NHTSA FEDERAL EVIDENCE AUDITAudited: 2026-08-25

2019 Audi Q3 Common Problems & Defect Telemetry

Authoritative defect intelligence synthesized from 10 verified NHTSA owner complaints, 3 federal safety recalls, and interquartile failure mileage telemetry.

Data Grade: LOW3 Odometer Verified EntriesMethodology
Executive AI Defect Summary

The 2019 Audi Q3 receives a 7.2/10 MazicBay Reliability Index based on 10 verified NHTSA federal complaints and 3 safety recalls. The primary reported failure mode is Engine Stalling, Oil Consumption & Cooling Defect Reports with a median failure point at 6,000 miles (IQR: 6,0006,000 mi). Out-of-warranty repairs benchmark at $950 – $3,200 .

2019 Audi Q3Luxury2019
DLC Port: Driver side lower knee panel

*Representative vehicle platform imagery. Body styling varies across generations.

MazicBay Reliability Index
7.2 / 10

4.2 complaints / 10k sold

NHTSA Owner Complaints
10

Verified US federal records

Safety Severity Grade
Low Risk

Crash, fire & stall audit

Federal Safety Recalls
3

3 Active / Free Remedies

Switch Q3 Model Year (2014–2025)
Defect Clustering

Top Reported Problem Clusters (6)

Ranked by NHTSA Complaint Frequency
#1 ENGINE & COOLINGMedium Severity68% Match Confidence

Engine Stalling, Oil Consumption & Cooling Defect Reports

5
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):6,000 milesIQR: 6,0006,000 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$950 – $3,200 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Out-of-Pocket / TSB RemedyNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Engine sudden stall / hesitation while driving
  • Abnormal oil burning / consumption
  • Check Engine Light (MIL) flashing
  • Engine overheating / coolant loss
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11506722 • Filed: 02/11/2023

After multiple attempts to have my 2019 Audi Q3 repaired the vehicle is still sitting at Audi of Columbia with the following issues (leaking water, drainage system is compromised, mold in the roof lining, sunroof is leaking).

ODI #11461748 • Filed: 04/22/2022

Vehicle fuel pump fails intermittently even while actively engaged in driving. Engine stalled while driving putting me at risk for an accident. Issue was hard to diagnose because the fault would clear after an episode and reappear 300-400 miles after being driven again. Check ...

ODI #11375993 • Filed: 11/23/2020

WHILE ON THE ROAD, ON THE FIRST MONTH OF DRIVING THE CAR AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019, THE CAR SLOWED DOWN TO 2-5 MPH WITH A NOTE ON THE DASH SCREEN TO CALL SERVICE. I CRAWLED THE CAR TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. GAS PEDAL AND BREAKS NOT WORKING, PULLING THE EMERGENCY PARK BUTTON TO STOP...

#2 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM & BATTERYLow Severity85% Match Confidence

Electrical Parasitic Drain, Infotainment & Harness Reports

3
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):55,000 milesIQR: 35,00075,000 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$280 – $850 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Out-of-Pocket / TSB RemedyNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Unexplained battery drain after sitting overnight
  • Infotainment display / instrument cluster blackouts
  • Accessory malfunction / alternator fault warnings
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11506722 • Filed: 02/11/2023

After multiple attempts to have my 2019 Audi Q3 repaired the vehicle is still sitting at Audi of Columbia with the following issues (leaking water, drainage system is compromised, mold in the roof lining, sunroof is leaking).

ODI #11375993 • Filed: 11/23/2020

WHILE ON THE ROAD, ON THE FIRST MONTH OF DRIVING THE CAR AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019, THE CAR SLOWED DOWN TO 2-5 MPH WITH A NOTE ON THE DASH SCREEN TO CALL SERVICE. I CRAWLED THE CAR TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. GAS PEDAL AND BREAKS NOT WORKING, PULLING THE EMERGENCY PARK BUTTON TO STOP...

