2015 Audi Q3 Reliability Report
NHTSA data as of Oct 15, 2026Published Oct 19, 2026
Ranks 8th of 10 Q3 years we score.
- Owner complaints
- 24
- Per 10,000 cars
- 22.5
- 10,687 made for the U.S.
- Vs the average car
- 0.74×
- same age, 1× is average
- Serious outcomes
- 10
- crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
- Recalls
- 2
- NHTSA crash rating
- –
Should You Buy the 2015 Audi Q3?
Yes, with the usual checks. Our reliability score for the 2015 Audi Q3 is 75 out of 100, which rates Good. Owners reported fewer problems than for the average car of the same age. It ranks 8th of the 10 Q3 years we score.
The most reported problem is ball joints and control arms, mostly rust or corrosion (4 of 24 complaints). Owners also complain about high oil consumption and the horn. 10 of the 24 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.
It has 2 recalls. Audi also offers a warranty extension that may still apply, for a problem with the engine. For comparison, the 2016 scores 78.
Before you buy, check that the recalls were done, ask an Audi dealer about warranty extension AWA-20-02 and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.
Pros
- Good reliability score of 75
- Fewer problems than the average car its age
- No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls
- 1 Audi warranty extension may cover repairs
Cons
- Ball joints and control arms: rust or corrosion4 complaints
- Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil3 complaints
- Horn: stopped working3 complaints
How the 2015 Q3 Earned Its Score
Every model year starts at 100. Each part takes points away when this year has more problems than the average car of the same age. How we score
| Item | Vs average | Points lost |
|---|---|---|
| Starting score | 100 | |
| Serious problems | 0.75× | −15 |
| Everyday problems | 0.72× | −6 |
| Problems in the last two years | Not counted | – |
| Recalls | 0.51× | −4 |
| Score | 75 |
Problems in the last two years are not counted for the 2015 Q3. If it were exactly average, its 10,687 cars would draw about 4.8 complaints in two years at this age, too few to compare. Their 30% moves to serious and everyday problems, which count for 80% of this score instead of 50%.
What Owners Report
We read all 24 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2015 Audi Q3, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first. A complaint that describes more than one problem is counted under each, so the counts add up to more than 24.
Ball joints and control arms: rust or corrosion
4 complaints (17%)
Rust or corrosion and shattering or cracking. 3 of these 4 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a tow.
Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil
3 complaints (13%)
Burning or using oil.
Horn: stopped working
3 complaints (13%)
A feature that stopped working.
Timing chain or camshaft failure
3 complaints (13%)
A failure and chain jumped.
Airbag warning light
2 complaints (8%)
Warning lights.
Carbon buildup (intake valves): damage
2 complaints (8%)
Damage and a failure.
Intake manifold or runner flaps failure
2 complaints (8%)
A failure. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving.
Clock spring: stopped working
2 complaints (8%)
A feature that stopped working and a failure that needed a new part.
Wiring, fuses or body control module: stopped working
2 complaints (8%)
A feature that stopped working.
Reported Once (20)
Show the 20 problems reported once
- AWD or rear differential: warning lights
- Body seals (water leak): water leaking in
- Cabin odor or mold: a bad smell
- Check engine light (cause not stated)
- Coil spring: rust or corrosion
- Engine failure
- Fuel diluting the engine oil
- Engine sensors or computer: fault code
- Frame or structure: parts breaking or coming apart
- Frontal airbags: stopped working
- High-pressure fuel pump failure
- Ignition coils or spark plugs failure
- Interior trim: parts breaking or coming apart
- Mirrors: parts breaking or coming apart
- Door lock actuators: not opening or unlocking
- Steering: loss of steering control
- Struts or shocks: rust or corrosion
- Taillights or brake lights: stopped working
- Turbocharger failure
- Windows or locks or sunroof (operate by themselves): the system acting on its own
How the 2015 Audi Q3 Compares With Other Years
The other Q3 years of the 1st generation, 2015 to 2018, and the years just before and after it.
| Year | Rating | Score | Vs average | Per 10k cars | Recalls | Most reported problem |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Good | 70 | 1.0× | 16.9 | 4 | Stall (cause not stated) |
| 2018 | Excellent | 89 | 0.30× | 7.5 | 1 | Airbag warning light |
| 2017 | Excellent | 84 | 0.25× | 5.5 | 3 | Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil |
| 2016 | Good | 78 | 0.51× | 13.4 | 3 | Airbag warning light |
| 2015 This year | Good | 75 | 0.74× | 22.5 | 2 | Ball joints and control arms: rust or corrosion |
2015 Audi Q3 Recalls
Two recalls cover the 2015 Audi Q3. The most recent was issued in September 2016: “Side Marker Lights May Not Illuminate/FMVSS 108.” A VIN check at NHTSA shows which are still open on a given car.
Side Marker Lights May Not Illuminate/FMVSS 108
If the side marker lights do not illuminate, the vehicle may be less visible at night, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 16V642000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Sep 6, 2016. By the first quarter of 2018, 95% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Sunroof Continues to Close with Key Off/FMVSS 118
If the sunroof is closing while the vehicle is shut off and a vehicle occupant is in its path, there is an increased risk of injury.
NHTSA 15V200000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Apr 3, 2015. By the third quarter of 2016, 96% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
2015 Audi Q3 Warranty Extensions and Programs
Audi has one warranty extension for the 2015 Audi Q3, separate from its recalls. It is for a problem with the engine. Whether one applies to a car depends on its VIN, which an Audi dealer can check.
- Warranty extensionAudi AWA-20-02
Intake manifold failure
- The problem:
- The intake manifold can fail. The bulletin does not describe the symptoms.
- The fix:
- An Audi dealer repairs or replaces a failed intake manifold, with any parts and labor needed.
- Who qualifies:
- Certain 2015 Q3s in the settlement class. Cars already repaired still qualify, but totaled cars do not.
- Coverage:
- 10 years or 120,000 miles from the original in-service date, whichever comes first.
Check Before You Buy
A checklist for the 2015 Q3, from its two recalls, an Audi warranty extension that may still apply and the problems owners report most.
Confirm the Recalls Were Done
Ask the seller for proof that each of these recalls was repaired.
- Side Marker Lights May Not Illuminate/FMVSS 108 NHTSA 16V642000
- Sunroof Continues to Close with Key Off/FMVSS 118 NHTSA 15V200000
Ask an Audi Dealer
Ask whether this warranty extension applies to this VIN, and whether the work was done.
- AWA-20-02: intake manifold failure
On the Test Drive
- Look for uneven tire wear and listen for clunks or humming that changes with speed.
- Ask how often oil is added between changes, and watch for blue smoke at startup.
Ask the Seller
Ask whether any of these were ever repaired, and ask to see the receipts.
- Ball joints and control arms
- High oil consumption
- Horn
- Also ask for the service records, especially oil changes.
Before You Pay
- Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic you choose.
- Decode the VIN to confirm the model year, engine and trim.
- Check the title for salvage, flood or rebuilt branding.
What to do next