the sidewall. I asked the technician at Costco about the missing DOT date on two of the tires. He didn't seem to know what I was taking about. Is it legal to sell tires without the DOT manufacturer date? Are theses tires safe to drive? Thanks for taking time to answer this question. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- Exterior lighting · Structure › Body · Unknown or other
I purchased this vehicle new in June 2020. Since January 2022, it has experienced recurring water intrusion into the passenger cabin during heavy rain. Water leaks from the ceiling around the overhead console near the front reading/map lights. During heavy rain, water pools and causes the interior…
I purchased this vehicle new in June 2020. Since January 2022, it has experienced recurring water intrusion into the passenger cabin during heavy rain. Water leaks from the ceiling around the overhead console near the front reading/map lights. During heavy rain, water pools and causes the interior lights to turn on unexpectedly while driving. Generally, the lights cannot be turned off or immediately reactivate, creating a safety hazard at night. Water also drips onto the infotainment screen and center stack controls. To try to protect interior electronics, I have used absorbent materials to cover the center stack while parked and to wipe water while driving, which is distracting and unsafe. The issue has occurred repeatedly over multiple years and is reproducible. The vehicle has been inspected multiple times by authorized Audi service centers. Repairs have included cleaning sunroof drain tubes, replacing sunroof seals and adhesive pads, installing updated components, and water leak testing. Technicians confirmed water in the sunroof stowage tray and drains, and light malfunctions were attributed to water entering the cabin from the sunroof. Despite these repairs, the water intrusion continues to recur annually. During the most recent inspection, standing water was found in the rear sunroof drains, and sunroof removal and reinstallation was recommended but not covered. Service personnel confirmed the vehicle was properly maintained and not misused. The vehicle has approximately 17,000 miles. Primary symptoms are water dripping from the headliner and unintended activation of interior lighting while driving. Affected components include the sunroof assembly, drains, overhead console, and interior electrical systems. Other owners have reported similar issues, and multiple NHTSA Technical Service Bulletins acknowledge water entry from sunroof drains and seals. When I contacted Audi of America, I was informed that multiple complaints had been received, even that week.
- Fuel/propulsion system
I purchased my 2020 Audi Q3 in August of 2020. I am submitting this complaint regarding the recurring and unacceptable issue with my Audi. In February of 2023 my vehicle started shaking and stalled while driving. I could not restart for awhile, after a few minutes it restarted. I took it to Audi…
I purchased my 2020 Audi Q3 in August of 2020. I am submitting this complaint regarding the recurring and unacceptable issue with my Audi. In February of 2023 my vehicle started shaking and stalled while driving. I could not restart for awhile, after a few minutes it restarted. I took it to Audi and they verified that the output of fuel pump did not meet minimum flow. They replaced the pump. Then in November of 2025 my car stalled again, doing the same thing, after a few minutes it would restart but kept intermittently stalling. This Fuel Pump malfunctioned again, and now this time both of them were not working properly. Both the High Pressure and Low Pressure Fuel pump was replaced again in January 2026. Having to replace a major component like the fuel pump twice on a 2020 luxury vehicle is unreasonable and deeply concerning. A fuel pump failure is not a minor inconvenience, it affects the reliability, safety and drivability of the vehicle.
- Electrical system
Rear hatch randomly operable / inoperable. "Reset" computer without success. Dangerous situation as anything inside hatch is not not accessible. Was told by Audi that the entire rear hatch latch system needs replacement and this is "a common issue"...
- Electrical system
I purchased a 2020 Audi Q3 S-Line (VIN: [XXX] ) on [XXX], with 27,564 miles on it. I bought the vehicle from a dealership that specializes in high-end aftermarket cars, and they provided a maintenance report stating the vehicle had passed all inspections at the time of sale. The vehicle had been…
I purchased a 2020 Audi Q3 S-Line (VIN: [XXX] ) on [XXX], with 27,564 miles on it. I bought the vehicle from a dealership that specializes in high-end aftermarket cars, and they provided a maintenance report stating the vehicle had passed all inspections at the time of sale. The vehicle had been imported from Canada to the U.S., and the Carfax report reflected consistent maintenance at authorized Audi dealerships in Canada, including a full inspection and alternator/electrical system check roughly a year before my purchase — with no problems reported. In early July 2025, I began experiencing issues with the MMI system: •A loud, persistent humming sound when using Bluetooth or the radio •Audio glitches and failed system reboots •No dashboard warnings or battery alerts After researching, I suspected a low-voltage or charging issue. I took the car to an auto parts store for diagnostics, and at 28,932 miles, they found the battery was severely depleted and the alternator had failed completely — it was no longer charging the system. This means the alternator failed only 1,368 miles after purchase, which is highly abnormal for a well-maintained, low-mileage luxury vehicle. Alternators typically last 80,000 to 150,000 miles. Audi has acknowledged similar issues in Q5 and A4 models, but nothing yet on the Q3. While I know the vehicle is out of warranty and was not purchased from an Audi dealership, I am requesting: 1.That this issue be formally documented and investigated for possible recall or defect pattern. 2.That Audi consider a goodwill repair, based on mileage, maintenance history, and how soon the failure occurred after passing inspection. 3.That this be flagged specifically for Q3s imported from Canada, as mine was. This failure could have left me stranded with no warning. I’m reporting it not only for my own case, but to potentially help others who may be silently experiencing the same issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- Unknown or other
Water/rain leaking through sunroof/light electrical panel replaced by Audi dealer once before, now it is leaking once again. Bringing it back to Audi to see why this keeps happening after I was told it would not happen after it was replaced.
