Likes
- Stylish design
- Good list of standard features
- You can get the Euro image with spending a fortune
- Fuel-efficient
Used Audi Q3 review
2012 - 2018
Dislikes
- An increasing list of potential issues
- Expensive labour and parts
- Some owners describe the diesel engines as sluggish
- No Q3s of this generation will have any no factory support left. So beware
- Not as spacious as some competitors
Stuff you should know
The 2012-2016 Audi Q3 is a compact luxury SUV that was introduced in 2012. It is powered by a variety of engines, including two different 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinders, and two 2.0-litre TDI turbo-diesel engines. The Q3 is available in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configurations.
The Q3 has a sleek and stylish design, with a sloping roofline and a wide stance. The interior is also well-appointed, with high-quality materials and a comfortable ride. The Q3 comes standard with a variety of features, including a sunroof, a premium sound system, and a reversing camera.
In terms of performance, the Q3 is a capable SUV. This engine is enough to get the Q3 up to speed quickly and easily. The Q3 also comes with a variety of driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Dynamic, and Individual. These modes allow you to customise the driving experience to your liking.
In 2015, the Audi Q3 received a subtle exterior redesign with a thicker chromed rim on the single-frame grille, enlarged lower air vents, and a different design for the lower lip. The interior received a standard LED interior ambient lighting package, while all engines received a power boost.
The Q3 has been praised for its handling and ride quality. The SUV is agile and responsive, and it provides a comfortable ride even on rough roads. The Q3 also has a well-balanced suspension that provides good handling and a smooth ride.
Overall, the 2012-2016 Audi Q3 is a great choice for a compact luxury SUV. It is stylish, comfortable, and fun to drive. The Q3 also gets good fuel economy and has aa great range of standard features.
What goes wrong
Exterior:
On the Audi Q3s fitted with sunroofs, there are numerous reports of leaking sunroofs, this is generally down to a blockage in the drainage tube. Water can get in which can play havoc with electrical components. Owners also report leaking from doors and windows.
Interior:
Owners have reported a range of interior electrical problems, like lights flickering, the car not starting, power windows and central locking systems not working and faults relating to the instrument cluster.
Some owners have reported the tire pressure monitoring system (TMPS) either doesn’t work or gives false readings.
Owners report glitching infotainment systems.
Mechanically:
The Audi Q3 has widely reported issues relating to the timing chain tensioner. It’s recommended that anyone who owns or is looking to buy an Audi Q3 makes sure this issue is rectified, as left unfixed can lead to catastrophic engine failure.
On Q3s with high mileage, there are issues reported with the suspension.
There is a range of reported transmission issues, ranging from erratic shifting, failing to shift gears altogether, as well as slipping or grinding between gear changes.
Owners have also experienced issues with the cooling system, ranging from overheating engines, leaking coolant, faulty thermostats and defective water pumps.
There are sporadic reports of the engine cutting out either while driving or when stopped.
Recalls:
- July 2017: 2,586 Audi Q3 vehicles from 2014 to 2016 have a defect where the brake lights may not illuminate when the emergency braking function is initiated via the EPB button.
- February 2018: Audi recalls 25 Q3s due to a defect in the passenger airbag that could compromise the airbag’s ability to protect the passenger in the event of an accident.
- August 2019: Audi recalls 312 Q3 vehicles in Australia due to a defect in the front indicator light that could increase the risk of an accident.
Exterior:
On the Audi Q3s fitted with sunroofs, there are numerous reports of leaking sunroofs, this is generally down to a blockage in the drainage tube. Water can get in which can play havoc with electrical components. Owners also report leaking from doors and windows.
Interior:
Owners have reported a range of interior electrical problems, like lights flickering, the car not starting, power windows and central locking systems not working and faults relating to the instrument cluster.
Some owners have reported the tire pressure monitoring system (TMPS) either doesn’t work or gives false readings.
Owners report glitching infotainment systems.
Mechanically:
The Audi Q3 has widely reported issues relating to the timing chain tensioner. It’s recommended that anyone who owns or is looking to buy an Audi Q3 makes sure this issue is rectified, as left unfixed can lead to catastrophic engine failure.
On Q3s with high mileage, there are issues reported with the suspension.
There is a range of reported transmission issues, ranging from erratic shifting, failing to shift gears altogether, as well as slipping or grinding between gear changes.
Owners have also experienced issues with the cooling system, ranging from overheating engines, leaking coolant, faulty thermostats and defective water pumps.
There are sporadic reports of the engine cutting out either while driving or when stopped.
