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2015 Audi Q3 problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2015 Audi Q3 has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 2safety recalls
- 24owner complaints
- 0crash reports
- 0fire reports
- 18%fail the UK MOT
24 complaints, against an average of 21 for the other 10 Audi Q3 model years.
Every Audi Q3 model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2015 Audi Q3?
The components named most often in the 24 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2015 Audi Q3 owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 24 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
Has the 2015 Audi Q3 been recalled?
2 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
Electrical System: Software Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2016 TT roadster, A3 cabriolet, A3 sedan and A3 e-tron, 2016-2017 TT coupe, 2017 A4 sedan and Q7 and 2015-2017 Q3 vehicles. The affected vehicles may have been programmed with new software that inadvertently makes the side marker lights inoperative in conjunction with the parking lights or the headlights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk: If the side marker lights do not illuminate, the vehicle may be less visible at night, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will upload revised software to correct the issue, free of charge. This recall began November 2016. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 97CB.
Visibility: Sun/Moon Roof Assembly Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015 Audi Q3 vehicles manufactured April 4, 2014, to November 5, 2014. If the vehicle is turned off while the sunroof is closing, the sunroof may continue to close instead of stopping. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 118, "Power-Operated Window, Partition, and Roof Panel Systems."
Risk: If the sunroof is closing while the vehicle is shut off and a vehicle occupant is in its path, there is an increased risk of injury.
Fix: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will update the sunroof control module software, free of charge. The recall began on April 13, 2015. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 60C1.
Is the 2015 Audi Q3 recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSAFailure of the front led turn signal
Risk: A failure of the front LED turn signal may not always be detected in certain circumstances
Fix: A software update of the on-board supply control unit
UK DVSABrake lights may fail when the electronic parking brake is operated
Risk: Due to a software error the brake lights may not function during an emergency operation of the electronic parking brake. The normal foundation brake lights will still function as intended.
Fix: On affected vehicles update software to correct this.
EU Safety GateThe function control device of the Body Control Module (BCM) may be incorrectly configured.This may cause a malfunction of the front light-emitting diode (LED) turn signal lights (blinkers) without the required warning indicator (acoustic/optical), increasing the risk of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateWhen emergency braking is actuated using the EPB (electro-mechanical parking brake), the braking lights are not activated.Following traffic is not informed of the emergency braking operation and the resulting deceleration of the vehicle which could lead to an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
How often does the 2015 Audi Q3 fail its MOT?
Why they failed: the share of failed tests with at least one fault in each area (a test can fail on several). Cars first registered in 2015, tested in Great Britain in 2023; first registration is usually, but not always, the model year. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0.
What do 2015 Audi Q3 owners report?
12 of the 24 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
RIGHT REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM ROTTED OUT AND CAUSED CAR TO LOSE CONTROL AROUND A CORNER 0NTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC ALMOST CAUSING ACCIDENT SERVICE CENTER FOUND BOTH REAR LOWER ARMS TO BE BADLY ROTTED AWAY AND NEEDING REPLACEMENT
The rear subframe broke while driving due to rust and corrosion causing the driver side rear wheel to be at an acute angle which caused the car to wobble all over the road. The car is currently not safe to drive.
Vehicle: 2015 Audi Q3 | Engine: 2.0L TFSI 4-Cylinder Turbo Component: Engine Complaint Description: While driving on the interstate at highway speed, the red oil pressure warning light illuminated suddenly and without prior warning. The standard low oil level warning light did NOT illuminate prior to the failure. Oil level was verified as correct and within specification at the time of failure. The vehicle suffered a complete and catastrophic engine failure due to oil starvation and rod knock, despite a verified proper oil level and oil pressure. The engine requires full replacement. This…
I am reporting that authorized dealer Audi Knoxville (Harper Auto Square) is KNOWINGLY AND WILLINGLY attempting to force me to operate an unsafe vehicle. Following an intake manifold repair, the dealership’s service staff identified carbon buildup and fouled spark plugs as a necessary repair, while the manufacturer (Audi of America) has reclassified it as 'maintenance' to avoid coverage. Because this critical 'top-end' work remains incomplete, the vehicle is at high risk for catastrophic stalling at highway speeds. Despite this, the dealership refuses to sign a safety certification for the…
Vehicle experiences sudden, intermittent loss of motive power, severe engine hesitation, and stalling while operating at highway speeds. Diagnostic scans confirm fault codes P2015 and P0341, indicating a failure of the intake manifold position sensor and camshaft position correlation. These mechanical failures, combined with extreme carbon buildup on the valves, create a hazardous operating condition where the vehicle cannot maintain safe speeds in high-traffic environments. The manufacturer (Audi) has acknowledged the intake manifold failure—which is a known defect under an extended…
My Audi Q3 2015 started with The TPMS on and the traction skid symbol also lit up on dashboard. I brought it to Audi of Warwick, Rhode Island and they did a diagnostic testing on it and found that it was the all-wheel-drive control module on a lot of 2015 Q3 is just like mine had recalls on that same part in my car only has 80,000 miles on it and at 49,000 miles or 50,000. The whole turbo went on that car and had to be replaced.. I feel that the all-wheel-drive control module [XXX] and went on a car with 80,000 miles on it. That’s only driven 15 to 30 miles a day or not even every day…
The contact owns a 2015 Audi Q3. The contact stated that the horn became inoperable and additionally, the hand controls were not functioning as needed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the clock spring needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The horn was also inoperable. The manufacturer was contacted and made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000. The VIN was not available.
