WA1JCCFS3HR0079362017 AUDI Q3quattro Premium Plus
2017 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. 7 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA — review the complaint section for the most common failure patterns.
Executive Summary
2017 AUDI Q3
2017 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. 7 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA — review the complaint section for the most common failure patterns.
- 3 open recalls — verify these have been repaired before purchase
- Complaint rate is accelerating — issues appear to be getting worse, not better
- Engine or platform shared with models that have documented failure issues
7 owner complaints filed — top areas: Other (29%), Safety Systems (29%), Suspension/Wheels (14%).
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 Specifications
Decoded from NHTSA vPIC database
- Make
- AUDI
- Model
- Q3
- Year
- 2017
- Trim / Series
- 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 200 hp
- Transmission
- Automatic
- Doors
- 4
- Manufacturer
- AUDI AG
- Assembly
- MARTORELL, SPAIN
- GVWR
- Class 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg)
- Base MSRP
- $36,600
Assembly Plant Quality
Plant: MARTORELL, SPAIN
No specific quality data available for this plant. No documented recall or complaint concentrations on record.
Safety Intelligence
Composite analysis from NHTSA recall, complaint, and crash data
- ▸Brake system recall
- ⚠3 recalls on same component: Electrical
- ⚠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.
2.0L EA888 TSI: timing chain tensioner and water pump failures well-documented
Driver Assistance Features
ADAS equipment data from NHTSA vPIC database
Deferred Failure Risk
Components and defects approaching or past their known service milestones
Worn chain tensioners cause timing chain skip or snap — common on GM 5.3L/6.2L, Ford EcoBoost, VW/Audi EA888, BMW N47/N63. Listen for cold-start rattles.
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.
Degraded transmission fluid destroys clutch packs and solenoids. CVT transmissions are especially sensitive — neglected fluid can result in a $4,000–$8,000 replacement.
On 4WD/AWD vehicles, neglected differential or transfer case fluid causes metal-on-metal wear. Replacement costs $1,500–$4,000.
Degraded coolant loses corrosion inhibitors and attacks aluminum engine components. Can cause head gasket failure and water pump corrosion.
Worn spark plugs cause misfires that can foul and crack catalytic converters. A $150 tune-up can prevent a $1,200 catalytic converter replacement.
Dirty or failing injectors cause rough idle, reduced fuel economy, and increased emissions. Cleaning costs $100–$200; replacement $800–$1,600.
NHTSA Safety Recalls
3 RECALLSNHTSA 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.
Average repair completion across 3 recalls is ~67%. Always ask the seller for dealer service records confirming each repair.
Statistical model based on recall age, component type, and manufacturer. Not a repair confirmation. Demand dealer service records.
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
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL
SummaryVolkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Audi Q3 vehicles equipped with LED headlights. An inoperable front turn signal may not illuminate an indicator, failing to alert the driver to the issue. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."Read full details...
~31% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
SummaryVolkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Audi Q3 vehicles. If the parking brake is used during emergency braking, the brake lights on the vehicle will not activate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."Read full details...
~32% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
SummaryVolkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2016 TT roadster, A3 cabriolet, A3 sedan and A3 e-tron, 2016-2017 TT coupe, 2017 A4 sedan and Q7 and 2015-2017 Q3 vehicles. The affected vehicles may have been programmed with new software that inadvertently makes the side marker lights inoperative in conjunction with the parking lights or the headlights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."Read full details...
~36% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
Recall Intelligence
Detailed analysis of recall history and severity
⚠ One or more recalls have been open for over 5 years — may never have been repaired on this vehicle.
Complaint Intelligence
7 complaints analyzed across 5 system categories
⚠ Complaint rate is accelerating — issue may be getting worse
Owner Complaints
HIGH VOLUME7 safety complaints filed with NHTSA
Local state inspection/repair shop found both front coil springs broken. Car has approximately 60,000 miles. Cost to repair $1600.00.
pistons and/or piston rings cause excessive oil consumption, which can lead to the engine catching on fire. This triggers certain sensors in the car "EPC" "Check engine" and "Turn vehicle off now due to low oil pressure" These sensors turn off and on, which is highly risky. I was quoted 10k in repairs. There was a class action settlement about this specific issue, but my vehicle was not included in the settlement Audi Q3 Quattro Prestige Vin: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Car is burning oil at a very rapid pace and is causing knocking and seizing of engine. I had my oil changed recently (10K miles I’m supposed to have prior to my next) it was empty after I drove less then 1,000
The contact owns a 2017 Audi Q3. The contact stated that while her daughter was reversing at an undisclosed speed, the horn inadvertently activated and the contact had to disconnect the clock spring fuse to deactivate the horn. Additionally, the steering wheel made clicking noises while turning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the clockspring needed to be replaced. The dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the clockspring part was on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000.