Recalls:
- July 2017: 2,586 Audi Q3 vehicles from 2014 to 2016 have a defect where the brake lights may not illuminate when the emergency braking function is initiated via the EPB button.
- February 2018: Audi recalls 25 Q3s due to a defect in the passenger airbag that could compromise the airbag’s ability to protect the passenger in the event of an accident.
- August 2019: Audi recalls 312 Q3 vehicles in Australia due to a defect in the front indicator light that could increase the risk of an accident.
Exterior:
On the Audi Q3s fitted with sunroofs, there are numerous reports of leaking sunroofs, this is generally down to a blockage in the drainage tube. Water can get in which can play havoc with electrical components. Owners also report leaking from doors and windows.
Interior:
Owners have reported a range of interior electrical problems, like lights flickering, the car not starting, power windows and central locking systems not working and faults relating to the instrument cluster.
Some owners have reported the tire pressure monitoring system (TMPS) either doesn’t work or gives false readings.
Owners report glitching infotainment systems.
Mechanically:
The Audi Q3 has widely reported issues relating to the timing chain tensioner. It’s recommended that anyone who owns or is looking to buy an Audi Q3 makes sure this issue is rectified, as left unfixed can lead to catastrophic engine failure.
On Q3s with high mileage, there are issues reported with the suspension.
There is a range of reported transmission issues, ranging from erratic shifting, failing to shift gears altogether, as well as slipping or grinding between gear changes.
Owners have also experienced issues with the cooling system, ranging from overheating engines, leaking coolant, faulty thermostats and defective water pumps.
There are sporadic reports of the engine cutting out either while driving or when stopped.
Recalls:
- July 2017: 2,586 Audi Q3 vehicles from 2014 to 2016 have a defect where the brake lights may not illuminate when the emergency braking function is initiated via the EPB button.
- February 2018: Audi recalls 25 Q3s due to a defect in the passenger airbag that could compromise the airbag’s ability to protect the passenger in the event of an accident.
- August 2019: Audi recalls 312 Q3 vehicles in Australia due to a defect in the front indicator light that could increase the risk of an accident.
Should you buy it?
If the Audi Q3 was a ride at a theme park, it would need a sign that says “Enter at your own risk”.
Like most cars, there’s a pretty clear relationship between the age of the car and how prone they are to having issues. The thing that sets the Q3 apart is the associated parts and labour costs that come with it.
Sure, the Q3 is pretty, loaded with features and offers all the ‘Euro appeal’ (if you’re into that kind of thing), and depending on the Q3 you’re looking at, you can get all that from not a great deal of cash. But and older Q3, especially one with zero factory support left on it, should really be avoided, especially if you’re not financially prepared for when, not if, something goes wrong.
Otherwise, if you’re interested in the Q3, make sure you get the most recent one you can afford, maybe even try to get into a recent gen-2 Audi Q3, from 2019 onwards they came with 5 years warranty. Otherwise, if all you can afford is older models, something pushing 10 years old, seriously consider whether the Euro badge is worth the potential heartache.
If the Audi Q3 was a ride at a theme park, it would need a sign that says “Enter at your own risk”.
Like most cars, there’s a pretty clear relationship between the age of the car and how prone they are to having issues. The thing that sets the Q3 apart is the associated parts and labour costs that come with it.
Sure, the Q3 is pretty, loaded with features and offers all the ‘Euro appeal’ (if you’re into that kind of thing), and depending on the Q3 you’re looking at, you can get all that from not a great deal of cash. But and older Q3, especially one with zero factory support left on it, should really be avoided, especially if you’re not financially prepared for when, not if, something goes wrong.
Otherwise, if you’re interested in the Q3, make sure you get the most recent one you can afford, maybe even try to get into a recent gen-2 Audi Q3, from 2019 onwards they came with 5 years warranty. Otherwise, if all you can afford is older models, something pushing 10 years old, seriously consider whether the Euro badge is worth the potential heartache.
Should you buy it?
If the Audi Q3 was a ride at a theme park, it would need a sign that says “Enter at your own risk”.
Like most cars, there’s a pretty clear relationship between the age of the car and how prone they are to having issues. The thing that sets the Q3 apart is the associated parts and labour costs that come with it.
Sure, the Q3 is pretty, loaded with features and offers all the ‘Euro appeal’ (if you’re into that kind of thing), and depending on the Q3 you’re looking at, you can get all that from not a great deal of cash. But and older Q3, especially one with zero factory support left on it, should really be avoided, especially if you’re not financially prepared for when, not if, something goes wrong.
