2024 Audi Q3 Complaint Log

Lease Begin Date: May 1, 2024 Mileage at time of first incident: 16800 Current Mileage: 17,500 Incident Description: This vehicle has exhibited unintended rearward movement on two separate occasions following a "Drive System Malfunction" warning, each occurring immediately after shifting into Drive on an incline. The first incident occurred on February 20, 2025. Immediately after shifting into Drive, the vehicle displayed a "Drive System Malfunction" message and rolled backward before I was able to stop it. My [XXX] child was a passenger. The system reset after restarting the vehicle. The second incident occurred under nearly identical conditions on March 19, 2025, again resulting in unintended rearward movement following the same warning message. My child was again in the vehicle. Time-stamped photographs documenting both events are available. The vehicle was brought to an authorized Audi dealership for inspection. The dealership was unable to replicate the concern. Low-voltage fault codes were identified, including a remote key and secure control module message, but no fault codes directly tied to the drive system were found. No corrective action was taken. I subsequently contacted Audi of America's customer support line and was assigned a Regional Case Manager. Audi's position has been that escalation to Audi Technical Assistance or engineering cannot proceed without dealership replication of the fault. No proactive diagnostic steps have been offered or taken. The concern remains unresolved. This complaint is being filed to document two occurrences of unintended vehicle movement associated with a drivetrain-related warning, and to request that Audi of America be required to investigate and address the root cause. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The rear inner brake pads wore out much faster then the outer brake pads on the vehicle. On July 16, 2025, the car was taken in for service at an Audi dealership (Hoffman Audi in East Hartford, CT) and the inner brake pads were reported to be at 4mm. The car had 19,678 miles. On 12/18/2025 the car was serviced with 25,361 miles and the rear inner brake pads were replaced because they were at 1mm. Besides excessive and premature wear of inner brake pads, this is a safety issue since the brake pad sensors are typically on the outer pads. Disc brake pads should wear consistently between inner and outer pads. Many social media forums report similar problems with Audi Q3 model wearing rear inner pads faster then the outer pads. 3mm wear on pads after only 5 months is excessive and dangerous, especially since the sensors cannot report pads are worn because they are on the outer pads.

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.

Parking brake failure, contact service error message repeatedly pops up on digital screen behind steering wheel

The dashboard screen which operates the radio, GPS and other programs will shut down and the screen will show: NOTE: SYSTEM RELAODING PLEASE WAIT. The radio will continue to play but you cannot operate it. Additionally, sometimes the screen goes completely blank and radio stops playing, usually comes back on in a couple minutes. I've had it to dealer three times but problem is still present.

The seatbelts on the rear passenger seats no longer recoil. The seats were hardly ever used which may be a reason even those it is a 2024 model. So right now the one behind the driver is 70% out and does not go in and the other side it goes in partially but it will never lock when it should be. The auto start stop has a failure The hydraulic hinges in the back stoped working and the trunk slams now. Since it now slambs it caused a failure of a hinge.

The air conditioning system is faulty. At random times, the back unit will stop working and at the same time, a vent in the front will begin to blow warm air with a burning smell.

Audi has made it impossible for owners to disable the automatic unlocking of all doors when the vehicle is shifted into Park. This behavior creates a significant personal safety risk in several common situations—such as stopping to refuel, entering parking garages, transporting children, or when elderly or disabled passengers are inside. By automatically unlocking the vehicle in any location when shifted into Park, Audi eliminates the driver’s or passenger’s control over door security. This compromises safety, particularly in high-risk or unfamiliar areas. No option exists in the vehicle’s settings to disable this feature, and dealership personnel confirm that Audi offers no software or MMI control to adjust or disable this. Only third-party tools (e.g., OBDeleven, not endorsed by Audi) appear to allow any override for previous model years however nothing for 2024 or newer. This lack of control over vehicle security should be classified as a safety defect, especially given the increased risk of carjacking, unwanted entry, or harm to vulnerable passengers.

