The Lemon Index
2017
2019Complaints only. Too few sold to score: 16,828 in the U.S. in 2018 (sales source), under the 20,000 a fair per-car score needs. Owners filed 7 complaints in its first 3 years.
7 owner complaints, first 3 years 23 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2018 Acura RDX 282018 BMW X3 322018 Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC 40
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
Engines & versions
When problems show up
No complaints for this year listed a mileage, so we can't say when problems show up.
Questions to ask the seller
- Were recall 19V385000 (lights) done? Ask for the dealer printout, or check the VIN.
- Do all the lights, screens and power features work? Has the battery, alternator or any wiring been replaced?
- Do the brakes feel even, with no ABS or brake warning light? When were the pads and brake fluid last done?
From this year's own recalls, top problems, top repair bills and Audi's repair notes. Recall repairs are free at any dealer.
How serious. Out of all 7 owner complaints filed so far (every year since it was sold, not just the first 3), owners reported:
“Average car” = what the same number of complaints would include at the rate across every model year we track. Owners report these themselves; NHTSA doesn't confirm the cause.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
Check engine light on? Codes owners of the Audi Q3 (2016–2020) name most: P000A Intake Camshaft Position Slow Response (Bank 1) · P0341 Camshaft Position Sensor A Range/Performance (Bank 1) · P0011 A Camshaft Position Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Intake, Bank 1). Look up any code →
Fixes owners look up most.
From 200 YouTube videos · 12.5M views · 2015–2018 Audi Q3
Prices people quote
- Price when new$34,31813 videos▶ Hear it
Most-watched topics
- Timing chain & engine205K views
Audi Q3 2011-2018 How to Reset Oil Service and Inspection Reminder (EASY DIY GUIDE)AutoMotiv8ed · 205K views - Infotainment, battery & electrical154K views
How to install /upgrade radio for AUDI Q3 with Carplay Android-auto? 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018Seicane · 57K views · 5 videos - Oil changes & service40K views
2016 AUDI Q3 | HOW TO CHANGE OIL | HOW TO REPLACE AIR FILTERVin Dadi · 18K views · 4 videos - Gauges, lights & wiring39K views
Audi Q3 Quattro (2015-2018) Tail Light Housing REMOVAL! DIY Fix in 10 MinutesCarCareKiosk · 26K views · 3 videos
Show 4 more
- Cooling system28K views
2018 AUDI Q3 2.0T PREMIUM | COOLANT FLUSH | Howto/DiyThe PullUpKing 👨🏾🔧 · 28K views - Heat, A/C & blend door20K views
How to Replace Cabin Air Filter 2018 Audi Q3 | AQ1099Filterheads · 12K views · 2 videos - Transmission & shifter18K views
How to Manage Automatic Gearbox in Audi Q3 I ( 2011 – 2018 ) | Drive Automatic GearboxHardReset_info CARs · 9K views · 2 videos - Brakes & ABS5K views
2018 AUDI Q3 2.0T PREMIUM | HOW TO REPLACE FRONT BRAKE PADS & ROTORS | Howto/DiyThe PullUpKing 👨🏾🔧 · 5K views
Before you buy, watch
2015 Audi Q3 Flaws and ProblemsDiesel Drives · 79K views
2015 Audi Q3 Flaws and Problems Follow-UpDiesel Drives · 11K views
BMW X1 vs Mercedes GLA vs Audi Q3 2017 SUV review | Mat Watson Reviewscarwow · 3.1M viewsViews show how many people looked up each fix, not how often it breaks. Videos belong to their creators; we link to them. The 2018 is the same generation.
Costs are the middle (median) of the dollar amounts people say out loud in these videos, so one wild number can't swing it. They aren't verified bills or sales; real prices depend on year, miles, condition and where you live. Tap Hear it to jump to the moment.
Recalls 1
- Lights · recall issued 2019
An inoperable front turn signal may not illuminate an indicator, failing to alert the driver to the issue.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Canada? See recalls at Transport Canada
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audi Q3 SUV FWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
| Audi Q3 SUV AWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
Fuel cost and engines
About $3,450 (USD) a year in fuel (EPA estimate at U.S. prices, 15,000 miles or 24,000 km a year). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl.
Every Audi Q3 year. 2018 is highlighted. Lower is better.
Newest year first. Red = worse than average, gray = about average, too new (2023+: a partial score, marked “partial”) or too few complaints to score. #1, #2… = that year's YouTube rank among the 3 Audi Q3 years with enough videos (#1 = the year owners and reviewers talk about most positively). It is not a reliability rank.
Embed this chart
Put this chart on your site, blog or forum. Free, with the credit line built in; the 2018 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/audi-q3/?y=2018" title="Audi Q3 reliability by model year (The Lemon Index)" width="100%" height="284" style="border:0;max-width:720px" loading="lazy"></iframe><p style="font-size:13px;margin:4px 0 0">Data: <a href="https://lemonindex.com/cars/audi-q3/2018/">Lemon Index</a> (2018 Audi Q3 reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2018 Audi Q3 reliable?
We can't score it: only 16,828 were sold in the U.S. in 2018 (calendar-year sales), under the 20,000 we need for a fair per-car score. Owners filed 7 complaints with NHTSA in its first 3 years.
What are the most common 2018 Audi Q3 problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are wheels (14%), electrical (14%) and brakes (14%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2018 Audi Q3 have?
1 safety recall (latest: lights). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2018 Audi Q3 get?
23 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Does the 2018 Audi Q3 have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2018 Audi Q3 cost in fuel a year?
About $3,450 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2018 Audi Q3 have?
2.0L 4-cyl.
What Audi Q3 year is better than the 2018?
Nearby, the 2017 drew fewer owner complaints per car sold (less than a sixth as many complaints as the average car).
The Lemon Index counts owner complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model years (100 = average, lower is better). It measures complaints, not crash safety. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works