Otherwise, if you’re interested in the Q3, make sure you get the most recent one you can afford, maybe even try to get into a recent gen-2 Audi Q3, from 2019 onwards they came with 5 years warranty. Otherwise, if all you can afford is older models, something pushing 10 years old, seriously consider whether the Euro badge is worth the potential heartache.
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Models, pricing & features
Tech specs
Body Styles
5 door Wagon
Engines
2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel (TDI, TDI Sport)
2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol (TFSI, TFSI Sport)
1.4-litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol (TFSI)
Power
103 – 130kW – 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel (TDI)
125 – 155kW – 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol (TFSI)
132kW – 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol (TFSI Sport)
135kW – 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel (TDI Sport)
Torque
320 – 380Nm – 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel (TDI, TDI Sport)
250 – 300Nm – 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol (TFSI)
320Nm – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol (TFSI Sport)
Transmissions
6-speed Manual (TDI, TFSI)
7-speed Sports Automatic Dual Clutch
6-speed Sports Automatic Dual Clutch (TFSI)
Fuel Consumption
5.1 – 7.7L / 100km
Length
4385 – 4388mm (5 door Wagon)
Width
1831mm (5 door Wagon)
Height
1590mm (5 door Wagon)
Wheelbase
2603mm (5 door Wagon)
Kerb Weight
1445 – 1585kg (5 door Wagon)
Towing
750kg (unbraked), 1800kg (braked) (TDI, TFSI)
750kg (unbraked), 2000kg (braked)
740kg (unbraked), 1800kg (braked) (TFSI)
ANCAP Ratings
5 stars (tested 2012)
Body Styles
5 door Wagon
Engines
2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel (TDI, TDI Sport)
2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol (TFSI, TFSI Sport)
1.4-litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol (TFSI)
Power
103 – 130kW – 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel (TDI)
125 – 155kW – 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol (TFSI)
132kW – 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol (TFSI Sport)
135kW – 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel (TDI Sport)
Torque
320 – 380Nm – 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel (TDI, TDI Sport)
250 – 300Nm – 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol (TFSI)
320Nm – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol (TFSI Sport)
Transmissions
6-speed Manual (TDI, TFSI)
7-speed Sports Automatic Dual Clutch
6-speed Sports Automatic Dual Clutch (TFSI)
Fuel Consumption
5.1 – 7.7L / 100km
Length
4385 – 4388mm (5 door Wagon)
Width
1831mm (5 door Wagon)
Height
1590mm (5 door Wagon)
Wheelbase
2603mm (5 door Wagon)
Kerb Weight
1445 – 1585kg (5 door Wagon)
Towing
750kg (unbraked), 1800kg (braked) (TDI, TFSI)
750kg (unbraked), 2000kg (braked)
740kg (unbraked), 1800kg (braked) (TFSI)
ANCAP Ratings
5 stars (tested 2012)
Body Styles
5 door Wagon
Engines
2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel (TDI, TDI Sport)
2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol (TFSI, TFSI Sport)
1.4-litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol (TFSI)
Power
103 – 130kW – 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel (TDI)
125 – 155kW – 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol (TFSI)
132kW – 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol (TFSI Sport)
135kW – 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel (TDI Sport)
Torque
320 – 380Nm – 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel (TDI, TDI Sport)
250 – 300Nm – 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol (TFSI)
320Nm – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol (TFSI Sport)
Transmissions
6-speed Manual (TDI, TFSI)
7-speed Sports Automatic Dual Clutch
6-speed Sports Automatic Dual Clutch (TFSI)
Fuel Consumption
5.1 – 7.7L / 100km
Length
4385 – 4388mm (5 door Wagon)
Width
1831mm (5 door Wagon)
Height
1590mm (5 door Wagon)
Wheelbase
2603mm (5 door Wagon)
Kerb Weight
1445 – 1585kg (5 door Wagon)
Towing
750kg (unbraked), 1800kg (braked) (TDI, TFSI)
750kg (unbraked), 2000kg (braked)
740kg (unbraked), 1800kg (braked) (TFSI)
ANCAP Ratings
5 stars (tested 2012)
Warranty & servicing
Warranty
3 years / unlimited km
Service Intervals
15,000 km / 12 months
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Disclaimer
Please note that pricing information is subject to fluctuations in the automotive market.
Information correct as of July 11, 2023.
The advice provided on this website is general advice only. It has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this advice, you should consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs.
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