AUDI Q3 · model year

2020 AUDI Q3

110 NHTSA complaints, 3 crash reports, and 2 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

5 / 5 ★

New Car Assessment Program

The 2020AUDIQ3 carries 110 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 3 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 5/5 rating, with 4/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 4/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2020 Q3 is electrical system with 22 filings, followed by engine (20) and unknown or other (17). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 2 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 9 investigation files overlapping the 2020 Q3. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

110
Complaints
3
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
2020 AUDI Q3 — NHTSA crash-test profile NHTSA NCAP crash-test star ratings for the 2020 AUDI Q3. Overall composite: 5.0 of 5 stars across 3 safety dimensions. Front CrashSide CrashRollover 5.0 NHTSA NCAP of 5 stars
  • Front Crash 4.0 ★
  • Side Crash 5.0 ★
  • Rollover 4.0 ★
NHTSA overall 5.0/5 stars, with front-crash, side-crash and rollover ratings from standardized NCAP barrier and dynamic tests.

Total Complaints

110 filings

Crashes Reported

3 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

NHTSA NCAP overall: 5/5 — Top NCAP rating · Front: 4/5 · Side: 5/5 · Rollover: 4/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM22
ENGINE20
UNKNOWN OR OTHER17
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM10
STEERING9
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL6
POWER TRAIN6
SERVICE BRAKES5
STRUCTURE:BODY4
EXTERIOR LIGHTING4
AIR BAGS2
WHEELS1
LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION:SUMP/TANK:DRAIN PLUG1
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING1

Recalls (2)

20V64400019/10/2020

SEATS

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling one 2020 Audi Q3 vehicle. The driver's seat frame may have incorrectly been bolted to the seat rail.

20V78600016/12/2020

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2020 Audi Q3 vehicles. The brake pedal plate can bend or detach under the pressure applied during sudden stopping.

Recent Complaints

20260122STRUCTURE:BODY

I purchased this vehicle new in June 2020. Since January 2022, it has experienced recurring water intrusion into the passenger cabin during heavy rain. Water leaks from the ceiling around the overhead console near the front reading/map lights. During heavy rain, water pools and causes the interior lights to turn on unexpectedly while driving. Generally, the lights cannot be turned off or immediately reactivate, creating a safety hazard at night. Water also drips onto the infotainment screen and center stack controls. To try to protect interior electronics, I have used absorbent materials to cover the center stack while parked and to wipe water while driving, which is distracting and unsafe. The issue has occurred repeatedly over multiple years and is reproducible. The vehicle has been inspected multiple times by authorized Audi service centers. Repairs have included cleaning sunroof drain tubes, replacing sunroof seals and adhesive pads, installing updated components, and water leak te

20260122EXTERIOR LIGHTING

I purchased this vehicle new in June 2020. Since January 2022, it has experienced recurring water intrusion into the passenger cabin during heavy rain. Water leaks from the ceiling around the overhead console near the front reading/map lights. During heavy rain, water pools and causes the interior lights to turn on unexpectedly while driving. Generally, the lights cannot be turned off or immediately reactivate, creating a safety hazard at night. Water also drips onto the infotainment screen and center stack controls. To try to protect interior electronics, I have used absorbent materials to cover the center stack while parked and to wipe water while driving, which is distracting and unsafe. The issue has occurred repeatedly over multiple years and is reproducible. The vehicle has been inspected multiple times by authorized Audi service centers. Repairs have included cleaning sunroof drain tubes, replacing sunroof seals and adhesive pads, installing updated components, and water leak te

20260122UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I purchased this vehicle new in June 2020. Since January 2022, it has experienced recurring water intrusion into the passenger cabin during heavy rain. Water leaks from the ceiling around the overhead console near the front reading/map lights. During heavy rain, water pools and causes the interior lights to turn on unexpectedly while driving. Generally, the lights cannot be turned off or immediately reactivate, creating a safety hazard at night. Water also drips onto the infotainment screen and center stack controls. To try to protect interior electronics, I have used absorbent materials to cover the center stack while parked and to wipe water while driving, which is distracting and unsafe. The issue has occurred repeatedly over multiple years and is reproducible. The vehicle has been inspected multiple times by authorized Audi service centers. Repairs have included cleaning sunroof drain tubes, replacing sunroof seals and adhesive pads, installing updated components, and water leak te

