Last updated: 2026-04-20
2021 Audi Q3 Reliability Report
The 2021 Audi Q3 scores 74/100 ("Good"). With 2 recalls and 13 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
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
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
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?
At 74/100, the 2021 Audi Q3 lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2021 is year 3 of the Second generation (Typ F3; 2019-2024).
Owners log 13 complaints on this model year — enough to suggest attention is needed, but no single failure mode dominates yet.
Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to electrical system (3). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.
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: Owners of the 2021 Audi Q3 report several electrical system issues (3 complaints)
- −SEAT BELTS: Owners of the 2021 Audi Q3 report issues with seat belt malfunctions,... (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: 17.5
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
Every 2021 Audi Q3 has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
- 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.
Inspect tires for separation or irregular wear patterns
Test child safety locks to ensure proper operation
Check for water leaks near dome light and passenger visor
Verify fuel gauge accuracy and inspect for fuel system issues
Test seat belts for proper function in all seating positions
Check for stop-start system malfunctions and related warning lights
2021 Audi Q3 Common Problems by Component
13 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
3 complaintsOwners of the 2021 Audi Q3 report several electrical system issues. A recurring problem involves the child safety lock failure, with incidents noted in January and July 2023, which poses a risk of children opening doors while the vehicle is in motion. Another issue involves water leakage near the dome light and passenger side visor during heavy rain, leading to dimming lights and potential electrical outlet exposure. Additionally, a serious safety concern is highlighted by reports of the vehicle stalling at high speeds, linked to a stop-start malfunction and check engine light activation. These issues have been ongoing for months, with one complaint indicating unresolved problems even after significant repair expenses.
SEAT BELTS
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2021 Audi Q3 report issues with seat belt malfunctions, particularly during collisions. In one instance, a crash at approximately 50 mph resulted in both the driver and passenger seat belts failing to restrain occupants properly, leading to injuries. Additionally, rear seat belts were also noted to malfunction during the incident. Another complaint highlights a recurring child lock malfunction that prevents rear passengers from opening the door, even with the child lock feature disabled, raising concerns about passenger safety in emergencies. These issues occur at various times, without specific mileage patterns, and present significant safety implications, particularly in crash scenarios.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2 complaintsOwners of the 2021 Audi Q3 report issues with the fuel system, specifically related to the suction jet pump and fuel tank sensors. Common symptoms include difficulty refueling, premature gas pump shutoff, and inaccurate fuel gauge readings leading to stalling due to an empty tank despite the gauge indicating otherwise. These issues appear to persist even after parts replacements, with one owner experiencing recurring problems after a tank replacement in 2024. Safety implications include the risk of fuel leaks, potential fires, and stalling without warning, which could pose dangers while driving. These complaints suggest that potential buyers should be aware of these recurring issues and the associated costs of attempted repairs.
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.
When Do 2021 Audi Q3 Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Audi Q3 Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Audi Q3 Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe best Audi Q3 year is 2026 with a reliability score of 82/100, rated excellent. Other strong picks include 2025 (75/100) and 2024 (75/100).
Audi Q3 Years to Avoid
No Audi Q3 years are statistical outliers in our data.
All model years score consistently well. The Audi Q3 maintains one of the highest industry standards for long-term durability across its entire production span.
Audi Q3 Reliability Score Trend
Audi Q3 reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 74/100.
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?
How many recalls does the 2021 Audi Q3 have?
Is the 2021 Audi Q3 expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2021 Audi Q3 without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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