VIN REPORT

WA1EECF33M10601642021 AUDI Q3S Line quattro Premium Plus

19of 100
Low Risk
Buyer Risk Score
Recalls · Model-Wide
3
3 campaigns (all model years)
Safety Grade
D
68/100 composite
Complaints · 2021
15
NHTSA filed · 2021 Q3
Vehicle Age
5 yrs
Made in HUNGARY
BUYPurchase Verdict

2021 AUDI Q3 was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 3 open recalls on record — verify these have been repaired before purchase. 15 owner complaints include 2 reported injuries, indicating real-world safety incidents beyond normal wear.

Verdict & Risk Assessment
📄

Executive Summary

2021 AUDI Q3

2021 AUDI Q3 was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 3 open recalls on record — verify these have been repaired before purchase. 15 owner complaints include 2 reported injuries, indicating real-world safety incidents beyond normal wear.

  • 3 open recalls — verify these have been repaired before purchase
  • 2 injuries reported across 15 owner complaints
  • Common owner-reported issues: electrical problems, stalling
  • Engine or platform shared with models that have documented failure issues
  • Vehicle may qualify for lemon law protection based on recall and complaint pattern — consult an attorney
Owner Complaint Intelligence

15 owner complaints filed — top areas: Other (27%), Electrical (20%), Safety Systems (13%). Common issues: electrical problems, stalling. 2 crashes reported.

19
of 100
Low Risk
Low risk profile — minor signals only, likely routine.
LOWMODERATEHIGHCRITICAL
2 Contributing Risk Factors
Vehicle may qualify as a lemon — repeat repair failures
+10
3 model-wide recalls on record
+9
Critical Alerts

Title Brand Check

Mined from auction damage fields and listing titles — not a DMV title history pull

No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.

Vehicle

Vehicle Specifications

Decoded from NHTSA vPIC database

Make
AUDI
Model
Q3
Year
2021
Trim / Series
S Line quattro Premium Plus
Body Style
Sport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV]
Vehicle Type
MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV)
Drive Type
AWD/All-Wheel Drive
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Engine
4-cyl 2L 228 hp
Transmission
Automatic
Doors
4
Manufacturer
AUDI AG
Assembly
GYOR, HUNGARY
Curb Weight
3,916 lbs
GVWR
Class 1D: 5,001 - 6,000 lb (2,268 - 2,722 kg)
Base MSRP
$36,000

Assembly Plant Quality

Plant: GYOR, HUNGARY

CQuality55/100
Standard📍 GYOR, HUNGARY

No specific quality data available for this plant. No documented recall or complaint concentrations on record.

Safety

Safety Intelligence

Composite analysis from NHTSA recall, complaint, and crash data

D
Score: 68/100
Crash Test Rating20/40
Recall Safety18/30
Complaint History30/30
40/100Moderate
  • ▸Steering system recall
  • ▸Fuel system recall
70/100
Comprehensive
12 of 20 safety features detected
Low
  • ▸1 fuel system recall(s) — potential ignition risk
Moderate
  • ⚠Safety system appears in both official recalls and owner complaints

Lemon law eligibility depends on state law, number of repair attempts, and days out of service. Consult an attorney for actual eligibility.

The same components appear in both official NHTSA recalls and owner-filed complaints — a double-confirmed failure signal.

Safety Systems
↻ 1 recall✦ 2 complaints
Fuel System
↻ 1 recall✦ 1 complaint
Steering
↻ 1 recall✦ 1 complaint

2.0L EA888 TSI: timing chain tensioner and water pump failures well-documented

Also affects: Golf, Jetta, Passat, Tiguan, A3, Q3

Driver Assistance Features

ADAS equipment data from NHTSA vPIC database

Forward Collision Warning✓Standard
Automatic Emergency Braking✓Standard
Pedestrian AEB✓Standard
Rear AEB?Unknown
Lane Departure Warning✓Standard
Lane Keep Assist?Unknown
Lane Centering Assist?Unknown
Blind Spot Monitoring✓Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert✓Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control?Unknown
Adaptive Headlights?Unknown
Auto High Beam✓Standard
Parking Assist~Optional
Backup Camera✓Standard
Electronic Stability Control✓Standard
Tire Pressure Monitoring?Indirect
Event Data Recorder?Unknown
Crash Notification?Unknown
Dynamic Brake Support?Unknown
Keyless Ignition✓Standard
Recalls3

