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Luxury SUVs have come a long way, with many people desiring to drive the 2020 Audi Q3. The automaker boasts about the new lineup by saying, “expectations were meant to be exceeded.” However, customers tend to lower their expectations after driving this model because it features an electrical system, engine, fuel system, steering components, and stop-start issues that simply disappoint.
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NHTSA Complaints for the 2020 Audi Q3
| Complaint Category | Number of Complaints |
|---|---|
| Engine | |
| Electrical System | |
| Unknown Or Other | |
| Fuel/propulsion System | |
| Steering | |
| Power Train | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | |
| Service Brakes | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:oil/lubrication:sump/tank:drain Plug | |
| Exterior Lighting |
Most Common Problems with the 2020 Audi Q3
More than half the complaints to the NHTSA about the 2020 Audi Q3 relate to some sort of start-stop or stalling issue. Some are listed as electrical problems, some as engine problems, some as steering, others as the powertrain, and a large percentage as fuel issues. Many complaints blame multiple components.
Typical stop-start complaints made by owners state that they are told they need new software, but it isn’t available. Several talk about cars going into so-called “limp mode” where they can’t accelerate.
For example, here is a complaint listed under steering, electrical system, and engine. It was made on November 18, 2020, for a car bought in March. All the events occurred while driving straight or turning, or with a foot on the brake.
“The start-stop feature needs to be deactivated otherwise the wheel locks up once stopped and (the) vehicle does not move forward once (my) foot releases off (the) brake. The vehicle shuttered and RPM dial lit up and engine was revving once, (the) start-stop was deactivated. Car had to be pulled over and shut off. Started again to move. Clock changed time on its own. Interior reading lights came on spontaneously numerous times. Car went to service at (the) dealer and (I) was told (about the) software update for start-stop. Going back in now for engine reaction to start-stop deactivation, clock, lights. Still no software update available.”
Others say that the car jerks as if it is losing power.
Ultimately, many, including the one quoted above, highlight safety issues.
Examples of Claims in Complaints About Safety Issues
This is a typical complaint that highlights safety issues:
“My dealership has dismissed my safety concerns and has offered no resolution to the problem other than (to) disengage the start/stop every time I get in the vehicle. There was no guarantee of when this would be fixed and (I) was told it could be months to get the parts. There was also no guarantee that this wouldn’t happen with the start/stop already disengaged. I am driving a vehicle that could potentially shut down without warning, leaving my life and the lives of others at risk.”
Another says: “My life was almost taken away by my car’s engine failing in the middle of making a left turn on a 4-lane road where traffic (was) going 50 mph. When it stalled, the engine just quit leaving only electrical (lights and media) working. I felt I was trapped as a car was headed right for me and I could not even increase speed because the whole car just seemed to not move forward.”
And there are more that relate to the stalling and stop-start issues. This handful of comments shows how serious the situation is:
- “The vehicle is unsafe to drive because it could completely fail at any given moment without notice. After further research, this is a known issue with 2020s. It has been going on for the past month ½.”
- “It is only a matter of time before someone is seriously injured or killed due to this problem.”
- “This is (a) horrible function of the car which can cause a lot of accidents!”
- “The current software fix is not a fix. People will eventually die.”
- “This could cause a critical accident.”
- “This is not a safe car to drive. Please help.”
Problems with the Electrical System
We all know that the electrical system of any car is vital. But it seems that even though the Q3 is considered a high-end SUV, it doesn’t come with sophisticated technology.
Just look at this Edmunds review. “Infotainment (radio, nav) system occasionally locks up and I need to turn the car off to reset, can’t lock the car without having key in hand, no dedicated radio presets (common in all cars now), need to turn on rear window defogger and heated mirrors separately.”
It seems that Audi understands that there are plenty of issues. Even Service Bulletin #A9020452059335_1 discusses how the instrument cluster area can have some strange noises that are distracting to drivers. There’s nothing like driving a haunted SUV around town to make some feel that their expectations have been exceeded.
Problems with the Engine
We also know that the engine needs to be a reliable machine. With a premium model, such as the 2020 Audi Q3, customers simply expect that this is a given.
Yet, this NHTSA review shows differently. “While sitting at a light or stopped, the engine surges/jumps the car forward. You need to leave space to not hit the car in front of you. This occurs in both cases (Emissions mode and Non Emissions mode).”
It turns out; Audi has larger engine troubles than what is initially revealed. Service Bulletin #A0120422058309_1 says that engines might misfire and leave a DTC POO1100 stored in the ECM for diagnostics. If customers wanted to drive a vehicle with a misfiring engine, they could surely save a lot of money and go with a budget-friendly option instead. At no point does this prove that Audi is “exceeding” expectations. However, the tagline doesn’t say that the automaker is. Instead, it simply says that they should be. Very interesting.
Problems with the Steering
In closing, it’s vital to take a closer look at the steering system, which seems to be causing some headaches.
