2020 Audi Q3 Reliability Report
NHTSA data as of Oct 15, 2026Published Oct 19, 2026
Ranks 9th of 10 Q3 years we score.
- Owner complaints
- 66
- 1 is a recall notice
- Per 10,000 cars
- 24.5
- 26,509 made for the U.S.
- Vs the average car
- 1.4×
- same age, 1× is average
- Serious outcomes
- 38
- crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
- Recalls
- 3
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5★
- overall, out of 5
Should You Buy the 2020 Audi Q3?
Yes, with the usual checks. Our reliability score for the 2020 Audi Q3 is 73 out of 100, which rates Good. Owners reported about 1.4 times as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 9th of the 10 Q3 years we score.
The most reported problem is water leaks, mostly water leaking in (13 of 66 complaints). Owners also complain about the steering and the engine. 38 of the 66 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.
It has 3 recalls. Audi also offers two warranty extensions that may still apply, for problems with the sunroof and driver assistance systems. NHTSA rates it 5 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. For comparison, the 2019 scores 70 and the 2021 scores 83.
Before you buy, check that the recalls were done, ask an Audi dealer about warranty extension AWA-23-09 and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.
Pros
- Good reliability score of 73
- Recent complaints at or below average
- No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls
- 5-star NHTSA overall crash rating
Cons
- About 1.4 times the problems of the average car its age
- Body seals (water leak): water leaking in13 complaints
- Steering: locking up13 complaints
- Engine: stalling12 complaints
How the 2020 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 | 1.7× | −14 |
| Everyday problems | 0.90× | −4 |
| Problems in the last two years | 0.29× | −4 |
| Recalls | 0.79× | −5 |
| Score | 73 |
What Owners Report
We read all 66 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2020 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 66.
Body seals (water leak): water leaking in
13 complaints (20%)
Water leaking in. In 3 complaints, the problem came back after a repair.
Steering: locking up
13 complaints (20%)
Locking up and loss of steering control. 4 of these 13 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of steering control. Median mileage when it started: about 1,000 miles.
Engine: stalling
12 complaints (18%)
Stalling, rough running or misfires and reduced power or limp mode. 8 of these 12 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 2,000 miles.
Wiring, fuses or body control module: the system acting on its own
9 complaints (14%)
The system acting on its own and problems that come and go.
Lane keeping assist: the system acting on its own
7 complaints (11%)
The system acting on its own and problems that come and go. 3 of these 7 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden braking. Median mileage when it started: about 2,000 miles.
Stall (cause not stated)
7 complaints (11%)
Stalling. 5 of these 7 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 8,000 miles.
Brakes: unusual noises
5 complaints (8%)
Unusual noises, a failure that needed a new part and vibration or shudder. Median mileage when it started: about 6,000 miles.
Loss of power (cause not stated)
5 complaints (8%)
Reduced power or limp mode, a loss of power and problems that come and go. 2 of these 5 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 6,000 miles.
Start-stop system failure
5 complaints (8%)
A failure, restart lag and reduced power or limp mode. 3 of these 5 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 0 miles.
Automatic emergency braking: hard braking with nothing ahead
3 complaints (5%)
Hard braking with nothing ahead and the system not working when needed. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: a crash.
Instrument cluster: wrong readings
3 complaints (5%)
Wrong readings.
Control module (unspecified): fault code
2 complaints (3%)
A stored fault code and stalling. Both describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Door latches: works on and off
2 complaints (3%)
Problems that come and go and not opening or unlocking.
Engine sensors or computer: a loss of power
2 complaints (3%)
A loss of power and reduced power or limp mode. Both describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Forward collision warning: works on and off
2 complaints (3%)
Problems that come and go and warning lights.
Show 4 more problems
Fuel pump failure
2 complaints (3%)
A failure that needed a new part. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving.
Screen and audio: stopped working
2 complaints (3%)
A feature that stopped working and unusual noises.
Sunroof drains (water leak): water leaking in
2 complaints (3%)
Water leaking in.
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
2 complaints (3%)
Sudden acceleration.
