NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2019 Audi Q3 Safety Ratings
The 2019 Audi Q3 scores 79 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 4 recalls, and 10 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2019 Audi Q3 earned an overall crash-test rating from NHTSA. This strong performance anchors its NHTSA Safety Index of 80/100, placing it in the Strong band. Buyers should note, however, a weaker sub-score for its avoidance technology and three recall campaigns.
The 2019 Audi Q3 received a five-star overall NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 80 out of 100, sourced from NHTSA crash-test, recall, and complaint data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 93 SUVs from 2019 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2019 Audi Q3 ranks 61 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 79 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 16.4% |
| Recalls on file | 4 |
| Owner complaints | 10 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 61 of 93 SUVs tested for 2019 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2019 Audi Q3?
The 2019 Audi Q3 posts a NHTSA Safety Index of 80 out of 100, earning the Strong band. Because no prior-year Index is on file, a year-over-year comparison cannot be made for this generation. The score is built on a crash-protection sub-score of 61 out of 70, which reflects the NHTSA five-star overall and five-star side result, offset slightly by four-star frontal and rollover figures. The avoidance-tech sub-score tells a sharply different story: 2 out of 10. The 2019 Q3 arrived without forward collision warning or lane departure warning as standard equipment, leaving electronic stability control as the sole credited active-safety feature. That gap is the single largest drag on the Index for this model year. The defect-record sub-score of 17 out of 20 is solid, supported by a relatively contained complaint volume of ten unverified allegations and no fatality or injury reports. However, three recall campaigns, including one targeting the passenger air bag inflator, carry meaningful safety weight and should be resolved before any used purchase is finalized.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2019 Audi Q3 perform in crash tests?
The 2019 Audi Q3 achieved a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, including a perfect five stars in the side-crash test. Frontal crash protection received four stars, matching the four-star rating for rollover protection. The rollover risk was assessed at 16 percent, with a dynamic tip-test result of No Tip. All crash-test categories for the Q3 were rated.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 13712
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2019 Audi Q3 have any recalls?
Three federal recall campaigns cover the 2019 Audi Q3. The first addresses a passenger-side frontal air bag inflator module that may not deploy properly. The second is a single-vehicle steering recall tied to a belt-pulley production deviation that could affect a critical fastener. The third is a tire-pressure monitoring and regulating system recall shared with other Volkswagen Group models. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the data, but all three campaigns warrant VIN verification.
STEERING26V590000
Risk: A broken steering rack housing can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the right-side steering rack mounting bolt, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 10, 2026. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 48LG and 48VT. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on September 16, 2026.
Reported 2026-09-11
TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS22V815000
Risk: An undetected sudden loss of pressure in all four tires increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the TPMS software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 18, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audis customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are (Audi) 45J7, and (VW) 45J6 and 45J8.
Reported 2022-10-31
STEERING:CRITICAL FASTENERS21V027000
Risk: The circlip can detach and catch on surrounding components, causing the steering system to lock and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Audi will notify the owner, and a dealer will replace the steering rack, free of charge. The recall was completed February 28, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 48P7.
Reported 2021-01-27
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE20V273000
Risk: In the event of a crash, the passenger air bag may not properly deploy and inflate, and small plastic parts may enter the cabin, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the instrument panel and replace it, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 10, 2020. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-822-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 70H7.
Reported 2020-05-13
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2019 Audi Q3?
Ten owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2019 Audi Q3, all unverified allegations. The most frequently reported components are the Electrical System with three allegations, followed by the Engine and Fuel/Propulsion System each with two. No crash, fire, injury, or death is alleged among the ten reports.
10 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2019 Audi Q3?
Three recalls were issued for this model year. Of these, a recall concerning the passenger airbag inflator is particularly critical. Prior to purchase, all three recalls must be confirmed as remedied via the NHTSA VIN check tool; an open recall remains the buyer's responsibility to resolve.
- The 2019 Q3 carries a passenger-side frontal air bag inflator recall: improper deployment in a crash is the stated risk, making VIN verification of remedy completion a priority for used buyers.
- NHTSA awarded this model year a five-star overall and five-star side-crash score, but frontal and rollover protection each came in at four stars, with a 16 percent rollover-risk figure on record.
- The avoidance-tech sub-score of 2 out of 10 reflects the absence of forward collision warning and lane departure warning on the 2019 Q3, a specific equipment gap that distinguishes this model year from later generations that added such features.
- A single-vehicle steering recall citing a belt-pulley production deviation affecting a critical fastener was issued for one 2019 Q3 unit specifically, and owners should confirm whether their VIN falls within that campaign.
RANKINGSWhere the 2019 Audi Q3 places
The 2019 Audi Q3 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2019 Audi Q3 safety questions
Was the 2019 Audi Q3 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2019 Audi Q3, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 79 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2019 Audi Q3 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2019 Audi Q3 earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 16.4%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2019 Audi Q3 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 4 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2019 Audi Q3. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2019 Audi Q3?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 10 owner complaints are on file for the 2019 Audi Q3. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Q3 years
Rivals in SUV (2019)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Tesla Model X 60d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X 75d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X 90d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X P100d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X P90d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Nissan Murano | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 13712), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Audi Q3 2019.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 61 of 93 in the SUV class for 2019.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.