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2020 Audi Q3 problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2020 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
- 66owner complaints
- 3crash reports
- 0fire reports
- 7%fail the UK MOT
The most complained-about Audi Q3 year on file: 66 complaints, against an average of 17 for the other 10 model years.
Every Audi Q3 model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2020 Audi Q3?
The components named most often in the 66 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2020 Audi Q3 owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 66 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- Why does my 2020 Audi Q3 stall, lose power or shut off while driving?13 owners · 19.7%
- Why does the auto start-stop system act up on my 2020 Audi Q3?11 owners · 16.7%
- Why does water leak into my 2020 Audi Q3?6 owners · 9.1%
- Why does my 2020 Audi Q3 transmission jerk, shudder or shift hard?4 owners · 6.1%
- Why does my 2020 Audi Q3 idle rough, misfire or hesitate?3 owners · 4.5%
Has the 2020 Audi Q3 been recalled?
3 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
Steering Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Tiguan, 2018-2019 Atlas, and 2019-2021 Audi Q3 vehicles. One of the bolts that attaches the steering rack to the subframe may corrode and break. If this happens, the steering rack housing can break.
Risk: A broken steering rack housing can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the right-side steering rack mounting bolt, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 10, 2026. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 48LG and 48VT. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on September 16, 2026.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic: Pedals And Linkages Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2020 Audi Q3 vehicles. The brake pedal plate can bend or detach under the pressure applied during sudden stopping.
Risk: A bent or detached brake pedal plate decreases the contact area for the driver's foot and increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the weld between the brake pedal and the brake pedal plate and, as necessary, replace the entire brake pedal, free of charge. The recall began January 12, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 46i7.
Seats Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling one 2020 Audi Q3 vehicle. The driver's seat frame may have incorrectly been bolted to the seat rail.
Risk: The incorrect bolt connection could fail, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Fix: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the bolt connection and, as necessary, replace the seat structure, free of charge. The recall began November 10, 2020. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 72L4.
Is the 2020 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 DVSA48LG Replacing bolt for steering rack
Risk: On Audi Q3 and Q6 (MQB China only) models manufactured within a specific period corrosion may occur on a bolted connection securing the steering rack due to moisture entering in combination with significant exposure to road salt. Gradual corrosion can impair the secure attachment of the steering rack and lead to it no longer being possible to steer the vehicle increasing the risk of an accident.
Fix: The bolted connection for the steering rack will be replaced on all affected vehicles.
UK DVSAThe fuse in the high-voltage system may have been manufactured with an insufficient quantity of extinguishing sand
Risk: The fuse in the high-voltage system (HV system) in vehicles built within a limited period may have been manufactured with an insufficient quantity of extinguishing sand.
Fix: Insulation must be fitted above the switching unit for the high-voltage battery.
UK DVSAThe design trim on the power unit can become detached from its retainers
Risk: The design trim on the power unit can become detached from its retainers.
Fix: The design trim on the power unit must be removed on the affected vehicles.
UK DVSAThe bolted connection on the input rod between the electromechanical brake servo and brake pedal can be come loose
Risk: The bolted connection of the pull rod between the electromechanical brake servo and brake pedal may come loose resulting in a loss of all service braking ability.
Fix: Vehicles are not to be driven and the bolted connection of the input rod between the electromechanical brake servo and brake pedal must be checked and if necessary retightened.
UK DVSASeat frame may not be bolted correctly to the rail on the driver and passenger sides
Risk: The seat frame may not have been bolted correctly to the seat rail on the driver and/or front passenger side
Fix: Check the affected seat frame connection and replace the frame if required.
EU Safety GateThe fuse in the high-voltage (HV) system may have been produced with an insufficient amount of extinguishing sand.In the event of a short circuit in the high-voltage system, a voltage flashover could occur inside the vehicle and subsequently pose a risk of fire and injuries.
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 GateDesign engine covers installed on all affected vehicles could detach from their fixings depending on the conditions of use (e.g.very sporty driving, or poor road surfaces) and their age. A loose engine cover could come into contact with the hot area of the exhaust gas turbocharger, increasing the risk of burns or fire.
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 GateThe bolt of the pressure-input shaft situated between the electromechanical brake servo and the brake pedal may come loose.As a result, the mechanical connection between the brake pedal and thebrake servo would no longer be guaranteed, increasing the risk of anaccident.In the event of an emergency, the vehicle can be immobilised by activating the electronic parking brake. The product does not meet the requirements set out in the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles
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: 10/09/2021
EU Safety GateDue to a manufacturing error, a weld joint between the brake pedal and the brake-pedal plate could break when the brake pedal is suddenly…Years estimatedDue to a manufacturing error, a weld joint between the brake pedal and the brake-pedal plate could break when the brake pedal is suddenly applied.This can result in complete detachment of the brake-pedal plate, 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 GateDue to a manufacturing error, the belt-pulley securing ring of the steering system may not be fully engaged.As a result, the securing ring may become detached and subsequently jam with surrounding components, leading to possible locking of the steering system.
