NHTSA Complaints · Active Recalls · California Lemon Law Data
The NHTSA tracks consumer complaints, manufacturer recalls, and safety investigations for every vehicle sold in the United States. These publicly available records are a critical resource for California lemon law cases because they establish patterns of recurring defects.
As of June 2026, the NHTSA has logged 3 complaints against the 2025 Audi Q3. Each complaint is filed by a vehicle owner or lessee through the NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline or online portal at SaferCar.gov. You can review all 2025 Audi Q3 complaints directly on the NHTSA complaint database.
The 2025 Audi Q3 has generated 3 NHTSA complaints and has 1 active recall. If your 2025 Audi Q3 has experienced a defect that the dealer has been unable to repair after multiple visits, you may qualify for a full repurchase or replacement under California lemon law. Audi pays all attorney fees when we prevail. You pay nothing.
Engine and cooling problems are among the most serious defects under California’s Song-Beverly Act. Owners of the 2025 Audi Q3 have reported issues including stalling, overheating, loss of power, rough idling, excessive oil consumption, and check engine lights that return after dealer repairs. With 1 NHTSA complaint on record, this defect pattern is well-documented. Owner reports include: “While driving my brand new 4-day old 2025 Audi Q3 at highway speeds, the vehicle suddenly lost engine power and shut off without warning. At the time of the incident the fuel gauge indicated approximately 1/4 tank remaining and there were no prior warnings. I was forced to pull over in traffic, creating a dangerous situation. The vehicle had to be towed to the dealership. I was initially told the vehicle had “run out of gas”, despite the fuel gauge showing fuel remaining. This same failure occurred a second time under similar conditions, again while driving at highway speeds with fuel indicated on the gauge. The vehicle stalled and shut off unexpectedly, requiring another tow. During the second repair visit, Audi technicians confirmed that the fuel tank’s internal level sensor was defective and that the vehicle was inaccurately reporting fuel levels. Audi’s Technical Assistance Center instructed the dealer to replace the entire fuel tank assembly on this brand-new vehicle. This defect caused repeated loss of engine power while driving, creating a serious safety risk to myself and other motorists. I no longer feel the vehicle is safe to operate due to the risk of sudden stalling without warning.” (NHTSA Complaint #11704946)
The 2025 Audi Q3 has generated 1 NHTSA complaint for this defect category. If your vehicle has experienced recurring issues in this area that the dealer has been unable to repair after multiple attempts, you may have a qualifying lemon law claim under California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act. Owner reports include: “I purchased a new 2025 Audi Q3 8/18/25 and immediately experienced a potential safety issue with the driver’s seat. The seat structure did not provide stable or secure support, which affected my ability to maintain proper posture and full control of the vehicle while driving. This created concerns about safe operation, particularly during braking, steering, and longer periods of driving. I reported the issue promptly and requested a warranty inspection. However, Audi of America issued a formal denial on October 9, 2025 without performing any inspection of the vehicle or the driver’s seat. As a result, the vehicle was never examined by an Audi technician, manufacturer representative, or any third party. Because the manufacturer refused to inspect the component and I could not safely operate the vehicle, I was forced to exit the vehicle entirely. The lack of inspection prevented any determination of the root cause, potential defect, or safety risk. This procedural failure is the basis of this report.” (NHTSA Complaint #11704041)
Electrical system failures are notoriously difficult to diagnose and repair, which often results in multiple unsuccessful repair attempts — a key element of a lemon law claim. Reported issues for the 2025 Audi Q3 include infotainment malfunctions, battery drain, warning lights, power window failures, and intermittent starting problems. 1 NHTSA complaint have been filed for this category. Owner reports include: “Vehicle failed to start with many tries despite my own key fob. Initially displayed message with ‘Theft’ reference, then changed to “Checking remote access rights. Please wait…” on screen. Opening door triggered unexpected shocking alarm, which stopped after using fob to turn it off. Started to video record the situation after about a minute of failed start attempts. Vid lasts 41 secs until on.Two additional photos from myAudi app ‘theft’ & ‘break-in’, which was driver exiting vehicle triggering alarm. Prior issue with drivers seatbelt occurred with car in ‘park’ and ignition on, seat belt unexpectedly pulled occupant tight against seat. Seatbelt adjuster on seatbelt anchor point moved quickly up and down several times making