NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Audi Q3 Safety Ratings
The 2020 Audi Q3 scores 84 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 3 recalls, and 63 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Audi Q3 achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 85 out of 100, placing it within the Strong safety band. This assessment is based on the published NHTSA data, which includes a solid crash-test performance and a record of two recall campaigns. The vehicle's safety profile is notably above average for its segment in the used market, assuming all identified recalls have been addressed.
The 2020 Audi Q3 holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 85 out of 100 and an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars, sourced from NHTSA federal safety data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 107 SUVs from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Audi Q3 ranks 51 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 84 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 16.4% |
| Recalls on file | 3 |
| Owner complaints | 63 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 51 of 107 SUVs tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Audi Q3?
The 2020 Audi Q3 marks a five-point Safety Index gain over the 2019 model, moving from 80 to 85 out of 100, both within the Strong band but with the 2020 edition sitting notably higher inside that range. The improvement is anchored by a crash-protection sub-score of 61 out of 70, paired with a 5-star overall NHTSA rating and a clean No Tip dynamic rollover result. The avoidance-tech score of 7 out of 10 reflects the presence of standard forward collision warning and standard electronic stability control, though lane departure warning is absent on this model year, a gap that caps the tech score. The defect record component contributes 17 out of 20, reflecting the two recall campaigns. The brake pedal plate recall is the more consequential of the two: a component that can bend or detach under braking sits at the center of vehicle control. Any used-market Q3 from this year should have that campaign verified as closed before purchase. The complaint volume of 63 is moderate for a six-year-old vehicle, with electrical and engine categories leading the unverified allegations.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Audi Q3 perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Audi Q3 achieved a 5-out-of-5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, anchored by a perfect 5-star score in the side impact test. Both frontal crash and rollover assessments yielded 4-out-of-5-star ratings. The Q3's rollover risk stands at 16 percent, with dynamic tip testing successfully concluding in a No Tip result.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14787
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Audi Q3 have any recalls?
Two recall campaigns cover this model year. The first targets brake pedal plates that can bend or detach under braking, a direct active-safety concern. The second covers a single vehicle whose driver seat frame may have been incorrectly bolted. Neither campaign was designated a do-not-drive order, but the brake pedal defect warrants prompt verification of remedy completion by VIN.
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
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES20V786000
Risk: A bent or detached brake pedal plate decreases the contact area for the driver's foot and increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the weld between the brake pedal and the brake pedal plate and, as necessary, replace the entire brake pedal, free of charge. The recall began January 12, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 46i7.
Reported 2020-12-16
SEATS20V644000
Risk: The incorrect bolt connection could fail, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the bolt connection and, as necessary, replace the seat structure, free of charge. The recall began November 10, 2020. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 72L4.
Reported 2020-10-19
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Audi Q3?
Owners have filed 63 unverified complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the Electrical System (22 reports) and Engine (20 reports), followed by Unknown Or Other (17), Fuel/Propulsion System (10), Steering (9), and Power Train (6). Two reported crashes are included among these unverified allegations.
63 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Audi Q3?
Two significant recall campaigns for the 2020 Audi Q3 warrant immediate attention from prospective owners: one addressing the brake pedal plate and another concerning the seat frame. Both matters are critical for vehicle safety, and buyers should use NHTSA's free VIN lookup tool to confirm that these, and any other open recalls, have been remedied before purchase. Open recalls remain with the vehicle, transferring to new owners.
- The 2020 Q3 gained five Safety Index points over the 2019 model year, rising from 80 to 85 out of 100, the highest movement between consecutive years in this model's recent history.
- A recall specific to this model year covers brake pedal plates that can bend or detach under braking, a direct control-system risk that used buyers must verify as resolved via VIN check.
- Lane departure warning is absent on this model year, which limits the avoidance-tech sub-score to 7 out of 10 despite forward collision warning and electronic stability control being standard.
- Sixty-three unverified owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA, with Electrical System and Engine as the two most frequently alleged problem areas, accounting for more than two-thirds of the top-component reports.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Audi Q3 places
The 2020 Audi Q3 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Audi Q3 safety questions
Was the 2020 Audi Q3 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Audi Q3, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 84 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2020 Audi Q3 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 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 2020 Audi Q3 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 3 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Audi Q3. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Audi Q3?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 63 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Audi Q3. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Q3 years
Rivals in SUV (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Infiniti Qx50 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-3 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-30 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 3 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T5 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T6 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T8 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14787), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Audi Q3 2020.
- 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 51 of 107 in the SUV class for 2020.
- 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.