20260108FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I purchased my 2020 Audi Q3 in August of 2020. I am submitting this complaint regarding the recurring and unacceptable issue with my Audi. In February of 2023 my vehicle started shaking and stalled while driving. I could not restart for awhile, after a few minutes it restarted. I took it to Audi and they verified that the output of fuel pump did not meet minimum flow. They replaced the pump. Then in November of 2025 my car stalled again, doing the same thing, after a few minutes it would restart but kept intermittently stalling. This Fuel Pump malfunctioned again, and now this time both of them were not working properly. Both the High Pressure and Low Pressure Fuel pump was replaced again in January 2026. Having to replace a major component like the fuel pump twice on a 2020 luxury vehicle is unreasonable and deeply concerning. A fuel pump failure is not a minor inconvenience, it affects the reliability, safety and drivability of the vehicle.

20250821ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Rear hatch randomly operable / inoperable. "Reset" computer without success. Dangerous situation as anything inside hatch is not not accessible. Was told by Audi that the entire rear hatch latch system needs replacement and this is "a common issue"...

20250719ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I purchased a 2020 Audi Q3 S-Line (VIN: [XXX] ) on [XXX], with 27,564 miles on it. I bought the vehicle from a dealership that specializes in high-end aftermarket cars, and they provided a maintenance report stating the vehicle had passed all inspections at the time of sale. The vehicle had been imported from Canada to the U.S., and the Carfax report reflected consistent maintenance at authorized Audi dealerships in Canada, including a full inspection and alternator/electrical system check roughly a year before my purchase — with no problems reported. In early July 2025, I began experiencing issues with the MMI system: •A loud, persistent humming sound when using Bluetooth or the radio •Audio glitches and failed system reboots •No dashboard warnings or battery alerts After researching, I suspected a low-voltage or charging issue. I took the car to an auto parts store for diagnostics, and at 28,932 miles, they found the battery was severely depleted and the alternator had fai

20250705UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Water/rain leaking through sunroof/light electrical panel replaced by Audi dealer once before, now it is leaking once again. Bringing it back to Audi to see why this keeps happening after I was told it would not happen after it was replaced.

20250505ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The sunroof in the Audi Q3 leaks and the water drops from the ceiling INTO the cabin. Water also comes through the passenger side panel and drips onto the floor causing flooding of the floorboards. This is a KNOWN issue and Audi has released a TSB (technical service bulletin) to attempt to fix these, but it’s just a band aid. It keeps coming back over and over. Water intrudes into the center lights and they flicker and short out. Water drips from these lights into the center gearshift area and it is an extreme safety hazard. PLEASE force Audi to fix this and make it right with their customers. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND SHOULD BE A FULL RECALL

20250505EXTERIOR LIGHTING

The sunroof in the Audi Q3 leaks and the water drops from the ceiling INTO the cabin. Water also comes through the passenger side panel and drips onto the floor causing flooding of the floorboards. This is a KNOWN issue and Audi has released a TSB (technical service bulletin) to attempt to fix these, but it’s just a band aid. It keeps coming back over and over. Water intrudes into the center lights and they flicker and short out. Water drips from these lights into the center gearshift area and it is an extreme safety hazard. PLEASE force Audi to fix this and make it right with their customers. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND SHOULD BE A FULL RECALL

20250505UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The sunroof in the Audi Q3 leaks and the water drops from the ceiling INTO the cabin. Water also comes through the passenger side panel and drips onto the floor causing flooding of the floorboards. This is a KNOWN issue and Audi has released a TSB (technical service bulletin) to attempt to fix these, but it’s just a band aid. It keeps coming back over and over. Water intrudes into the center lights and they flicker and short out. Water drips from these lights into the center gearshift area and it is an extreme safety hazard. PLEASE force Audi to fix this and make it right with their customers. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND SHOULD BE A FULL RECALL

20250121CrashAIR BAGS

We purchased a 2020 Audi Q3 (36000 miles) from Carvana on December 5, 2024, and it was reported as having no past accidents. It was stolen on January 7. It was recovered on January 20 after the thieves crashed it into a telephone pole. The car sustained significant damage and there is evidence of blood on the interior. We have no idea the extent of any injuries because the thieves fled the scene. Our concern is that when we inspected the vehicle, we noticed that the airbags did not deploy.