whirring noises before abruptly stopping, releasing occupant after 10-15 seconds. As a 100% disabled veteran with severe neck damage this could paralyze me if happens while driving, and heart stopping shock. Vehicle in Brooklyn Service since 11th Sept. Mgr says today there are no faults in the system and no data to be collected. Even with video proof the service center lack resolution, and Mgr wanted me to pick up the car. I insisted they keep for further testing as it may need extended observation to replicate issue. I feel unsafe. My safety was put at risk due to the non-start incident happening late at night in a low lit area in Elizabeth/Newark not a good area potentially stranding me in an unsafe situation. A starting issue and an alarm malfunction, both of which are critical. This is the second safety issue in a brand new car, within 6 weeks of owning the car. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms prior to failure. They first appeared after I unlocked with fob and sat inside. I caught a brief glimpse of a sentence containing the word “Theft”, then unsuccessfully tried to start the car multiple times before I noticed the message telling me it was trying to check remote access rights.” (NHTSA Complaint #11687816)
The following 1 recall has been issued for the 2025 Audi Q3 by the NHTSA or Audi. If your vehicle is affected, the manufacturer is required to provide a free remedy. Check your VIN at NHTSA.gov/recalls.
Component: BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE
Defect: See NHTSA database for details.
Risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver’s rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the camera control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed to Audi owners April 3, 2024, and Volkswagen owners November 18, 2025.Volkswagen owners will receive a second notice once remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Volkswagen custom
California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act (Cal. Civ. Code §§ 1790–1795.8) is one of the strongest lemon laws in the United States. It protects buyers and lessees of new and certified pre-owned vehicles that develop substantial defects the manufacturer cannot repair after a reasonable number of attempts.
Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1793.22, a lemon law presumption is triggered when any of the following apply to your 2025 Audi Q3:
Once the presumption is triggered, the burden shifts to Audi to prove the vehicle is not a lemon. Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1794(d), Audi must pay your attorney’s fees if you prevail — meaning qualified representation costs you nothing out of pocket.
If your 2025 Audi Q3 qualifies as a lemon under California law, Audi may be legally required to:
Step 1: Document every repair visit. Keep all repair orders, work orders, and dealer invoices. Each visit counts as a repair attempt, even if the dealer says nothing is wrong.
Step 2: Keep returning for repairs. You must give Audi a reasonable opportunity to fix the defect. Visit different authorized Audi dealers if needed and ask for written documentation of each visit.
Step 3: Contact a California lemon law attorney. Once you believe the threshold has been met — 4 attempts for non-safety defects, 2 for safety defects, or 30 days out of service — contact an attorney for a free case evaluation. Under § 1794(d), Audi pays your fees if you win.
Step 4: Send a demand letter. Your attorney will send Audi a formal demand letter. Most California lemon law cases resolve through negotiation without going to trial.
Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1793.22, four or more repair attempts for the same non-safety defect, or two attempts for a safety-related defect, triggers the lemon law presumption. Additionally, 30 or more cumulative days out of service qualifies regardless of the number of repair attempts.
Yes. Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1794(d), Audi is required to pay your reasonable attorney’s fees and court costs if you prevail in a lemon law claim. This means qualified lemon law representation is free to you if your case succeeds.
Yes. A recall is not required to file a lemon law claim. The Song-Beverly Act covers any substantial defect that impairs the use, value, or safety of the vehicle that the manufacturer cannot repair after a reasonable number of attempts. NHTSA complaints support the claim by establishing a pattern, but are not a prerequisite.
California lemon law claims are generally subject to a four-year statute of limitations from the date you discovered or should have discovered the defect. However, you must still be within the manufacturer’s original warranty period when the defect first appears. Contact an attorney promptly to preserve your rights.
If your 2025 Audi Q3 has a recurring defect, California’s Lemon Law may entitle you to a full refund, replacement vehicle, or cash settlement — at no cost to you.
Our attorneys answer the questions we hear most from California vehicle owners — fully updated for 2026.
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