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2020 Audi Q3 recalls & problems

The 2020 Audi Q3 has 3 safety recalls and 66 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is electrical system (22 complaints).

Recalls3safety recalls
Complaints66filed by owners
Crashes · fires3 · 0reported in complaints
NHTSA overall5 ★crash-test stars
2020 Audi Q3 in an NHTSA crash test
NHTSA crash test

Safety recalls

SteeringSep 11, 2026

Steering

Recall 26V590000208,724 vehicles

Problem
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, hydraulicDec 16, 2020

Pedals and linkages

Recall 20V786000313 vehicles

Problem
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.
SeatsOct 19, 2020

Critical fasteners

Recall 20V6440001 vehicles

Problem
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.

Components: Seats › Critical fasteners; Seats

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2020 Audi Q3 SUV AWD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk16.4%

Forward collision warning: Standard · Lane departure warning: No

2020 Audi Q3 NHTSA side crash test
NHTSA side barrier crash test
2020 Audi Q3 NHTSA side pole crash test
NHTSA side pole crash test

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Q3 quattro

22mpg combined
City / highway19 / 27 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S8) · All-Wheel Drive · about $3,050/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem areaComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesTypical mileage*
Electrical system221001,700 mi
Engine200002,000 mi
Unknown or other180001,500 mi
Steering11100275 mi
Fuel/propulsion system100001,950 mi
Vehicle speed control60001,545 mi
Power train60002,000 mi
Service brakes50006,500 mi
StructureBody4000—
Exterior lighting4000—
Air bags2100—
Wheels1000—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.