Last updated: 2026-10-10
2021 Audi Q3 Reliability Report
The 2021 Audi Q3 has good reliability and beats most 2021 SUVs, but fuel tank faults that cause stalling are the problem to check before buying.
Recalls
2
Complaints
13
Complaint Rate
3.8per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$859
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,400–$2,600
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Draws far fewer owner complaints than the 2020 and 2022 models, with fuel tank stalling reports and two recalls as the main points to check.
Top Issues to Watch
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (3)
- SEAT BELTS (2)
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (2)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2021 is year 3 of the Second generation (Typ F3; 2019-2024).
- Redesigned for the 2019 model year.
- Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
- 2nd generation Q3 (US).
What this means for buyers
Well into the generation cycle — most design and manufacturing issues should be resolved by now.
2019: Second generation (Typ F3; 2019-2024) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2021: This Model Year
2021 is year 3 of the Second generation (Typ F3; 2019-2024).
Should You Buy the 2021 Audi Q3?
Reliability is good for this model year, and it sits above average among 2021 SUVs. Within the Q3's scored years it lands in the middle of nine. Owners filed 13 complaints, well below the 62 for 2020 and 28 for 2022, and both of those years rate worse. Federal crash testing gave it 5 of 5 stars.
The serious reports involve stalling and doors. In one fuel tank pattern, the gauge shows plenty of fuel while the tank is empty, and the car stalls and will not restart. Replacing a sensor did not fix it. In another, the pump nozzle keeps shutting off, even after a tank replacement. A child lock alert came back the day after a dealer software update, and rear passengers could not open doors from inside. Two seat belt complaints describe belts failing in a crash, with 2 injuries. Federal recall records list 2 recalls, covering the fuel system and seat belts.
Ask for service records on any fuel tank, gauge sensor, or child lock work, and confirm both recalls were completed.
Compared to the 2022 Audi Q3, which scored 4 points lower. See also the 2020 Audi Q3 for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +Low recall count
- +Below-average complaint rate for SUV
Cons
- −ELECTRICAL SYSTEM issues reported (3 complaints)
- −SEAT BELTS: Front and rear seat belts failing to hold occupants in a crash is the central... (2 complaints)
Compare 2021 Audi Q3 With
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 2 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (3)
- SEAT BELTS (2)
Recall Overview
2
recalls on record
The 2021 Audi Q3 carries 2 recalls — a low count. Authorized dealers repair any open recall free of charge, regardless of warranty status.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
3.8
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 16.7
Safety Incidents
2
Crashes
0
Fires
2
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2021 Audi Q3 Recall Details
2 recalls have been issued for the 2021 Audi Q3. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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.
Consequence
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.
Remedy
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.
SEAT BELTS
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."
Consequence
An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy
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).
Buying a used 2021 Audi Q3? Check its history first
Electrical system problems lead owner complaints about the 2021 Audi Q3, and 2 recalls were issued for it. A VIN check shows whether this car's recall work was done, plus accident, title, and odometer history.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2021 Audi Q3 NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 16.4%
Safety Technologies
Audi Q3Repair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
3.5Maintenance rating: 3.5 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$859
Repair Frequency
0.6
unscheduled repair visits per year
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
MPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
23–25 MPG
Running cost: $3,250–$3,450/yr
Fuel + repair
20–22 city / 28–30 hwy MPG
Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2021 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q3 quattro 2.0L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 22 | 30 | 25 | $2,400 |
| Q3 S-line quattro 2.0L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 20 | 28 | 23 | $2,600 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2021 Audi Q3.
Fill the tank completely at a station and confirm the nozzle does not keep shutting off before fuel goes in.
Track the fuel gauge against miles driven after filling up and watch for readings that stay high.
Ask for service records showing fuel tank or fuel sensor replacement and whether the problem came back.
Check the dash for a child safety lock malfunction alert, then open each rear door from inside with the child lock off.
