I purchased my 2023 Audi Q3 brand-new in March 2023. The vehicle currently has approximately 92,000 miles and has received regular oil changes and routine maintenance. While stopped at a red light, I experienced a sudden loss of propulsion. When the light turned green, I attempted to accelerate, but the vehicle would not move despite remaining in Drive with the engine running. I had to turn the vehicle completely off and restart it before it would move again. There were no check engine lights or dashboard warnings indicating a problem. I also began experiencing an unusual rattling noise coming from the engine. I brought the vehicle to an Audi dealership for inspection, where I was informed that metal debris had been discovered in the engine. The dealership recommended trading in the vehicle rather than repairing it, but did not provide a repair estimate or identify the underlying cause. At the time of the inspection, I only reported the rattling noise, so the loss-of-propulsion incident has not yet been evaluated by the dealership. I am concerned that this vehicle could unexpectedly fail to move again, particularly in traffic or at an intersection, creating a potential collision risk. Given the vehicle's age, maintenance history, and the severity of these issues, I am requesting that the federal safety agency investigate whether this represents a potential vehicle safety defect.
The worst 2023 Audi Q3 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Engine3
- Electrical1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Engine3
- Electrical1
Recalls 1
Air bags: sensor: occupant classification: front passenger
- What is wrong
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2023 Audi S5 Cabriolet, A4 Allroad, Q5 Sportback, A3 Sedan, S5 Sportback, SQ7, TT Coupe, TT Roadster, RS5 Sportback, 2024 A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, Q8, RSQ8, 2023-2024 Q3, Q5, and Q7 vehicles. An electrical connection in the front passenger seat for the occupant detection system (ODS) control module may loosen and deactivate the front passenger air bag.
- Risk
- A deactivated front passenger air bag will not deploy during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the passenger seat occupant detection system control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 8, 2024. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1‑800‑253‑2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69GU.
Recall number 24V251000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2023 Audi Q3 697
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Diagnosed and confirmed malfunction of the vehicle’s AEB system that resulted from failure or malfunction...
- This bulletin provides information when there are creaking/squeaking noises from the front end on uneven...
- This bulletin provides workshop information when the immobilizer cannot be adapted after the loss of keys.
- This bulletin provides informaiton on the use of the PICO-NVH tool (VAS 611 015).
- This bulletin provides information regarding the current top concerns being addressed by the Audi Digital...
- This bulletin proides service information when there is a prompt to take over the steering wheel (hands...
- This bulletin provides information when the starter battery is discharged or malfunctioning.
- This bulletin provides information for all gasoline engines when the MIL is on; DTC P240700 is stored
- This bulletin provides information to aid in diagnosing the vehicle locking system.
- This bulletin provides information when the engine is not runing smoothly; all gas engines.
2023 Audi Q3 fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4‑cyl | AWD | 21-22 | 28-29 | 24-25 |
What 2023 Audi Q3 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
I purchased a 2023 Audi Q3 and less than a year of owning the vehicle, I was driving when I lost power to the vehicle’s engine, with absolutely NO warning sign. Thankfully, I was able to pull over on the side of 95 and turn the car off, thinking maybe it was just overheating. I sat in the car for about 10-20 seconds before I saw a huge cloud of black smoke coming from the engine, that is when I got out of the car and called 911 immediately. As I was standing on the side of 95, with semi-trucks flying past me, I saw under the hood was pure flames. The 911 operator stressed I needed to walk away from the vehicle ASAP, and to not return for any of my belongings. About 2 minutes later, the entire car was engulfed in flames. Luckily, I was able to get my cell phone, to make the 911 call, but was not able to get any of my other belongings, purse, cards, laptop, ipad, etc. It took about 15-20 minutes for the police and fire department to come. They had to shut down 95 to control the fire, which took over an hour in total. The fire department came up to me 2 separate times asking if this was an electric vehicle because they were unable to contain the fire. I asked the sheriff what could have possibly caused this to happen, and that is when he stated it was most likely a manufacture defect since I had the car for less than a year and it had less than 50,000 miles on it. The police officer also stated that if I didn’t get out when I did, it was only a matter of seconds until I would have lost control of the vehicle entirely and burnt with it. I know this is a freak occurrence but to say I am traumatized and afraid to get behind the wheel, is an understatement. Especially knowing my guardian angels are the only reason why I am here and able to send this message.
If driving and the vehicle is put in park then put back into gear without turning off first, the vehicle will stall. Usually happens to me in parking lots but happened while I was parked on a hill. The vehicle stalled after being put in drive and started rolling down the hill - the power steering and ABS did not work. I had to apply the emergency break to get it to stop. This is a major safety concern. I've only had the car for a week and it has been happening the entire time. It is going in for service immediately.
Compare the 2023 Audi Q3
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Questions about the 2023 Audi Q3
Is the 2023 Audi Q3 reliable?
Owners have filed 3 complaints about the 2023 Audi Q3, fewer than a typical Q3 model year.
What is the most common problem with the 2023 Audi Q3?
Engine and cooling, with 3 complaints. Next is electrical (1).
How many recalls does the 2023 Audi Q3 have?
1 recall, covering air bags.
What gas mileage does the 2023 Audi Q3 get?
Official estimates for the 2023 Audi Q3 range from 24 to 25 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.0L 4-cyl, AWD) gets 21-22 city and 28-29 highway.
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