Here’s what one NHTSA review states. “Have had several instances where Lane Assist has suddenly turned the car into another lane, often following a crack in the road. Have nearly had an accident related to this sudden loss of control. Dealership not helpful, declaring that everything is working fine. Purchased this car for my 16 year-old daughter…because of the extra safety features. Very worried about this malfunction.”
No one wants a teenager behind the wheel of a car that will automatically swerve into other traffic. After all, insurance prices are already sky-high for this family. Yet, Audi is doing nothing to fix the problem. Still, Audi isn’t trying to hide any problems with the steering system. Service Bulletin #A4420732056386_3 talks about how the vehicle pulls to one side or has trouble with a crooked steering wheel. Instead of grounding the teenager, it might be time to put the Audi SUV under punishment.
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Complaint Data
| Category | Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:oil/lubrication:sump/tank:drain Plug |
| Date | Feb 03, 2023 |
| State | GA |
| Description | The contact owns a 2020 audi q3. The contact stated that while driving or idling, the electrical system started malfunctioning. The contact then stated that the rear-view camera screen became distorted. The audi pre sense system warning light intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the water pump leaked into the main cabin and the drain needed to be unclogged. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the drain needed to be unclogged. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was out of warranty, and no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000. |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Jan 04, 2023 |
| State | CT |
| Description | I have experienced twice now that water leaks from the overhead panel and flickering of the overhead lights from the water interfering with the electrical components. It begins to leak from overhead when the car is running and after it has rained. I have read reviews online that this has happened in the audi q3 models. |
| Category | Electrical System, Exterior Lighting, Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Nov 11, 2022 |
| State | FL |
| Description | Please investigate the 2020 audi q3 and issue a recall - this is a major driver safety issue. I purchased this vehicle new from the audi crown clearwater, fl dealership in late 2019. I am taking it for repair a third time because after it rains, the interior gets flooded with water which pours into the car from the rear-view mirror area which affects driver visibility, lights, electrical components, and more. The water damage is visible and there is so much built-up saturation from the leak that it causes the interior touch lights to stay on. The contact at the dealership who assured me she would help if this ever happened again after the first two fixes was evasive when I tried to ask what measures they took to fix it the first two times (in an effort to understand what they did before as well as suggest they need to attempt something different) and admitted that other q3s were having this issue. She told me to call audi america like another customer did, but refused to share the contact number or specify what I should tell them. This is a completely unacceptable situation created by audi which poses a hazard for drivers. Not to mention audi failing to stand behind a luxury brand image by putting the burden on customers to jump through hoops to seek recourse for a defective vehicle. |
| Category | Electrical System, Structure:body, Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Jul 08, 2022 |
| State | CO |
| Description | Rained. Got into my car and had water dripping down from the lights/dome of the car. Water was short circuiting the lights and they were turning on by themselves. Tried to turn them off but sensors wouldn't respond. Water was dripping down to the console where the start engine and other controls including the charging ports/wireless charging pad. Water also leaked from the front passenger side housing down to the floor. Occurred at 37. 5k this has happened once before earlier in may. I called the dealership but were unable to help due to appt booked out a month. If they cannot reproduce the issue they won't fix it. Occurred first time at 35k |
| Category | Engine, Fuel/propulsion System, Power Train |
| Date | Jul 08, 2022 |
| State | CO |
| Description | Had service at 34999 - reported hard shifting between 1st/2nd then revved abnormally high at 32k. Dealer was unable to reproduce during service - appointments are a month out. Car has had propulsion/fuel system not responding at random at various severities and rough idle like the engine was struggling to get fuel. Also reported during last service. On one occasion vehicle shutoff at lower speed at approx 20k. |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | May 09, 2022 |
| State | NY |
| Description | Every time it rain water comes into the vehicle. So it happen from the overhead panel and it mess with the light and it stay on . So where the lights are the water comes out and falls on the phone charger, usb outlet and the gears parking, drive etc. I took the vehicle to the dealer and the results stated check and clear drains search for tsb found 2056944/8 check seal and sunroof glass and readjust. This is the second time this is happening and every time I open the sun roof it's moisture there. |
| Category | Electrical System |
| Date | Feb 17, 2022 |
| State | CA |
| Description | While waiting at a signal, I got at message that my maps could not continue because I had no power, then the park assist came on with no explanation. After that, I got the message to put the car in park to prevent it rolling away. I tried to restart, but it would not. As the signal changed and traffic had to move around me, I put on the emergency lights and continued to try to start the car. It took 3-4 tries. I then took it to the dealer who did an inspection and test drive, but nothing showed up. I was about to get on the freeway when this happened and worried about driving. Even after inspection of the vehicle, I am hesitant about driving on the freeway and worried about this happening again, this time with the engine in gear. |