THE FIRST WEEK OF BUYING THIS VECHILE THERE WAS A CHIP MALFUCTION ON THE AUDI Q3 2024. THE AUDI AUTHORIZED SERVICE CENTER TOLD ME IT WAS JUST A SENSOR. I HAVE HAD MULTIPLE DIOS DONE AND EVERTHING COME BACK FINE. HOWEVER, WHEN WHEN THE BATTERY WAS DISCONNECT THE START STOP SYSTEM HAD ISSUE THEN WENT AWAY. ALONG WITH AFTER MY PURCHASE OF THE Q3 THEIR WERE STRANGE STREAMING NOISES THAT WERE COMING OUT OF ONE THE SPEAKERS. IT SEEMS THE DEALERSHIP SOLD ME THIS Q3 KNOWING THERE WAS AFTER MARKET PRODUCTS PUT IN THE CAR TO DISTRACT ME WHILE DRIVING. i LIVE IN TOWN OF BOZEMAN, MT AND HAVE BEEN TRYING TO MIDIGATE THIS ISSUE WITH LITTLE HELP FROM THE DEALERSHIP. I WILL BE MAKING A NEW POLICE REPORT CONCERNING MY PERSONAL ISSUES. I ALSO CONTACTED THE AUDI DIGITAL HELP FOR HELP! I CAN PROVIDE DOCUMENTS ONCE I GET A CLEAR RESPONSE FROM YOU.

The contact owns a 2024 Audi Q3. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 MPH, a second vehicle T- Boned crashed into the driver's side of the vehicle. During the crash, no air bags deployed, and the collision avoidance system did not activate to alert the driver. The contact sustained back and neck injuries, which later required medical treatment. The contact also suffered from PTSD due to the incident. A police report was taken at the scene, and the vehicle was towed away. The cause of the failures was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the crash. Prior to the collision, the vehicle taken to the dealer due to the passenger side air bag was off while a front passenger was seated and also various electrical warnings had displayed. The dealer performed several software updates, but the failures continued to occur. No further information was available. The failure mileage was 4,000.

The contact owns a 2024 Audi Q3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V082000 (Back Over Prevention). The contact stated that the camera was inoperable. The camera viewing distance was incorrect, and the camera image was flickering. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that parts were not yet available. The contact called several other local dealers, Audi Tysons Corner Service and Parts (8598 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, VA 22182), Audi Silver Spring (3151 Automobile Blvd, Silver Spring, MD 20904), Audi Arlington Service (3200 Columbia Pike, Arlington, VA 22204), and Audi Bethesda (5206 River Rd, Bethesda, MD 20816) and was provided the same information about parts availability. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 5,000.

The contact owns a 2024 Audi Q3. The contact stated that the doors automatically locked after exceeding 8 MPH. The contact was unable to unlock the doors from inside the vehicle. The contract stated that the doors could not be unlocked from outside the vehicle. The contact stated that it was impossible to unlock the doors after exceeding 8 MPH. The contact unlocked the doors; however, the doors relocked automatically. The contact was concerned about being locked inside the vehicle and not being able for anyone outside the vehicle to unlock the doors. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the factory settings could not be changed. The failure mileage was unknown.

MmI screen malfunction, cuts out and goes black/blank. Red lines, dims by itself to black/blank. MMI screen replaced by Audi once, now problem continues. Antenna malfunction error message constantly. No addressment by Audi. Initializing error message on car, gets stuck in loop showing this message and will not go away. This is on display screen below steering wheel. SOS module failure at time of purchase, brand new car. Needed replacement.

