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.
Audi Q3 check engine light comes on
17 of the 245 owner complaints about the Audi Q3 describe check engine light, most of them for the 2016 model year.
- owner complaints
- 17
- worst model year
- 2016
- typical mileage
- 49,500
By model year
- 20241
- 20231
- 20222
- 20211
- 20202
- 20191
- 20183
- 20171
- 20163
- 20152
Often reported together
Stalling 6Engine failure 3Won't start 2Start-stop 2Oil consumption 2Fuel pump 2Adaptive cruise 2Shudder 1
Trouble codes mentioned
P2015 1
What owners say
evap canister keeps throwing check engine light even after replacement of all components
The vehicle’s Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system intermittently fails to detect vehicles directly ahead at lower speeds. When this occurs, the car maintains the set speed instead of slowing down, creating a potential collision risk. The issue has been present since the vehicle was new and has occurred repeatedly over a two-year period. Specifically, while driving in moderate or heavy traffic using ACC or Adaptive Cruise Assist, the system occasionally does not recognize a slower or stopped vehicle ahead. The car continues to accelerate or maintain speed until I manually apply the brakes. Once I brake and re-engage the ACC, the system immediately detects the vehicle ahead and resumes normal following behavior. This pattern strongly suggests a software or sensor logic fault rather than driver error. There are no visible warnings, messages, or malfunction indicators before or during the failure. The problem has been reproducible multiple times under similar conditions. The local Audi dealership has been informed, but as of now no official fix, recall, or service bulletin has been issued for this behavior on the 2024 Audi Q3. To my knowledge, the manufacturer has not publicly acknowledged the problem. This malfunction poses a significant safety hazard, as it can result in the vehicle failing to decelerate in time to avoid a rear-end collision if the driver does not intervene quickly. Component or system involved: Adaptive Cruise Control / Adaptive Cruise Assist (Radar-based driver assist system). Availability for inspection: The system remains installed and can be inspected upon request.
My 2021 Audi Q3 SUV had been very dangerous to drive stalling, stopping on the highway and shuttering for about two weeks. While I was going about 70 miles an hour my vehicle stalled. It lead to me almost being killed and rear ended. My vehicle had been displaying a stop start malfunction code and check engine light. I contacted Audi USA Roadside Assistance. Paloma R. Said they would help and towed me to Audi of Jacksonville on Atlantic. I was told the diagnosis was $300 and it would go towards fixing the vehicle. However, my vehicle was not fixed properly with them charging me $300 separate from the repair. My total came to $855, they are a scam. Alex told me over the phone that the $300 would apply to the balance. This is extremely deceptive and I feel they should be investigated. I’m still out of a vehicle with no safe way to get around. As soon as I left the dealership the check engine light was back on. It began to steer, and stop turning. Audi know the diagnosis will not solve the real issue. They also included a part on the repair list that was part of a known recall. The National Highway of Safety has flagged Audi Q3 for coolant leaks and issues. They quoted $657 for a part that would have been covered under a recall. I have a service bulletin. The real issue is listed as a turbo charge replacement which is $3,300. That will not fix my vehicle’s issue and they know it. It’s extremely predatory, after further investigation and research Audi doesn’t have a remedy for the stop start malfunction. Which cause engine failure and a dangerous driving hazard. Audi Of America knows the service will not fix the main problem of the stop/start malfunction. Even after $6,500 worth of repairs its false claims and most importantly a waste of money.
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. There was a class action settlement about this specific issue, but my vehicle was not included in the settlement Audi Q3 Quattro Prestige Vin: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2018 Audi Q3. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed as a failure with the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed as a carbon build-up in the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.
The contact owns a 2015 Audi Q3. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the oil light remained illuminated. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who confirmed that the vehicle was experiencing an abnormal oil consumption. The mechanic performed an oil change however, the failure persisted. Additionally, the contact stated that the controls on the steering wheel were inoperable. The contact stated that the steering wheel air bag was inoperable due to the electrical shortage in the steering wheel. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,600.
My 2022 Audi Q3 was recalled for a safety recall related to a fuel tank internal vent pipe. I took my car to the dealer for the recall and after inspection I was told that my car did not exhibit the defect stated in the recall and did not need repair. Approximately 15 months later (total mileage 14962) the check engine light came on and after taking to the dealer for inspection I was told that the issue was with the fuel system but there was no repair currently available and that Audi was aware of the problem and would contact me. They deleted the code that would trigger the check engine light for this problem. Out of sight of of mind. If the initial recall was a safety issue and if the same or similar problem persists without subsequent recalls or repairs I am concerned for my safety and the safety of my family.
The contact owns a 2015 Audi Q3. The contact stated that the front driver’s side air bag was replaced under recall in November 2022. The contact stated that one month after the recall repair was completed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
The Audi dealership in Tysons Corner VA is denying to repair a known flaw that has resulted in Failed emissions. This is a constant struggle with the VW brand, kindly help how to resolve. The following are attached a) The emissions failure report from DEQ with the CEL code P2015 b) Technical service bulletin that details that repair and how it should be covered c) The extended warranty d) EPA guidance on their website of coverage for this issue (pic attached) These dealerships are making a lot of money while not fixing emissions problems that they are causing global warming.
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the Audi Q3 check engine light
Why does the check engine light come on in the Audi Q3?
Owners who report it most often also describe engine stalls while driving, engine failure and won't start, and the codes they mention most are P2015.
Which Audi Q3 years have check engine light problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2016 (3 complaints), 2018 (3 complaints) and 2015 (2 complaints).
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