Audi Q3 8U (2011-2018): known problems and buying guide

Mostly sound, with no confirmed engine failure; check the Haldex coupling, the S tronic shifts and the recall campaigns before you buy.

Updated 27 October 2026

All versions

Variant	Running cost per month	Median price	Listings	Fuel	Engine codes	Gearbox	Production years
2.0 TDI, 150 PS, 7-speed dual-clutch Research	€460	€15,980	246	Diesel	DFT	Automatic (dual-clutch) (7)	2016–2018
2.0 TDI, 150 PS, 7-speed dual-clutch, all-wheel drive Research	€470	€15,980	246	Diesel	DFT	Automatic (dual-clutch) (7)	2015–2018
2.0 TDI, 150 PS, 6-speed manual Research	€432	€14,599	201	Diesel	DFT	Manual (6)	2015–2018
2.0 TDI, 150 PS, 6-speed manual, all-wheel drive Research	€463	€14,599	201	Diesel	DFT	Manual (6)	2015–2018
1.4 TFSI, 150 PS, 6-speed dual-clutch Research	€473	€15,999	165	Petrol	CZE	Automatic (dual-clutch) (6)	2015–2018
2.0 TDI, 184 PS, 7-speed dual-clutch, all-wheel drive Research	€486	€15,999	148	Diesel	DFU	Automatic (dual-clutch) (7)	2015–2018
1.4 TFSI, 150 PS, 6-speed manual Research	€454	€14,699	98	Petrol	CZE	Manual (6)	2015–2018
2.0 TFSI, 180 PS, 7-speed dual-clutch, all-wheel drive Research	€500	€17,900	95	Petrol	CUL	Automatic (dual-clutch) (7)	2015–2018
2.0 TDI, 120 PS, 6-speed manual Research	€439	€13,999	80	Diesel	DFT	Manual (6)	2015–2018
1.4 TFSI, 125 PS, 6-speed manual Research	€461	€14,730	51	Petrol	CZD	Manual (6)	2016–2018

Years: built 2011 to 2018, in two generations: 8u (2011-2014) and 8u-facelift (2015-2018). Diesels, petrols and the RS Q3.
Reliability: 3/5. ADAC finds very low breakdown figures and no known breakdown hotspot. The faults that repeat are the Haldex coupling, the S tronic shifts and suspension wear.
DIY: 3/5. Brakes, links and bushes are normal jobs. Haldex and S tronic work needs a workshop and a scanner.
Prefer: the 1.4 TFSI 150 PS, which ADAC recommends.
Avoid: a quattro with no Haldex oil change on record, and an S tronic that jerks or judders on a test drive.

2.0 TDI EA189 (CFF, CFG): the older 140 and 177 PS need the emissions software update. EGR units and soot-related injector repairs are named. See the EA189 2.0 TDI.
2.0 TDI EA288 (DFT, DFU): no fault confirmed in the sources read. See the EA288 2.0 TDI.
1.4 TFSI (CZD, CZE): the coolant pump and thermostat housing can warp and leak. The timing belt is due between 120,000 and 210,000 km. See the EA211 1.4 TSI.
2.0 TFSI (CCZ, CPS, CUL): early engines use oil, and the timing chain can stretch. See the EA888 2.0 TSI.
RS Q3 2.5 TFSI (CTS, CZG): no fault confirmed in the sources read.
6-speed manual: no fault confirmed in the sources read.
6-speed S tronic: jerky or judder shifts and early clutch wear are reported. See Known issues.
7-speed S tronic: the same shift and clutch reports apply. See Known issues.
quattro (Haldex coupling): pump and clutch faults. See Known issues.

Issue	Affects	Typical km	Repair cost
Haldex coupling pump and clutch	Quattro cars; the Haldex 5 after the facelift wears faster	60,000-80,000 km for the Haldex 4 pump (Kolesa.ru)	No confirmed price
S tronic judder and clutch wear	6-speed and 7-speed S tronic	Not stated	No confirmed price
Springs, links and bushes	Older cars (springs); links and bushes on all cars	30,000-70,000 km (links and bushes)	No confirmed price
Brake discs worn or rusty	Older cars	Not stated	Front brakes 500-540 EUR, rear 420-490 EUR (Germany, dealer, October 2020)
Xenon headlight flicker and fogging	Xenon headlights; fogging mostly on cars after the facelift	Not stated	No confirmed price
Fuel filler flap release seizes	All cars	Not stated	No confirmed price
Start-stop faults	Cars with start-stop	Not stated	No confirmed price

Ask for the Haldex coupling oil and filter record. Scan the car for Haldex and pump fault codes. Bad result: a pump fault code, no oil change on record, or a front axle that drifts to front-wheel drive. A scanner is needed.
Pull away from cold and shift through the gears in town. Bad result: jerky starts, judder or notchy shifts. A gearbox fault code needs a scanner.
On a 2.0 TFSI, check the oil level cold and after a motorway run. Ask for top-up records. Bad result: a level that drops between services.
On a lift, check the stabilizer links and front silent blocks for play. On older cars, check the springs. Bad result: play in the links or bushes, or a broken spring. No scanner needed.
Look through the wheels at the brake discs. Bad result: deep grooves, rust or discs worn to the limit. No scanner needed.
At night, switch on the xenon lights and watch for flicker. Look inside the lamps for fog or moisture. Bad result: flicker, or moisture behind the lens. A fix needs a workshop.
Open the fuel flap with the release, then with the emergency cable. Bad result: a stiff or seized release, or a flap the cable cannot open. No scanner needed.
Stop and start the engine at traffic lights several times. Bad result: the start-stop fails to restart the engine or cuts out. Ask a dealer to check it.
Ask a dealer for all open recall campaigns by VIN, including the brake light and LED indicator updates. Bad result: an open campaign. The repair is free.

Operational	€178
Workshop	€131
Fixed costs (tax, insurance)	€155
Total per month	€464
New-car depreciation (not included)	€87

ADAC figures for 15,000 km a year over 60 months

Listings on mobile.de priced up to 50,000 EUR, 29 October 2026.

To check a listing's price, open its variant in the table above. Each variant page has a price check.