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Audi Q3 I problems (2011–2018)

All 2 engines of the Audi Q3 I that we have documented have high or critical severity faults: the 2.0 TSI / TFSI and the 2.0 TDI. The safest option is the 2.0 TDI in its 2.0 TDI EA288 (from 2012) version, with a «Buy» verdict.[1]

Outside the engine: Away from the engine, the most important warning for the Q3 I is the worldwide 2026 recall for corrosion of the steering bolt, although it only reaches its last cars (built from late 2017), since most of the Q3s in this campaign are second-generation. The rest are minor faults: an electronic parking brake that is hard to release, flickering rear lights caused by a tailgate sensor, and MMI sound cut-outs.[2][3][4]

Audi Q3 I (2011–2018)
Photo: Thomas doerfer · CC BY 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Reference image for this generation.
02468105.9out of 10

Audi Q3 I rating: acceptable reliability

Calculated using only 16 documented faults and their sources: the most serious and frequent faults weigh more. How it is calculated

  • Engine5.0From 4.6 to 5.5 depending on the engine
  • Gearbox10.0No documented faults
  • Suspension7.2Technical inspection (ITV) only: 1.1 times the defects normal for its age
  • Brakes8.91 fault and ITV (technical inspection)
  • Tyres and wheels10.0No documented faults
  • Steering8.21 fault and ITV (technical inspection)
  • Electrical system10.0No documented faults
  • Headlights and lights8.71 fault and ITV (technical inspection)
  • Electronics and infotainment9.31 fault
  • Climate control10.0No documented faults
  • Bodywork and interior8.1Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.8 times the defects normal for its age
  • Airbags and safety10.0No documented faults

Ranked 48 of 78 among the Compact SUVs with solid evidence. See the ranking

The weak points of the Audi Q3 I

  1. 1High severity: High oil consumption2.0 TSI / TFSI engine · repair €1,500–€4,000
  2. 2Critical severity: Timing chain and tensioner wear2.0 TSI / TFSI engine
  3. 3Critical severity: Corrosion of the steering rack bolt (2026 campaign)Steering · free repair (recall)
  4. 4Medium severity: Carbon build-up on the intake valves2.0 TSI / TFSI engine
  5. 5Medium severity: Manipulated emissions software (dieselgate) and the subsequent update2.0 TDI engine · free repair (recall)

Documented engines, from highest to lowest risk

The first label is the most serious fault affecting that engine in this car; the second, our verdict for the versions it is fitted to. Each engine's risk index is calculated only from the faults that affect this car (how we calculate it). We only show engines we have documented with sources: if yours does not appear, we have not analysed it yet. View all engines

See what to check before buying

Outside the engine

1 recall or campaign documented, the latest: Worldwide recall for steering bolt corrosion. See the campaigns for the Audi Q3 I

23 sourcesHow we work

2.0 TSI / TFSI

Volkswagen / Audi 2.0 TSI and TFSI (familia EA888) · Petrol

In the Q3 I
2011–2018[5]
Name
2.0 TFSI
Faults that affect it
5 · 2 of high or critical severity
Risk index on this car
54
High risk

Verdict for the versions it uses

Faults that affect the Q3 I

  1. High severityFrequency: CommonLubricationHigh oil consumptionIt is the most repeated complaint on first-batch EA888s (2008-2012) and still appears, to a lesser extent, in later generations. The engine needs topping up between services with no visible leak or obvious smoke at first.Repair (garage): €1,500–€4,000
  2. Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalTimingTiming chain and tensioner wearOver the years, the chain can stretch and the hydraulic tensioner can stop keeping it taut, especially on first-batch units (2008-2012). If the chain jumps a tooth, it can slam the valves into the pistons.
  3. Medium severityFrequency: Very frequentIntakeCarbon build-up on the intake valvesBecause the fuel is injected directly into the cylinder, no petrol washes over the intake valves, so oil residue and soot build up and, over the years, restrict airflow and affect engine response.
  4. Medium severityFrequency: CommonCoolingThermostat housing leak and water pump failureSince Volkswagen integrated the water pump impeller into the thermostat housing, this plastic part leaks coolant over time; on the oldest units, with a separate belt-driven pump, failures of the pump itself are also documented.
  5. Low severityFrequency: OccasionalLubricationPCV valve (crankcase ventilation) failureThe PCV valve returns to the intake manifold the oil and combustion vapours that build up in the crankcase. If it sticks closed or open, it causes a rough idle, misfires or oil leaks from the seals.Repair (garage): €60–€250

Q3 I 2.0 TSI / TFSI pageAll versions and faults of the 2.0 TSI / TFSI

2.0 TDI

Safest option

Volkswagen 2.0 TDI (EA189, EA288 and EA288 evo) · Diesel

In the Q3 I
2011–2018[10][11]
Faults that affect it
7 · 2 of high or critical severity
Risk index on this car
45
Moderate risk

Verdict for the versions it uses

  • 2.0 TDI common rail EA189 (2008-2015)2008–2015 · 84–177 hp · CBDC, CFFD, CAAC, CBAB, CFFB, CFHC, CFHD, CAGA, CJCA, CBAC, CAHA, CBBB, CFGB, CFGC, CGLC

    With caution

    Worth buying if the emissions update has been done and, on 2009-2011 units, the diesel pipe campaign, and if there are no symptoms of EGR, particulate filter or turbo problems. Caradisiac finds it hard to recommend the Audi A4 2.0 TDI of this era because of its reliability problems.[12][13][14]

  • 2.0 TDI EA288 (from 2012)since 2012 · 110–240 hp · CRBC, CUNA, CUPA, CRLB, CRMB, DFEA, DFEB, DFFA, DFGA, DDAA, DFCA, CUAA

    Buy

    Caradisiac picks it as the best diesel in the third-generation Audi A3. Its most cited fault is coolant loss from water pump leaks, easy to keep an eye on before buying.[1]

Faults that affect the Q3 I

Only those that affect the versions and years that this car used. The 2.0 TDI has 8 documented faults in total.

  1. Medium severityFrequency: Very frequentEmissions controlManipulated emissions software (dieselgate) and the subsequent updateThe 2.0 TDI EA189 (2008-2015) had software that reduced the EGR outside type-approval tests. Volkswagen fixes it free of charge with an update of about 30 minutes, which is not mandatory to pass the ITV (Spain's roadworthiness inspection, similar to the MOT) and whose long-term effects are still under discussion.Repair: €0
  2. High severityFrequency: OccasionalInjectionHigh-pressure pump, injectors and diesel leaks on the EA189On the 2.0 TDI EA189, the high-pressure pump can shed metal particles that force the pump and injectors to be replaced. In addition, 2009-2011 units were recalled for diesel leaks from the high-pressure pipes.
  3. High severityFrequency: OccasionalTurboTurbo with seized vanes or premature failureOn the 110 and 140 hp 2.0 TDI engines, the vanes of the variable-geometry turbo get dirty and seize and the engine loses power. On some 140 hp units the turbo has failed before 70,000 km.Repair (garage): €1,000
  4. Medium severityFrequency: CommonEmissions controlDirty EGR valve and EGR cooler leaksThe 2.0 TDI's EGR valve often fills with carbon, especially with short journeys, and causes smoke and loss of power. On the EA189, the EGR cooler can also lose coolant.Repair (garage): €100–€300
  5. Medium severityFrequency: CommonEmissions controlClogged particulate filter or faulty pressure sensorThe 2.0 TDI's particulate filter clogs if the car mostly makes short journeys, because it never gets to regenerate; sometimes the fault is just the differential pressure sensor. Cleaning it costs around €200 and replacing it, €800 to €3,000.Repair (garage): €800–€3,000
  6. Medium severityFrequency: CommonCoolingCoolant loss from the water pump or the coolersMany 2.0 TDI engines lose coolant. On the 150 hp EA288 the water pump is usually the culprit and, more rarely, the cylinder head; on the 140 hp EA189 the typical causes are the oil cooler or the EGR cooler.
  7. Low severityFrequency: RareTurboHissing when accelerating from damaged hoses or intercooler on the Transporter T6 2.0 TDIOn the Transporter T6 2.0 TDI (2015-2019) a hissing sound can be heard when accelerating, caused by loose or damaged hoses or a crack in the intercooler. Often there is no loss of power and no warning light; oil stains reveal the crack.