| Category | Service Brakes |
| Date | Jul 29, 2021 |
| State | FL |
| Description | Brakes and rotors p. S the the pictures I attached are of the new rotors they installed 500 miles ago after they acknowledged that there was a issue front passenger seat doesn't lock in position windows when down they shake when you open and close the doors shaking when going above 50mph |
| Category | Service Brakes |
| Date | Apr 22, 2021 |
| State | NJ |
| Description | As in past instance related to the diesel engine fuel consumption case, audi is hiding the fact that their brake rotors for the q3 2020 model have a manufacturing defect. The rotors are produced warped from the factory and it may cause various breaking issues as the mileage increases, starting with noises, steering wheel and car vibrations to possible brake failure. Audi does not want to acknowledge the issue so they do not have to repair these cars permanently or declare them undrivable and, as their mileage increases to provide warranty for defective parts beyond their original warranty term. They also do not want to make this an issue which requires a mandatory recall for tens of thousands of vehicles preferring to blame it on various other factors related to the vehicle being driven to a lesser extent and rust accumulating on the rotors. in fact they recognized this as a known issue and replaced the 4 rotors after 4000 miles, and when the problem reappeared after another 2500 miles the denials and blaming on the way the car is being used (less than average mileage) started. Their refused to fix the problem properly in the hope that after the warranty expires they will be able to charge for repairs. In fact, being concerned by the safety issues related to defective parts, I offered to pay for the replacement of those parts and I got from them a quote for the costs. They refused to fix the problem because that would mean an acknowledgement of the existence of the problem (needing to replace 4 rotors after 4000 miles and 2 rear rotors after another 2500 miles). They also are blaming the customer for heaving braking which causes the issue when in fact the car is driven lightly and only when allowed over the 60 miles/hour limit. Issue should be addressed with a permanent fix. |
| Category | Electrical System, Engine, Fuel/propulsion System |
| Date | Apr 16, 2021 |
| State | CA |
| Description | Car leased july 2020, has 1936 miles, check engine light came on 4/14/21, took to dealer , left for repair . Dealer states 'replace fuel pump module ' required . This car also had problem in march 2021 which I reported where car shut off while driving. Dealer said software update was required from recall that I had not gotten notice for . |
| Category | Engine, Fuel/propulsion System |
| Date | Mar 27, 2021 |
| State | FL |
| Description | We stopped at an all way stop intersection and the car's stop-start system had turned off the engine. When the engine restarted the engine hesitated, warning lights lit up on the dash, and the car went into its "limp home" mode. We were in the process of making a left hand turn and the car would not accelerate above a very slow speed. Luckily it was on a city street with a 25 mph limit and traffic was light. We were able to make it through the intersection and pull to the side of the road. We turned the car off and waited a few seconds and restarted it. The car worked normally after restarting and the problem has not happened again. I have received a notice for a recall that seems to address the issue (oem id: 96h5. Recall name: engine control unit (ecu) software) and have scheduled an appointment with my dealer to have it installed asap. |
| Category | Engine, Fuel/propulsion System |
| Date | Mar 21, 2021 |
| State | CA |
| Description | I purchased my audi 2020 q3 in november 2019. Since the purchase, on three separate occasions, the car has failed to accelerate under very specific speed conditions. In each case, the vehicle had slowed either due to a sharp curve while entering a freeway or for a slower vehicle in front of my vehicle while entering the freeway. When time came to accelerate to match the speed of the freeway traffic, adding power was futile. Drifting on to a freeway at 20 miles per hour and decelerating; while freeway traffic is moving at 70 to 80 mph (california) is unnerving at best and certainly, potential deadly. Audi calls the the problem "limp mode". Audi of america, inc. Issued emissions service action 96h5 - engine control module (ecm) software which cleverly dances around the real threat which is the potential for a serious or fatal accident. In march 2021, when 96h5 came available it was installed on my vehicle. The next week I took a road trip of several hundred miles. Unfortunately, the third " engine limp mode" occurrence happened nearly resulting in a major accident while attempting to enter the freeway. Nhtsa needs to recognize the seriousness of this specific problem. The current software fix is not a fix. People will eventually die. |
| Category | Engine, Fuel/propulsion System, Power Train |
| Date | Mar 12, 2021 |
| State | CT |
| Description | On four occasions, the engine stopped working and the steering wheel was not able to be turned. This prevented the driver from moving the vehicle forward and steering off to the side of the road. This is an extremely dangerous situation. If the car is turned off and restarted, the problem resolves with this reset. The intervals between these episodes have been several months. There are no specifically common variables, other than a lower speed - start/stop as in waiting to cross a line of traffic or proceeding through a stop sign. I have taken the q3 to the dealer 3 times now and have been told that a software update is the fix. Recently the car has been making a vibrating noise when coasting, and it lost power in an intersection on the way to the dealer for service. The car completely shut down and even activated the parking brake. We always disable the car's auto start-stop feature, as we suspected that to be involved, but that is not the issue. We feel this car is unsafe and the audi dealer seems unable to diagnose and resolve the problem. Our first audi purchase, we had one of the first 2020 q3 to arrive in the us and four shut-off incidents since we purchased the car in oct 2019. The car was driven less than anticipated due to covid, remote school/work and no travel. Perhaps more frequent driving would have accelerated the claim process for us. Ironically, we chose the car for its safety features primarily for our teen/young adult drivers. The car has shut down for three drivers, twice for our teen and once for each of the parents, so we are confident that the problem exists as described and persists despite attempts to fix it. Each time we felt it was resolved due to a long interval between incidents, but today was more frightening than others due to the intersection where it occurred. This could cause a critical accident. |