ODI #11330567 • Filed: 06/24/2020

ON THREE OCCASIONS, TOUCHSCREEN FAILED TO TURN ON PREVENTING REVERSE CAMERA FROM ACTIVATING. SCREEN STAYED BLANK OR WAS UNRESPONSIVE FOR SEVERAL MINUTES. VEHICLE WAS BOTH STATIONARY AND IN MOTION -- SWITCHING IN AND OUT OF REVERSE DID NOT RESOLVE ISSUE. *TR

#3 TRANSMISSION & DRIVETRAINLow Severity69% Match Confidence

Transmission Hesitation, Hard Shifting & Slipping Reports

2
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):55,000 milesIQR: 35,00075,000 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$1,400 – $3,800 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Out-of-Pocket / TSB RemedyNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Hard gear shifts / delayed engagement into Drive/Reverse
  • Transmission shudder / jerking under acceleration
  • Transmission slipping between gears
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (2)
ODI #11656567 • Filed: 04/24/2025

The contact owns a 2019 Audi Q3. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving while it was raining, the contact felt water dripping on her. The contact stated had observed water dripping from the sunroof panel in three places to the gear shift, and the passenger’...

ODI #11375993 • Filed: 11/23/2020

WHILE ON THE ROAD, ON THE FIRST MONTH OF DRIVING THE CAR AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019, THE CAR SLOWED DOWN TO 2-5 MPH WITH A NOTE ON THE DASH SCREEN TO CALL SERVICE. I CRAWLED THE CAR TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. GAS PEDAL AND BREAKS NOT WORKING, PULLING THE EMERGENCY PARK BUTTON TO STOP...

#4 BRAKING SYSTEM & ABSLow Severity65% Match Confidence

Service Brakes, ABS Actuator & Master Cylinder Reports

2
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):6,000 milesIQR: 6,0006,000 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$350 – $1,100 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Out-of-Pocket / TSB RemedyNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Spongy or hard brake pedal travel
  • ABS / Brake warning light illuminated
  • Extended stopping distance / pedal vibration
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (2)
ODI #11311716 • Filed: 02/26/2020Odometer: 6,000 mi

THE CAR HAD AUTOMATICALLY SHUT OFF SEVERAL TIMES. THIS PAST TIME (WHICH IS WHY I'M REPORTING IT) I WAS DRIVING TO MY OFFICE THAT IS LESS THAN 1.5 MILES FROM HOUSE AND I WAS GOING THROUGH A 4 WAY INTERSECTION AND THE CAR COMPLETED SHUT OFF, STEERING WHEEL LOCKED , BRAKE AND ACC...

ODI #11302365 • Filed: 01/27/2020

VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTO START/STOP FEATURE. WHEN STOPPED AT STOPLIGHTS, INTERSECTIONS, ETC, THE VEHICLE ENGINE WILL TURN OFF. WHEN DRIVER'S FOOT IS REMOVED FROM BRAKE PETAL, THE ENGINE REACTIVATES. HOWEVER, ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS, THE POWER STEERING DID NOT REACTIVATE ...

#5 STEERING & SUSPENSIONLow Severity69% Match Confidence

Electric Power Steering Assist & Suspension Noise Reports

2
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):6,000 milesIQR: 6,0006,000 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$450 – $1,400 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Out-of-Pocket / TSB RemedyNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Sudden loss of electric power steering assist
  • Steering wheel pull or highway wander
  • Clunking / knocking noise over bumps
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (2)
ODI #11311716 • Filed: 02/26/2020Odometer: 6,000 mi

THE CAR HAD AUTOMATICALLY SHUT OFF SEVERAL TIMES. THIS PAST TIME (WHICH IS WHY I'M REPORTING IT) I WAS DRIVING TO MY OFFICE THAT IS LESS THAN 1.5 MILES FROM HOUSE AND I WAS GOING THROUGH A 4 WAY INTERSECTION AND THE CAR COMPLETED SHUT OFF, STEERING WHEEL LOCKED , BRAKE AND ACC...

ODI #11302365 • Filed: 01/27/2020

VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTO START/STOP FEATURE. WHEN STOPPED AT STOPLIGHTS, INTERSECTIONS, ETC, THE VEHICLE ENGINE WILL TURN OFF. WHEN DRIVER'S FOOT IS REMOVED FROM BRAKE PETAL, THE ENGINE REACTIVATES. HOWEVER, ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS, THE POWER STEERING DID NOT REACTIVATE ...