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 GateThe screw connection attaching the seat frame to the seat rail may not be correctly executed.As a result, it may fail in the event of an accident, increasing the risk of injury.
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 GateThe breaking point for the release of the front passenger airbag in the console may not have been fabricated correctly.As a result, the airbag may not penetrate the console as required in the event of deployment.This will impair its restraining and protective functions, increasing the risk of an injury.
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 2020 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 2020, 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 2020 Audi Q3 owners report?
12 of the 66 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 contact owns a 2020 Audi Q3. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving 2 MPH, the vehicle started shaking, and there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The steering wheel was shaking and became uncontrollable, and the vehicle crashed into a parked BMW. Upon research, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V590000 (Steering). The driver left a message. The driver of the BMW was gone when the driver returned. There was damages to the parked BMW.
The contact owns a 2020 Audi Q3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V590000 (Steering); however, the part to complete the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue.
I purchased this vehicle new in June 2020. Since January 2022, it has experienced recurring water intrusion into the passenger cabin during heavy rain. Water leaks from the ceiling around the overhead console near the front reading/map lights. During heavy rain, water pools and causes the interior lights to turn on unexpectedly while driving. Generally, the lights cannot be turned off or immediately reactivate, creating a safety hazard at night. Water also drips onto the infotainment screen and center stack controls. To try to protect interior electronics, I have used absorbent materials to…
I purchased my 2020 Audi Q3 in August of 2020. I am submitting this complaint regarding the recurring and unacceptable issue with my Audi. In February of 2023 my vehicle started shaking and stalled while driving. I could not restart for awhile, after a few minutes it restarted. I took it to Audi and they verified that the output of fuel pump did not meet minimum flow. They replaced the pump. Then in November of 2025 my car stalled again, doing the same thing, after a few minutes it would restart but kept intermittently stalling. This Fuel Pump malfunctioned again, and now this time both of…
Rear hatch randomly operable / inoperable. "Reset" computer without success. Dangerous situation as anything inside hatch is not not accessible. Was told by Audi that the entire rear hatch latch system needs replacement and this is "a common issue"...
I purchased a 2020 Audi Q3 S-Line (VIN: [XXX] ) on [XXX], with 27,564 miles on it. I bought the vehicle from a dealership that specializes in high-end aftermarket cars, and they provided a maintenance report stating the vehicle had passed all inspections at the time of sale. The vehicle had been imported from Canada to the U.S., and the Carfax report reflected consistent maintenance at authorized Audi dealerships in Canada, including a full inspection and alternator/electrical system check roughly a year before my purchase — with no problems reported. In early July 2025, I began experiencing…
Not sure if this requires investigation by NHTSA so I am reporting it and will let you decide. 2020 Audi Q-3. Purchased Certified Pre-Owned in April 2023 with 13,000 miles on it. Found that at highway speed when you apply brakes the pedal pulsates and shudders. I now have 17,900 miles on it and the pulsation is getting worse. To my regret we did not take a very long test ride when buying. I have not lost control or had any accident, but I Googled the problem and found that this is a common complaint with many Audi models. Brought car back to dealer who states that I need to replace front disc…
Had service at 34999 - reported hard shifting between 1st/2nd then revved abnormally high at 32k. Dealer was unable to reproduce during service - appointments are a month out. Car has had propulsion/fuel system not responding at random at various severities and rough idle like the engine was struggling to get fuel. Also reported during last service. On one occasion vehicle shutoff at lower speed at approx 20k.
CAR LEASED JULY 2020, HAS 1936 MILES, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON 4/14/21, TOOK TO DEALER , LEFT FOR REPAIR . DEALER STATES 'REPLACE FUEL PUMP MODULE ' REQUIRED . THIS CAR ALSO HAD PROBLEM IN MARCH 2021 WHICH I REPORTED WHERE CAR SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING. DEALER SAID SOFTWARE UPDATE WAS REQUIRED FROM RECALL THAT I HAD NOT GOTTEN NOTICE FOR .
