2018 Audi Q3 Reliability Report
NHTSA data as of Oct 15, 2026Published Oct 19, 2026
Ranks 1st of 10 Q3 years we score.
- Owner complaints
- 26
- 4 are recall notices
- Per 10,000 cars
- 7.5
- 29,500 made for the U.S.
- Vs the average car
- 0.30×
- same age, 1× is average
- Serious outcomes
- 8
- crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
- Recalls
- 1
- NHTSA crash rating
- –
Should You Buy the 2018 Audi Q3?
Yes. Our reliability score for the 2018 Audi Q3 is 89 out of 100, which rates Excellent. Owners reported about a third as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 1st of the 10 Q3 years we score.
The most reported problem is airbag warning lights (4 of 26 complaints). Owners also complain about shattered sunroof glass and engine failure. 8 of the 26 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.
It has 1 recall. For comparison, 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
- Excellent reliability score of 89
- About a third of 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 light4 complaints
- Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking4 complaints
- Engine failure3 complaints
How the 2018 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 | 0.28× | −4 |
| Everyday problems | 0.34× | −2 |
| Problems in the last two years | 0.16× | −1 |
| Recalls | 0.42× | −4 |
| Score | 89 |
What Owners Report
We read all 26 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2018 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 26.
Airbag warning light
4 complaints (15%)
Warning lights. Median mileage when it started: about 66,000 miles.
Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking
4 complaints (15%)
Shattering or cracking. 1 of these 4 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Engine failure
3 complaints (12%)
A failure that needed a new part. All 3 describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Clock spring failure
3 complaints (12%)
A failure.
Oil pressure: warning lights
2 complaints (8%)
Warning lights.
Tires: parts breaking or coming apart
2 complaints (8%)
Parts breaking or coming apart.
Wiring, fuses or body control module: stopped working
2 complaints (8%)
A feature that stopped working.
Reported Once (19)
Show the 19 problems reported once
- A/C compressor failure
- A/C condenser failure
- Airbags: stopped working
- Uneven tire wear: caster out of range
- Alternator or charging: parts breaking or coming apart
- Brakes: damage
- Carbon buildup (intake valves) failure
- Cylinder head gasket failure
- Engine: smoke or a burning smell
- Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil
- Engine sensors or computer failure
- Fuel system: stalling
- Interior trim: parts breaking or coming apart
- Phone and navigation: garbled hands-free audio
- Rearview camera: works on and off
- Stall (cause not stated)
- Car not starting (cause not stated)
- Transmission: harsh or delayed shifts
- Transmission computer: fault code
How the 2018 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 This year | 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 | Good | 75 | 0.74× | 22.5 | 2 | Ball joints and control arms: rust or corrosion |
2018 Audi Q3 Recalls
One recall covers the 2018 Audi Q3. It was issued in May 2019: “No Indicator For Failed Turn Signal.” A VIN check at NHTSA shows whether it is 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 19V385000Owner letter (PDF)Issued May 23, 2019. By the third quarter of 2020, 91% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Check Before You Buy
A checklist for the 2018 Q3, from its recall 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
On the Test Drive
- Look for water stains or damp carpet, and test the sunroof.
- Look for uneven tire wear and listen for clunks or humming that changes with speed.
Ask the Seller
Ask whether any of these were ever repaired, and ask to see the receipts.
- Airbag warning lights
- Shattered sunroof glass
- Engine failure
- 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