Audi Q3 8U
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
367 PS
2.5L TFSI I5 Benzin
367 hp five-cylinder SUV — the sharpest RS Q3
Fun to Drive!179 PS
2.0L TFSI Benzin
5 weaknesses
Good Choice163–177 PS
2.0L TDI Diesel
7 weaknesses
Stay Away!Generations
Engine Overview
The Audi Q3 8U is available with 5 engine variants — from 116 to 367 hp. 2 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.
The Audi 2.0L TDI (Diesel, 120–190 PS) comes with 4 different engines: CAHA (2011–2015, Stay Away!) und CFFB (2011–2015, Be Careful) und CFFA (2011–2018, Be Careful) und CUNA (2014–2018, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 2.0L TDI!
The Audi 1.4L TFSI (Benziner, 125 PS) has the CZCA (1.4L TFSI) — rated: "Be Careful", 7 known weaknesses.
The Audi 2.0L TFSI (Benziner, 170–179 PS) comes with 2 different engines: CDNC (2011–2015, Stay Away!) und CULB (2013–2018, Good Choice). Pay attention to the model year for the 2.0L TFSI!
The Audi RS Q3 (Benziner, 310 PS) has the CTSA (2.5L TFSI I5) — rated: "Be Careful", 11 known weaknesses.
The Audi RS Q3 Performance (Benziner, 367 PS) has the CZGB (2.5L TFSI I5) — rated: "Be Careful", 11 known weaknesses.
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| S-Tronic Dual Clutch: Premature Wear The 7-speed S-Tronic gearbox wears the dual clutch prematurely with frequent urban use and trailer operation. Symptoms: Judder on pull-away and when manoeuvring, rev fluctuations, burning smell, clutch slip from 80,000 km | High |
Top Reported Issues
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Known Problems and Issues
A total of 69 weaknesses have been documented for the Audi Q3 8U (2011–2018) — 64 engine-related and 5 vehicle-related. 2 problem engines: CDNC (2.0L TFSI), CAHA (2.0L TDI). Typical issues affect Gearbox, Suspension, Electronics, Brakes. Considered reliable: CULB (2.0L TFSI).
Q3 (CAHA, 2011–2015) — Stay Away!: Oil pump hex-shaft drive wears out, Mandatory software update — VW emissions scandal (EA189), EGR cooler failure and carbon build-up. Power: 163–177 PS.
Q3 (CFFB, 2011–2015) — Be Careful: Leaking EGR Cooler (EA189), Defective Clutch Pressure Plate, Recall — Emissions Scandal (EA189). Power: 136–140 PS.
Q3 (CFFA, 2011–2018) — Be Careful: S-Tronic DSG with Shift Problems, Turbocharger Wears Prematurely, EGR Valve and Injectors Sooting Up. Power: 120 PS.
Q3 (CUNA, 2014–2018) — Be Careful: EGR cooler cracks and coolant loss, Water pump regulator slide defective, High-pressure pump failure with system contamination. Power: 177–190 PS.
Q3 (CDNC, 2011–2015) — Stay Away!: Elevated Oil Consumption Due to Undersized Oil Scraper Rings, Timing Chain Stretch and Tensioner Defect, Water Pump Failure. Power: 170 PS.
Q3 (CTSA, 2013–2018) — Be Careful: Water Pump Housing Cracks — Coolant Loss, Turbocharger Bearing Damage — Total Failure, High-Pressure Pump Leaking — Fuel in Engine Oil. Power: 310 PS.
Q3 (CZCA, 2015–2018) — Be Careful: Timing belt rupture from faulty camshaft adjuster, Elevated oil consumption from piston ring coking, Water pump premature failure. Power: 125 PS.
Q3 (CZGB, 2016–2018) — Be Careful: Water pump housing cracks — coolant loss, Turbocharger bearing damage — total failure, High-pressure pump leaking — fuel in engine oil. Power: 367 PS.
What to watch out for with the Audi Q3? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee