2021 Audi Q3 Reliability Report

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

Excellent

Ranks 4th of 10 Q3 years we score.

Owner complaints: 15
Per 10,000 cars: 4.6; 32,308 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 0.33×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 7; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 3
NHTSA crash rating: 5★; overall, out of 5

← 2020 Q3 2022 Q3 →

Should You Buy the 2021 Audi Q3?

Yes. Our reliability score for the 2021 Audi Q3 is 83 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 4th of the 10 Q3 years we score.

The most reported problem is the door latch or lock, mostly not closing or latching (3 of 15 complaints). Owners also complain about the steering and fuel tank or fuel lines. 7 of the 15 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 2020 scores 73 and the 2022 scores 76.

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

Excellent reliability score of 83
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

Door latches: not closing or latching3 complaints
Steering: loss of steering control3 complaints
Fuel leak failure2 complaints

How the 2021 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	0.35×	−5
Everyday problems	0.30×	−2
Problems in the last two years	0.37×	−5
Recalls	0.86×	−5
Score		83

What Owners Report

We read all 15 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2021 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 15.

Door latches: not closing or latching
3 complaints (20%)
Not closing or latching, not opening or unlocking and warning lights. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Steering: loss of steering control
3 complaints (20%)
Loss of steering control and locking up. 2 of these 3 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of steering control.
Fuel leak failure
2 complaints (13%)
A failure that needed a new part and a leak.
Start-stop system: warning lights
2 complaints (13%)
Warning lights and a failure. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: a car that would not start.
Wiring, fuses or body control module: works on and off
2 complaints (13%)
Problems that come and go and a failure.

Reported Once (11)

Show the 11 problems reported once

Body seals (water leak): water leaking in
Brakes: loss of braking
Fuel gauge or level sensor: wrong readings
Headlights: fogging
Seat belts: stopped working
Seats: parts breaking or coming apart
Stall (cause not stated)
Car not starting (cause not stated)
Tires: parts breaking or coming apart
Shifter or park failure
Turbocharger failure

How the 2021 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 This year	Excellent	83	0.33×	4.6	3	Door latches: not closing or latching
2020	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

See every Q3 year

2021 Audi Q3 Recalls

Three recalls cover the 2021 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 26V590000 Recall report (PDF)Issued Sep 11, 2026.
Fuel Tank Vent Pipe May Be Damaged
A damaged vent pipe may allow fuel to spill out of the filler neck when the fuel cap is opened, increasing the risk of an injury.
NHTSA 22V673000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Sep 8, 2022. By the third quarter of 2024, 91% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Seat Belt Locking Retractor Malfunction/FMVSS 208
The rear seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
NHTSA 21V606000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Aug 5, 2021. By the second quarter of 2023, 96% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.

2021 Audi Q3 Warranty Extensions and Programs

Audi has two warranty extensions for the 2021 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.
Audi's bulletin (PDF)
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.
Audi's bulletin (PDF)

NHTSA Crash Test Ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for this model year. See the 2021 Q3 ratings on NHTSA.gov.

SUV AWD

Overall5/5

Frontal crash4/5

Side crash5/5

Rollover4/5

Check Before You Buy

A checklist for the 2021 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
Fuel Tank Vent Pipe May Be Damaged NHTSA 22V673000
Seat Belt Locking Retractor Malfunction/FMVSS 208 NHTSA 21V606000

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

Lock and unlock every door with the key fob, the switch and the key.
Turn the wheel fully left and right, parked and at low speed. Sticking, notches or stiffness are warning signs.

Ask the Seller

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

Door latch or lock
Steering
Fuel tank or fuel lines
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.