NHTSA vehicle safety data
2021 Audi Q3 Recalls, Ratings & Complaints
The 2021 Audi Q3 has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns and 15 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 2021 Audi Q3, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
2021 Audi Q3 owner complaints
Owners have filed 15 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Audi Q3, describing incidents dated July 22, 2021 to August 7, 2026.
Most-cited components
- Fuel/Propulsion System 5 complaints
- Electrical System 3 complaints
- Engine 3 complaints
- Seat Belts 2 complaints
- Unknown or Other 2 complaints
- Exterior Lighting 1 complaint
Of the 15 complaints on file, 2 report a crash; across all 15 complaints, owners report 2 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Newest complaints
ODI #11757395 · Filed
The contact owns a 2021 Audi Q3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. The contact stated that the steering wheel seized. The " Steering Failure " message was displayed. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of…
ODI #11741834 · Filed
The contact owns a 2021 Audi Q3. The contact stated while attempting to refuel the vehicle, fuel spilled out of the filler neck and fell onto the ground. The vehicle was taken to dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel tank needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due…
ODI #11664032 · Filed
I am reporting a recurring fuel system defect affecting my Audi Q3, consistent with Safety Recall 20YF – Suction Jet Pump. The problem began as difficulty refueling and now mirrors an identical issue I experienced with a previous Audi A3, which ultimately leaked fuel severely both while driving and…
Loss of Steering Control from Bolt Failure
NHTSA #26V590000 · Steering · NHTSA notice
Reported September 11, 2026 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Potentially affected: 208,724 vehicles
Completion not yet reported (dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Manufacturer campaign 48LG, 48VT · Vehicles built through July 16, 2021 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Tiguan, 2018-2019 Atlas, and 2019-2021 Audi Q3 vehicles. One of the bolts that attaches the steering rack to the subframe may corrode and break. If this happens, the steering rack housing can break.
Safety consequence
A broken steering rack housing can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer remedy
Dealers will replace the right-side steering rack mounting bolt, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 10, 2026. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 48LG and 48VT. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on September 16, 2026.
Fuel Tank Vent Pipe May Be Damaged
NHTSA #22V673000 · Fuel System, Gasoline — Storage · NHTSA notice
Reported September 8, 2022 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Potentially affected: 13,004 vehicles
Repair completion: 96.15% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Manufacturer campaign 20DS · Owners notified November 1, 2022
Defect description
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Audi Q3 vehicles. The vent pipe within the fuel tank may have been damaged during fuel tank assembly.
Safety consequence
A damaged vent pipe may allow fuel to spill out of the filler neck when the fuel cap is opened, increasing the risk of an injury.
Manufacturer remedy
Dealers will inspect the internal vent pipe for damage and replace the charcoal canister and the fuel tank, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 1, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20DS.
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.nhtsa.gov.
Seat Belt Locking Retractor Malfunction/FMVSS 208
NHTSA #21V606000 · Seat Belts — Rear/Other — Retractor · NHTSA notice
Reported August 5, 2021 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Potentially affected: 45,496 vehicles
Repair completion: 98.51% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Manufacturer campaign 69CR, 69CS · Owners notified August 27, 2021
Defect description
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Volkswagen ID4, Audi A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, Q3, Q5, Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S4 Sedan, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, S5 Sportback, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, SQ8, and 2021-2022 S3 Sedan vehicles. The rear seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Safety consequence
An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Manufacturer remedy
Dealers will inspect, and replace as necessary, the middle-rear seat belt assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 27, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69CR (VW) and 69CS (Audi).
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.nhtsa.gov.
Other Audi Q3 model years
Check your 2021 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