Audi Q3 common problems and MOT failures

What usually goes wrong with an Audi Q3?

Known faults reported by owners, mechanics and UK buying guides, in our own words. Most apply to certain years or engines only, so check which the car has.

• S tronic automatic faults

  Cars registered 2011–2018 · S tronic automatic

  Some S tronic (DSG) gearboxes developed rough changes from internal faults. Most have been fixed by now, but a repair or replacement is very expensive.

  At the viewing: Drive it for a while in traffic and check the changes are smooth in auto and manual modes.

  Source: Carbuyer: used Audi Q3 (2011-2018) reliability and common problems

• Brake pedal rod recall

  Cars registered 2019–2025 · Some cars

  The bolted joint between the brake servo and pedal could work loose, with a risk of losing all normal braking.

  At the viewing: Ask an Audi dealer to confirm the recall was done.

  Source: What Car?: used Audi Q3 (2018 on) reliability

• Blocked particulate filter (diesel)

  Cars registered 2011–2018 · Diesel

  Diesels used mostly around town can clog the particulate filter, and fuel can get into the engine oil.

  At the viewing: Ask how it’s been driven, check the oil level isn’t above the max mark, and watch for a DPF warning light.

  Source: Carbuyer: used Audi Q3 (2011-2018) reliability and common problems

• Seat frame and engine trim recalls

  Cars registered 2019–2025 · Some cars

  Recalls also covered front seat frames not bolted correctly to the rails and engine trim coming loose.

  At the viewing: Ask for proof the recalls were done.

  Source: What Car?: used Audi Q3 (2018 on) reliability

• Running problems after the diesel emissions update

  Cars registered 2011–2015 · 2.0 TDI diesel (early cars)

  Some owners say their TDI diesel ran less well and used more fuel after the 2016 emissions software update.

  At the viewing: Ask whether the update was done, and check it runs smoothly.

  Source: Carbuyer: used Audi Q3 (2011-2018) reliability and common problems

• Brake lights recall

  Cars registered 2014–2018 · Built Oct 2014 to Sep 2018

  On cars built from October 2014 to September 2018, the brake lights could go out when the electric handbrake was on. There was a recall.

  At the viewing: Ask for proof the recall was done.

  Source: Carbuyer: used Audi Q3 (2011-2018) reliability and common problems

• Sat nav unit failure

  Cars registered 2011–2018 · Cars with sat nav

  A few owners have had the sat nav unit fail, which cost around £2,000 to replace.

  At the viewing: Make sure the sat nav starts up and works.

  Source: Carbuyer: used Audi Q3 (2011-2018) reliability and common problems

Common Audi Q3 MOT failures to check

Parts flagged at MOT well above the usual rate for cars the same age, in more than one year. From the DVSA’s results for every MOT done in Great Britain during 2025.

• Suspension arm

  up to 10.7× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Shock absorbers

  up to 3.1× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022.

  Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints

  up to 2.8× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Coil springs

  up to 2.2× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018.

  Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.

• Anti-roll bar link joints

  up to 2.6× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2012, 2013 and 2014.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Engine warning light

  up to 2.1× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2012 and 2013.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

Audi Q3 MOT pass rate by year

Of the years since 2005 with plenty of MOT tests, the 2019 Audi Q3 did best (91% passed first time, 7 points above all 2019 cars) and the 2015 did worst (75%, 3 points above all 2015 cars). Older cars fail more, so compare each year with all cars registered the same year.

Questions to ask the seller before buying an Audi Q3

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Has the gearbox had any work, and has its oil been changed on time?
2. Has the brake pedal rod recall been done?
3. Any recent work on the suspension arm? (Flagged at MOT 10.7× as often on the Audi Q3 as on other cars the same age.)
4. Any recent work on the shock absorbers? (Flagged at MOT 3.1× as often on the Audi Q3 as on other cars the same age.)
5. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.8× as often on the Audi Q3 as on other cars the same age.)
6. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?