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting · Unknown or other
The sunroof in the Audi Q3 leaks and the water drops from the ceiling INTO the cabin. Water also comes through the passenger side panel and drips onto the floor causing flooding of the floorboards. This is a KNOWN issue and Audi has released a TSB (technical service bulletin) to attempt to fix…
The sunroof in the Audi Q3 leaks and the water drops from the ceiling INTO the cabin. Water also comes through the passenger side panel and drips onto the floor causing flooding of the floorboards. This is a KNOWN issue and Audi has released a TSB (technical service bulletin) to attempt to fix these, but it’s just a band aid. It keeps coming back over and over. Water intrudes into the center lights and they flicker and short out. Water drips from these lights into the center gearshift area and it is an extreme safety hazard. PLEASE force Audi to fix this and make it right with their customers. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND SHOULD BE A FULL RECALL
- Air bags
We purchased a 2020 Audi Q3 (36000 miles) from Carvana on December 5, 2024, and it was reported as having no past accidents. It was stolen on January 7. It was recovered on January 20 after the thieves crashed it into a telephone pole. The car sustained significant damage and there is evidence of…
We purchased a 2020 Audi Q3 (36000 miles) from Carvana on December 5, 2024, and it was reported as having no past accidents. It was stolen on January 7. It was recovered on January 20 after the thieves crashed it into a telephone pole. The car sustained significant damage and there is evidence of blood on the interior. We have no idea the extent of any injuries because the thieves fled the scene. Our concern is that when we inspected the vehicle, we noticed that the airbags did not deploy.
- Unknown or other
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Design and/or manufacturing flaw in Audi m/n 8R0071128C Fork Mount Bike Rack presents a risk of bicycle becoming detached from the rack/vehicle at highway speeds. I have retained all parts and they…
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Design and/or manufacturing flaw in Audi m/n 8R0071128C Fork Mount Bike Rack presents a risk of bicycle becoming detached from the rack/vehicle at highway speeds. I have retained all parts and they could be made available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Risk is bicycle flying off the roof of a car at highway speeds causing significant damage to the carrying vehicle and/or triggering a serious accident involving nearby vehicles. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Not yet, but I have been engaged in a very slow moving dialog with a number of Audi representatives, most recently with Lori W, Region Case Manager, Audi CXC (Audi of America Customer Experience Center). Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Not Applicable Travelling at highway speed was a bang on car roof. Pulled over and found that the bicycle mounted on the Audi m/n 8R0071128C Fork Mount Bike Rack was no longer secured. After removing the bicycle, I saw that 1of2 threaded parts that clamp the bicycle fork to the rack was gone, bang heard likely was that part hitting roof. Remaining 2of2 threaded part was loose, could be turned by hand and was in danger of also falling off. It appears that the design of Audi m/n 8R0071128C enables these critical parts to unthread and detach during use. Possible fixes may be as simple as use of a permanent type thread locking compound during manufacturing or as complex as a redesign which does not present the possibility of failing in such an unsafe manner. See photos.
- Unknown or other
The moonroof leaks during rain or car wash, flooding interior and control panel and interior lights.
- Exterior lighting · Unknown or other
The Sun roof is leaking into the cabin through the overhead control panel and the driver door.
- Electrical system · Visibility/wiper
There is a large flaw on these vehicles. The sunroof framing becomes damaged. This creates an issue of water leaking in the interior. It causes an electrical issue as well as creates a distracted driving environment. I was driving when this happened and I had to start controlling the water leaking…
There is a large flaw on these vehicles. The sunroof framing becomes damaged. This creates an issue of water leaking in the interior. It causes an electrical issue as well as creates a distracted driving environment. I was driving when this happened and I had to start controlling the water leaking from the roof of my vehicle. This is a large safety issue that Audi knows about and even has a technical documentation to repair this issue.