| Category | Engine, Service Brakes |
| Date | Mar 11, 2021 |
| State | MI |
| Description | Tl* the contact owns a 2020 audi q3. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 mph and while making a right turn, the vehicle stopped independently. The vehicle was placed in park however, was jerking. The braking system message was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact called audi rochester hills (45441 dequindre rd, rochester hills, mi 48307, (248) 997-7400) and was informed that a software update was available. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 10,000. |
| Category | Electrical System, Engine, Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Mar 09, 2021 |
| State | CA |
| Description | Car completely shut down, driving 30 miles an hour, had no power or steering . Dealer 'never heard of it' but had a recall software update I had not been told about for the 'engine control unit''software ea888 bosch and continental. And 'internal control module performance caused lost power to vehicle ' also clock sets to midnight and they don't have a fix for it |
| Category | Engine, Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Feb 13, 2021 |
| State | CA |
| Description | After stopping at a sign on a busy road, the engine fully shut down after a second or two of acceleration. A warning came on the dash to pull car over and call dealer. The engine was completely dead, but I was able to coast to side of road. After thinking about the situation for a few minutes, I started up the car again since I was in a precarious location. I drove it another ten miles to my destination without any issues. After reaching my destination, I called audi roadside assistance. They sent a tow truck (it took just under four hours to arrive). They then towed car to elk grove audi, which is when I learned that audi knew of this problem but was not updating the software until problems developed in the cars. I feel that I was very lucky that the stalled engine did not happen on highway or that I did not have any passengers in car. The outcome could have been very bad. After contacting audi customer service a few days later, they ('maria' on message line) said they would look into the issue and contact me by friday feb 12. I never received any further communication from audi. |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Feb 09, 2021 |
| State | TX |
| Description | Truck reads faint or old lanes on the road & will often jerk the truck over to the old lane vs the actual lane that is being driven. When you try to take control its really hard as if the steering wheel locks. Recently the sensors for forward collision can sense pedestrians walking ahead of the truck a few feet away & will engage the emergency breaks as if were going to hit the pedestrians who aren't even close to us. The breaks upon release from a light or backing out of the drive way makes a horrible grinding noise. Audi said its a characteristic of the truck! Today while driving the truck seemed to be shaking a little & reducing speed. When I pulled into the parking space the truck was still shaking. An alert lit up the dash board "drive system: malfunction! Please contact service. The tachometer was fully red 1-8 vs 7-8. I tried to give the truck a little gas to stop the shaking, but that did work. I shut the truck off waited & turn it back on the message was cleared. I was scared to drive it, but took the truck to audi where it is being looked at. Auto start/ stop locks the steering wheel upon restarting & has taken off extremely fast in a jerking motion which could cause an accident. This was said to be another characteristic of the truck. It seems to be a lot of dangerous characteristics with this truck that are not mention before leasing. My previous a4 had similar features & these issues never occurred. I don't feel safe in this truck its brand new 2020 with 5k miles & it seems to be issue after issue. |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Feb 06, 2021 |
| State | NJ |
| Description | The clock time and date keep resetting |
| Category | Air Bags, Vehicle Speed Control |
| Date | Feb 01, 2021 |
| State | TX |
| Description | In front passenger seat if passenger sits on a cushion (my wife has hip problem) or blanket etc it turns off passenger airbag. Reported numerous time to dealer and their response is audi designed it that way. Easily replicated. Next, vehicle unexpectedly and without provocation suddenly accelerates at low speeds'4-5mph to 9-10mph. Its unnerving especially if car in front. Airbag is all the time everywhere. Acceleration is going from stop to moving parking lots, stop light, etc. Both have happened since delivery. Reported to dealer numerous time. No answer. |
| Category | Engine, Lane Departure: Warning, Vehicle Speed Control |
| Date | Jan 18, 2021 |
| State | TX |
| Description | On january 16, 2020, I was driving on a local street and started slowing down for a stop sign. I had forgotten to turn off the auto start/stop switch as is my usual practice, so I deactivated it before stopping. When I hit the switch, I got an error message telling me the cruise control was no longer available, the engine warning light came on, and the motor started shuddering. As I tried to pull away from the stop sign, the car wouldn't accelerate more than 7 mph. Towed to dealer. They are trying to track the fault. I have also had problems with the lane keeping detection system since I bought the car in august, 2020. The system is supposed to come on automatically when the vehicle is started. Half the time it doesn't come on when started; other times, when making multiple stops during a day's driving, it comes on at random times. Some days it never comes on. Other days it comes on each time. Dealer can't find fault. Turning it on manually doesn't guarantee that it'll turn on the next time you start the vehicle. |