WE STOPPED AT AN ALL WAY STOP INTERSECTION AND THE CAR'S STOP-START SYSTEM HAD TURNED OFF THE ENGINE. WHEN THE ENGINE RESTARTED THE ENGINE HESITATED, WARNING LIGHTS LIT UP ON THE DASH, AND THE CAR WENT INTO ITS "LIMP HOME" MODE. WE WERE IN THE PROCESS OF MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN AND THE CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE ABOVE A VERY SLOW SPEED. LUCKILY IT WAS ON A CITY STREET WITH A 25 MPH LIMIT AND TRAFFIC WAS LIGHT. WE WERE ABLE TO MAKE IT THROUGH THE INTERSECTION AND PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. WE TURNED THE CAR OFF AND WAITED A FEW SECONDS AND RESTARTED IT. THE CAR WORKED NORMALLY AFTER RESTARTING…
ON FOUR OCCASIONS, THE ENGINE STOPPED WORKING AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS NOT ABLE TO BE TURNED. THIS PREVENTED THE DRIVER FROM MOVING THE VEHICLE FORWARD AND STEERING OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION. IF THE CAR IS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED, THE PROBLEM RESOLVES WITH THIS RESET. THE INTERVALS BETWEEN THESE EPISODES HAVE BEEN SEVERAL MONTHS. THERE ARE NO SPECIFICALLY COMMON VARIABLES, OTHER THAN A LOWER SPEED - START/STOP AS IN WAITING TO CROSS A LINE OF TRAFFIC OR PROCEEDING THROUGH A STOP SIGN. I HAVE TAKEN THE Q3 TO THE DEALER 3 TIMES NOW AND HAVE BEEN…
IN FRONT PASSENGER SEAT IF PASSENGER SITS ON A CUSHION (MY WIFE HAS HIP PROBLEM) OR BLANKET ETC IT TURNS OFF PASSENGER AIRBAG. REPORTED NUMEROUS TIME TO DEALER AND THEIR RESPONSE IS AUDI DESIGNED IT THAT WAY. EASILY REPLICATED. NEXT, VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY AND WITHOUT PROVOCATION SUDDENLY ACCELERATES AT LOW SPEEDS'4-5MPH TO 9-10MPH. ITS UNNERVING ESPECIALLY IF CAR IN FRONT. AIRBAG IS ALL THE TIME EVERYWHERE. ACCELERATION IS GOING FROM STOP TO MOVING PARKING LOTS, STOP LIGHT, ETC. BOTH HAVE HAPPENED SINCE DELIVERY. REPORTED TO DEALER NUMEROUS TIME. NO ANSWER.
2020 Audi Q3: questions owners ask
Is the 2020 Audi Q3 reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 66 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020 Audi Q3; the most common categories were electrical system (22, 33.3%), engine (20, 30.3%), steering (11, 16.7%). There are 3 safety recalls. 3 complaints mention a crash.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Audi Q3?
Across 66 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are electrical system (33.3% of complaints), engine (30.3% of complaints), steering (16.7% of complaints), fuel/propulsion system (15.2% of complaints), power train (9.1% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2020 Audi Q3 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2020 Audi Q3; the most recent (campaign 26V590000, 2026-09-11) concerns Steering. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2020 Audi Q3 stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
13 of the 66 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2020 Audi Q3 (19.7%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "Car leased july 2020, has 1936 miles, check engine light came on 4/14/21, took to dealer , left for repair . dealer states 'replace fuel pump module ' required . this car also had problem in march 2021 which i reported where car shut off while driving." (NHTSA complaint 11408429, April 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 does the auto start-stop system act up on my 2020 Audi Q3?
11 of the 66 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2020 Audi Q3 (16.7%) describe problems with the automatic start-stop system. One owner wrote: "When the auto start-stop function activates (turning the engine off), the steering wheel locks. the car can continue to roll when you let your foot off the brake to start moving again, but the steering wheel remains locked not allowing you to steer the car…" (NHTSA complaint 11277932, November 2019). 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 does water leak into my 2020 Audi Q3?
6 of the 66 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2020 Audi Q3 (9.1%) describe water leaks into the cabin, sunroof or trunk. One owner wrote: "The sunroof leaked during rain causing both known and unknown damage to electrical components in the overhead panel. Lights came on and went off intermittently." (NHTSA complaint 11754419, August 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.
Why does my 2020 Audi Q3 transmission jerk, shudder or shift hard?
4 of the 66 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2020 Audi Q3 (6.1%) describe harsh, jerky or delayed transmission shifting or shuddering. One owner wrote: "Had service at 34999 - reported hard shifting between 1st/2nd then revved abnormally high at 32k. Dealer was unable to reproduce during service - appointments are a month out." (NHTSA complaint 11472997, July 2022). 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 does my 2020 Audi Q3 idle rough, misfire or hesitate?
3 of the 66 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2020 Audi Q3 (4.5%) describe rough idling, misfires or hesitation when accelerating. One owner wrote: "Had service at 34999 - reported hard shifting between 1st/2nd then revved abnormally high at 32k. Dealer was unable to reproduce during service - appointments are a month out." (NHTSA complaint 11472997, July 2022). 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 2020 only.