- Unknown or other
Child safety locks turn on and after a point it shut off.I turn in the problem to the dealer but the problem didn’t get fix.what I understand Audi is the deal take my vehicle and have it sitting in there lot and don’t fix my problem and I would have to take the vehicle 2 to 3 more times with the…
Child safety locks turn on and after a point it shut off.I turn in the problem to the dealer but the problem didn’t get fix.what I understand Audi is the deal take my vehicle and have it sitting in there lot and don’t fix my problem and I would have to take the vehicle 2 to 3 more times with the same problem not getting problems resolved then when I get upset and I complain then I get videos that they are working on my vehicle.
- Service brakes
Not sure if this requires investigation by NHTSA so I am reporting it and will let you decide. 2020 Audi Q-3. Purchased Certified Pre-Owned in April 2023 with 13,000 miles on it. Found that at highway speed when you apply brakes the pedal pulsates and shudders. I now have 17,900 miles on it and…
Not sure if this requires investigation by NHTSA so I am reporting it and will let you decide. 2020 Audi Q-3. Purchased Certified Pre-Owned in April 2023 with 13,000 miles on it. Found that at highway speed when you apply brakes the pedal pulsates and shudders. I now have 17,900 miles on it and the pulsation is getting worse. To my regret we did not take a very long test ride when buying. I have not lost control or had any accident, but I Googled the problem and found that this is a common complaint with many Audi models. Brought car back to dealer who states that I need to replace front disc pads and rotors as well as rear brake pads. I feel that this is not normal with such low miles. I am not sure if this needs an investigation by NHTSA but again, if you do an online search it is a problem with many Audi models. I have been advised that this problem could lead to loss of control of the vehicle. Also, the dealer and Audi USA refuse to do the repair under the warranty saying that brakes are "a wear item".
- Electrical system · Forward collision avoidance › Automatic emergency braking
I was driving on a highway at 65 miles per hour, it was a rental car and the car automatically short stopped by itself and i was unable to move it. the dashboard lights looked like they were blinking and then my car was hit from behind
- Structure › Body
It rained pretty heavy last night, and driving to work this morning, the interior lamp lights started turning on by themselves. After a few more minutes of driving, water was pouring out of the roof where the lights are. The water dripped straight down onto all of the electrical parts, USB ports…
It rained pretty heavy last night, and driving to work this morning, the interior lamp lights started turning on by themselves. After a few more minutes of driving, water was pouring out of the roof where the lights are. The water dripped straight down onto all of the electrical parts, USB ports and buttons for auto/on off, park assist, etc. There is an obvious leak coming from the sunroof, and a lot of electrical components involved.
- Electrical system
The panel near the sunroof control buttons and lights has a leak. It leaks water everytime it rains or during a car wash. My safety and other safety are put at risk because this water leak IS coming out of my lights and other electrical cords from above. This IS a potential fire hazard. This…
The panel near the sunroof control buttons and lights has a leak. It leaks water everytime it rains or during a car wash. My safety and other safety are put at risk because this water leak IS coming out of my lights and other electrical cords from above. This IS a potential fire hazard. This problem has been reported by others but no recall has formed for this major issue. There are no warnings or messages appear for a warning, it just occurs.
- Structure › Body
Sunroof of car was leaking profusely during heavy rain. The water was pouring from the overhead panel that has map lights and sunroof controls. The water made the lights flicker and began to drip into the USB outlets at on the dashboard and seats. This seems to be a known problem and the Audi dealership recognized they were familiar with the problem.
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Oil/lubrication › Sump/tank › Drain plug
The contact owns a 2020 Audi Q3. The contact stated that while driving or idling, the electrical system started malfunctioning. The contact then stated that the rear-view camera screen became distorted. The Audi pre sense system warning light intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the…
The contact owns a 2020 Audi Q3. The contact stated that while driving or idling, the electrical system started malfunctioning. The contact then stated that the rear-view camera screen became distorted. The Audi pre sense system warning light intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the water pump leaked into the main cabin and the drain needed to be unclogged. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the drain needed to be unclogged. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was out of warranty, and no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
- Unknown or other
I have experienced twice now that water leaks from the overhead panel and flickering of the overhead lights from the water interfering with the electrical components. It begins to leak from overhead when the car is running and after it has rained. I have read reviews online that this has happened in the Audi Q3 models.
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting · Unknown or other
Please investigate the 2020 Audi Q3 and issue a recall - this is a major driver safety issue. I purchased this vehicle new from the Audi Crown Clearwater, FL dealership in late 2019. I am taking it for repair a THIRD time because after it rains, the interior gets flooded with water which pours…
Please investigate the 2020 Audi Q3 and issue a recall - this is a major driver safety issue. I purchased this vehicle new from the Audi Crown Clearwater, FL dealership in late 2019. I am taking it for repair a THIRD time because after it rains, the interior gets flooded with water which pours into the car from the rear-view mirror area which affects driver visibility, lights, electrical components, and more. The water damage is visible and there is so much built-up saturation from the leak that it causes the interior touch lights to stay on. The contact at the dealership who assured me she would help if this ever happened again after the first two fixes was evasive when I tried to ask what measures they took to fix it the first two times (in an effort to understand what they did before as well as suggest they need to attempt something different) and admitted that other Q3s were having this issue. She told me to call Audi America like another customer did, but refused to share the contact number or specify what I should tell them. This is a completely unacceptable situation created by Audi which poses a hazard for drivers. Not to mention Audi failing to stand behind a luxury brand image by putting the burden on customers to jump through hoops to seek recourse for a defective vehicle.