We are submitting this formal complaint regarding a recurring and unresolved issue with the HVAC (air conditioning) system in our 2024 Audi Q3 Quattro S Line. Since February 2024, we have consistently experienced failures in the climate control system, particularly after exposure to rainy conditions. Specifically: 1. The front air vents begin blowing warm air at random intervals, even when set to cool. 2. The rear vents completely shut off airflow during these instances. 3. This occurs most frequently during or after rain but now occurs in dry weather as well. We believe this issue compromises the safety and comfort of the vehicle's cabin environment. The manufacturer, Audi (Volkswagen Group of America), asserts this behavior is normal per FMVSS 103 regulations and the "cabin capacity requirements" of the Q3. Specifically stated in Audi Corp. email from March 6, 2025: “From the NHTSA homepage using the search bar>search FMVSS>Select NHTSA Statutes, Regulations, Authorities and FMVSS>Select FVMSS under Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards>Scroll down or utilize the table of contents to locate 571.103. Dimensions for the interior cargo space in your 2024 Audi Q3. - Headroom (Front/Rear): 39.6/37.6 in., Legroom (Front/Rear) 40/36.1 in., Cargo volume behind first row: 48 cu.-ft., Cargo volume behind second row: 23.7 cu.-ft” However, a review of FMVSS 103 (Windshield Defrosting and Defogging Systems) reveals no explicit requirement that mandates the rear vents be disabled during humidity control. Additionally, no documentation has been provided by Audi to substantiate this claim. This issue potentially violates FMVSS 103's intent, which is to ensure adequate visibility and cabin comfort. With passengers, especially children, experiencing unacceptable conditions in the rear seat, we urge the NHTSA to investigate whether: The behavior described is part of a broader defect pattern, 2. Audi's HVAC system logic conflicts with FMVSS standards or consumer safety expectations.

The brakes are making a loud grinding noise, especially when the car is first used from a cold start. I have taken it to Audi 2 times and been told it is multiple reasons that are causing it and they say there is no fixing it. First, I was told it had been sitting for a while and after they drove it the sound disappeared and would not come back. Second I was told it is because I live near the ocean, even if the car has only been in the are for a few weeks. Also, I was told keeping it in the garage won’t help. Third I was told it is a known problem by Audi and some of their cars make this horrible noise. Forth, I was told that since I bought the car in Nashville it most likely sat on the lot for a long period of time and the snow or water caused the problem. The report says the rotors had rust, and the pads were sticking to the rotors. I do not feel the car is safe to drive, and have little confidence that the brakes are safe. I have contacted Audi corporate, Audi Brentwood (who told me the car was fixed before I bought it) and Audi North in Sanford Florida who gave me all the other excuses and stated repeatedly that this noise is a normal problem with Audi. Please help!

I am reporting a serious braking system defect in my 2024 Audi Q3, which has persisted despite six separate repair attempts at an authorized Audi dealership. The defect causes severe vibration and pulsation in the steering wheel, brake pedal, and vehicle floor while braking at highway speeds, excessive brake noise coming from the rear brakes causes severe vibration, and the vehicle pulling to one side when braking, increasing the risk of loss of control and crash. These issues compromise braking performance and overall vehicle safety, making the vehicle hazardous to operate. Despite multiple repair attempts, including replacing the front brakes, the issue persists, indicating an unresolved defect in the rear braking system or a systemic problem with the braking components whereby an underlying issue. Audi’s technical support was involved in diagnosing the issue but failed to resolve the problem. Given that similar brake-related defects have led to numerous NHTSA recalls in other Audi models, I am concerned that this could be part of a larger pattern. This defect poses a serious safety risk to the driver, passengers, and other road users. I have documented my case with video evidence, repair orders confirming the ongoing complaints, email correspondence with the dealership, and an independent inspection report validating that the braking system is not functioning properly. Despite all this, Audi has been unable to remedy the defect. I urge NHTSA to investigate whether other 2024 Audi Q3 owners are experiencing similar braking issues, determine if this defect is related to previously issued Audi brake recalls, and assess whether this issue warrants a recall to prevent potential accidents. Given that this braking defect has not been resolved despite repeated repair attempts, further investigation is necessary before this defect leads to a serious accident. This issue has remained unresolved, and I request that NHTSA take immediate action to ensure consumer safety.

The contact owns a 2024 Audi Q3. The contact stated that while turning off the vehicle, the vehicle independently restarted upon exiting the vehicle. The contact also stated that the vehicle failed to automatically lock upon exiting the vehicle as designed. On multiple occasions after locking the vehicle with the key fob, the contact stated that the vehicle was unlocked upon returning to the vehicle. The contact stated that the message "Antenna: malfunction - A technical Failure Occurred - Please contact Service" was displayed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that there was no fix available. The contact later received an email from the manufacturer for a buyback offer. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 569.