It is not that often that you see an Audi with a low number of complaints on them. The Q3, Audi’s compact and affordable family SUV has been getting a name for being a rather reliable option from the automaker in recent years. Peaking out at just 3 recalls and 16 complaints a year in the past, it has been a rather good run for the Q3 as far as reliability goes. In fact, the numbers have further shrunken to just 1 recall and 8 complaints for the 2019 model year, which is quite an impressive feat, nonetheless. So is this clean record enough to make you choose this Audi over similarly impressive SUVs like the Infiniti QX30, the BMW X1, and the Mercedes Benz GLA Class? This article should help you decide on that.
2018 Audi Q3 User Complaints and Problems
Mechanical Complaints
- Transmission – Hard downshifts, occasional slips, and clunking noises are some issues the transmission on the 2019 Audi Q3 is susceptible to. Even though these are not widespread issues, there is a possibility of occurrence with the mileage. Erratic behavior like hesitation to upshift and failing to engage drive are also some issues noticed by several owners.
- Service brakes- Corrosion of brake discs has been a common issue for the 2019 Audi Q3 owners, especially for those who leave in a damp and coastal area. This issue causes the brake discs to warp and the brake pads to wear out prematurely. Owners experience annoying brake pedal pulsation when this happens which increases in intensity as the wear increases. This issue occurs on vehicles with mileages less than 10,000-miles on them.
Electric System complaints
- Infotainment- Trims equipped with the Apple CarPlay feature on the 2019 Audi Q3, intermittently drop connection with the phone. Owners are forced to reconnect the phone to re-establish a connection which sometimes does not work. Though the infotainment got updated with newer firmware, the issue persists for users. Bluetooth hands-free system is also said to be finicky at times.
- Backup camera- The rear camera display does not turn on when the vehicle is engaged in reverse. The issue is traced to the loss of contact of the wiring harness clip in the boot lid as it comes loose through the repeated operation of the boot lid.
Structural Complaints
- Moon roof- trims equipped with the moon roof have been consistently getting criticism from owners. Issues range from water leaks, faulty closing mechanisms, and crack in glass panel without any physical damage.
2018 Audi Q3 Recalls
|
S. No |
Date |
NHTSA ID |
Issues Noticed |
Additional Remarks |
Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
23rd May 2019 |
19V385000 |
No indicator for failed turn signal. |
An inoperable front turn signal may not illuminate a warning, failing to alert the driver about the issue, which when changing lanes fails to indicate other drivers increasing the risk of a crash. |
The dealers will update the body control module (BCM), free of charge. The recall began on June 21, 2019 |
Should you buy a used 2018 Audi Q3?
Hardly reaching 20,000 units a year, the Audi Q3 has not been a great seller in its segment. The compact size and limited practicality for the price it asks might be the reason for its low appeal, but you can’t argue against it being the most trustable Audi vehicle to come out in recent years. With just 8 complaints and one recall registered by the NHTSA against it for the 2018 model year, the Q3 definitely is the daily driver Audi you would want. That said, it’s still an Audi and one does need to approach with caution when planning to buy one used. Make sure that you have someone who knows their way around Audis, so that you don’t risk getting yourselves in trouble later if you get one.
