VehicleVerdict

2018 Audi Q3 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2018 Audi Q3 sits mid-pack among Q3 years: 30 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 22, with a single recall and no defect investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across other (7), engine (6), and electrical system (6), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

30

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2018 compare to other Q3 years?

Q3 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 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, 2018 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Q3 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2018 Audi Q3 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Other723%
Engine620%
Electrical System620%
Airbags413%
Tires & Wheels310%
Transmission13%
Brakes13%
Fuel System13%
Steering13%

Does the 2018 Audi Q3 have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“Panoramic sunroof exploded today while driving at highway speeds. Broken glass gave way. Car was not struck by any objects before the glass failed. There were no warnings. Have not yet taken the car to a dealer or service provider. Though it did not happen to me, there’s danger from the explosion…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · May 26, 2022

“The contact owns a 2018 Audi Q3. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled without warning. The contact was assisted by a Police Officer to move the vehicle out of the roadway. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed but was not yet…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · February 17, 2022

“The entire air conditioning system had to be replaced at the tune of $2422. The car is only 5 1/2 years old and it was not covered under warranty. I have researched this issue online and there are numerous people complaining about this very same issue. Why haven't a recall been campaigned? air…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 1, 2024

“The steering wheel started to make a weird noise while turning the airbag light then came on the steering wheel buttons stopped working. Took the car to dealer and the clock spring was defective non working. This is a safety issue I paid 821.57 to fix this issue out of pocket. My car only has 50 k…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · May 14, 2022

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 AUDI Q3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A FAILURE WITH THE DIMENSION OF THE TIRES PERTAINING TO A CASTER DIAGNOSIS. THE COLOR GREEN DISPLAYED IF THE TIRES WERE BALANCED AND ALIGNED CORRECTLY WHEN INSTALLED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRE INSPECTION CASTER TESTING…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · April 24, 2019

2018 Audi Q3 — common questions

Is the 2018 Audi Q3 reliable?

It is close to typical for the Q3: 30 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2018 Q3 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are other (7 complaints), engine (6 complaints), electrical system (6 complaints).

Does the 2018 Audi Q3 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2018 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.