Q3 I 2.0 TDI pageAll versions and faults of the 2.0 TDI

Faults of the Audi Q3 I outside the engine

Suspension, brakes, tyres, electronics and the rest of the car. They occur with any engine.

What the MOT inspection finds on the Audi Q3 I

Official Dutch MOT (APK) inspection data: 2,982 inspections of 1,050 cars registered between 2011 and 2017, compared with cars of the same age.

  • Suspension and axles· counts in the score

    Defects in 5.1% of inspections; in cars of its age, 4.4%.

    Average

  • Brakes· counts in the score

    Defects in 2.3% of inspections; in cars of its age, 4.6%.

    Fewer defects than average

  • Steering· counts in the score

    Defects in 0.2% of inspections; in cars of its age, 1.7%.

    Fewer defects than average

  • Headlights and lights· counts in the score

    Defects in 8.2% of inspections; in cars of its age, 17.2%.

    Fewer defects than average

  • Rust and bodywork· counts in the score

    Defects in 0.1% of inspections; in cars of its age, 0.3%.

    Fewer defects than average

  • Exhaust and emissions

    Defects in 1.4% of inspections; in cars of its age, 2%.

    Fewer defects than average

  • Fluid leaks

    Defects in 1.2% of inspections; in cars of its age, 2.7%.

    Fewer defects than average

  • Glass, wipers and mirrors

    Defects in 2.9% of inspections; in cars of its age, 4.2%.

    Fewer defects than average

  • Tyres and wheels· depends mostly on maintenance

    Defects in 15.4% of inspections; in cars of its age, 16.7%.

    Average

The inspection measures wear and the defects visible at a periodic check, not engine or electronics failures. Source: RDW Open Data (public domain). How we calculate it · opendata.rdw.nl

Checklist for buying a used Audi Q3 I

Check the advert or the paperwork to see which engine the car has and go through its section. Each point comes from a documented fault; you can tick them off as you inspect.

If it has the 2.0 TSI / TFSI (2011–2018)

High oil consumption

High severity

Timing chain and tensioner wear

Critical severity

Carbon build-up on the intake valves

Medium severity

Thermostat housing leak and water pump failure

Medium severity

PCV valve (crankcase ventilation) failure

Low severity

If it has the 2.0 TDI (2011–2018)

Manipulated emissions software (dieselgate) and the subsequent update

Medium severity

High-pressure pump, injectors and diesel leaks on the EA189

High severity

Turbo with seized vanes or premature failure

High severity

Dirty EGR valve and EGR cooler leaks

Medium severity

Clogged particulate filter or faulty pressure sensor

Medium severity

Coolant loss from the water pump or the coolers

Medium severity

Hissing when accelerating from damaged hoses or intercooler on the Transporter T6 2.0 TDI

Low severity

Wear parts for the Audi Q3 I

Brakes, wiper blades, pollen filter and battery, searched for this model. The exact part number depends on the engine and year: confirm it with the registration plate or VIN.

Affiliate links: if you buy from these shops, MotorFiable may receive a commission at no cost to you. Check compatibility against the registration plate or VIN before ordering. Affiliate links

Buying a Audi Q3 I?

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Own a Audi Q3 I? Tell us what faults you have had, at what mileage and how much you paid. Report your fault.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Audi Q3 I reliable?

All 2 engines of the Audi Q3 I that we have documented have high or critical severity faults: the 2.0 TSI / TFSI and the 2.0 TDI. The safest option is the 2.0 TDI in its 2.0 TDI EA288 (from 2012) version, with a «Buy» verdict. Away from the engine, the most important warning for the Q3 I is the worldwide 2026 recall for corrosion of the steering bolt, although it only reaches its last cars (built from late 2017), since most of the Q3s in this campaign are second-generation. The rest are minor faults: an electronic parking brake that is hard to release, flickering rear lights caused by a tailgate sensor, and MMI sound cut-outs.

Which Audi Q3 I engine is the most reliable?

Among the 2 engines we have documented, the safest option is the 2.0 TDI in its 2.0 TDI EA288 (from 2012) version, with a «Buy» verdict. Caradisiac picks it as the best diesel in the third-generation Audi A3. Its most cited fault is coolant loss from water pump leaks, easy to keep an eye on before buying.[1]

What problems does the Audi Q3 I have apart from the engine?