Deferred Failure Risk

Vehicle-specific risks from this model-year's complaint record, known defects, and service milestones

20/100
Monitor Deferred Risk
The electrical system is the most-reported problem for the 2021 AUDI Q3 — 3 NHTSA complaints (20% of all filings). Prioritize it in a pre-purchase inspection.
⚠No odometer data on record. Items marked VERIFY below are age-based maintenance reminders — general guidance, not confirmed findings for this specific vehicle. Confirm actual mileage and service history with the seller.
COMMONLY REPORTEDCriticalElectrical
3 owner complaints · 20% of all filings
Inspect the electrical system before purchase — the most-reported problem for the 2021 AUDI Q3
Owners of the 2021 AUDI Q3 report electrical issues more than most other systems. Complaints concentrated in one area often signal a systemic weakness worth a targeted pre-purchase inspection.
VERIFYCriticalWater Pump
Typical interval: 100,000 mi / 8 yr · Verify service records (no odometer on file)
Verify water pump service history with the seller
Water pump failure causes rapid overheating. If the engine overheats even once, head gasket damage is likely — turning a $400 part into a $3,000+ repair.
VERIFYHighTransmission Fluid / Service
Typical interval: 60,000 mi / 5 yr · Verify service records (no odometer on file)
Verify transmission fluid / service service history with the seller
Degraded transmission fluid destroys clutch packs and solenoids. CVT transmissions are especially sensitive — neglected fluid can result in a $4,000–$8,000 replacement.
VERIFYHighDifferential / Transfer Case Fluid
Typical interval: 50,000 mi / 4 yr · Verify service records (no odometer on file)
Verify differential / transfer case fluid service history with the seller
On 4WD/AWD vehicles, neglected differential or transfer case fluid causes metal-on-metal wear. Replacement costs $1,500–$4,000.
VERIFYHighCoolant Flush
Typical interval: 100,000 mi / 5 yr · Verify service records (no odometer on file)
Verify coolant flush service history with the seller
Degraded coolant loses corrosion inhibitors and attacks aluminum engine components. Can cause head gasket failure and water pump corrosion.
VERIFYModerateSpark Plugs (iridium/platinum)
Typical interval: 100,000 mi / 8 yr · Verify service records (no odometer on file)
Verify spark plugs (iridium/platinum) service history with the seller
Worn spark plugs cause misfires that can foul and crack catalytic converters. A $150 tune-up can prevent a $1,200 catalytic converter replacement.

NHTSA Safety Recalls

3 RECALLS
3found
ℹ

NHTSA VIN-specific recall lookup returned no data for this VIN. The 3 recalls below are model-wide and may or may not apply to this exact vehicle depending on production date. Verify at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Estimated Repair Completion (Statistical)

1 of 3 recalls has a low industry completion rate — statistically likely unrepaired.

52%
avg repaired

Statistical model based on recall age, component type, and manufacturer. Not a repair confirmation. Demand dealer service records.

AUDI Recall Completion Rate — Industry Context
84%Fair

AUDI completes recalls at a fair rate (84%). If this vehicle has open recalls, follow up with a dealer — average remedy time is ~22 months.

Avg time to remedy open recall: ~22 months · Source: NHTSA Recall Completion Rate Reports

Avg Fix Time
22mo
#21V606000
May 2021

SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR

SummaryVolkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Volkswagen ID4, Audi A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, Q3, Q5, Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S4 Sedan, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, S5 Sportback, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, SQ8, and 2021-2022 S3 Sedan vehicles. The rear seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Read full details...
ConsequenceAn unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Est. Repair Completion~63%

~37% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#22V673000
Aug 2022

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE

SummaryVolkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Audi Q3 vehicles. The vent pipe within the fuel tank may have been damaged during fuel tank assembly.
Read full details...
ConsequenceA damaged vent pipe may allow fuel to spill out of the filler neck when the fuel cap is opened, increasing the risk of an injury.
Est. Repair Completion~77%

~23% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#26V590000
Nov 2026

STEERING

SummaryVolkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Tiguan, 2018-2019 Atlas, and 2019-2021 Audi Q3 vehicles. One of the bolts that attaches the steering rack to the subframe may corrode and break. If this happens, the steering rack housing can break.
Read full details...
ConsequenceA broken steering rack housing can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Est. Repair Completion~16%

~84% of these vehicles are statistically unrepaired

High Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

Recall Intelligence

Detailed analysis of recall history and severity

LONG-STANDING OPEN
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR
5.5yr open
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE
4.2yr open

⚠ One or more recalls have been open for over 5 years — may never have been repaired on this vehicle.

