VehicleVerdict

2020 Audi Q3 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 111 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 5.1 times the median Q3 year — the 2020 model ranks #1 of 13 Q3 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (22), engine (21), and other (17), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

111

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2020 compare to other Q3 years?

Q3 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 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, 2020 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Q3 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2020 Audi Q3 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System2220%
Engine2119%
Other1715%
Fuel System109%
Steering98%
Transmission65%
Speed Control65%
Brakes55%
Lighting44%
Body & Structure44%
Airbags22%
Driver Assistance22%
Tires & Wheels22%
Visibility & Wipers11%

Does the 2020 Audi Q3 have recalls?

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

20V786000BrakesDecember 16, 2020 · 313 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A bent or detached brake pedal plate decreases the contact area for the driver's foot and increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

20V644000SeatsOctober 19, 2020 · 1 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

The incorrect bolt connection could fail, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“I was driving on a highway at 65 miles per hour, it was a rental car and the car automatically short stopped by itself and i was unable to move it. the dashboard lights looked like they were blinking and then my car was hit from behind ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 28, 2023 · crash

“CAR LEASED JULY 2020, HAS 1936 MILES, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON 4/14/21, TOOK TO DEALER , LEFT FOR REPAIR . DEALER STATES 'REPLACE FUEL PUMP MODULE ' REQUIRED . THIS CAR ALSO HAD PROBLEM IN MARCH 2021 WHICH I REPORTED WHERE CAR SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING. DEALER SAID SOFTWARE UPDATE WAS REQUIRED FROM…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 14, 2021

“CAR COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN, DRIVING 30 MILES AN HOUR, HAD NO POWER OR STEERING . DEALER 'NEVER HEARD OF IT' BUT HAD A RECALL SOFTWARE UPDATE I HAD NOT BEEN TOLD ABOUT FOR THE 'ENGINE CONTROL UNIT''SOFTWARE EA888 BOSCH AND CONTINENTAL. AND 'INTERNAL CONTROL MODULE PERFORMANCE CAUSED LOST POWER TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · March 3, 2021

“CAR LEASED JULY 2020, HAS 1936 MILES, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON 4/14/21, TOOK TO DEALER , LEFT FOR REPAIR . DEALER STATES 'REPLACE FUEL PUMP MODULE ' REQUIRED . THIS CAR ALSO HAD PROBLEM IN MARCH 2021 WHICH I REPORTED WHERE CAR SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING. DEALER SAID SOFTWARE UPDATE WAS REQUIRED FROM…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · April 14, 2021

“HAVE HAD SEVERAL INSTANCES WHERE LANE ASSIST HAS SUDDENLY TURNED THE CAR INTO ANOTHER LANE, OFTEN FOLLOWING A CRACK IN THE ROAD. HAVE NEARLY HAD ACCIDENT RELATED TO THIS SUDDEN LOSS OF CONTROL. DEALERSHIP NOT HELPFUL, DECLARING THAT EVERYTHING IS WORKING FINE. PURCHASED THIS CAR FOR MY 16 YEAR-OLD…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · April 15, 2020

2020 Audi Q3 — common questions

Is the 2020 Audi Q3 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 111 complaints put the 2020 model at #1 of 13 Q3 years. It is one of the Q3 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2020 Q3 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (22 complaints), engine (21 complaints), other (17 complaints).

Does the 2020 Audi Q3 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2020 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.

How safe is the 2020 Audi Q3?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2020 Audi Q3 earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

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.