Inspect the headliner near the dome light and sun visors for water stains, and check the driver-side headlight for fogging.
Confirm there is no stop-start malfunction message or check engine light, and drive at highway speed feeling for shudder.
Pull every seat belt fully, latch it, tug it sharply to test locking, and check that the seatback recliners hold firm.
2021 Audi Q3 Common Problems by Component
13 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
3 complaintsStalling 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.
SEAT BELTS
2 complaintsSafety-relatedFront 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/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2 complaintsFuel 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.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (1 complaints)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaintVehicle auto start stop error code pops up on vehicle dashboard. Says “Auto start stop error please contact service” also happens when car is shifted in neutral. Vehicle starting malfunction. Car would try to start but stops and shows error in the dashboard. Then press start button for vehicle to start but with a “Vehicle starting malfunction” Please contact service.
TIRES (1 complaints)
TIRES
1 complaintTire Size p235/50r19 Bought car used with new tires on [XXX] is now 08/20 have driven car for roughly 2500miles and tires began losing air irregularly took into tire shop to find both fronts with severe separation damage and wear patterns on both front tires. Rear tires also experienced separation damage as well. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (1 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint******* DELETE VOQ ******* THIS COMPLAINT IS BEING MARKED FOR DELETION BECAUSE THE CONSUMER PLACED THE REQUEST.*DJR ******* DELETE VOQ *******
ENGINE (1 complaints)
ENGINE
1 complaintVehicle has a starting error. Dealer fixed p085 with the park neutral module but problems comes back. At stop light vehicle shut down and when brake was released there was a error starting it back up again. Had to put vehicle in park and start it again.
STRUCTURE (1 complaints)
STRUCTURE
1 complaintWhile merging onto the highway, there was a loud bang and the overhead lights as well as driver door alert on the dashboard came on. Upon checking, the front driver door had popped open on it's own. This was inspected by dealer and no issues were found however told that there is a two-step locking process which, in rare circumstances, may not fully engage.
LANE DEPARTURE (1 complaints)
LANE DEPARTURE
1 complaintSafety-relatedI was driving down a one lane road in my car that is less than a month old, when all of a sudden my car aggressively veered to the right over the shoulder line, then it veered to the left over the yellow line and then the right again and it kept going over the line down a slight embankment into the woods about 30 feet. All the while the steering and brakes completely failed and would not work and the car was beeping. The only thing that stopped me was hitting a boulder. I kept trying to brake. My foot was pressed all the way down to the floor and it would not stop. It was terrifying. There was a witness who told me I must have had angels watching over me as I was not injured nor was anyone else. If anyone was driving in the opposite direction I could have hit them head on. If I was on a two lane or more road or on a bridge or a highway, it could have been tragic. Clearly there is a mechanical or electrical defect. The car was completely out of my control. Audi of America obtained the data recorder and investigated. They have not found any defects and deny responsibility. This is impossible. The brakes and steering did not work and the car was swerving for no reason. Even the witness attested to this.
Best & Worst Audi Q3 Years
Best Audi Q3 Years to Buy
Based on reliability index score2024
2023
2021
(Current Model)
Audi Q3 Years to Avoid
No Audi Q3 years are statistical outliers in our data.
Scores stay between 69 and 82 across 9 scored model years.
Audi Q3 Reliability Score Trend
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 74/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 72/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 69/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 74/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 70/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 74/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 75/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 75/100 | Good |
| 2026 | 82/100 | Excellent |
Audi Q3 Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2021 Audi Q3 reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Audi Q3?
Does the 2021 Audi Q3 have fuel tank problems?
Does the 2021 Audi Q3 have any recalls?
Is the 2021 Audi Q3 better than the 2020 or 2022?
Don’t buy a 2021 Audi Q3 without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
How we score the 2021 Audi Q3
Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2021 Audi Q3 does best on recall impact (80/100) and worst on repair costs (70/100). Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.
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