20241023UNKNOWN OR OTHER

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Design and/or manufacturing flaw in Audi m/n 8R0071128C Fork Mount Bike Rack presents a risk of bicycle becoming detached from the rack/vehicle at highway speeds. I have retained all parts and they could be made available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Risk is bicycle flying off the roof of a car at highway speeds causing significant damage to the carrying vehicle and/or triggering a serious accident involving nearby vehicles. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Not yet, but I have been engaged in a very slow moving dialog with a number of Audi representatives, most recently with Lori W, Region Case Manager, Audi CXC (Audi of America Customer Experience Center). Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No Were there an

20240928UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The moonroof leaks during rain or car wash, flooding interior and control panel and interior lights.

20240927EXTERIOR LIGHTING

The Sun roof is leaking into the cabin through the overhead control panel and the driver door.

20240927UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The Sun roof is leaking into the cabin through the overhead control panel and the driver door.

20240501ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

There is a large flaw on these vehicles. The sunroof framing becomes damaged. This creates an issue of water leaking in the interior. It causes an electrical issue as well as creates a distracted driving environment. I was driving when this happened and I had to start controlling the water leaking from the roof of my vehicle. This is a large safety issue that Audi knows about and even has a technical documentation to repair this issue.

20240501VISIBILITY/WIPER

There is a large flaw on these vehicles. The sunroof framing becomes damaged. This creates an issue of water leaking in the interior. It causes an electrical issue as well as creates a distracted driving environment. I was driving when this happened and I had to start controlling the water leaking from the roof of my vehicle. This is a large safety issue that Audi knows about and even has a technical documentation to repair this issue.

20240414UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Child safety locks turn on and after a point it shut off.I turn in the problem to the dealer but the problem didn’t get fix.what I understand Audi is the deal take my vehicle and have it sitting in there lot and don’t fix my problem and I would have to take the vehicle 2 to 3 more times with the same problem not getting problems resolved then when I get upset and I complain then I get videos that they are working on my vehicle.

20240111SERVICE BRAKES

Not sure if this requires investigation by NHTSA so I am reporting it and will let you decide. 2020 Audi Q-3. Purchased Certified Pre-Owned in April 2023 with 13,000 miles on it. Found that at highway speed when you apply brakes the pedal pulsates and shudders. I now have 17,900 miles on it and the pulsation is getting worse. To my regret we did not take a very long test ride when buying. I have not lost control or had any accident, but I Googled the problem and found that this is a common complaint with many Audi models. Brought car back to dealer who states that I need to replace front disc pads and rotors as well as rear brake pads. I feel that this is not normal with such low miles. I am not sure if this needs an investigation by NHTSA but again, if you do an online search it is a problem with many Audi models. I have been advised that this problem could lead to loss of control of the vehicle. Also, the dealer and Audi USA refuse to do the repair under the warranty sayi

20230809CrashELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I was driving on a highway at 65 miles per hour, it was a rental car and the car automatically short stopped by itself and i was unable to move it. the dashboard lights looked like they were blinking and then my car was hit from behind

Compare 2020AUDIQ3 to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2020 AUDI Q3 have?
The 2020 AUDI Q3 has 110 NHTSA complaints, 3 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2020 AUDI Q3?
The 2020 AUDI Q3 received an overall NHTSA safety rating of 5/5, front crash rating of 4/5, side crash rating of 5/5, and rollover rating of 4/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2020 AUDI Q3?
Yes, the 2020 AUDI Q3 has 2 recall(s). The most common affected component is SEATS. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 AUDI Q3?
The most-complained component for the 2020 AUDI Q3 is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM with 22 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ENGINE and UNKNOWN OR OTHER.
Is the 2020 AUDI Q3 safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2020 AUDI Q3 has an NHTSA safety rating of 5/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.