-7 days ago
11/09/2026
05/08/2021
3 total campaigns
Safety SystemsExterior/OtherFuel SystemSteering
3
Part Replacements
0
Software/OTA Updates
0
Buyback/Refund
0
High-Effort Repairs
⚠ 2 recalls are over 2 years old — statistically less likely to have been completed. Verify repair status with any dealer using your VIN.

Recall Remedy Effectiveness — Complaints Continue After Fix

RECALL DIDN'T FIX IT

Owner complaints filed AFTER recall remedies were issued for the same components

100% of complaints about "FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE" were filed AFTER recall campaign 22V673000 (2022-08-09) — the recall remedy may not have fully resolved the issue.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE
100% post-recall
Recall: 2022-08-090 before · 8 after#22V673000
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR
100% post-recall
Recall: 2021-05-080 before · 4 after#21V606000

Continuing complaints after a recall may indicate an inadequate fix, a new failure mode, or that many vehicles never had the recall performed. Verify recall completion status directly with NHTSA.

1 in 8

2 injuries reported across 15 complaints — elevated injury rate for this class of vehicle.

May Qualify

This vehicle shows 3 lemon law indicators. Eligibility depends on state law, number of repair attempts, and days out of service — consult a lemon law attorney.

Strong protection states: California, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts
Complaints15

Complaint Intelligence

15 complaints analyzed across 8 system categories

Fuel/Propulsion System leads owner complaints (27%), most reported when the vehicle was 2–4 yrs old. Also common: Electrical System (20%), Engine (20%).

When issues get reported (vehicle age)
<1 yr
13%
1–2
40%
3–5
47%
6–9
0%
10+
0%

Based on 15 complaints with a reported incident date. Too few owners cited mileage (1) to report a reliable failure-mileage range.

Most-reported issues & typical onset
Fuel/Propulsion System
typically 2–4 yrs old
27%
Electrical System
typically 2–4 yrs old
20%
Engine
typically 2 yrs old or newer
20%
Unknown Or Other
typically 2 yrs old or newer
13%
Seat Belts
typically 2 yrs old or newer
13%
2 injuries2 crashes
Other
1 crash4
Electrical
3
Safety Systems
1 crash2 inj2
Engine/Powertrain
2
Steering
1
Fuel System
1
Suspension/Wheels
1
Body/Structure
1
2021
2
2022
2
2023
4
2024
1
2025
4
2026
2
↓ 12% trend in recent years (improving reliability)
Stable +20%
6
Last 24 months
5
Prior 24 months
PEAKS SUMMER (JUN–AUG)

47% of complaints filed in Aug & Feb — may indicate temperature-sensitive or weather-related failures.

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Electrical failure2
Engine stalling2
Fire/smoke1
Conditions Reported
Highway/high-speed (4)Startup (2)Rain/wet (1)

Owner Complaints

HIGH VOLUME

15 safety complaints filed with NHTSA

15found
2
Crashes
2
Injuries
ODI #11757395STEERING

The contact owns a 2021 Audi Q3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. The contact stated that the steering wheel seized. The " Steering Failure " message was displayed. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road. The contact's two minor children were seated in the rear seat of the vehicle during the failure. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the vehicle was diagnosed with steering wheel sensor failure and steering wheel wiring harness failure. The contact was informed that the steering sensors and steering wheel wiring harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.

ODI #11741834FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2021 Audi Q3. The contact stated while attempting to refuel the vehicle, fuel spilled out of the filler neck and fell onto the ground. The vehicle was taken to dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel tank needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V673000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered because the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.

ODI #11664032FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I am reporting a recurring fuel system defect affecting my Audi Q3, consistent with Safety Recall 20YF – Suction Jet Pump. The problem began as difficulty refueling and now mirrors an identical issue I experienced with a previous Audi A3, which ultimately leaked fuel severely both while driving and when parked. That incident put me and my passengers in danger and caused breathing difficulties from fumes. The Q3 now shows the same early signs — gas pump shutoff, failed refueling attempts, and multiple $200 credit card holds at stations without fuel entering the tank. Audi replaced the tank in 2024, but the issue returned. This is not an ordinary maintenance issue — it is a serious safety hazard. Audi’s solution has been to keep replacing the part, while denying a vehicle replacement or compensation. They redirected me to BBB, but I felt it was necessary to report this publicly. If the gas leak recurs, it could lead to fire or poisoning. The fuel system should not fail like this, and I want to ensure no one else faces this danger. If anything happens to me as a result, I will pursue further legal action.