The contact owns a 2015 Audi Q3. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the oil light remained illuminated. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who confirmed that the vehicle was experiencing an abnormal oil consumption. The mechanic performed an oil change however, the failure persisted. Additionally, the contact stated that the controls on the steering wheel were inoperable. The contact stated that the steering wheel air bag was inoperable due to the electrical shortage in the steering wheel. The vehicle was not…
The contact owns a 2015 Audi Q3. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the horn was depressed however, no sound was heard. The contact also stated that all the buttons on the steering wheel failed to operate when engaged such as the radio and windshield wipers. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the failure was diagnosed as an improper ground wire connected to the steering wheel. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000.
MY 2015 Q3 IS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM TIMING CHAIN FAILURE LINED IN THE 2019 RECALL FOR MODELS FROM 2008-2014. MY 2015 HAS ABOUT 51,000 MILES AND SHOULD NOT BE HAVING THIS ISSUE ACCORDING TO SEVERAL MECHANICS AND MY AUDI REPRESENTATIVE COULD NOT PROVIDE ME ANY INFORMATION OTHER THAN THAT MY VIN DIDN'T FALL IN THE CLASS ACTION EVEN IF I WAS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. I BELIEVE MY MODEL YEAR SHOULD AT LEAST BE REVIEWED IF THE PROBLEM WAS COMMON JUST A YEAR BEFORE.
CAR WAS PARKED OUTSIDE IN STOWE, VT WHEN TEMP DROPPED TO -13. ABLE TO BACK OUT OF HOTEL PARKING SPACE BUT NOTICED STEERING WAS STIFF. ONCE ONTO THE STREET, LOST POWER STEERING COMPLETELY! USING ALL MY STRENGTH, I COULD BARELY STEER THE CAR OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE STREET. STAYED IN THE CAR, RUNNING WITH THE HEAT ON, FOR ABOUT 15 MINUTES WHILE WE ARRANGED FOR A TOW. WHEN I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND THEN ON AGAIN (MY WIFE'S SUGGESTION) THE POWER STEERING CAME BACK! WE DROVE ALL THE WAY BACK TO MA WITHOUT A PROBLEM. THREE DAYS LATER, MY LOCAL AUDI DEALER CHECKED OUT THE CAR WITH THEIR COMPUTER AND…
AFTER THE DEALER PERFORMED SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE ON MY VEHICLE, I DISCOVERED THAT MY TAIL LIGHTS NO LONGER WORKED, INCLUDING REAR BRAKE LIGHTS. I DECIDED TO DETERMINE WHAT CAUSED THE MALFUNCTION AND WAS ABLE TO REPLICATE THE ISSUE WITH THE FOLLOWING STEPS: 1. WHILE THE CAR IS OFF, OPEN THE LIFT GATE. 2. MANUALLY CLOSE THE LIFT GATE, BUT SOFTLY. CLOSE IT ALL THE WAY. 3. TURN ON THE VEHICLE. THE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS WILL NOT WORK, EVEN IF YOU TURN THE LIGHTS OFF AND ON. 4. OPEN AND CLOSE THE LIFT GATE FIRMLY TO RESTORE BRAKE LIGHT FUNCTIONALITY. I DID NOT DISCOVER THIS ISSUE UNTIL THREE DAYS AFTER…
2015 Audi Q3: questions owners ask
Is the 2015 Audi Q3 reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 24 complaints with NHTSA about the 2015 Audi Q3; the most common categories were engine (8, 33.3%), fuel/propulsion system (5, 20.8%), suspension (5, 20.8%). There are 2 safety recalls. 1 injury was reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2015 Audi Q3?
Across 24 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are engine (33.3% of complaints), fuel/propulsion system (20.8% of complaints), suspension (20.8% of complaints), air bags (12.5% of complaints), electrical system (8.3% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2015 Audi Q3 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2015 Audi Q3; the most recent (campaign 16V642000, 2016-09-06) concerns Electrical System: Software. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2015 Audi Q3 stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
3 of the 24 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2015 Audi Q3 (12.5%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "I am reporting that authorized dealer Audi Knoxville (Harper Auto Square) is KNOWINGLY AND WILLINGLY attempting to force me to operate an unsafe vehicle." (NHTSA complaint 11736168, May 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
What causes a knocking, ticking or rattling noise in the 2015 Audi Q3 engine?
3 of the 24 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2015 Audi Q3 (12.5%) describe a knocking, ticking or rattling engine noise. One owner wrote: "My 2015 q3 is having the same problem timing chain failure lined in the 2019 recall for models from 2008-2014. my 2015 has about 51,000 miles and should not be having this issue according to several mechanics and my audi representative could not provide me…" (NHTSA complaint 11318290, March 2020). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Does the 2015 Audi Q3 have rust or paint problems?
3 of the 24 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2015 Audi Q3 (12.5%) describe rust, corrosion or peeling paint. One owner wrote: "The rear subframe broke while driving due to rust and corrosion causing the driver side rear wheel to be at an acute angle which caused the car to wobble all over the road. The car is currently not safe to drive." (NHTSA complaint 11762839, September 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own Q3
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA anonymised MOT results (Open Government Licence v3.0), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2015 only.