The Lemon Index2020 Audi Q3.
The 2020 Audi Q3 is worse than average by owner complaints: 49 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 192, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about engine, it has 3 recalls, and it gets 22 mpg combined. The best Audi Q3 year is 2017.
Worse than average. 1.9× the average car's complaints.
Best year 2017
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 66 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Audi Q3 year. 2020 is highlighted. Lower is better.
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.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 0K to 4K miles on the car (35 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- engine complaints mostly came at 1K–5K miles
Recalls 3
- steering 2026
One of the bolts that attaches the steering rack to the subframe may corrode and break.
- brakes 2020
The brake pedal plate can bend or detach under the pressure applied during sudden stopping.
- seats 2020
The incorrect bolt connection could fail, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Audi told dealers about
Audi sent dealers 906 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Steering wheel shimmy, vibration and/or oscillation
- This bulletin contains instructions for an oil leak in the bevel box
- This bulletin contains repair instructions for diagnosing an oil leak
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audi Q3 SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2900 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
While sitting at a light or stopped, the engine surges/jumps the car forward. You need to leave more space to not hit the car in front of you. This occurs in both cases (emissions mode and non emissions mode).
2020 Audi Q3 owner · NHTSA complaint 11329439
Quick answers
Is the 2020 Audi Q3 reliable?
No, it is worse than average by government complaints. It drew 1.9× the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 192; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Audi Q3 year by this measure is 2017.
What are the most common 2020 Audi Q3 problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (41%), electrical (37%) and steering (18%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2020 Audi Q3 have?
3 safety recalls (latest: steering). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2020 Audi Q3 get?
22 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2020 Audi Q3 safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2020 Audi Q3 problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 400 and 4,500 miles. The middle report was at 1,900 miles, from 35 complaints.
Does the 2020 Audi Q3 have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2020 Audi Q3 cost in fuel a year?
About $2900 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2020 Audi Q3 have?
2.0L 4-cyl.
What Audi Q3 year is better than the 2020?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2017, 2021 and 2020.
Lemon Index = safety 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 year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works