2015 Audi Q3 recalls and problems

The 2015 Audi Q3 has 2 safety recalls and 25 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Audi dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
25
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
1 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2015 Audi Q3 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2015 Audi Q3 recalls

Recall 16V-642: Exterior Lighting, Electrical System

Reported Sep 6, 2016 · 79,895 vehicles affected · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Problem: 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."

Risk: If the side marker lights do not illuminate, the vehicle may be less visible at night, increasing the risk of a crash.

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.

Recall 15V-200: Visibility

Reported Apr 3, 2015 · 3,646 vehicles affected · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Problem: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015 Audi Q3 vehicles manufactured April 4, 2014, to November 5, 2014. If the vehicle is turned off while the sunroof is closing, the sunroof may continue to close instead of stopping. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 118, "Power-Operated Window, Partition, and Roof Panel Systems."

Risk: If the sunroof is closing while the vehicle is shut off and a vehicle occupant is in its path, there is an increased risk of injury.

Fix: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will update the sunroof control module software, free of charge. The recall began on April 13, 2015. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 60C1.

2015 Audi Q3 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine8
Suspension6
Fuel/Propulsion System5
Unknown or Other3
Air Bags3
Visibility2
Steering2
Electrical System2
Power Train2
Exterior Lighting1
Visibility/Wiper1
Structure1

Most reported parts

  • Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Clockspring/Spiral Cassette — 2
  • Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 1
  • Structure › Body — 1
  • Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch — 1
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control — 1
  • Electrical System › Horn — 1
  • Suspension › Rear — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 59,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2015 Audi Q3 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Suspension · reported Oct 15, 2026
Right rear lower control arm rotted out and caused car to lose control around a corner 0nto oncoming traffic almost causing accident service center found both rear lower arms to be badly rotted away and needing replacement
Suspension · reported Sep 8, 2026
The rear subframe broke while driving due to rust and corrosion causing the driver side rear wheel to be at an acute angle which caused the car to wobble all over the road. The car is currently not safe to drive.
Power Train · reported May 31, 2026
Vehicle: 2015 Audi Q3 | Engine: 2.0L TFSI 4-Cylinder Turbo Component: Engine Complaint Description: While driving on the interstate at highway speed, the red oil pressure warning light illuminated suddenly and without prior warning. The standard low oil level warning light did NOT illuminate prior to the failure. Oil level was verified as correct and within specification at the time of failure. The vehicle suffered a complete and catastrophic engine failure due to oil starvation and rod knock, despite a verified proper oil level and oil pressure. The engine requires full replacement. This…
Engine · reported May 6, 2026
I am reporting that authorized dealer Audi Knoxville (Harper Auto Square) is KNOWINGLY AND WILLINGLY attempting to force me to operate an unsafe vehicle. Following an intake manifold repair, the dealership’s service staff identified carbon buildup and fouled spark plugs as a necessary repair, while the manufacturer (Audi of America) has reclassified it as 'maintenance' to avoid coverage. Because this critical 'top-end' work remains incomplete, the vehicle is at high risk for catastrophic stalling at highway speeds. Despite this, the dealership refuses to sign a safety certification for the…
Engine · reported Apr 17, 2026
Vehicle experiences sudden, intermittent loss of motive power, severe engine hesitation, and stalling while operating at highway speeds. Diagnostic scans confirm fault codes P2015 and P0341, indicating a failure of the intake manifold position sensor and camshaft position correlation. These mechanical failures, combined with extreme carbon buildup on the valves, create a hazardous operating condition where the vehicle cannot maintain safe speeds in high-traffic environments. The manufacturer (Audi) has acknowledged the intake manifold failure—which is a known defect under an extended…

Other Audi Q3 years

Compare all Audi Q3 years · All Audi models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2015 Audi Q3 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2015 Audi Q3: 16V-642 (exterior lighting, electrical system), 15V-200 (visibility). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2015 Audi Q3?

Owners report engine problems most often (8 reports), followed by suspension (6). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 59,000 miles.

Are Audi recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Audi dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.