| Category | Service Brakes |
| Date | Jan 10, 2021 |
| State | MA |
| Description | I bought my 2020 audi q# premium plus s line as a cpo from audi of natick in natick mass 0n 9/26/2020. It had approximately 4500 miles on it when I took delivery of it. The car makes an unusual noise from the rear brakes whenever I use them. This is not normal and usually only happens when brake pads are worn to the point of having little to no braking material left. I mentioned this to the dealer before I took delivery and was told it was normal. Ive been driving for over 45 years and know that this is anything but normal. I drove a number of 2020 q3's and they all did it. I also drove one 2019 q3 and it did not do it. I know that this is a typical complaint among the owners of these vehicles and want audi to rectify it. |
| Category | Vehicle Speed Control |
| Date | Jan 01, 2021 |
| State | MA |
| Description | The first problem was on january of 2020 my audi q3 just stopped running on a very busy road when I was in motion. I called the audi assist number and a tow truck was dispatched to my location. I had only had the q3 for 2 months and it only had 2000 miles on the odometer. It was towed to audi of warwick and the next day the dealer gave me a loaner vehicle another 2020 q3 as they serviced mine. The loaner audi q3 did the same thing and went into 'limp mode' on a busy route. This time audi of warwick gave me a q5 model to drive while they completed the service on my q3. When I picked my q3 up I was told the problem was fixed with a software update. Fast-forward to november 5, 2020 my audi q3 has about 10,000 miles on the odometer and while driving home from work again went into 'limp mode' when I was in motion crossing a busy 6 lane 4 way intersection. Very unsafe as the car would barely move forward so I could pull over to the curb. Once again I called the audi roadside assistance number multiple times over an hour for a tow and no one answered. I had called my husband and when he arrived he called triple aaa roadside service and they dispatched a tow truck. On friday november 6 my husband drove to audi of warwick to speak with the service manager about my car causing a safety issue, etc. The dealer for the second time did a software update and returned the q3 to my home. Audi of warwick said the problem was fixed which was what I was told almost a year prior when I had the same problem occur twice in two separate q3's (described above). I am very disappointed with the safety and unreliability of the 2020 audi q3 and this software problem. I tried contacting audi customer support during their business hours yesterday december 30, via audi chat and was unable to speak with a representative as there was no answer. |
| Category | Engine, Power Train |
| Date | Dec 26, 2020 |
| State | PA |
| Description | Drive system malfunction- 05dec2020 as I was driving on the city street (35mph) the speed stalled(decelerated) at 12mph, I pressed on the accelerator pedal all the way down in order to increase the speed but will not increase. I pulled to the side and stopped and then turned off the vehicle. I waited for about 5mins then restarted the vehicle. Drive system malfunction alarm cleared afterwards; I was able to accelerate to the speed of 35mph. The vehicle returned to normal operation state. |
| Category | Electrical System, Engine, Steering |
| Date | Nov 18, 2020 |
| State | NY |
| Description | The start stop feature needs to be deactivated otherwise the wheel locks up once stopped and vehicle does not move forward once foot releases off brake. The vehicle shuttered and rpm dial lit up and engine was revving once start stop was deactivated. Car had to be pulled over and shut off. Started again to move. Clock changed time on its own. Interior reading lights came on spontaneously numerous times. Car we t to service at dealer and was told software update for start stop. Going back in now for engine reaction to start stop deactivation, clock, lights. Still no software update available. Bought car new march 2020. All events happened while driving or with foot on brake. All happened on streets both driving straight and turning. |
| Category | Electrical System, Engine, Steering |
| Date | Oct 30, 2020 |
| State | NY |
| Description | While driving on roadway yesterday (10/29/2020) the vehicles engine and electrical system completely shut down without warning. Power steering went out. Was able to drift to side of road and restart. Went home and had car towed to valenti audi, who determined there is a technical service bulletin for software update. Not a recall! Researched this on the internet and others have reported similar issues. This vehicle is dangerous! Tsb printout is in vehicle and will be returned to me at salisbury ct. However, nhtsa must issue a recall on this. |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Aug 23, 2020 |
| State | NJ |
| Description | I now have a brand new car for 4 weeks.. On 5 separate occasions, the start/stop feature on the vehicle has presented a major problem... It stalls episodically when the brakes are applied... It stops but then does not start. The worst was pulling into an intersection, stopped to look for oncoming traffic... Before I saw a car was heading down the hill, I tried to pull out but the car stalled and now oncoming traffic was bearing down on me.. I brought the car to audi service, they told me audi knows about the problem but has no fix!!! Incredible! This is a major safety issue that is not being addressed. I was told by the service manager to override the start/stop feature to deactivate... It is now incumbent upon me to remember to do this every time I start the vehicle. Audi has a problem with this vehicle which has now become my problem. I am told that they have "no idea" when this will be fixed... Are they kidding me... This problem has the potential of causing a major vehicle crash. This must be addressed and rectified. Please advise. |
| Category | Electrical System, Engine |
| Date | Aug 20, 2020 |
| State | PA |
