SUV · Gas
Audi Q3 2015-2018 (8U)
- Your fit
- Take the quiz
- Price
- $32,500–$39,500
- MPG
- 23
- Strength: Strong reliability
- Watch-out: Poor running costs
- Watch-out: Poor cargo & utility
How it scores for you10 scores
Audi build quality in a dated, cramped, thirsty package that trailed the subcompact-luxury pack even in its prime.
Recalled somewhat less often than cars of the same model years; none of its 4 recalls were serious. About 4% of its owner complaints describe a crash, fire or injury. Based on recalls and serious defect reports — it doesn't capture everyday repairs or problems fixed by warranty extensions.
Not yet crash-tested by NHTSA, so this is scored as middle-of-the-road.
About $3,500 a year in fuel (EPA estimate) — cheaper to run than about 14% of cars we track.
16.7 cu ft of cargo space — more than about 18% of other SUVs we track.
Tight rear seat and a 16.7 cu ft hold - among the smallest in the class.
Softly sprung and slow-steering; the 200-hp 2.0T is adequate at best.
Carried old-platform MMI without CarPlay for most of the run - behind the class even when new.
Solid little cabin with a comfortable ride; classic Audi build.
Luxury brands like Audi tend to lose value faster than average.
No published tow rating; all- or four-wheel drive available.
Safety & recalls9 recalls
Not yet rated by NHTSA.
9 recalls · 3 common complaint areas across 2015–2018
- Electrical — 9 complaints (2016)
- Recall — Exterior lighting: turn signal (2018)
- Unknown or other — 7 complaints (2018)
2018
- RecallExterior lighting: turn signal19V385000
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
- Complaint clusterUnknown or other7 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Heard a loud exploding sound while driving down the street. Quickly realized that the sunroof exploded and shattered on it own. No impact and nothing fell on it. Just a random explosion. Called local Audi dealership and they have heard of this issue in Audis, but that there is no active recall.
- Complaint clusterEngine5 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE
On 5/18/2026 my wife left home to run an errand in our newly purchased 2018 Audi Q3. About 1-2 miles away from home, she experienced a strange sound coming from the engine bay, the car lost accelerating power, and the car displayed a warning message that the oil pressure was low and to stop operatin
- Complaint clusterElectrical5 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 /heat
2017
- RecallElectrical: software; exterior lighting16V642000
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 sid
- RecallExterior lighting: brake lights; forward collision avoidance: crash imminent braking17V400000
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
- RecallExterior lighting: turn signal19V385000
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
2016
- RecallElectrical: software; exterior lighting16V642000
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 sid
- RecallExterior lighting: brake lights; forward collision avoidance: crash imminent braking17V400000
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
- RecallExterior lighting: turn signal19V385000
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
- Complaint clusterElectrical9 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 co
- Complaint clusterEngine5 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE
The engine oil consumption rate is alarming going thru quarts or entire oil change in a week or two of driving depending how much it was driven. Audi has admitted the pistons are at fault along with piston rings. It is unsafe and can cause engine to seize up and lose control which can lead to danger
2015
- RecallVisibility: sun/moon roof assembly15V200000
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 co
- RecallElectrical: software; exterior lighting16V642000
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 sid
- Complaint clusterEngine6 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE
I am reporting that authorized dealer Audi Knoxville (Harper Auto Square) is KNOWINGLY AND WILLINGLY attempting to force me to operate an unsafe vehicle. Following an intake manifold repair, the dealership’s service staff identified carbon buildup and fouled spark plugs as a necessary repair, while
Cost to own$28,300 / 5 yr
MSRP, new
$32,500–$39,500
Estimated used price, by model year
$3,500/yr
EPA estimate, combined fuel cost per year.
Specs
City MPG
20
Highway MPG
28
Combined MPG
23
Horsepower
200 hp
Doors
4
Length
172.8 in
Width
72.0 in
Height
63.4 in
Wheelbase
102.4 in
Curb weight
3,494 lb
Cargo volume
16.7 cu ft
Cargo (seats folded)
48.2 cu ft
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