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Audi · Compact SUV · 2018–2024

Audi Q3 F3

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
3.3 / 5.0 · Based on 6 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

400 PS

2.5L TFSI I5 Benzin

400 hp five-cylinder SUV with GPF — muffled but fast

Fun to Drive!
Most Reliable Engine

230–265 PS

2.0L TFSI Benzin

7 weaknesses

Good Choice

Generations

Engine Overview

The Audi Q3 F3 is available with 3 engine variants — from 150 to 400 hp. 2 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.

2.0L TDI · Diesel· 150–200 PS Engine Change
2018 2024
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
2018 2024
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
2018 2024
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
2.0L TFSI · Benziner· 190–230 PS Engine Change
2018 2024
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
2019 2024
Good Choice 7 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
RS Q3 · Benziner· 400 PS
2019 2024
Be Careful 12 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →

The Audi 2.0L TDI (Diesel, 150–200 PS) comes with 3 different engines: DETA (2018–2024, Be Careful) und DTUA (2018–2024, Be Careful) und DTUA-142 (2018–2024, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 2.0L TDI!

The Audi 2.0L TFSI (Benziner, 190–230 PS) comes with 2 different engines: DBPA (2018–2024, Be Careful) und DMTA (2019–2024, Good Choice). Pay attention to the model year for the 2.0L TFSI!

The Audi RS Q3 (Benziner, 400 PS) has the DNWA-RSQ3 (2.5L TFSI I5) — rated: "Be Careful", 12 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
!S-tronic DQ200 — Judder on Pull-Away

FWD models with the 7-speed DQ200 dry clutch gearbox judder on pull-away in urban traffic. Quattro models with the wet DQ381 significantly less problematic. Software update helps temporarily.

Symptoms: Judder and vibration on pull-away from rest, rough gearbox behaviour at 2–3 km/h, especially pronounced in stop-and-go traffic
from 80,000 km
Ad DQ200 clutchssatz Q3 F3DSG Mechatronik 0AM Q3
 High
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Average
126 complaints · 2018–2024
Electrical
40 ⚠ 1
Engine
32
Other
32
Fuel System
16
Steering
12

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Electrical (40 complaints)
⚠ Engine (32 complaints)
⚠ Other (32 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 48 weaknesses have been documented for the Audi Q3 F3 (2018–2024) — 41 engine-related and 7 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Gearbox, Body, Electronics, Other. Considered reliable: DMTA (2.0L TFSI).

Q3 (DETA, 2018–2024) — Be Careful: Turbocharger Bearing Damage, Camshaft Seal Leaks Oil onto Timing Belt, Early Water Pump Failure. Power: 150 PS.

Q3 (DTUA, 2018–2026) — Be Careful: EGR cooler cracks and coolant loss, Wet timing belt with sensitive water pump, DPF regeneration fails on short trips. Power: 190–200 PS.

Q3 (DTUA-142, 2018–2026) — Be Careful: EGR Valve Carbon Buildup, Camshaft Oil Seal Leak, Diesel Particulate Filter Clogging. Power: 190–200 PS.

Q3 (DBPA, 2018–2024) — Be Careful: Combined Cooling Housing Leaking, Timing Chain Elongated, Oil Pump — Insufficient Pressure. Power: 190 PS.

Q3 (DNWA-RSQ3, 2019–2024) — Be Careful: Timing Chain Elongation — Tensioner Failure, Water Pump Housing Cracks — Coolant Loss, Turbocharger Bearing Failure — Total Breakdown. Power: 400 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

What problems and weaknesses does the Audi Q3 F3 have? +
The Audi Q3 F3 has 41 known engine weaknesses and 7 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Audi Q3 F3? +
faq.watch_a_solid
Which engine is recommended? +
Good choice: DMTA (2.0L TFSI). The most reliable engine is the DMTA (2.0L TFSI) with the lowest risk score. The most fun to drive is the DNWA-RSQ3 (2.5L TFSI I5).
Which Audi Q3 F3 engine is the most reliable? +
The {code} ({displacement}) is the most reliable engine in the Audi Q3 F3. It has the lowest risk score of all available engines and is rated "Good Choice". However, there are 7 known weaknesses to be aware of.
Which Audi Q3 F3 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Audi Q3 F3 — rated: "Fun to Drive!". {description} Latest RS Q3 with 400 hp and GPF. Fastest RS Q3 ever, but the particulate filter takes some volume from the five-cylinder. Still: nothing else in the class sounds even remotely close.
Is the Audi Q3 F3 worth buying used? +
The Audi Q3 F3 is a good choice as a used car — 1 of 6 engine variants are rated 'Good Choice'.
What horsepower variants are available for the Audi Q3 F3? +
The Audi Q3 F3 is available with engine variants from 150 to 400 hp. Petrol: DBPA (2.0L TFSI), DMTA (2.0L TFSI), DNWA-RSQ3 (2.5L TFSI I5). Diesel: DETA (2.0L TDI), DTUA (2.0L TDI), DTUA-142 (2.0L TDI).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee