Used Audi Q3 2018-present reliability
Category: Family SUV
The desirable Audi Q3 is a classy, refined and versatile family SUV that makes good sense as a used buy.
What should I look for in a used Audi Q3 estate?
It’s worth inspecting the alloy wheels for any signs of kerb damage because you can get some particularly large ones on high trim levels, and they can be expensive to repair. Also, if the wheel has suffered a particularly bad knock, it might have damaged the suspension.
Most interiors in the Q3 use dark coloured carpets and materials that resist stains well. Some first owners may have specified the Alcantara pack across parts of the dashboard and door cards, so make sure that if the car has any, it’s all in good order.
What are the most common problems with a used Audi Q3 estate?
Recalls have been issued for the following -
The seat frame may not have been bolted correctly to the seat rail on the driver and/or front passenger side
The design trim on the power unit can become detached from its retainers.
The bolted connection of the pull rod between the electromechanical brake servo and brake pedal may come loose resulting in a loss of all service braking ability.
Check with a local Audi dealer to make sure all remedial work has been carried out.
Is a used Audi Q3 estate reliable?
The Audi Q3 finished in 27th place out of 34 cars in the family SUV class in our most recent reliability survey.
Reliability rating 86.8%
What went wrong? Sat-nav/infotainment 11%, bodywork 7%, brakes 7%, engine electrics 7%, fuel system 7%, non-engine electrics 7%, exhaust 2%,
Lengthy stints in the workshop are the main complaint of Audi Q3 owners, who told us that half of their faulty cars took more than a week to repair. Overall, 44% of the Q3s in our survey had a problem and the sat-nav/infotainment system was the most frequently cited area. Although Audi paid for 82% of remedial work, 9% of owners had to find up to £1000 for fault fixing.
As a car brand, Audi ranked 26th out of 32 manufacturers – above Alfa Romeo and Jaguar but below rival brands BMW and Mercedes.
Used Audi Q3: owners' reliability data
As part of our 2023 Reliability Survey, What Car? readers said Audi Q3 models exhibit mixed reliability and dealer service experiences. Numerous owners have reported issues with electronic systems, particularly concerning faulty sensors and warning lights. These faults often necessitate multiple visits to the dealership, with some readers highlighting the high cost and time-consuming nature of repairs.
Engine reliability has also been a concern, with several mentions of issues related to the fuel system and turbochargers. While some readers found their local Audi dealerships to be responsive and helpful in addressing these problems, others faced inconsistent service quality, with reports of long waiting times and insufficient communication.
