NHTSA vehicle safety data
2016 Audi Q3 Recalls & Complaints
The 2016 Audi Q3 has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns and 29 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Audi dealer.
NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2016 Audi Q3. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
2016 Audi Q3 owner complaints
Owners have filed 29 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Audi Q3, describing incidents dated September 23, 2016 to October 23, 2026.
Most-cited components
- Electrical System 10 complaints
- Engine 7 complaints
- Fuel/Propulsion System 4 complaints
- Air Bags 3 complaints
- Unknown or Other 3 complaints
- Exterior Lighting 2 complaints
Of the 29 complaints on file, 1 reports a crash and 1 a fire (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Newest complaints
ODI #11773542 · Filed
Load Gas smell coming from front and inside of car. No leaks on ground under car.
ODI #11745833 · Filed
The engine oil consumption rate is alarming going thru quarts or entire oil change in a week or two of driving depending how much it was driven. Audi has admitted the pistons are at fault along with piston rings. It is unsafe and can cause engine to seize up and lose control which can lead to…
ODI #11718686 · Filed
To Whom It May Concern: I am writing this communication to you per an attorney referral. I have an Audi that was included in the Turbo Class Action Lawsuit. See [XXX] My VIN was included in the lawsuit. The lawsuit was won on December 4th 2025. The class action lawsuit only covers and reimburses…
No Indicator For Failed Turn Signal
NHTSA #19V385000 · Exterior Lighting — Turn Signal · NHTSA notice
Reported May 23, 2019 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Potentially affected: 23,241 vehicles
Repair completion: 90.98% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Manufacturer campaign 97DK · Owners notified June 21, 2019
Defect description
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."
Safety consequence
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.
Manufacturer 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.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Crash Avoidance Parking Brake Use/FMVSS 108
NHTSA #17V400000 · Exterior Lighting — Brake Lights · NHTSA notice
Reported June 26, 2017 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Potentially affected: 24,754 vehicles
Repair completion: 94.4% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Manufacturer campaign 45G6 · Owners notified July 31, 2017 · Vehicles built February 18, 2015 – September 16, 2016 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Audi Q3 vehicles. If the parking brake is used during emergency braking, the brake lights on the vehicle will not activate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Safety consequence
A vehicle approaching from behind may not have any warning that the vehicle is stopping, increasing the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer remedy
Audi will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle software, free of charge. The recall began July 31, 2017. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 45G6.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Side Marker Lights may not Illuminate/FMVSS 108
NHTSA #16V642000 · Electrical System — Software · NHTSA notice
Reported September 6, 2016 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Potentially affected: 79,895 vehicles
Repair completion: 95.08% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Manufacturer campaign 97CB · Owners notified November 1, 2016 · Vehicles built April 14, 2014 – June 29, 2016 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2016 TT roadster, A3 cabriolet, A3 sedan and A3 e-tron, 2016-2017 TT coupe, 2017 A4 sedan and Q7 and 2015-2017 Q3 vehicles. The affected vehicles may have been programmed with new software that inadvertently makes the side marker lights inoperative in conjunction with the parking lights or the headlights. 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."
Safety consequence
If the side marker lights do not illuminate, the vehicle may be less visible at night, increasing the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer remedy
Audi will notify owners, and dealers will upload revised software to correct the issue, free of charge. This recall began November 2016. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 97CB.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Other Audi Q3 model years
Check your 2016 Audi Q3 VIN
Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Audi Q3 at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.
Check an Audi VIN