2017 Audi Q3 Safety Report
2017 Audi Q3 Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2017 Audi Q3
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2017 Audi Q3. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | High (3) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Low (6) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 0 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Unknown Or Other | Compare unknown or other issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2019 | Compare against the 2019 Audi Q3 with 10 complaints and 3 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2020 | Check the 2020 Audi Q3 before buying across this generation. |
Audi Q3 Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Audi Q3 years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Audi Q3 | 25 | 1 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2016 Audi Q3 | 27 | 3 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2019 Audi Q3 | 10 | 3 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2015 Audi Q3 | 19 | 2 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2020 Audi Q3 | 62 | 2 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2021 Audi Q3 | 13 | 2 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
2017 Audi Q3 Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2017 Audi Q3, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Unknown Or Other
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Audi onlyAir Bags
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Air Bags issues Audi onlyEngine
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Audi onlySteering
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Steering issues Audi onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2017 Audi Q3
Reliability Score
The 2017 Audi Q3 receives a reliability score of 85 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.
Known Issues for the 2017 Audi Q3
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2017 Audi Q3:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Oil Consumption Pistons and/or piston rings cause excessive oil consumption, leading to potential engine fire hazards. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Steering Malfunction Steering issues can lead to loss of control and malfunctioning functions, posing a significant safety risk. |
High | Common | 0-100k miles |
| Air Bag Deployment Issues Air bags have been reported to malfunction, which can compromise passenger safety. |
Medium | Common | 0-100k miles |
| Exterior Lighting Failures Exterior lighting, including turn signals and brake lights, have been reported to fail, reducing visibility and safety. |
Medium | Common | 0-100k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2017 Audi Q3:
Engine issues are the most common problem, affecting 23% of vehicles.
Steering issues are the second most common problem, affecting 15% of vehicles.
Air bag issues are the third most common problem, affecting 12% of vehicles.
Exterior lighting issues are the fourth most common problem, affecting 10% of vehicles.
Recall Details for the 2017 Audi Q3
The following 3 recalls have been issued for the 2017 Audi Q3 by NHTSA:
Summary: 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."
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will update the body control module (BCM), free of charge. The recall began June 21, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 97DK.
Summary: 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."
Consequence: A vehicle approaching from behind may not have any warning that the vehicle is stopping, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle software, free of charge. The recall began July 31, 2017. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 45G6.
Summary: 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 comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) num...
Consequence: If the side marker lights do not illuminate, the vehicle may be less visible at night, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will upload revised software to correct the issue, free of charge. This recall began November 2016. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 97CB.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2017 Audi Q3
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2017 Audi Q3 with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
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 inclu...
Car is burning oil at a very rapid pace and is causing knocking and seizing of engine. I had my oil changed recently (10K miles I’m supposed to have prior to my next) it was empty after I drove less then 1,000
The contact owns a 2017 Audi Q3. The contact stated that while her daughter was reversing at an undisclosed speed, the horn inadvertently activated and the contact had to disconnect the clock spring fuse to deactivate the horn. 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 replac...
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. Over 4000 people are on the waiting list for that part. I contacted Audi several tim...
No steering when car is being driven.
AFTER A SMALL SNOW FALL BUT WIT SOME ICING OVERNIGHT I TURNED ON THE FRONT ANDBACK WARMERS FOR THE WINDOWS. AS I TRAVELLED ABOUT 1/2 A MILE I HEARD A "CREAKING NOISE" IN THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE, WHEN I LOOKED UP I NOTICED A CRACK IN THE GLASS BACKK WINDOW AND THEN CONTINUED TO GET BIGGER AND BIGGER UNTIL THE ENTIRE WINDOW WAS GONE. I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT GLASS IS NOT COVERED BY THE MA...
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2017 Audi Q3
Has the 2017 AUDI Q3 been recalled?
Yes, the 2017 AUDI Q3 has 3 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2017 AUDI Q3 have?
The 2017 AUDI Q3 has 6 complaints filed with NHTSA. None of the complaints involved crashes. No injuries or deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2017 AUDI Q3?
The 2017 AUDI Q3 does not have an NHTSA safety rating on file. This can happen for newer model years, specialty vehicles, or models that have not been crash-tested.
What are the most common problems with the 2017 AUDI Q3?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2017 AUDI Q3 involve unknown or other (2 complaints), air bags (2 complaints), engine (1 complaints). Other affected components include steering.
How many crash reports does the 2017 AUDI Q3 have?
There are no crash reports associated with the 2017 AUDI Q3 in the NHTSA database.
How many fire reports does the 2017 AUDI Q3 have?
There are no fire reports for the 2017 AUDI Q3 in the NHTSA database.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2017 AUDI Q3?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2017 AUDI Q3.
How many injuries are reported for the 2017 AUDI Q3?
No injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2017 AUDI Q3.
Should I buy a 2017 AUDI Q3?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2017 AUDI Q3 is research thoroughly before purchasing. It has 6 complaints, 3 recalls. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2017 AUDI Q3?
The components with the most failures on the 2017 AUDI Q3 are: 1. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2 complaints), 2. AIR BAGS (2 complaints), 3. ENGINE (1 complaints), 4. STEERING (1 complaints). UNKNOWN OR OTHER is the single most-reported problem area with 2 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2017 AUDI Q3?
Regularly inspect and maintain your vehicle to ensure all safety features are functioning properly. The 2017 AUDI Q3 has 6 NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record.
How reliable is the 2017 AUDI Q3?
The 2017 AUDI Q3 receives a reliability score of 85/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 6 owner complaints, 3 recalls, and 0 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Engine oil consumption and Steering malfunction.
What are the known issues with the 2017 AUDI Q3?
Known issues with the 2017 AUDI Q3 include: Engine oil consumption, Steering malfunction, Air bag deployment issues, Exterior lighting failures. These are based on patterns found across 6 NHTSA complaints. 3 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
What are the most common issues with the 2017 Audi Q3?
Engine oil consumption, steering problems, air bag deployment issues, and exterior lighting failures are the most common issues.
Can engine oil consumption lead to a fire hazard?
Yes, excessive oil consumption can cause the engine to catch fire, triggering certain sensors.
What should I do if I experience steering issues?
Seek immediate repair to avoid loss of control and malfunctioning functions.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Regularly inspect and maintain your vehicle to ensure all safety features are functioning properly.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2017 Audi Q3
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2017 Audi Q3. The data includes 6 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 3 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-13