2016 Audi Q3: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2016 Audi Q3: 3 recalls, 28 owner complaints and up to 23 mpg combined.
Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Exterior lights, Electrical Vehicle recall #16V642000 · 2016 · 79,895 vehicles
What's wrong: Volkswagen group of america, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2016 tt roadster, a3 cabriolet, a3 sedan and a3 e-tron, 2016-2017 tt coupe, 2017 a4 sedan and q7 and 2015-2017 q3 vehicles. The affected vehicles May have been programmed with new software that inadvertently makes the side marker lights inoperative in conjunction with the parking lights or the headlights. As such, these vehicles fail to…
Why it matters: If the side marker lights do not illuminate, the vehicle May be less visible at night, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will upload revised software to correct the issue, free of charge. This recall began November 2016.
Forward collision avoidance, Exterior lights Vehicle recall #17V400000 · 2017 · 24,754 vehicles
What's wrong: Volkswagen group of america, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Audi q3 vehicles. If the parking brake is used during emergency braking, the brake lights on the vehicle will not activate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (fmvss) number 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Why it matters: A vehicle approaching from behind May not have any warning that the vehicle is stopping, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle software, free of charge. The recall began July 31, 2017.
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #19V385000 · 2019 · 23,241 vehicles
What's wrong: Volkswagen group of america, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Audi q3 vehicles equipped with LED headlights. An inoperable front turn signal May not illuminate an indicator, failing to alert the driver to the issue. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (fmvss) number 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Why it matters: Without an indicator informing the driver of an inoperable turn signal, the driver May turn or change lanes without a signal, increasing the risk of crash.
The fix: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will update the body control module (bcm), free of charge. The recall began June 21, 2019.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (10): the most common themes are electrical failure (3).
- Engine (7): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (2).
- Other / unknown (3): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Fuel & propulsion (3): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (2), warning light on (2).
The 2016 Audi Q3 has 28 owner complaints, ranking #3 of 13 Q3 model years for complaints (1.5× the average Q3 year). Complaints peaked in 2021 (6 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 25,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2015 (23 complaints, 2 recalls), 2017 (8 complaints, 3 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 28 | 23 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2016 Audi Q3.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 2016 Audi Q3 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2016 Audi Q3. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2016 Audi Q3 problems?
Owners have filed 28 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (10), engine (7), other / unknown (3).
What gas mileage does the 2016 Audi Q3 get?
EPA ratings run up to 23 mpg combined (2.0 L, Automatic (S8)), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2016 Audi Q3 repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.