ODI #11663688ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

By the dome light, it leaks water when it is pouring rain very heavily. It also drips water by the passenger side shade visor. The dome lights will dim and get brighter consistently as it is dripping. the driver side headlight also gets foggy when it rains, which causes the one side of the vehicle not being able to see out from. The rain in the inside goes near the electrical outlets and sometimes gets into it, if i dont wipe the water away. At night time it is dangerous, with the lights dimming & getting brighter , while also leaking from the top as I have to dry it, try to turn the lights off and drive at the same time. No specific date this has occured, it has happened for approximately 3 months now.

ODI #11646861FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

The car stalled while driving. There were no warning lights or indicators before the failure. The car was unable to be restarted so it was towed to a mechanic. It was discovered the car was out of gas however the gauge read there was still a lot of gas in the tank. We then took the car to an Audi service center and they informed us it was one of the gas tank sensors that was faulty. They replaced the first sensor and charged us $1k and that didn’t fix the problem so they contacted Audi and were told it was a faulty second sensor inside the gas tank and the only fix is to replace the whole tank. We opted not to replace the tank at this time. After further research I found that the sensor we had replaced is recalled on other Audi models of the same year recall #22V155 I believe more investigation and recall is needed to include the Q series Audis as well as further investigation into the gas tanks internal sensor that requires a replacement of the whole system.

ODI #11642776ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

My 2021 Audi Q3 SUV had been very dangerous to drive stalling, stopping on the highway and shuttering for about two weeks. While I was going about 70 miles an hour my vehicle stalled. It lead to me almost being killed and rear ended. My vehicle had been displaying a stop start malfunction code and check engine light. I contacted Audi USA Roadside Assistance. Paloma R. Said they would help and towed me to Audi of Jacksonville on Atlantic. I was told the diagnosis was $300 and it would go towards fixing the vehicle. However, my vehicle was not fixed properly with them charging me $300 separate from the repair. My total came to $855, they are a scam. Alex told me over the phone that the $300 would apply to the balance. This is extremely deceptive and I feel they should be investigated. I’m still out of a vehicle with no safe way to get around. As soon as I left the dealership the check engine light was back on. It began to steer, and stop turning. Audi know the diagnosis will not solve the real issue. They also included a part on the repair list that was part of a known recall. The National Highway of Safety has flagged Audi Q3 for coolant leaks and issues. They quoted $657 for a part that would have been covered under a recall. I have a service bulletin. The real issue is listed as a turbo charge replacement which is $3,300. That will not fix my vehicle’s issue and they know it. It’s extremely predatory, after further investigation and research Audi doesn’t have a remedy for the stop start malfunction. Which cause engine failure and a dangerous driving hazard. Audi Of America knows the service will not fix the main problem of the stop/start malfunction. Even after $6,500 worth of repairs its false claims and most importantly a waste of money.

ODI #11609729TIRES

Tire Size p235/50r19 Bought car used with new tires on [XXX] is now 08/20 have driven car for roughly 2500miles and tires began losing air irregularly took into tire shop to find both fronts with severe separation damage and wear patterns on both front tires. Rear tires also experienced separation damage as well. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

ODI #11534955ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Child safety lock failure alert. First incident was January 2023. Second was July 2023. Repeating issue after repair. Puts small children at risk for being able to open door while vehicle is operating which also would distract the driver.

ODI #11534285SEAT BELTS,SEATSCRASH2 INJURIES

I was traveling approximately 50 mph on a highway when we were rear-ended. The car spun around and we were both thrown forward due to the malfunctioning of both the driver and passenger seat belts. Further inspection found the rear seatbelts as well did not function properly. Both the driver and front passenger seats reclined and broke during the impact of the accident. The passenger sustained head injuries and had to be taken by ambulance to the hospital. The driver's left arm was injured.

