2026 Audi Q3 Reliability Report
NHTSA data as of Oct 15, 2026Published Oct 19, 2026
scored
Too new for a score. Here is what owners and NHTSA have reported so far.
- Owner complaints
- 6
- Per 10,000 cars
- 14.3
- 4,208 made for the U.S.
- Vs the average car
- –
- Serious outcomes
- 2
- crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
- Recalls
- 1
- NHTSA crash rating
- –
Should You Buy the 2026 Audi Q3?
It is too new to judge. The 2026 Audi Q3 has 6 owner complaints and 1 recall so far. We expect a first provisional score around July 2027.
The most reported problem is the screen and audio, mostly works on and off (3 of 6 complaints). Owners also complain about the driver-assist camera and radar and automatic emergency braking. 2 of the 6 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.
It has 1 recall.
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
- No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls
Cons
- Screen and audio: works on and off3 complaints
- Driver-assist camera and radar: works on and off3 complaints
- Automatic emergency braking: hard braking with nothing ahead2 complaints
- First year of a new generation
Why There Is No Final Score Yet
Too new to score. First provisional score expected around July 2027.
So far there are 6 owner complaints, 2 with a serious outcome, and 1 recall. Early counts are not enough to judge a model year. The automaker's production report for it is not complete yet.
This is the first year of a new generation. Across the models we track, first years had about 30% more complaints than the year after.
What Owners Report
We read all 6 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2026 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 6.
Screen and audio: works on and off
3 complaints (50%)
Problems that come and go and unusual noises.
Driver-assist camera and radar: works on and off
3 complaints (50%)
Problems that come and go.
Automatic emergency braking: hard braking with nothing ahead
2 complaints (33%)
Hard braking with nothing ahead. Both describe a serious outcome, most often sudden braking.
Control module (unspecified): works on and off
2 complaints (33%)
Problems that come and go and a stored fault code.
Exterior lights: rapid turn signal blinking
2 complaints (33%)
Rapid turn signal blinking.
Instrument cluster: works on and off
2 complaints (33%)
Problems that come and go.
Seats: memory settings reset to factory defaults
2 complaints (33%)
Memory settings reset to factory defaults and a feature that stopped working.
Reported Once (7)
Show the 7 problems reported once
- AWD or rear differential: stopped working
- Accelerator pedal: unusual noises
- Phone and navigation: works on and off
- Rearview camera: stopped working
- Side blind zone alert: works on and off
- Stall (cause not stated)
- Steering: loss of steering control
How the 2026 Audi Q3 Compares With Other Years
The other Q3 years of the 3rd generation, 2026, and the years just before and after it.
| Year | Rating | Score | Vs average | Per 10k cars | Recalls | Most reported problem |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 This year | Too new | – | – | 14.3 | 1 | Screen and audio: works on and off |
| 2025 | Provisional 82 | – | – | 1.4 | 1 | – |
2026 Audi Q3 Recalls
One recall covers the 2026 Audi Q3. It was issued in April 2026: “Sunroof Malfunction/FMVSS 118.” A VIN check at NHTSA shows whether it is still open on a given car.
Sunroof Malfunction/FMVSS 118
Closing the sunroof without the ability to see it can increase the risk of injury to occupants.
NHTSA 26V209000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Apr 1, 2026. By the second quarter of 2026, 79% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Check Before You Buy
A checklist for the 2026 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.
- Sunroof Malfunction/FMVSS 118 NHTSA 26V209000
On the Test Drive
- Test the screen, audio and phone connection for freezing or rebooting.
- 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.
- Screen and audio
- Driver-assist camera and radar
- Automatic emergency braking
- 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