2018 Audi Q3 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2018 Audi Q3 has a complaint index of 55, ranking 6th worst out of 12 model years, with a Caution verdict. Owners most often report Engine (27%) and Electrical System (23%) problems, plus one recall for LED headlight turn signals.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 55/100
- #6 of 12 Q3 years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 26
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 23
- 20 city / 28 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2018 Audi Q3 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine7 (27%)
- Other7 (27%)
- Electrical System6 (23%)
- Airbags4 (15%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires3 (12%)
- Brakes1 (4%)
- Fuel System1 (4%)
- Steering1 (4%)
- Transmission & Powertrain1 (4%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Engine stalls or loses power suddenly while driving, in one case at 45 mph and 9,600 miles.
- Engine burns through oil quickly between changes, sometimes with the oil pressure light cycling on and off despite adequate oil level.
- Steering column airbag clock spring fails, triggering the airbag warning light and disabling steering wheel button functions.
- Electrical system faults include a backup camera that stops working in reverse and a push-start system that fails to recognize the key fob.
- Tire pressure monitor and alignment issues appear, including a caster alignment reading out of spec shortly after purchase and low tire pressure paired with a humming noise from the rear.
2018 Audi Q3 recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 19V385000May 23, 2019Electrical System23,241 vehicles
Exterior lighting:turn signal
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Audi Q3 vehicles equipped with LED headlights. An inoperable front turn signal may not illuminate an indicator, failing to alert the driver to the issue. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk: Without an indicator informing the driver of an inoperable turn signal, the driver may turn or change lanes without a signal, increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will update the body control module (BCM), free of charge. The recall began June 21, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 97DK.
2018 Audi Q3 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 20 MPG
- Highway
- 28 MPG
- Combined
- 23 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,450
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2018 compared with other Q3 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2018 Audi Q3 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2018 Q3 carries a complaint index of 55 and ranks 6th worst of 12 model years, earning a Caution verdict relative to other Q3 years.
- What are the most common problems with the 2018 Audi Q3?
- NHTSA complaints point mainly to the Engine (27% of complaints, median failure mileage 42,000) and Electrical System (23%, median failure mileage 103,000), followed by Airbags and Suspension issues.
- Does the 2018 Audi Q3 have any recalls?
- Yes, one recall (campaign 19V385000) covers 2016-2018 Q3 vehicles with LED headlights where an inoperable front turn signal may fail to alert other drivers; Audi updates the body control module free of charge.
- How does the 2018 Q3 compare to other Q3 model years?
- The 2018 model's complaint index of 55 is worse than 2015 (45), 2017 (9), and 2019 (27), but better than 2016 (64), 2020 (100), 2021 (73), 2022 (82), and 2024 (91).
- What mileage do 2018 Q3 problems typically show up at?
- Across all reported problem areas, the median mileage at failure for the 2018 Q3 is 19,000 miles, though Engine issues show a higher median of 42,000 miles.