Owners have filed 13 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the electrical, seat belts, and fuel system. The 8 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.
2021Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.
0/8 checked
2021 Audi Q3: inspection sheet
Before you go, or before you touch the car0/2
Engine off, key in hand0/2
Ask the seller not to warm the car up first0/3
At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/1
These checks are specific to this model year. For tires, body panels, fluids, and the other basics every used car needs, use the general inspection guide.
These years share the 2021's design and most of its parts, so their problems are the ones to look for on this car too.
Worth adding to your 2021 checks
Worth adding to your 2021 checks
Worth adding to your 2021 checks
EPA figures for each version of the 2021 Audi Q3. Use them to confirm you are looking at the version that was advertised, and as a yardstick on the test drive.
| Version | Drive | EPA rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl | AWD | 25 mpg |
NHTSA complaints for the 2021 Audi Q3, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.
Stalling at highway speed is the most serious report, with shuddering and a stop-start malfunction warning plus a check engine light in the days before. Other complaints describe a child safety lock failure alert that comes back after a dealer repair, which could let a rear door open while driving. Water leaking from the roof near the dome light is also reported. During heavy rain the lights dim and brighten, water drips near the power outlets, and the driver-side headlight fogs up. The excerpts give no mileages.
Front and rear seat belts failing to hold occupants in a crash is the central complaint. One rear-end crash at highway speed caused 2 injuries, and the front seats reclined and broke on impact. A separate report filed here describes a child lock malfunction error that keeps rear passengers from opening the doors from inside, even with the child lock turned off. A dealer software update did not fix it, and the alert returned the next day. That raises a risk of passengers being trapped after a crash.
Fuel tank faults cause trouble refueling and false fuel readings. In one pattern, the gauge shows plenty of fuel while the tank is actually empty, and the car stalls without warning and will not restart. Replacing one sensor did not cure it, and the dealer's only remaining fix was a new tank. In another pattern, the pump nozzle keeps shutting off and no fuel goes in. That problem came back even after the tank was replaced. Both carry a risk of stalling in traffic.
Excerpts from complaints Q3 owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.
Child safety lock failure alert. First incident was January 2023. Second was July 2023. Repeating issue after repair. Puts small children at risk for being able to open door while vehicle is operating which also would distract the driver.
Filed with NHTSA, July 2023
Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.
The 2021 ranks fifth for owner complaints among 8 Q3 years, well under the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.
Redesigns and mid-cycle updates change what can go wrong.
The 2021 is the third model year of the Q3's second generation (2019–2023).
Recall repairs are free at any Audi dealer, but the seller may never have had them done. Check each campaign number against the VIN.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Audi Q3 vehicles. The vent pipe within the fuel tank may have been damaged during fuel tank assembly.
Risk: A damaged vent pipe may allow fuel to spill out of the filler neck when the fuel cap is opened, increasing the risk of an injury.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the internal vent pipe for damage and replace the charcoal canister and the fuel tank, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 1, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20DS.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Volkswagen ID4, Audi A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, Q3, Q5, Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S4 Sedan, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, S5 Sportback, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, SQ8, and 2021-2022 S3 Sedan vehicles. The rear seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection.".
Risk: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect, and replace as necessary, the middle-rear seat belt assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 27, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69CR (VW) and 69CS (Audi).
Cars shoppers compare with the Audi Q3, with their own 2021 checklists.
2021 owner complaints, side by side
