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2016 Audi Q3 problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2016 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.
- 3safety recalls
- 28owner complaints
- 1crash report
- 1fire report
- 17%fail the UK MOT
28 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 2016 Audi Q3?
The components named most often in the 28 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2016 Audi Q3 owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 28 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
Has the 2016 Audi Q3 been recalled?
3 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
Exterior Lighting: Turn Signal Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Audi Q3 vehicles equipped with LED headlights. An inoperable front turn signal may not illuminate an indicator, failing to alert the driver to the issue. 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: 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.
Fix: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will update the body control module (BCM), free of charge. The recall began June 21, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 97DK.
Exterior Lighting: Brake Lights Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Audi Q3 vehicles. If the parking brake is used during emergency braking, the brake lights on the vehicle will not activate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk: A vehicle approaching from behind may not have any warning that the vehicle is stopping, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle software, free of charge. The recall began July 31, 2017. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 45G6.
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.
Is the 2016 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 DVSAPassenger airbag may not deploy as intended
Risk: A connection between the detonator and generator in the front passenger airbag module may not be correctly welded. Therefore the airbag may not be triggered in the event of a collision.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the front passenger airbag module.
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 GateA welded joint in the gas generator of the front passenger airbag may be faulty.This means that, in the event of an accident, the airbag may not deploy properly.
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 2016 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 2016, 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 2016 Audi Q3 owners report?
12 of the 28 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.
The engine oil consumption rate is alarming going thru quarts or entire oil change in a week or two of driving depending how much it was driven. Audi has admitted the pistons are at fault along with piston rings. It is unsafe and can cause engine to seize up and lose control which can lead to dangerous situations or accidents. I was never informed with a class action settlement from Audi. I have lived at the same address for 21 years. I never received a letter from Audi of the class action settlement due to oil consumption.
To Whom It May Concern: I am writing this communication to you per an attorney referral. I have an Audi that was included in the Turbo Class Action Lawsuit. See [XXX] My VIN was included in the lawsuit. The lawsuit was won on December 4th 2025. The class action lawsuit only covers and reimburses consumers who had paid out of pocket (prior to a certain date) expenses incurred fixing the Turbo. I have a letter from a Master Mechanic who is saying my engine problems are due to the turbo being bad however, I have not had the issue fixed. The class action lawsuit does not cover consumers who have…
The vehicle emits a smell of fuel into the cabin of the car, and if the windows are up, this makes the driver sleepy and could cause a crash. It does not read fuel levels properly. The car has been taken to Butler, who said they could not find a problem. It was then taken to Audi Agusta (Gerald Jones), they replaced a fuel line that had to be correctly tigheted by another servicer Autobahn Automotive in Augusta Ga. That all happened in October and November of 2025. It is December 2025 with the same issue and no correction at this point.
In 4/2024 car wouldn’t start. Took to Audi for new battery and was told Water pump failed so it was replaced with delays. In 3/2025 noticed no heat and car took a long time to warm up. Took back to dealership replaced thermostat. Still no heat so I was told ok to drive but need to flush heater core to fix heat issue for $3500. Started my car on 8/14/2025 had multiple lights come on dash (lights, brake, TPMs, epc, and brake fluid) so I turned off. Took to mechanic for inspection told something strange different codes instructed to take to dealer. On 10/8/2025 took back to Audi for evaluation…
My Audi Q3 was in repair at Audi Spokane WA for an issue with the steering wheel, horn and airbag. I had it inspected at a shop in Moscow ID who diagnosed the damage as the Wheel Clock Spring. Lux Auto Hause advised that I contact Audi Dealership and stated the clock spring is under warranty. I made the next available appt with the dealership because Audi required my vehicle to be inspected at the dealership in Spokane WA before covering a warranty repair. The dealership is approximately 150 miles away and Audi stated in their letter that my Q3 had to meet qualifying factors for the warranty…
My vehicle's Airbag clock spring control unit has failed and does not work. This happened in June 2022. This part controls my airbag, my horn, vehicle display unit and other functions like the radio controls along with navigation. I had this confirmed by my local car repair shop. There is currently an air bag warning light illuminated which has been on consistently since June 2022. My horn does not work and has not worked since June 2022. Just prior to this failure the steering wheel made a plastic like crinkling noise. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Audi Services has…
My rear lights are not working properly. I had a malfunction warning and for the right rear light. Which is making all the lights not functioning. It almost had me rear ended.
