Last updated: 2026-03-04

Good

2021 Audi Q3 Reliability Score & Common Problems

Name: 2021 Audi Q3
Brand: Audi

The 2021 Audi Q3 scores 74/100 ("Good"). With 2 recalls and 13 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.

2021 is year 3 of the Second generation (Typ F3; 2019-2024).

Recalls

Complaints

Complaint Rate

3.8

per 10k sold

Below avg

Est. Annual Cost

$859

Major Repair Risk

N/A

NHTSA Rating

5/5

Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity35%

73/100 (Good)

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs30%

70/100 (Good)

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact20%

80/100 (Excellent)

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity15%

78/100 (Good)

Breadth of reported problem categories

Consider

Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.

Top Issues

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (3)SEAT BELTS (2)FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (2)

2 recalls on record

Generation & Refresh (US)

Post-Redesign (Year 3)

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.

Second generation (Typ F3; 2019-2024)

2019redesign

2020

2021selected

2022

2023

Should You Buy the 2021 Audi Q3?

The 2021 Audi Q3 scores 74/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory. 2021 is year 3 of the Second generation (Typ F3; 2019-2024).

With 13 owner complaints, some reported issues may need attention, but we don't yet see evidence of a single dominant failure mode.

A pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used examples, with particular attention to electrical system (3). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.

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

Good

2021 BMW X1

Score: 75/100

Good

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE

Score: 65/100

Common Problem Categories

Safety

2 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (3)
SEAT BELTS (2)
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (2)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (1)
TIRES (1)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (1)
ENGINE (1)
STRUCTURE (1)
LANE DEPARTURE (1)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

recalls on record

The 2021 Audi Q3 has 2 recalls on record. This is a low count. Recalls are manufacturer-initiated fixes for safety or compliance issues and are repaired at no cost to the owner at authorized dealerships.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

3.8

per 10k sold

Segment avg: 17

LowAvgHigh

Low

Safety Incidents

Crashes

Fires

Injuries

Deaths

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.

22V6730002022-09-08

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.

21V6060002021-08-05

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).

2021 Audi Q3 NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 4/5Passenger: 4/5

Rollover risk: 16.4%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Not Available)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Torso/Pelvis (Rear Seat)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Driver, Front Passenger)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)

View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Audi Q3 Repair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

3.5

Based 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.

When Buying a Used 2021 Audi Q3

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.

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

Check Any 2021 Audi Q3's History Before You Buy

Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2021 Q3 in general — but every car has its own story. Uncover past accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and service records for a specific Audi Q3 with a free VIN lookup.

Run a Free VIN Check

2021 Audi Q3 Common Problems by Component

13 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (3)SEAT BELTS (2)FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (2)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (1)TIRES (1)VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (1)ENGINE (1)STRUCTURE (1)Other (1)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

3 complaints

Owners 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.

3 complaints total

SEAT BELTS

2 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

2 complaints total1 crash2 injuries

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

2 complaints

Owners 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.

2 complaints total

UNKNOWN OR OTHER (1 complaints)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

2021-08-25

Vehicle 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 complaint

2024-08-20

Tire 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

2023-01-08

******* DELETE VOQ ******* THIS COMPLAINT IS BEING MARKED FOR DELETION BECAUSE THE CONSUMER PLACED THE REQUEST.*DJR ******* DELETE VOQ *******

ENGINE (1 complaints)

ENGINE

1 complaint

2022-10-16

Vehicle 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 complaint

2022-01-19

While 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-related

2021-07-22Crash reported

I 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.

2,000–3,000 milesTire separation

Best & Worst Audi Q3 Years

Best Audi Q3 Years to Buy

The best Audi Q3 year is 2025 with a reliability score of 75/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2024 (75/100) and 2023 (74/100).

Good

2025

1 recall · 3 complaints

Good

2024

2 recalls · 16 complaints

Good

2023

1 recall · 1 complaint

Audi Q3 Years to Avoid

No Audi Q3 years are statistical outliers in our data — all years score consistently.

See full Audi Q3 years-to-avoid analysis →

Audi Q3 Reliability Score Trend

Audi Q3 reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 73/100.

avg 73

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Audi Q3 reliability scores by year
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

Audi Q3 Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
Year	Score	vs Prior Year	Rating	Recalls	Complaints
2026	66/100 (predicted)	—	Predicted	0	0
2025	75/100	0	Good	1	3
2024	75/100	+1	Good	2	16
2023	74/100	+4	Good	1	1
2022	70/100	-4	Good	5	28
2021(selected)	74/100	+5	Good	2	13
2020	69/100	-3	Good	2	62
2019	72/100	-2	Good	3	10
2018	74/100	—	Good	1	25

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2021 Audi Q3 reliable?

The 2021 Audi Q3 has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 74/100. It is reasonably reliable with 2 recalls and 13 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.

What are the most common problems with the 2021 Audi Q3?

The most commonly reported problems with the 2021 Audi Q3 include: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (3 complaints), SEAT BELTS (2 complaints), FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (2 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (1 complaints), TIRES (1 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.

How many recalls does the 2021 Audi Q3 have?

The 2021 Audi Q3 has 2 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.

Is the 2021 Audi Q3 expensive to maintain?

The 2021 Audi Q3 has estimated annual repair costs of $859/year. With a reliability score of 74/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

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.