CarRecallDB

2016 Audi Q3 recalls and problems

3 recalls and 29 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2016 Audi Q3.

3
recalls
29
owner complaints
1
complaints mentioning a crash
1
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2016 Audi Q3 recalls

Exterior lighting: turn signal

NHTSA campaign 19V385000 · reported May 23, 2019 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · 23,241 vehicles potentially affected

The 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."
The 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.
The 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.

Forward collision avoidance: crash imminent braking · Exterior lighting: brake lights

NHTSA campaign 17V400000 · reported June 26, 2017 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · 24,754 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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."
The risk
A vehicle approaching from behind may not have any warning that the vehicle is stopping, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
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.

Electrical system: software · Exterior lighting

NHTSA campaign 16V642000 · reported September 6, 2016 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · 79,895 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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. 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."
The risk
If the side marker lights do not illuminate, the vehicle may be less visible at night, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Oct 25, 2026 · Fuel/propulsion system

Load Gas smell coming from front and inside of car. No leaks on ground under car.

Jun 23, 2026 · Engine

The engine oil consumption rate is alarming going thru quarts or entire oil change in a week or two of driving depending how much it was driven. Audi has admitted the pistons are at fault along with piston rings. It is unsafe and can cause engine to seize up and lose control which can lead to dangerous situations or…

Feb 18, 2026 · Engine

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 […] 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…

Dec 8, 2025 · Fuel/propulsion system

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…

Oct 16, 2025 · Electrical system

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…

Q3 model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2015 22400
2016 32911
2017 3800
2018 12600
2019 41000

Across all years, the 2020 Q3 has the most complaints (66). All Audi Q3 years →

Questions

Does the 2016 Audi Q3 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2016 Audi Q3, the most recent reported on May 23, 2019 (Exterior lighting: turn signal). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Audi Q3?
Owners have filed 29 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is electrical system (10 complaints), followed by engine (7).
How many 2016 Audi Q3 complaints mention a crash or fire?
1 of 29 complaints report a crash and 1 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received October 25, 2026.