Failure of seal between injector and fuel rail caused fuel to be sprayed into engine compartment. I believe the injector seal was damaged during a prior service. Fuel sprayed onto the front of the engine and gasoline fumes filled cabin. Check engine light came on after engine died from lack of fuel. Safety issue is the accumulation of gasoline in the engine compartment & the car continues to pump fuel. No apparent safety measure to cut off fuel when excessive fuel is being delivered to engine. I repaired vehicle, but only replaced the bad o-ring and another o-ring that appeared to be damaged…
Passenger-side rear seat belt buckle (latch) no longer secures the seat belt tongue (latch plate). Repeated attempts were made to engage the tongue and reset the buckle with no success. Seat is currently unusable.
MY AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON , SCAN SAYS THAT IGNITER IS SHORTING TOO GROUND, PASSANGER SIDE ISSUE Q3 'S ARE BUILT ON THE A3 PLATFORM AND SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER THE A3 AIRBAG RECALL 2015-2019
CONTINUE TO MALFUNCTION WHILE DRIVING. LIGHT,BRAKE, SEAT LIGHT,SYSTEM LIGHT,TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT, STEERING LIGHT, EVERYTHING IS MALFUNCTION INCLUDING THE BATTERY LIFHT,LIGHT, UT WOULDN'T START,HAD THE BATTERY REPLACE AND ALL THE LIGHTS STILL ON ON THE VEHICLE. AFAID TO DRIVE IT THAT IT COULD CATCH ON FIRE WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM MALFUNCTION. WOULD NOT START SITTING HAD TO JUMP IT TO GET HOME.
POWER STEERING FAILURE ON AUDI Q3 2016 MY CAR HAS FAILED ON ME TWICE. THE PROBLEM IS THAT THE STEERING WHEEL STOPS WORKING DURING LONG COMMUTES. IT HAS HAPPENED TWICE THAT DURING A 100 MILE JOURNEY, I STOP THE ENGINE AND START IT AGAIN AND THE STEERING WHEEL IS STIFF. THE FIRST TIME I CALLED ROAD SIDE ASSISTANCE BUT JUST BEFORE THEY DISPATCHED A TOWING TRUCK I STARTED THE CAR AGAIN AND THE PROBLEM WASN'T THERE ANYMORE. THIS HAPPENED ON MAY 19, 2017. THE SECOND TIME IT HAPPENED THE SAME WAY. AFTER A 100 MILE DRIVE I STOP AND START AGAIN AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS STIFF AGAIN. THE SECOND TIME…
2016 Audi Q3: questions owners ask
Is the 2016 Audi Q3 reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 28 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Audi Q3; the most common categories were electrical system (10, 35.7%), engine (7, 25%), air bags (3, 10.7%). There are 3 safety recalls. 1 complaint mentions a crash, 1 mentions a fire.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Audi Q3?
Across 28 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are electrical system (35.7% of complaints), engine (25% of complaints), air bags (10.7% of complaints), fuel/propulsion system (10.7% of complaints), exterior lighting (7.1% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2016 Audi Q3 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2016 Audi Q3; the most recent (campaign 19V385000, 2019-05-23) concerns Exterior Lighting: Turn Signal. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why won't my 2016 Audi Q3 start?
4 of the 28 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 Audi Q3 (14.3%) describe the car failing to start. One owner wrote: "Continue to malfunction while driving. light,brake, seat light,system light,tire pressure light, steering light, everything is malfunction including the battery lifht,light, ut wouldn't start,had the battery replace and all the lights still on on the vehicle." (NHTSA complaint 11349635, August 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.
Why is the airbag light on in my 2016 Audi Q3?
3 of the 28 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 Audi Q3 (10.7%) describe airbag warning lights or airbag faults. One owner wrote: "My air bag light is on , scan says that igniter is shorting too ground, passanger side issue q3 's are built on the a3 platform and should be covered under the a3 airbag recall 2015-2019" (NHTSA complaint 11415157, May 2021). 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.
Why do the tires wear fast or the tire pressure light come on in my 2016 Audi Q3?
3 of the 28 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 Audi Q3 (10.7%) describe tire wear, blowouts or tire pressure warnings. One owner wrote: "255/40 R19 100H Rear driver side tire spontaneously blew while parked. Tire side wall shows about 1.5 inch linear mark with irregular border (not cut by a person but occurred naturally)." (NHTSA complaint 11428252, August 2021). 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 2016 only.