Away from the engine, the most important warning for the Q3 I is the worldwide 2026 recall for corrosion of the steering bolt, although it only reaches its last cars (built from late 2017), since most of the Q3s in this campaign are second-generation. The rest are minor faults: an electronic parking brake that is hard to release, flickering rear lights caused by a tailgate sensor, and MMI sound cut-outs. The most important documented faults are: corrosion of the steering rack bolt (2026 campaign) (steering, critical severity), flickering rear lights caused by a tailgate sensor (headlights and lights, medium severity), electronic parking brake that is hard to release (brakes, medium severity) and MMI sound cut-out with the "Loading device" message (electronics and infotainment, low severity).[2][3][4]

What faults does the Audi Q3 I have?

The most important by severity and frequency, on the engines we have documented, are: high oil consumption (2.0 TSI / TFSI, high severity), timing chain and tensioner wear (2.0 TSI / TFSI, critical severity), carbon build-up on the intake valves (2.0 TSI / TFSI, medium severity), manipulated emissions software (dieselgate) and the subsequent update (2.0 TDI, medium severity) and high-pressure pump, injectors and diesel leaks on the EA189 (2.0 TDI, high severity).

What is the best year to buy a Audi Q3 I?

According to our rating by year, the best are 2018 and 2017 (7.2/10); the worst rated is 2011 (6.5/10). Each year's rating counts only the engines sold that year and the faults that affect those units: open each year to see what changes.

Does the Audi Q3 I have recalls?

Yes: we have documented one campaign for the Audi Q3 I, such as worldwide recall for steering bolt corrosion (2026). Check with your VIN at the official service centre whether yours has been done.[2]

Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

  1. Fiabilité de l'Audi A3 (3e génération) : la maxi-fiche occasion de CaradisiacCaradisiac · Motoring press · published 19 December 2018 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  2. Volkswagen y Audi llaman a revisión a casi tres millones de vehículos por un posible fallo en la dirección: estos son los modelos afectadosInfobae · General press · published 25 September 2026 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  3. Frenos Audi Q3: fallas y solucionesOpinautos · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  4. Tablero Audi Q3: fallas y solucionesOpinautos · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  5. Volkswagen EA888 engineWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026
  6. Fiabilité Volkswagen (datos de propietarios por modelo)fiches-auto.fr · Reliability study · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  7. Fiabilité Audi (datos de propietarios por modelo)fiches-auto.fr · Reliability study · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  8. Témoignages fiabilité Volkswagenfiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  9. Témoignages fiabilité Audifiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  10. Lista provisional de coches afectados por los TDI de VolkswagenMotor.es · Motoring press · published 25 September 2015 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  11. VW EA288Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026 · in German
  12. Información sobre el motor EA189Volkswagen España · Manufacturer · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  13. Maxi-fiche fiabilité - Audi A4 (2007-2015) : belle, mais capricieuseCaradisiac · Motoring press · published 1 April 2023 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  14. Used Skoda Yeti reviewAuto Express · Motoring press · published 15 June 2016 · consulted 26 September 2026
  15. ¿Se verá afectado mi Volkswagen diésel no actualizado en la ITV?Motor.es · Motoring press · published 20 May 2018 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  16. VW EA189Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026 · in German
  17. Used Volkswagen Golf (Mk6, 2009-2013) reviewAuto Express · Motoring press · published 15 November 2016 · consulted 26 September 2026
  18. Used Skoda Superb (Mk2, 2008-2015) review and buyer's guideAuto Express · Motoring press · published 9 March 2018 · consulted 26 September 2026
  19. Un Volkswagen Tiguan en occasion : les meilleures versions par budget, et la fiabilitéCaradisiac · Motoring press · published 1 April 2025 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  20. Cómo saber si el turbo está roto o a punto de romperseMotor.es · Motoring press · published 4 May 2020 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  21. Audi A6 III (2004-2011) : la fiche express fiabilité de CaradisiacCaradisiac · Motoring press · published 4 July 2022 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  22. Fiabilité du Volkswagen Touran 2 : la maxi-fiche occasion de CaradisiacCaradisiac · Motoring press · published 3 May 2018 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  23. Volkswagen T6 - Zischende Geräusche aus dem Motorraum (2,0 TDI)HELLA Tech World · Technical documentation · consulted 30 October 2026 · in German