AI Damage2017 Audi Q3: common problems
Owners of the 2017 Audi Q3 filed 8 complaints with NHTSA, most often about engine and air bags. The maker issued 527 service bulletins for this year. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 8
- Technical service bulletins (TSB)
- 527
What fails most often
- 1 Engine 25% of all complaints
- 2 Air bags 25% of all complaints
- 3 Steering 13% of all complaints
- 4 Suspension 13% of all complaints
- Engine: 2 complaints (25% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 26.
- Air bags: 2 complaints (25% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 6.
- Steering: 1 complaints (13% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 22.
- Suspension: 1 complaints (13% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 16.
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 2 L · petrol · turbo · 4 cyl
- automatic, 6-speed
Drive: FWD, AWD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 8 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2 | 0 | 26 |
| Air bags | 2 | 0 | 6 |
| Steering | 1 | 0 | 22 |
| Suspension | 1 | 0 | 16 |
| Equipment | 0 | 0 | 160 |
| Electrical system | 0 | 0 | 117 |
| Structure | 0 | 0 | 39 |
| Engine and cooling | 0 | 0 | 37 |
| Service brakes | 0 | 0 | 32 |
| Visibility | 0 | 0 | 24 |
| Powertrain | 0 | 0 | 15 |
| Exterior lighting | 0 | 0 | 12 |
| Wheels | 0 | 0 | 10 |
| Fuel system | 0 | 0 | 7 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
The vehicle is experiencing excessive engine oil consumption requiring frequent addition of oil. I reported the oil-consumption problem shortly after purchasing the vehicle. Audi Coral Springs recently diagnosed the vehicle and recommended substantial repairs.
Local state inspection/repair shop found both front coil springs broken. Car has approximately 60,000 miles. Cost to repair $1600.00.
pistons and/or piston rings cause excessive oil consumption, which can lead to the engine catching on fire. This triggers certain sensors in the car "EPC" "Check engine" and "Turn vehicle off now due to low oil pressure" These sensors turn off and on, which is highly risky. I was quoted 10k in repairs.
Additionally, the steering wheel made clicking noises while turning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the clockspring needed to be replaced. The dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the clockspring part was on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired.
I lost control over all the functions on my steering wheel, including the horn and the drivers air bag. My mechanic told me, that I needed a new "Clockspring". He called Audi to order the part but Audi confirmed that the part is on back order since last May and that they have no idea when it will be available.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 1,555 of 2,102 model years in the NHTSA data (among the 26% least complained about).
On average one model year of the Q3 has 15 complaints (12 years in the data). This year has 8, below average.
What to check before buying
- Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.
- Air bags. Check the SRS light, stored codes and airbag/curtain status after any impact.
- Steering. Steering play, power assist, rack and tie rods after a wheel impact.
- Suspension. Wheel alignment, control arms, subframe, even tire wear.
Manufacturer service bulletins
Bulletin titles as filed with NHTSA.
- This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed if it meets the criteria provided
- This bulletin states that technicians are required to report to the manufacturer when a vehicle has…
This bulletin states that technicians are required to report to the manufacturer when a vehicle has flooded, and specify the height to which the vehicle has been flooded.
- This bulletin provides information about billing for a broken sunroof glass panel
- This bulletin provides information about vibrations and rotational steering vibrations
- This TSB describes a corrosion issue due to outside influence and the prohibition of warranty in these cases
- This bulletin provides information for reporting safety related information to the manufacturer
- This bulletin provides infomraiton abou the Audi frequency analysis application, which is available in the…
This bulletin provides infomraiton abou the Audi frequency analysis application, which is available in the App Store for Android and Apple phones.
- This bulletin provides information when the license plate mounting bracket threded inserts are stripped
- This bulletin provides service information regarding exterior glass cleaning
- This bulletin provides information when there is a paint issue on alloy wheels
- This service information TSB provides warranty coverage information for vehicles with a broken sunroof panel
- This bulletin provides information about leather care and seat repair
NHTSA lists 527 bulletins for this year; the 12 newest are shown here.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Audi Q3?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: engine, air bags, steering. Total complaints: 8. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: oil leak or consumption (38%), smoke, burning smell, fire (25%), engine failure or replacement (13%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2017 Audi Q3?
NHTSA lists 527 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2017 Audi Q3 from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2017 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-04.