VehicleVerdict

2016 Audi Q3 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 38 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.7 times the median Q3 year — the 2016 model ranks #3 of 13 Q3 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 11 reports (29% of the total).

38

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2016 compare to other Q3 years?

Q3 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 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, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Q3 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 Audi Q3 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System1129%
Engine718%
Airbags38%
Fuel System38%
Other38%
Lighting25%
Tires & Wheels25%
Steering25%
Visibility & Wipers13%
Seat Belts13%
Seats13%
Body & Structure13%
Suspension13%

Does the 2016 Audi Q3 have recalls?

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

19V385000LightingMay 23, 2019 · 23,241 units

Defect

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."

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

17V400000Driver AssistanceJune 26, 2017 · 24,754 units

Defect

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."

Consequence

A vehicle approaching from behind may not have any warning that the vehicle is stopping, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“I WAS DRIVING AND SMELLED FIRE/SMOKE FROM THE DASHBOARD. THERE WAS THE START OF A FIRE AND SMOKE STARTED COMING OUT FROM BEHIND THE MMI SCREEN. THE CONNECTION FOR PHONE GOT CHOPPY BUT DID NOT GO OUT COMPLETELY.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 21, 2019 · fire

“Had pistons and rings replaced by Audi dealership. After repairs were completed my car was burning through excessive amounts of oil. The engine seized while I was driving on highway. A replacement engine was installed after that by Audi. Now have clusters lights on dash after picking up car from…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 28, 2024

“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”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · March 6, 2021

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · October 15, 2025

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · December 1, 2025

2016 Audi Q3 — common questions

Is the 2016 Audi Q3 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 38 complaints put the 2016 model at #3 of 13 Q3 years. It is one of the Q3 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2016 Q3 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (11 complaints), engine (7 complaints), fuel system (3 complaints).

Does the 2016 Audi Q3 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2016 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.