VehicleVerdict

2015 Audi Q3 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 36 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.6 times the median Q3 year — the 2015 model ranks #4 of 13 Q3 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (8), fuel system (5), and other (3), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

36

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2015 compare to other Q3 years?

Q3 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2015 highlighted111 complaints2008: 2 complaints2015: 36 complaints2016: 38 complaints2017: 7 complaints2018: 30 complaints2019: 15 complaints2020: 111 complaints2021: 22 complaints2022: 50 complaints2023: 4 complaints2024: 25 complaints2025: 6 complaints2026: 3 complaints
Q3 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2015 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Q3 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2015 Audi Q3 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine822%
Fuel System514%
Visibility & Wipers38%
Other38%
Suspension38%
Airbags38%
Electrical System26%
Steering26%
Transmission26%
Driver Assistance13%
Lighting13%
Latches & Locks13%
Speed Control13%
Body & Structure13%

Does the 2015 Audi Q3 have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

16V642000LightingSeptember 6, 2016 · 79,895 units

Defect

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."

Consequence

If the side marker lights do not illuminate, the vehicle may be less visible at night, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

15V200000Visibility & WipersApril 3, 2015 · 3,646 units

Defect

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."

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“The contact owns a 2015 Audi Q3. The contact stated that the front driver’s side air bag was replaced under recall in November 2022. The contact stated that one month after the recall repair was completed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 18, 2022

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · March 16, 2020

“AUDI Q3 WHEN IT RAINS WATER LEAKS SOMEWHERE IN THE BACK OF MY CAR MOST LIKELY THE SUNROOF AND IT'S NOT DRAINING PROPERLY SO THE SEATBELTS ARE ALL SOAKING WET. MY CAR SMELLS MUSTY AND MOLDY. I HAVE READ THAT THERE ARE SEVERAL PEOPLE WITH THE SAME ISSUE.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · December 20, 2019

“REARVIEW MIRROR OPENED UP AND FELL OFF WITH WIRES DANGLING, WHEN TRYING TO ADJUST HAPPENED TWICE,HAD TO TAKE TO DEALER , HE SAYS SAYS ONLY TO ME? BLOCKS FRONT VISION AS WELL AS REAR VIEW.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · March 18, 2016

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · November 1, 2023

2015 Audi Q3 — common questions

Is the 2015 Audi Q3 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 36 complaints put the 2015 model at #4 of 13 Q3 years. It is one of the Q3 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2015 Q3 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (8 complaints), fuel system (5 complaints), other (3 complaints).

Does the 2015 Audi Q3 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2015 Audi Q3. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Audi Q3 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Q3 years to avoid are 2020, 2022, 2016, 2015. The cleanest record among Q3 years belongs to 2008.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.