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system · Power train
Had service at 34999 - reported hard shifting between 1st/2nd then revved abnormally high at 32k. Dealer was unable to reproduce during service - appointments are a month out. Car has had propulsion/fuel system not responding at random at various severities and rough idle like the engine was struggling to get fuel. Also reported during last service. On one occasion vehicle shutoff at lower speed at approx 20k.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11011303This bulletin provides information when the anti-theft alarm activates for no reason, or when the anti-theft alarm does not activate.
- 11011296This bulletin provides service-info relating to lithium-ion high-voltage batteries; determining energy content.
- 11011285This TSB Provides information when parking assistance provides false warnings.
- 11011282This bulletin provides information when speaker rattles, vibrations, or audio interference is noted.
- 11011274This bulletin provides information when the restricted function icon for Audi Pre sense is displayed after engine starts.
- 11011269This bulletin provides information about Audi pre sense warning, warning jolt, and/or brake engagement.
- 11011263This bulletin provides information regarding cleaning exterior glass.
- 11011241This bulletin provides information when the engine warning lamp lights up in the instrument cluster, and the vehicle has reduced power. DTCs P256300, P056E00, P00AF00.
- 11011240This bulletin provides information about professional noise analysis with the VAS 611 015 PICO-NVH tool
- 11009997This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed and only order the successor parts going forward.
- 11009983Vehicle Concerns Before Recall Repair Available
- 11009967This bulletin provides information when there is an issue with wireless charging/wireless charging not working with Audi Phone Box.
- 11009951This TSB provides information when the Virtual cockpit has a pixel error.
- 11009948This bulletin provides information when there is noise from the backrest of the front seat.
- 11009944This TSB provides information when the sun visor lighting is not working.
- 11009943This TSB provides information when the wheel arch trim on the front fender is loose.
- 11009941This bulletin provides diagnostic information regarding the locking system.
- 11009939This bulletin provides information when a cracking noise is heard fron the front or rear end of the vehicle when changing direction.
- 11009928This bulletin provides informatin when the engine does not run smoothly at idling speeds.
- 11009393This bulletin provides information when the Audi Roadside or Audi Incident assistance call automatically hangs up after 30 seconds.
- 11009377This bulletin provides information when the audi virtual cockpit display has semi-circular marks on the edges of the display.
- 11009375This bulletin provides information pertaining to the GFF test plan required for A/C compressore replacements, regardless of the concern.
- 11009372This bulletin provides informaiton when the exterior black optic trim is discolored.
- 11009371This TSB provides information when the message "Child lock: Malfuctniom" appears in the instrument cluster; DTC B14FF29 is stored in the rear door control modules.
- 11009365This bulletin provides information when there is visible corrosion at the joint between the roof and roof side member.
- 11009362This bulletin provides information when there is a prompt to take over steering; hands off detection.
- 11009361This bulletin provides information regarding steering wheel visual damage.
- 11009360This bulletin provides information when the vehicle cannot be started (DTC P160A00); Steering column can be pushed in too far.
- 11009356This bulletin provides informaion regarding zirconium inserts in the bake piston for vehicle equipped with ceramic brakes.
- 11009355This bulletin provides information when there are rattling/grindingn oises from the front end/brake system.
- 11009354This bulletin provides information on frequency analysis.
- 11009351This bulletin provides information regarding the general approach to brakes rubbing.
- 11009348This bulleitn provides information when there is an implausible signal in the ABS/ESC speed sensor.
- 11009347This bulletin provides information when there are vibrations and rotational steering wheel vibrations.
- 11009346This bulletin provides information when there is a tire pressure warning in the instrument cluster.
- 11009333This bulletin provides information when there is a cracking noise from the front end when changing direction.
- 11009327This bulletin provides information when ther is an Engine: start/stop system fault shown and start/stop system not is working; mileage below 50 km/32 miles.
- 11009318This bulletin provides information when the engine warning lamp lights up in the instrument cluster, and the vehicle has reduced power. DTCs P256300, P056E00, P00AF00.
- 11009313This bulletin provides guidance in order to provid informaiton regarding preparatoin when calling the Audi Technical Assistnce Center (TAC).
- 11009312This bulletin provides informationw hen there are car was brush bristles trapped in the seam between the headlight and fender.
Every Audi Q3 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.