| Description | I bought my 2020 q3 sline premium on august 15, 2020. The vehicle had stalled twice, first on august 17, 2020 and second on august 20, 2020. In both cases, the engine stopped as soon as I stopped in auto with my parking brakes engaged. The display screen also went dead/blank in both cases. In both cases I had to restart before I can drive. I also notice that when stopped and the auto stop engages the steering wheel locks making it difficult to turn a corner from a red light. Additionally, while driving the car identifies tar on the road as lanes and jerks the car away and it is very difficult to pull the steering back. |
| Category | Electrical System, Engine, Vehicle Speed Control |
| Date | Jul 13, 2020 |
| State | SC |
| Description | When accelerating the vehicle jerks like it is losing power. It has done this on both the interstate and on regular roads in motion. I have had to pull to the side of the road in fear that the vehicle will stall on me. On several instances I have been driving the vehicle and several warning lights show up and then it will not accelerate at all. Thankfully I have been able to roll off of the road each of these times. Theres no warning or any indicators that come up prior to the car completing dying in the road. I took the car to the dealership and was told theres software issues but nothing they can do for it until an update comes out. I was told to turn off the auto shut off feature and it will work ok, but that has not helped. The vehicle is unsafe to drive because it could completely fail at any given moment without notice. After further research this is a known issue with 2020's. It has been going on for the past month 1/2 |
| Category | Electrical System, Engine, Vehicle Speed Control |
| Date | Jun 22, 2020 |
| State | WA |
| Description | We were sitting on a freeway off ramp at a stop. When starting to move from a stop, the car shuddered and the console lit up and we were unable to move faster than 5 miles an hour to pull over to the side of the road. It was a miracle we were not rear ended. We had the car towed to the dealer and have been told this is related to the start/stop function and is a software problem that audi does not yet have a fix for. It is incredibly dangerous and I refuse to drive the car. The car is sitting at the dealer who to date has done nothing. There have been problems with the start/stop function prior to this where when you are trying to move forward from a stop, the steering wheel would lock up and you could not steer for a few minutes until the car would start to move. It is only a matter of time before someone is seriously injured or killed due to this problem. *tr |
| Category | Engine |
| Date | Jun 17, 2020 |
| State | NY |
| Description | While sitting at a light or stopped, the engine surges/jumps the car forward. You need to leave more space to not hit the car in front of you. This occurs in both cases (emissions mode and non emissions mode). *tr |
| Category | Electrical System, Engine, Power Train |
| Date | Jun 10, 2020 |
| State | SC |
| Description | My life was almost taken away by my cars engine failing in the middle of making a left turn on a 4-lane road where traffic is going 50 mph. When it stalled, the engine just quit leaving only electrical (lights & media) working. I felt I was trapped as a car was headed right for me and I could not even increase speed because the whole car just seem to not move forward. I eventually pulled into a median, but nonetheless I am scared to drive this car. Much like the person who also reported this issue. *tr |
| Category | Electrical System, Engine, Power Train |
| Date | Jun 03, 2020 |
| State | FL |
| Description | I leased my audi q3 2020 on 04/30/2020. The main issue happened recently where I was driving on a busy boulevard doing about 50mph and the engine stalled leaving only the electrical components working. I managed to pull the car to the side with my hazard lights on but had oncoming traffic doing at least 60-70mph. I felt in danger and that this could have been a grave accident. I brought the car to audi who says it's in need of a software update, they do now know when it will be available but would be in the 3rd quarter of 2020. They will call me to being my car back in for the update when available. They deemed it safe to drive, did not offer a courtesy vehicle or rental. I explained I do not feel safe and even made a report to audi of america without any help. I have a 1 month old car that I feel is going to put my life and the lives of people around me in danger if this should happen again. They did not leave me with any choice other than to take the car back because I need to get to and from work. I explained that should the car be damaged, I be injured or worse that they are liable given that I brought the car in and the issue was not resolved. I see this report has been made multiple times and I can say this is a very scary situation to happen at full speed with many cars around you. I have also had multiple alerts saying driver assistance malfunction. I also notice that when stopped and the auto stop engages the steering wheel locks making it difficult to turn a corner from a red light. Additionally, while driving the car identifies tar on the road as lanes and jerks the car away and it is very difficult to pull the steering back. *tr |
| Category | Steering |
| Date | Apr 17, 2020 |
| State | NV |
| Description | Have had several instances where lane assist has suddenly turned the car into another lane, often following a crack in the road. Have nearly had accident related to this sudden loss of control. Dealership not helpful, declaring that everything is working fine. Purchased this car for my 16 year-old daughter... Because of the extra safety features. Very worried about this malfunction. *tr |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Mar 24, 2020 |
| State | NJ |
