This page covers 5 recalls, 27 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2016 Audi Q3.
23 mpg combined
10.2 L/100km
Compact Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted.
The 2016 Audi Q3's complaint picture is spread thin across a small number of reports, but electrical system issues draw the most attention. Owners describe warning lights appearing on the instrument cluster, sometimes following unrelated repairs, and electrical gremlins that surface after other work is done on the car. Engine-related complaints include excessive oil consumption, a seized engine on the highway, and cooling system failures, specifically a water pump and thermostat that needed replacement within a few years of ownership. A handful of fuel system reports mention a noticeable fuel smell entering the cabin, along with inaccurate fuel level readings. The sunroof on affected cars generated at least one isolated report of unexpected behavior while driving on the highway. With only 27 total complaints on file, most of these themes are backed by just a few reports each, making it difficult to call anything here a clear pattern.
27
Total Complaints
1
Crash-Related
1
Fire-Related
By System
The 2016 Audi Q3 has 5 recalls, the most serious being a braking system issue where using the parking brake during an emergency stop causes the brake lights to fail, giving no warning to drivers behind.
The remaining recalls all involve exterior lighting. On vehicles equipped with LED headlights, a failed front turn signal will not trigger the fast-flashing indicator light on the dashboard that normally tells the driver something is wrong, so the driver may continue changing lanes or turning without realizing the signal is dark to other road users. A separate software issue can make the side marker lights stop working when the parking lights or headlights are switched on, reducing how visible the vehicle is to other drivers at night. Taken together, these lighting recalls mean the Q3 can fail to communicate its presence or intentions to surrounding traffic in several different situations, whether braking, signaling a turn, or simply running with lights on after dark.
At a glance
What can fail
When a front turn signal light burns out, the dashboard indicator doesn't flash faster to warn you the light is broken, as required by Canadian law.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the body control module software to enable the fast-flashing warning when a turn signal light fails.
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front turn signal may not work on vehicles with LED headlights. When this happens, the dashboard indicator light doesn't turn on to warn the driver.
What the fix does
Audi dealers will update the body control module software at no cost to restore proper turn signal operation and indicator display.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
When the parking brake is used during emergency braking, the brake lights don't turn on. Following drivers won't see you braking, increasing the risk of a rear-end crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will update your vehicle's software to fix the brake light issue.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
When the parking brake is used during emergency braking, the brake lights fail to illuminate, preventing other drivers from seeing that you are braking.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the vehicle's software at no charge to restore proper brake light function during emergency braking with the parking brake engaged.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Side marker lights may not work when parking lights or headlights are on due to incorrect software programming.
What the fix does
Dealers will upload corrected software to restore side marker light function at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