Reported Once (17)
Show the 17 problems reported once
- Airbags: no deployment in a crash
- Alternator or charging failure
- Fuel economy: high fuel use
- High-pressure fuel pump failure
- Driver-assist camera and radar: warning lights
- Noise (cause not stated)
- Passenger airbag sensor: stopped working
- Interior lights: the system acting on its own
- Power windows or regulator: vibration or shudder
- Rearview camera: distorted display
- Seats: not closing or latching
- Car not starting (cause not stated)
- Sunroof: damage
- Taillights or brake lights: stopped working
- Tires: damage
- Transmission: harsh or delayed shifts
- Vibration (cause not stated)
How the 2020 Audi Q3 Compares With Other Years
The other Q3 years of the 2nd generation, 2019 to 2025, and the years just before and after it.
| Year | Rating | Score | Vs average | Per 10k cars | Recalls | Most reported problem |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Too new | – | – | 14.3 | 1 | Screen and audio: works on and off |
| 2025 | Provisional 82 | – | – | 1.4 | 1 | – |
| 2024 | Good | 77 | 0.57× | 4.8 | 2 | Brakes: unusual noises |
| 2023 | Excellent | 86 | 0.27× | 1.1 | 1 | – |
| 2022 | Good | 76 | 0.58× | 9.4 | 5 | Screen and audio: works on and off |
| 2021 | Excellent | 83 | 0.33× | 4.6 | 3 | Door latches: not closing or latching |
| 2020 This year | Good | 73 | 1.4× | 24.5 | 3 | Body seals (water leak): water leaking in |
| 2019 | Good | 70 | 1.0× | 16.9 | 4 | Stall (cause not stated) |
| 2018 | Excellent | 89 | 0.30× | 7.5 | 1 | Airbag warning light |
2020 Audi Q3 Recalls
Three recalls cover the 2020 Audi Q3. The most recent was issued in September 2026: “Loss of Steering Control from Bolt Failure.” A VIN check at NHTSA shows which are still open on a given car.
Loss of Steering Control from Bolt Failure
A broken steering rack housing can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 26V590000Recall report (PDF)Issued Sep 11, 2026.
Brake Pedal Plate Can Bend or Detach
A bent or detached brake pedal plate decreases the contact area for the driver's foot and increases the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 20V786000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Dec 16, 2020. By the fourth quarter of 2022, 97% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Incorrectly Bolted Driver's Seat Frame
The incorrect bolt connection could fail, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
NHTSA 20V644000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Oct 19, 2020. By the fourth quarter of 2020, 100% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
2020 Audi Q3 Warranty Extensions and Programs
Audi has two warranty extensions for the 2020 Audi Q3, separate from its recalls. They are for problems with the sunroof and driver assistance systems. Whether one applies to a car depends on its VIN, which an Audi dealer can check.
- Warranty extensionAudi AWA-23-09
Water leaks through the closed sunroof
- The problem:
- Water can leak into the cabin from the sunroof even when it is fully closed.
- The fix:
- An Audi dealer fixes the leak and the water damage it caused. Audi pays 35 to 90 percent of the cost, depending on model year, age and mileage.
- Who qualifies:
- Certain 2019 to 2021 Q3, Q8 and e-tron in the class action settlement. Not covered: a sunroof not fully closed, broken glass, unchecked clogged drains, non-dealer repairs, and totaled or salvage title cars.
- Coverage:
- 7 years or 80,000 miles from the original in-service date, whichever comes first, on a prorated basis.
- Warranty extensionAudi AWA-24-04
Automatic emergency braking system faults
- The problem:
- The automatic emergency braking, or AEB, system can malfunction when its control unit, a camera, the LIDAR or a sensor fails.
- The fix:
- An Audi dealer repairs the AEB fault and Audi pays 75 percent of the cost. Damage from crashes, impacts, moved sensors or weather is not covered.
- Who qualifies:
- Certain Audis covered by the settlement, with a confirmed fault in the AEB control unit, cameras, LIDAR or sensors. If the new car warranty's time ran out by May 16, 2024, the extension's time limit was November 16, 2024.
- Coverage:
- Up to 12 months or 12,000 miles after the new car warranty ends. Ask an Audi dealer for the exact terms.
NHTSA Crash Test Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for this model year. See the 2020 Q3 ratings on NHTSA.gov.
SUV AWD
Check Before You Buy
A checklist for the 2020 Q3, from its three recalls, two Audi warranty extensions 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.
- Loss of Steering Control from Bolt Failure NHTSA 26V590000
- Brake Pedal Plate Can Bend or Detach NHTSA 20V786000
- Incorrectly Bolted Driver's Seat Frame NHTSA 20V644000
Ask an Audi Dealer
Ask whether each of these warranty extensions applies to this VIN, and whether the work was done.
- AWA-23-09: water leaks through the closed sunroof
- AWA-24-04: automatic emergency braking system faults
On the Test Drive
- Look for water stains or damp carpet, and test the sunroof.
- Turn the wheel fully left and right, parked and at low speed. Sticking, notches or stiffness are warning signs.
- Watch for sudden braking or steering with nothing ahead, and ask whether the driver-assist software updates were done.
Ask the Seller
Ask whether any of these were ever repaired, and ask to see the receipts.
- Water leaks
- Steering
- Engine
- 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