Last updated: 2026-10-10
Audi Q3 vs Nissan Kicks: Reliability Compared
Audi Q3
Nissan Kicks
Choosing between the Audi Q3 and the Nissan Kicks? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two compact suvs.
Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Nissan Kicks currently leads with an average score of 78/100 compared to 74/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.
Verdict
The Nissan Kicks is more reliable than the Audi Q3, scoring 78/100 vs 74/100.
Key Differences
- 1Nissan Kicks has 7 fewer total recalls
- 2Nissan Kicks scores 4 points higher in reliability
- 3Audi Q3 has 1.9 fewer complaints per 10k sold
Category Scoreboard
Audi Q3 vs Nissan Kicks: Which Is More Reliable?
| Metric | Audi Q3 | Nissan Kicks |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability Score | 74/100 | 78/100 |
| Years Tracked | 9 | 9 |
| Total Recalls | 17 | 10 |
| Complaints per 10k Sold | 6.4 | 8.3 |
| Year Wins | 1 | 8 |
What Are the Common Problems With the Audi Q3 and Nissan Kicks?
| Component | Audi Q3 | Nissan Kicks |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 1.5Low | 1.8Low |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 0.9Very Low | 1.2Low |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 0.4Very Low | 0.7Very Low |
| POWER TRAIN | 0.2Very Low | 0.8Very Low |
| ENGINE | 0.3Very Low | 0.5Very Low |
| STEERING | 0.4Very Low | 0.3Very Low |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 0.4Very Low | 0.1Very Low |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 0.1Very Low | 0.4Very Low |
| STRUCTURE | —None | 0.5Very Low |
| AIR BAGS | 0.2Very Low | 0.2Very Low |
| BACK OVER PREVENTION | 0.1Very Low | 0.2Very Low |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 0.1Very Low | 0.2Very Low |
| EQUIPMENT | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| SEAT BELTS | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| TIRES | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | —None | 0.1Very Low |
| ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) | —None | 0.1Very Low |
| LANE DEPARTURE | —None | 0.1Very Low |
| WHEELS | —None | 0.1Very Low |
| SUSPENSION | —None | 0.1Very Low |
| VISIBILITY | —None | —None |
Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.
How Does Audi Q3 vs Nissan Kicks Reliability Compare by Year?
| Year | Audi Q3 | Nissan Kicks | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 82/1000R / 0C | 83/1001R / 1C | Nissan Kicks |
| 2025 | 75/1001R / 3C | 78/1003R / 24C | Nissan Kicks |
| 2024 | 75/1002R / 16C | 81/1001R / 20C | Nissan Kicks |
| 2023 | 74/1001R / 1C | 80/1001R / 23C | Nissan Kicks |
| 2022 | 70/1005R / 28C | 82/1000R / 19C | Nissan Kicks |
| 2021 | 74/1002R / 13C | 78/1002R / 66C | Nissan Kicks |
| 2020 | 69/1002R / 62C | 78/1000R / 85C | Nissan Kicks |
| 2019 | 72/1003R / 10C | 73/1001R / 123C | Nissan Kicks |
| 2018 | 74/1001R / 25C | 71/1001R / 78C | Audi Q3 |
Best years to cross-shop: The 2024 Audi Q3 scored 75/100 and the 2022 Nissan Kicks scored 82/100 — the strongest shared model years that have been on the road for at least two years, where available.
Audi Q3 vs Nissan Kicks: Common Questions
- Is the Audi Q3 more reliable than the Nissan Kicks?
- Based on our data, the Nissan Kicks is more reliable with an average score of 78/100 compared to 74/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
- Which has more recalls, the Audi Q3 or the Nissan Kicks?
- The Audi Q3 has more recalls (17) compared to the Nissan Kicks (10). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
- Which has fewer owner complaints, the Audi Q3 or the Nissan Kicks?
- Adjusted for sales volume, the Audi Q3 has a lower complaint rate at 6.4 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 8.3 for the Nissan Kicks. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
Related Reliability Comparisons
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Decided between Audi Q3 and Nissan Kicks? Run a VIN check before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
How we score the Audi Q3 and Nissan Kicks
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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