| Description | The presense front is does not work as designed. I have provided audi with videos showing the presense not working at all under conditions they state it should and also did a test drive with the dealer who stated it was not working as designed but could not do anything since there are no codes. The videos show that I can rapidly approach a vehicle and the system does not engage. No warning or action, when I am with in a 1/2 car length of the vehicle in front of me and the presense system set to early. I did test drive other 2020 q3s and they all behaved the same. My car had its radar system replace and still behaves the same way. A case was filled with audi usa and they stated unless there is a code there is nothing they can do even though the dealer themselves believe there is something wrong. The distance warning system also shows signs of not always working as designed. For instance I have it set to 2 seconds. At times it does not warn me I am within the 2 seconds. At other times I can be more than 2 seconds and it still stays on. According to audi the presense and distance warning system do not work together, therefore issue with one does not mean the other is having issues, but given they are both using the same hardware, there are using the same firmware. All this occurs either either on the highway or side roads. I have provided pictures from the videos for your review. |
| Category | Steering |
| Date | Mar 12, 2020 |
| State | CA |
| Description | There is a 3-4 second delay in the steering assist after engine restarts from a start/stop event. (auto start/stop feature) I almost got into an accident because I expected the power steering to be active while the car is on. I attempted to make a right hand turn on a traffic light, when I let go of the brake, the engine started and car started moving forward. I was unable to turn my steering wheel so the car went forward and I almost hit the car in the next lane over. After taking it to the dealership, they said that audi knew about this and stated that this is within specification. (attached their internal technical service bulletin about this particular issue) meanwhile my car was in the shop for a week, I had a loaner audi sq5 that did not have this problem. Nor any of the cars I've ever driven before. I even showed this issue to a few of my friends and even they agreed that this was not safe. What's even more upsetting is that audi's response was "audi technical assistance recommends turning off start/stop system to avoid steering concern" so why would I pay for a feature that I am not able to use and if I do use the feature, I'm endangering myself as well as others on the road? (this is also included in my attachments.) I do home someone can help me because audi will not. |
| Category | Power Train |
| Date | Mar 02, 2020 |
| State | MD |
| Description | Auto stop/start system lags, causing steering wheel to lock up, preventing a turn through an intersection, or into a shopping area! This occurred as I was attempting a turn, from a complete stop, into a strip shopping center, in the baltimore area. |
| Category | Electrical System, Engine |
| Date | Feb 25, 2020 |
| State | NJ |
| Description | The vehicle stalls for no reason while being driven. Audi has advised us that they do not have a fix for the problem. Apparently it is a software issue but the software is not available yet. My wife was driving down the road yesterday and the car suddenly stalled. The vehicle was in the shop for 5 weeks when it was first purchased due to multiple electric malfunctions. |
| Category | Wheels |
| Date | Feb 25, 2020 |
| State | GA |
| Description | Driving into work on 02/13/20 my low tire pressure light came on. I pulled off the highway only to see I had a almost flat tire. I had it towed to the dealership and they replaced the tire as they said it was blown and that I must of hit a pot hole. One would think I would remember that. I received my car back 02-19 since this is a 2020 apparently there are no tires for this vehicle. On 02-23 I have another flat tire. 1st one was drivers rear and now passenger front. Apparently it was a big hole. I believe these tires are defective but am getting no where with bridgestone or audi |
| Category | Fuel/propulsion System |
| Date | Feb 18, 2020 |
| State | NY |
| Description | While driving my 2 month old audi q3 this morning the car completely stalled while going approximately 40 mph. I received an error message, drive line malfunction. The car would not respond at all after applying the accelerator. I was almost hit by 2 trucks!!! I then put the car in park and it was able to start it up. I brought it to the dealer, they just called me and told me they found an error code p060c00 indicating an internal control module problem. They said that there is no known fix at this time but they said that there is a known service bulletin on this issue. They said that I need to disable the auto start stop feature on this car each time I start it up. What do I do now? My wife will not drive this car anymore and does not want me to drive it either! This is not a safe car to drive. Please help! |
| Category | Electrical System, Fuel/propulsion System, Steering |
| Date | Feb 09, 2020 |
| State | OH |
| Description | My 2020 q3 purchased december 21, 2019 malfunctioned in the middle of an intersection january 22, 2020. It had 1400 miles on it. The steering wheel locked and I had no engine. I could not turn the steering wheel and it shut off the brake lights, which left me in a seriously unsafe situation. This was the third time it happened. The other two instances happened in a parking lot. I thought I had done something wrong with the start/stop. My dealership has dismissed my safety concerns and have offered no resolution to the problem, other than disengage the start/stop every time I get in the vehicle. There was no guarantee of when this would be fixed and was told it could be months to get the parts. There was also no guarantee that this wouldn't happen with the start/stop already disengaged. I am driving a vehicle that could potentially shut down without warning leaving my life and the lives of others at risk. |
| Category | Engine, Fuel/propulsion System, Vehicle Speed Control |
| Date | Feb 03, 2020 |
| State | MD |
| Description | I purchased my 2020 q3 on dec 31 2019. Within 2 weeks my car stopped at the signal light with a malfunction of auto stop/start issue and would not move forward. I had taken to the dealer and they mentioned that this is a known issue with 2020 q3 and the software to fix the auto stop/start function will not be available untill end of 1st quarter. Now I am seeing the gas consumption high and the vehicle does not drive as before. |