I lost control over all the functions on my steering wheel, including the horn and the drivers air bag. My mechanic told me, that I needed a new "Clockspring". He called Audi to order the part but Audi confirmed that the part is on back order since last May and that they have no idea when it will be available. Over 4000 people are on the waiting list for that part. I contacted Audi several times, asking if I was expected to drive around without a horn and airbag. I was told not to drive the car if it's not save. Ive been driving around for a few month now without a horn and airbag but I do not feel save.
No steering when car is being driven.
AFTER A SMALL SNOW FALL BUT WIT SOME ICING OVERNIGHT I TURNED ON THE FRONT ANDBACK WARMERS FOR THE WINDOWS. AS I TRAVELLED ABOUT 1/2 A MILE I HEARD A "CREAKING NOISE" IN THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE, WHEN I LOOKED UP I NOTICED A CRACK IN THE GLASS BACKK WINDOW AND THEN CONTINUED TO GET BIGGER AND BIGGER UNTIL THE ENTIRE WINDOW WAS GONE. I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT GLASS IS NOT COVERED BY THE MANU WARRANTY. THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME I'D USED THE BACKWINDOW DEFROSTER, NEEDLESS TO SAY I'M NOT HAPP SINCE I'VE ONLY HAD MY VEHICCLE SINCE DECEMBER 26TH. I'VE ATTACHED TO PHOTOS. MY CAR IS KEPT IN MY FENCED IN BACKYARD.
Complaint & Reliability Timeline
Annual complaints (blue) vs. composite reliability score (amber) — recall years marked in red
The blue line shows 7 NHTSA complaints on file for the AUDI Q3 — a relatively low volume that spans from 2017 to 2026.
The amber reliability line averaged 99/100 across the vehicle's life — relatively stable, with the lowest point of 97/100 in 2022.
Legal & Regulatory Actions
Known class action lawsuits, settlements, and manufacturer extended warranty programs
5-Year Ownership Cost Estimate
Based on EPA fuel data, standard depreciation, and US average insurance/maintenance costs
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
Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $48,159 (~$803/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile.
Estimated Market Value
Depreciation-based estimate from original MSRP
Based on original MSRP of $36,600 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
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Tailored for the 2017 AUDI Q3 — specific failure modes your mechanic must check, not a generic list
Recall Probability Forecast
Estimated likelihood of a new recall in the next 18 months based on NHTSA signals
20% estimated recall probability — some indicators present but not alarming.
- ▸Accelerating complaint rate — increasing pressure on NHTSA to act
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.
Auction History
Public sale records from Copart, IAAI, and auction aggregators
Searching Public Auction Records
Checking Copart, IAAI, BidFax, and other sources for WA1JCCFS3HR007936. Results appear automatically when found.
Insurance Cost Estimate
Estimated annual premiums based on vehicle profile, theft data, and NHTSA safety ratings
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
| VIN | WA1JCCFS3HR007936 |
| Model Year | 2017 |
| Make | AUDI |
| Model | Q3 |
| Trim | quattro Premium Plus |
| Vehicle Type | MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV) |
Body & Configuration
| Body Style | Sport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV] |
| Doors | 4 |
| Seat Rows | 5 |
| Drive Type | AWD/All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline |
| Transmission | Automatic |
Engine
| Engine Cylinders | 4 |
| Displacement (L) | 2 |
| Horsepower | 200 |
Manufacturer
| Manufacturer | AUDI AG |
| Assembly City | MARTORELL |
| Assembly Country | SPAIN |
VIN Structure
| WMI (Chars 1–3) | WA1 |
| Check Digit (Char 9) | 3 |
| Model Year Code (Char 10) | H |
| Plant Code (Char 11) | R |
| Sequence (Chars 12–17) | 007936 |
Safety Data
| NHTSA Recall Count | 3 |
| NHTSA Complaint Count | 7 |
VIN Structure Decode
ISO 3779 character-by-character breakdown of this Vehicle Identification Number
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: 7/2/2026, 12:04:12 AM.