NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Audi Q3 Safety Ratings
The 2021 Audi Q3 scores 82 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 3 recalls, and 14 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Audi Q3 demonstrates a strong safety profile, earning a NHTSA Safety Index of 83 out of 100. Its crash-test performance is solid overall, though tempered by two recalls and a modest showing in avoidance technology assessments. This combination suggests a respectable safety standing for a used SUV, with its defect exposure remaining manageable based on federal data.
The 2021 Audi Q3 SUV AWD holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 83 out of 100 and an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars, sourced from federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 118 SUVs from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Audi Q3 ranks 68 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 82 / 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 | 14 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 68 of 118 SUVs tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Audi Q3?
A two-point decline to an 83 out of 100 Safety Index score marks the 2021 Audi Q3, placing it in our Strong band. The dip from the 2020 model's 85 is modest, but a noteworthy directional shift. This decline is primarily attributable to increased defect exposure. Two recall campaigns were initiated for this model year, lowering the defect-record sub-score to 16.5 out of a possible 20. Crash protection remains the vehicle's strongest attribute, contributing 61 of a possible 70 points. This is anchored by a 5-star overall NHTSA rating and a perfect 5-star side impact result. However, avoidance technology presents a weaker area, scoring only 5 out of 10 due to the absence of factory forward collision warning on this trim configuration. This omission is increasingly significant as the feature becomes standard across the competitive segment. The 14 unverified owner complaints filed with NHTSA, including two alleged injuries and a cluster of fuel-system and electrical allegations, align thematically with a specific fuel-tank vent pipe recall, which provides some coherence to the defect picture. No fire-related complaints appear in the NHTSA dataset for this year.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Audi Q3 perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Audi Q3 achieved a 5 out of 5 star overall safety rating from NHTSA. Its side-impact protection is particularly notable, earning the program's strongest result with a perfect 5-star rating. Both frontal impact and rollover resistance were rated at 4 out of 5 stars. The Q3 presents a 16 percent rollover risk, with the dynamic tip test indicating no tip.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15609
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Audi Q3 have any recalls?
Two recall campaigns cover the 2021 Q3. The first targets a fuel tank vent pipe defect that affects fuel storage integrity across 2021-2022 Q3 vehicles. The second addresses rear seat belt retractors on a broader group of Volkswagen Group vehicles including this model year. Neither campaign has been designated a do-not-drive order, but owners should verify 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
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE22V673000
Risk: A 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.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the internal vent pipe for damage and replace the charcoal canister and the fuel tank, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 1, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20DS.
Reported 2022-09-08
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR21V606000
Risk: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect, and replace as necessary, the middle-rear seat belt assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 27, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69CR (VW) and 69CS (Audi).
Reported 2021-08-05
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Audi Q3?
Fourteen owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA against the 2021 Q3. These are unverified allegations. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the Fuel and Propulsion System with 4 reports, the Electrical System with 3, and the Engine with 3. Two alleged injuries are included in the total.
14 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Audi Q3?
For the 2021 Q3, two open recalls warrant particular attention. NHTSA has documented campaigns regarding the fuel tank vent pipe and the front passenger seat belt retractor. As with all used vehicles, prospective owners should verify remedy completion via NHTSA's VIN lookup tool, as these safety actions transfer with the vehicle and are the owner's responsibility to address.
- The 2021 Q3 Safety Index of 83 represents a two-point decline from the 2020 model's 85, driven by two recall campaigns logged against this specific model year.
- NHTSA's dynamic tip test returned a no-tip result for the 2021 Q3, and its 16 percent rollover risk accompanies a 4-star rollover rating.
- Forward collision warning is absent on this model year's tested configuration, holding the avoidance-technology sub-score to 5 out of 10 and representing a meaningful gap versus segment peers.
- Fourteen unverified NHTSA complaints include a cluster of four fuel and propulsion system allegations, which align thematically with the open fuel tank vent pipe recall campaign covering 2021-2022 Q3 vehicles.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Audi Q3 places
The 2021 Audi Q3 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Audi Q3 safety questions
Was the 2021 Audi Q3 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Audi Q3, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 82 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 2021 Audi Q3 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 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 2021 Audi Q3 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 3 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Audi Q3. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Audi Q3?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 14 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 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 (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 6-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 7-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Murano | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Mazda CX-3 | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15609), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Audi Q3 2021.
- 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 68 of 118 in the SUV class for 2021.
- 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.