2017 Audi Q3 recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
3 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Lights
What's wrong, in plain English: Headlights, tail lights or turn signals may not work, making the car hard to see. 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."
What could happen: 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.
The fix: 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.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2017 Q3.
- Book a repair at any authorized Audi dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 19V385000 (manufacturer code 97DK).
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-253-2834.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL
Summary: 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."
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.
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.
2. Brakes
What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent. 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."
What could happen: A vehicle approaching from behind may not have any warning that the vehicle is stopping, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2017 Q3.
- Book a repair at any authorized Audi dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 17V400000 (manufacturer code 45G6).
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-253-2834.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
Summary: 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."
Consequence: A vehicle approaching from behind may not have any warning that the vehicle is stopping, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
3. Electrical system
What's wrong, in plain English: Wiring, modules, batteries. Short circuits can cause stalls or fires. 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."
What could happen: If the side marker lights do not illuminate, the vehicle may be less visible at night, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2017 Q3.
- Book a repair at any authorized Audi dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 16V642000 (manufacturer code 97CB).
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-253-2834.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
Summary: 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."
Consequence: If the side marker lights do not illuminate, the vehicle may be less visible at night, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Portable jump starter
- 2017 Audi Q3 owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Engine (2), Unknown Or Other (2), Airbags (2), Suspension (1), Steering (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
08/24/2026 · Engine
I am reporting a serious safety concern involving my 2017 Audi Q3 Premium Plus, VIN [XXX]. The vehicle is experiencing excessive engine oil consumption requiring frequent addition of oil. I reported the oil-consumption problem shortly after purchasing the vehicle. Audi Coral Springs recently diagnosed the vehicle and recommended substantial repairs. The dea…
06/18/2026 · Suspension
Local state inspection/repair shop found both front coil springs broken. Car has approximately 60,000 miles. Cost to repair $1600.00.
11/06/2024 · Engine
pistons and/or piston rings cause excessive oil consumption, which can lead to the engine catching on fire. This triggers certain sensors in the car "EPC" "Check engine" and "Turn vehicle off now due to low oil pressure" These sensors turn off and on, which is highly risky. I was quoted 10k in repairs. There was a class action settlement about this spe…
04/21/2024 · Unknown Or Other
Car is burning oil at a very rapid pace and is causing knocking and seizing of engine. I had my oil changed recently (10K miles I’m supposed to have prior to my next) it was empty after I drove less then 1,000
05/13/2022 · Airbags
The contact owns a 2017 Audi Q3. The contact stated that while her daughter was reversing at an undisclosed speed, the horn inadvertently activated and the contact had to disconnect the clock spring fuse to deactivate the horn. Additionally, the steering wheel made clicking noises while turning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed…
05/05/2022 · Airbags
I lost control over all the functions on my steering wheel, including the horn and the drivers air bag. My mechanic told me, that I needed a new "Clockspring". He called Audi to order the part but Audi confirmed that the part is on back order since last May and that they have no idea when it will be available. Over 4000 people are on the waiting list for…
01/11/2022 · Steering
No steering when car is being driven.
04/09/2017 · Unknown Or Other
AFTER A SMALL SNOW FALL BUT WIT SOME ICING OVERNIGHT I TURNED ON THE FRONT ANDBACK WARMERS FOR THE WINDOWS. AS I TRAVELLED ABOUT 1/2 A MILE I HEARD A "CREAKING NOISE" IN THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE, WHEN I LOOKED UP I NOTICED A CRACK IN THE GLASS BACKK WINDOW AND THEN CONTINUED TO GET BIGGER AND BIGGER UNTIL THE ENTIRE WINDOW WAS GONE. I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER…