2016 Audi Q3 Reliability Report

NHTSA data as of Oct 15, 2026Published Oct 19, 2026

Good

Ranks 5th of 10 Q3 years we score.

Owner complaints: 28; 1 is a recall notice
Per 10,000 cars: 13.4; 20,195 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 0.51×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 13; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 3
NHTSA crash rating: –

← 2015 Q3 2017 Q3 →

Should You Buy the 2016 Audi Q3?

Yes, with the usual checks. Our reliability score for the 2016 Audi Q3 is 78 out of 100, which rates Good. Owners reported about half as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 5th of the 10 Q3 years we score.

The most reported problem is airbag warning lights (3 of 28 complaints). Owners also complain about dashboard warning lights and high oil consumption. 13 of the 28 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.

It has 3 recalls. For comparison, the 2015 scores 75 and the 2017 scores 84.

Before you buy, check that the recalls were done and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.

Pros

Good reliability score of 78
About half the problems of the average car its age
Recent complaints at or below average
No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls

Cons

Airbag warning light3 complaints
Several warning lights at once3 complaints
Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil3 complaints

How the 2016 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

Score breakdown
Item	Vs average	Points lost
Starting score		100
Serious problems	0.56×	−7
Everyday problems	0.42×	−3
Problems in the last two years	0.67×	−7
Recalls	0.64×	−5
Score		78

What Owners Report

We read all 28 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2016 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 28.

Airbag warning light
3 complaints (11%)
Warning lights.
Several warning lights at once
3 complaints (11%)
Warning lights.
Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil
3 complaints (11%)
Burning or using oil.
12V battery failure
2 complaints (7%)
A failure that needed a new part. Both describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start.
Engine failure: a loss of power
2 complaints (7%)
A loss of power and locking up. Both describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Screen and audio: works on and off
2 complaints (7%)
Problems that come and go and a fire. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: a fire.
Clock spring failure
2 complaints (7%)
A failure.
Piston rings failure
2 complaints (7%)
A failure that needed a new part.
Taillights or brake lights: works on and off
2 complaints (7%)
Problems that come and go and a feature that stopped working. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Tires: parts breaking or coming apart
2 complaints (7%)
Parts breaking or coming apart. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Windows or locks or sunroof (operate by themselves): the system acting on its own
2 complaints (7%)
The system acting on its own.
Wiring, fuses or body control module: damage
2 complaints (7%)
Damage.

Reported Once (23)

Show the 23 problems reported once

Airbags: fault code
Ball joints and control arms: rust or corrosion
Battery drain: draining the battery
Brakes: locking up
Check engine light (cause not stated)
Cooling system failure
Exterior lights: works on and off
Fuel gauge or level sensor: wrong readings
Fuel injector: a leak
Fuel leak: a bad smell
Headlights: damage
Heater: stopped working
Horn: stopped working
Key fob: the car not starting
Mirrors: parts breaking or coming apart
Fuel sensor: a loss of power
Rearview camera: the system not working when needed
Seat belts: not closing or latching
Car not starting (cause not stated)
Steering: sticking or stiffness
Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking
Tire pressure monitoring: the system not working when needed
Turbocharger failure

How the 2016 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 This year	Good	78	0.51×	13.4	3	Airbag warning light
2015	Good	75	0.74×	22.5	2	Ball joints and control arms: rust or corrosion

See every Q3 year

2016 Audi Q3 Recalls

Three recalls cover the 2016 Audi Q3. The most recent was issued in May 2019: “No Indicator For Failed Turn Signal.” A VIN check at NHTSA shows which are still open on a given car.

No Indicator For Failed Turn Signal
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.
NHTSA 19V385000 Owner letter (PDF)Issued May 23, 2019. By the third quarter of 2020, 91% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Crash Avoidance Parking Brake Use/FMVSS 108
If the parking brake is used during emergency braking, the brake lights on the vehicle will not activate. A vehicle approaching from behind may not have any warning that the vehicle is stopping, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 17V400000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jun 26, 2017. By the fourth quarter of 2018, 94% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
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 16V642000 Recall 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.

Check Before You Buy

A checklist for the 2016 Q3, from its three recalls and the problems owners report most.

Confirm the Recalls Were Done

Ask the seller for proof that each of these recalls was repaired.

No Indicator For Failed Turn Signal NHTSA 19V385000
Crash Avoidance Parking Brake Use/FMVSS 108 NHTSA 17V400000
Side Marker Lights May Not Illuminate/FMVSS 108 NHTSA 16V642000

On the Test Drive

Ask how often oil is added between changes, and watch for blue smoke at startup.
Ask about battery and starter replacements. A slow start after the car sits is a warning sign.
Test the screen, audio and phone connection for freezing or rebooting.

Ask the Seller

Ask whether any of these were ever repaired, and ask to see the receipts.

Airbag warning lights
Dashboard warning lights
High oil consumption
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

All Q3 Years →Best years and years to avoid, side by side.Compare With Other Years →Put up to four model years side by side.Find Warranty Extensions →Repairs Audi may still cover for this year.Decode a VIN →Confirm the exact year, engine and trim of a car.