ODI #11506816SEAT BELTS

Two weeks ago my 2021 Audi Q3 displayed a child lock malfunction error. The rear passengers cannot open the door from the inside even after turning off the child lock feature because of this fault. I dropped my vehicle at the Audi dealership in Ontario, California. They called me a few hours later and said that they fixed the malfunction by doing a software update. The next day the fault alert came back. My parents are over 80 years old and I'm concerned that if I get in to an accident my family members will get stuck in the back

ODI #11501261VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

******* DELETE VOQ ******* THIS COMPLAINT IS BEING MARKED FOR DELETION BECAUSE THE CONSUMER PLACED THE REQUEST.*DJR ******* DELETE VOQ *******

ODI #11489494ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Vehicle has a starting error. Dealer fixed p085 with the park neutral module but problems comes back. At stop light vehicle shut down and when brake was released there was a error starting it back up again. Had to put vehicle in park and start it again.

ODI #11451695STRUCTURE

While merging onto the highway, there was a loud bang and the overhead lights as well as driver door alert on the dashboard came on. Upon checking, the front driver door had popped open on it's own. This was inspected by dealer and no issues were found however told that there is a two-step locking process which, in rare circumstances, may not fully engage.

ODI #11430884UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Vehicle auto start stop error code pops up on vehicle dashboard. Says “Auto start stop error please contact service” also happens when car is shifted in neutral. Vehicle starting malfunction. Car would try to start but stops and shows error in the dashboard. Then press start button for vehicle to start but with a “Vehicle starting malfunction” Please contact service.

ODI #11428430LANE DEPARTURECRASH

I was driving down a one lane road in my car that is less than a month old, when all of a sudden my car aggressively veered to the right over the shoulder line, then it veered to the left over the yellow line and then the right again and it kept going over the line down a slight embankment into the woods about 30 feet. All the while the steering and brakes completely failed and would not work and the car was beeping. The only thing that stopped me was hitting a boulder. I kept trying to brake. My foot was pressed all the way down to the floor and it would not stop. It was terrifying. There was a witness who told me I must have had angels watching over me as I was not injured nor was anyone else. If anyone was driving in the opposite direction I could have hit them head on. If I was on a two lane or more road or on a bridge or a highway, it could have been tragic. Clearly there is a mechanical or electrical defect. The car was completely out of my control. Audi of America obtained the data recorder and investigated. They have not found any defects and deny responsibility. This is impossible. The brakes and steering did not work and the car was swerving for no reason. Even the witness attested to this.

Complaint & Reliability Timeline

Annual complaints (blue) vs. composite reliability score (amber) — recall years marked in red

Annual complaints and reliability score for AUDI Q3 — recall years marked in red
024050100202120222026202120222023202420252026Complaints/yrReliability (0–100)
Annual complaints (left axis)
Reliability score 0–100 (right axis, higher = safer)
Crash-involved complaints that year
Recall issued
Chart Analysis

The blue line shows 15 NHTSA complaints on file for the AUDI Q3 — a relatively low volume that spans from 2021 to 2026.

The amber reliability line averaged 94/100 across the vehicle's life — relatively stable, with the lowest point of 88/100 in 2023.

The recalls (red dashed lines) were issued in the same year or before complaints peaked, suggesting the manufacturer identified and acted on the defect relatively quickly.

Red dots on the amber line flag 2 years (2021, 2023) where complaints included crash events — these are the highest-severity incidents in the dataset.

Details & Analysis
Financial

5-Year Ownership Cost Estimate

Based on EPA fuel data, standard depreciation, and US average insurance/maintenance costs

$0
Annual Fuel
EPA estimate
$1,800
Annual Insurance
US average
$1,300
Annual Maintenance
5-yr-old vehicle avg
$1,512
Annual Depreciation
Current period
Estimated 5-Year Total Cost
Fuel + Insurance + Maintenance + Depreciation
$23,060

Estimates use EPA fuel economy data, AAA 2024 national averages for insurance and maintenance, and a standard depreciation curve. Actual costs vary by location, driving habits, and vehicle condition.

5-Year Total Cost of Ownership

Estimated based on EPA fuel data, risk-adjusted maintenance, and depreciation

$32,292
~$538/mo over 5 yrs
$0.5/mi
cost per mile
Fuel
$10,000
Insurance (est.)
$7,500
Maintenance
$4,000
Repair Risk Buffer
$3,000
Depreciation
$7,792

Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $32,292 (~$538/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile.

Estimated Market Value

Depreciation-based estimate from original MSRP

$14,000
Low
$16,500
Est. Value
$19,000
High

Based on original MSRP of $36,000 with suv depreciation curve. Range reflects ±15% market variance. Actual value depends on condition, options, and local demand.

