2021 Audi Q3 recalls and problems

The 2021 Audi Q3 has 3 safety recalls and 15 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Audi dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

2 / 0

Injuries / deaths

2 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2021 Audi Q3 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2021 Audi Q3 recalls

Recall 26V-590: Steering

Reported Sep 11, 2026 · 208,724 vehicles affected · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Problem: 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.

Risk: A broken steering rack housing can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the right-side steering rack mounting bolt, free of charge. Owner notification letters were 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.

Recall 22V-673: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Sep 8, 2022 · 13,004 vehicles affected · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 21V-606: Seat Belts

Reported Aug 5, 2021 · 45,496 vehicles affected · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Problem: 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."

Risk: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.

Fix: 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).

2021 Audi Q3 problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Fuel/Propulsion System	4
Engine	3
Electrical System	3
Unknown or Other	2
Seat Belts	2
Lane Departure	1
Structure	1
Vehicle Speed Control	1
Seats	1
Tires	1
Forward Collision Avoidance	1
Exterior Lighting	1

Most reported parts

Lane Departure › Assist — 1
Structure › Body — 1
Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 94,000 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 2021 Audi Q3 complaints

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

Steering · at 94,000 miles · reported Aug 17, 2026

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 the road. The contact's two minor children were seated in the rear seat of the vehicle during the failure. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the vehicle was diagnosed with steering wheel sensor failure and steering wheel wiring harness failure. The contact was informed that the steering…

Fuel System, Gasoline · at 67,000 miles · reported Jun 3, 2026

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 to the cost. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V673000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered because the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System · reported May 30, 2025

I am reporting a recurring fuel system defect affecting my Audi Q3, consistent with Safety Recall 20YF â 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 when parked. That incident put me and my passengers in danger and caused breathing difficulties from fumes. The Q3 now shows the same early signs â gas pump shutoff, failed refueling attempts, and multiple $200 credit card holds at stations without fuel entering the tank. Audi replaced the tank…

Unknown or Other · reported May 29, 2025

By the dome light, it leaks water when it is pouring rain very heavily. It also drips water by the passenger side shade visor. The dome lights will dim and get brighter consistently as it is dripping. the driver side headlight also gets foggy when it rains, which causes the one side of the vehicle not being able to see out from. The rain in the inside goes near the electrical outlets and sometimes gets into it, if i dont wipe the water away. At night time it is dangerous, with the lights dimming & getting brighter , while also leaking from the top as I have to dry it, try to turn the lights…

Fuel/Propulsion System · reported Mar 6, 2025

The car stalled while driving. There were no warning lights or indicators before the failure. The car was unable to be restarted so it was towed to a mechanic. It was discovered the car was out of gas however the gauge read there was still a lot of gas in the tank. We then took the car to an Audi service center and they informed us it was one of the gas tank sensors that was faulty. They replaced the first sensor and charged us $1k and that didnât fix the problem so they contacted Audi and were told it was a faulty second sensor inside the gas tank and the only fix is to replace the whole…

Other Audi Q3 years

2026 2025 2024 2023 202220212020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015

Compare all Audi Q3 years · All Audi models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2021 Audi Q3 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2021 Audi Q3: 26V-590 (steering), 22V-673 (fuel system, gasoline), 21V-606 (seat belts). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2021 Audi Q3?

Owners report fuel/propulsion system problems most often (4 reports), followed by engine (3). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 94,000 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.