#6 FUEL SYSTEM & INJECTIONLow Severity65% Match Confidence

Fuel Pump Pressure Loss & Fuel Delivery Defect Reports

1
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):55,000 milesIQR: 35,00075,000 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$650 – $1,250 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Out-of-Pocket / TSB RemedyNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Sudden loss of propulsion power at highway speeds
  • Extended engine cranking / failure to restart
  • Fuel odor near fuel tank / engine bay
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (1)
ODI #11461748 • Filed: 04/22/2022

Vehicle fuel pump fails intermittently even while actively engaged in driving. Engine stalled while driving putting me at risk for an accident. Issue was hard to diagnose because the fault would clear after an episode and reappear 300-400 miles after being driven again. Check ...

Safety Enforcement

Official NHTSA Safety Recalls (3)

100% Free Dealer Repair
NHTSA Campaign #21V027000Reported: 27/01/2021

STEERING:CRITICAL FASTENERS

Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling one 2019 Audi Q3 vehicle. Production deviation in the belt pully can prevent the circlip from properly engaging the steering rack.

Safety Consequence: The circlip can detach and catch on surrounding components, causing the steering system to lock and increasing the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer Remedy: Audi will notify the owner, and a dealer will replace the steering rack, free of charge. The recall was completed February 28, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 48P7.
NHTSA Campaign #20V273000Reported: 13/05/2020

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Audi Q3 vehicles. The passenger air bag may not properly deploy through the instrument panel tear seam.

Safety Consequence: In the event of a crash, the passenger air bag may not properly deploy and inflate, and small plastic parts may enter the cabin, increasing the risk of injury.
Manufacturer Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the instrument panel and replace it, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 10, 2020. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-822-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 70H7.
NHTSA Campaign #22V815000Reported: 31/10/2022

TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS

Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan LWB, Golf Sportswagen A7, Golf Alltrack, Golf R GP, Audi Q3, Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Jetta NF, Jetta GLI, Golf GTI, Atlas, Golf A7, Audi A3, 2020-2021 Atlas Cross Sport, and 2021 Atlas FL vehicles. The tire pressure monitoring system may not detect an air pressure loss in adequate time when deflating occurs among all four tires simultaneously. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."

Safety Consequence: An undetected sudden loss of pressure in all four tires increases the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer Remedy: Dealers will update the TPMS software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 18, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi’s customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are (Audi) 45J7, and (VW) 45J6 and 45J8.

Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist for 2019 Audi Q3

Before purchasing a used 2019 Audi Q3, perform the following targeted inspections based on reported federal defect patterns:

1. Cold Start & Idle Diagnostics

Scan the OBD-II port under the dash for pending freeze-frame codes (e.g. P0300 misfires, P0087 fuel rail pressure, P0420 catalytic efficiency).

2. Transmission Shift Quality Audit

Test vehicle at low-speed stop-and-go and highway merges. Check for delayed reverse engagement or gear shift shudder between 2nd and 3rd gears.

3. Federal Recall Completion Check

Verify that all 3 NHTSA safety recall campaigns have been performed by an authorized dealership using the VIN.

4. Electrical & Infotainment Drain Check

Ensure the instrument cluster, center screen, and auxiliary charging ports operate with stable 12.0V–14.4V alternator voltage.

Frequently Answered Questions

Defect & Reliability Q&A: 2019 Audi Q3

Is the 2019 Audi Q3 a reliable used car?

The 2019 Audi Q3 earns a 7.2/10 MazicBay Reliability Index based on 10 federal owner reports. Vehicles maintained under factory service schedules exhibit strong longevity past 150,000 miles.

What is the most frequent defect reported on the 2019 Audi Q3?

The leading complaint category is Engine Stalling, Oil Consumption & Cooling Defect Reports, with a median failure point around 6,000 miles (IQR: 6,0006,000 mi).

Are there free recall repairs available for the 2019 Audi Q3?

Yes, the NHTSA records 3 safety recall campaign(s) for this model year. All safety recalls are performed 100% free of charge by authorized franchise dealerships regardless of vehicle warranty status.