Negotiation Ammunition

Use these data-backed findings to negotiate the price down

3 open recalls (unverified repair status)−$1,500
2 recalls over 2 years old — likely uncompleted−$800
Total recommended deduction−$2,300
Suggested fair offer: ~$14,200

Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Tailored for the 2021 AUDI Q3 — specific failure modes your mechanic must check, not a generic list

HIGH
Verify recall SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR has been repaired
Recall on record for: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Volkswagen ID4, Audi A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 C
HIGH
Verify recall FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE has been repaired
Recall on record for: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Audi Q3 vehicles. The vent pipe within th
HIGH
Verify recall STEERING has been repaired
Recall on record for: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Tiguan, 2018-2019 Atlas, and 2019-2021 Audi Q3
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: STEERING
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic
For any used vehicle with a risk score above Low, a $100–$150 independent inspection is always worth it.
MEDIUM
Run a VIN check on NHTSA.gov to confirm all recalls are closed
Free at nhtsa.gov/vehicle-safety/recalls — enter the VIN and confirm all campaigns show as completed.
MEDIUM
Verify title is clean and check for salvage/rebuilt brands at your state DMV
Title washing across state lines is common — confirm with your state DMV before finalizing purchase.

Recall Probability Forecast

Estimated likelihood of a new recall in the next 18 months based on NHTSA signals

5%
18-month
10%
2-year
Low Probability
Cumulative 2-year risk: 10%

5% baseline recall probability — no strong indicators of an imminent recall.

Maintenance Schedule

OEM-specified service intervals for this vehicle

Maintenance intervals vary significantly by make, model, year, engine, and driving conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's official schedule — not generic industry estimates.

Tip: Request the seller's service records and compare against the manufacturer schedule. Missing intervals are a negotiation point.

History & Auctions

Insurance Cost Estimate

Estimated annual premiums based on vehicle profile, theft data, and NHTSA safety ratings

Full Coverage
$1,650–$2,090/yr
~$138–$174/mo
Liability Only
$560–$710/yr
~$47–$59/mo
Category: Standard Vehicle
▼ 5-year-old vehicle: −7% (moderate depreciation)

Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.

State-Specific Legal Protections

What consumer laws apply to this vehicle purchase in your state

Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.

Complete Data Table

All decoded fields in a single flattened view

Vehicle Identity

VINWA1EECF33M1060164
Model Year2021
MakeAUDI
ModelQ3
TrimS Line quattro Premium Plus
Vehicle TypeMULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV)

Body & Configuration

Body StyleSport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV]
Doors4
Seat Rows5
Drive TypeAWD/All-Wheel Drive
Fuel TypeGasoline
TransmissionAutomatic

Engine

Engine Cylinders4
Displacement (L)2
Horsepower228

Manufacturer

ManufacturerAUDI AG
Assembly CityGYOR
Assembly CountryHUNGARY

VIN Structure

WMI (Chars 1–3)WA1
Check Digit (Char 9)3
Model Year Code (Char 10)M
Plant Code (Char 11)1
Sequence (Chars 12–17)060164

Safety Data

NHTSA Recall Count3
NHTSA Complaint Count15

VIN Structure Decode

ISO 3779 character-by-character breakdown of this Vehicle Identification Number

W
1
A
2
1
3
E
4
E
5
C
6
F
7
3
8
3
9
M
10
1
11
0
12
6
13
0
14
1
15
6
16
4
17
WMI (1–3)
VDS (4–8)
Check Digit (9)
Model Year (10)
Serial (11–17)
W
World Manufacturer
Country & region of manufacture
Position 1
A
Manufacturer
Specific manufacturer identifier
Position 2
1
Vehicle Type
Division or vehicle type
Position 3
EECF3
Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS)
Body style, engine type, restraint system
Position 4–8
3
Check Digit
Mathematical validation character
Position 9
M
Model Year
Year of manufacture
Position 10
1
Assembly Plant
Where the vehicle was assembled
Position 11
060164
Production Sequence
Unique serial number for this vehicle
Position 12–17
Country of Manufacture
Germany
From VIN position 1 (W)
Model Year Character
"M" → 2021
Could also be 1991
Check Digit (Pos 9)
✓ Valid
ISO 3779 weighted-sum algorithm
Research This Model

Disclaimer: Data sourced from NHTSA public APIs and scraped auction listings. For informational purposes only. Not a substitute for a paid vehicle history report. Retrieved: 11/2/2026, 4:33:18 PM.