| Category | Steering |
| Date | Jan 21, 2020 |
| State | CA |
| Description | I bought my audi q3 on december 21 and on december 22 I started noticing issues with the steering, specifically related to the auto stop/start function. Now, as detailed below, I did not have a positive experience with my purchase of the vehicle, so when I started to notice the slow belabored turning, I thought that I was making more out of it because I had such a negative experience at the dealership. And, I wish that's what it was. As I continued to drive the vehicle more, the problem with the steering wheel locking up not only became more frequent, but also more aggressive, where it went from a short split-second delay to a delays that lasted many seconds. This is highly dangerous and terrifying. The last time it happened was in the middle of an intersection where I was trying to turn left, and the vehicle was moving forward but the steering wheel wasn't engaging - this occurred as traffic was coming towards me, one of which had to swerve to miss slamming into me in the intersection. Obviously, my next step was to bring the car into the dealership to fix the clear defect. So you can imagine my surprise, horror, and dismay, when days later I received a call from the service department telling me that not only did audi know about the defect, but that to them it wasn't a defect at all but an adequately performing 'slight delay.' of all the responses that I could have imagined, that was the one that never crossed my mind because that would me that audi was willfully ignoring the safety of their customers. The service representative did his best to show me work arounds for the problem, but as I said to him, steering your car while driving is not something that should have to be 'worked around.' there shouldn't need to be a work around where safety is concerned. The unsafe delay has continued to occur. |
| Category | Fuel/propulsion System, Steering |
| Date | Dec 03, 2019 |
| State | WA |
| Description | Vehicle misfires/ stutters resulting in the vehicle shutting off. Driver has to manually restart car. This can be hazardous when driving in traffic as the vehicle will shut off. Not sure if this is a fuel injection issue. I've had this happen twice while ascending a hill. I picked up my new car on 10/22/2019, since 11/02/2019, I've experienced this issue 5 times. My vehicle has been in the repair shop twice for this issue and continuously since 11/25/2019. The car is not storing any faults. Vehicle also recognizes road repair sealant as a traffic lane and will take control of the steering. You have to wrestle with the steering wheel to command control of the steering. Lastly, when using these auto start/stop function, after releasing the brake the steering locks and you have to wrestle for control of the wheel. |
| Category | Electrical System, Steering |
| Date | Nov 03, 2019 |
| State | TX |
| Description | When the auto start-stop function activates (turning the engine off), the steering wheel locks. The car can continue to roll when you let your foot off the brake to start moving again, but the steering wheel remains locked not allowing you to steer the car when necessary. I almost got hit because of this and it is very scary not to be able to steer out of the way when necessary!!! This is horrible function of the car which can cause a lot of accidents!! |
| Category | Electrical System, Steering |
| Date | Nov 03, 2019 |
| State | TX |
| Description | The lane-departure assist does not always recognize the tar lines on the road as non-lines. The lane departure assist almost pulled me into a guard rail on the highway when exiting!!! This has happened on several occasions and is terrifying! It takes quite a bit of strength to obtain control back from the car!! It is also very hard to steer when the lane assist takes over and does not allow you to veer out of the way when someone swerved into your lane! Again, it takes quite a bit of strength to wrestle back control from the car! Please help! These assist features are a hazard to normal driving! If I had known about these flaws, I would had never leased the car. I am not stuck in a dangerous car for 3 years! Help others! Please!! |
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About the Author:
Brian Jones spent more than 20 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.
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My daughter and grandson was in involved in an accident of April 2021 1-in a brand new Audi Q3 resulting into a lorry going into the back of them lots of issues with the car are was still trying to put it down to my daughter’s fault who is currently still fighting for her life in a coma if somebody could please help me I need a serious legal team they’re going to help me with Volkswagen as I’ve been to numerous solicitors in England and nobody wants to take them on
Multiple issues
– at 5k a line appeared in my dash display in the speedometer and the dealer had my car for two weeks. Replaced the entire dash display and had to remove entire dash to replace it. Fixed.
– Car at random has stopped (died) at while taking off from a stop light.
– Car is sluggish/lags and doesn’t respond when giving it gas. Then may engage after an approx. 3 second delay. Occurs at random.
– Car has gotten ‘stuck’, revved rpms high, then roughly shifted from 1st to 2nd gear. Has occurred 3x at random. Last time at 32k. Vehicle was serviced at 35k and dealer can’t reproduce issue.
– Car has lurched forward on multiple occasions. Occurs at random.
– Car is leaking at windshield into cabin at housing/dome. Water runs down into housing and shorts/turns on dome lights. Cannot turn off lights and has fog inside. Water drips directly down to middle console where drive buttons/charging pad/charging ports are located. Also leaking at passenger side door/windshield and will trickle behind dash plastic then run down to the floor.
I’m going through this now I hade to post on social media and use hashtags talking on the phone they said that’s all we can do for you but now that I’m active on social media posting and leaving comments they are trying to get me to calm them back again I’m tired of it I already filed a report with the NHTSA , BBB , and BBB auto line next after that it goes hopefully to the attorney general