Audi Q3 VIN Decoder, VIN Number Location and PR Codes
Decode any Q3 VIN below, find the VIN on any first or second generation Q3, then decode the PR codes from the data sticker to get the full factory build sheet.
Try It Yourself. Copy/Paste This Audi Q3 VIN Into Our Decoder Below: WA1EECF34N1024680
VIN Decoder & Build Sheet
Check VIN identity, factory spec, recalls, complaints, and ownership risks before you buy.
Pre Purchase VIN Check
Fuel Economy, Emissions & Running Cost
EPA fuel economy for the vehicle year and model profile.
Additional Vehicle Specs
Supplementary spec matching for output such as power, transmission, size, and weight.
Recalls, Complaints & Mechanical Failures
Model level safety and complaint data for the decoded year, make, and model.
Vehicle Ownership Insights
Platform specific reliability patterns, critical engine platform audits, and pre purchase inspection guidance.
Likely Factory Option Profile
Probability model for common package combinations around this production era.
The free scan verifies identity and surfaces early risk signals. The paid report goes deeper into what those signals mean for ownership, repairs, and buying confidence.
Unlock Full VIN ReportWhere Is the VIN Number on an Audi Q3?
Every Audi Q3, Q3 Sportback and RS Q3 carries the same 17 character VIN, also called the chassis number, in several places on the car and on its paperwork. Check that at least two of them match before you rely on it.
On the car
- Bottom of the windshield on the driver side, readable from outside
- Label on the driver door jamb or B pillar
- Vehicle data sticker in the spare wheel well, under the trunk floor
- Stamped into the body in the engine bay, which is where the chassis number lives
On the paperwork
- Title and registration in the US, or the V5C logbook in the UK
- Vehicle data sticker inside the front of the service book
- Insurance documents
- Service invoices and the original sales paperwork
If the VIN on the windshield doesn't match the door label, the paperwork or the body stamping, stop there and find out why before you go any further.
How to Read an Audi Q3 VIN
European Q3 VINs usually start WAUZZZ, where the three Z characters are filler. US Q3 VINs start WA1, the code Audi uses for its SUVs there, and use the next positions for engine, body and restraint details. On both, positions 7 and 8 tell you the generation and position 10 tells you the model year.
Example European format: WAUZZZ8U0DR012345, a 2013 first generation Q3
- Positions 1 to 3: Manufacturer
- WAU identifies Audi on European cars. US Q3s show WA1.
- Positions 4 to 8: Model
- Positions 7 and 8 are the model code, like 8U on the example above. On European cars, 4 to 6 are usually ZZZ filler.
- Position 9: Check digit
- Validates the VIN on US cars. On many European cars it doesn't follow the US formula, which is why US decoders often reject them.
- Position 10: Model year
- A single character for the model year. See the list below.
- Position 11: Plant
- The factory that built the car. Q3s have come from Martorell in Spain and Győr in Hungary.
- Positions 12 to 17: Serial number
- The production number that makes this VIN unique.
Audi Q3 generation codes in the VIN
| Positions 7 and 8 | Generation | Years |
|---|---|---|
| 8U | First generation Q3, plus RS Q3 | 2011 to 2018 (US model years 2015 to 2018) |
| F3 | Second generation Q3 and Q3 Sportback, plus RS Q3 and RS Q3 Sportback | 2018 to 2025 (US model years 2019 on) |
This guide covers the 8U and F3 cars. The third generation Q3 that arrived for 2025 is a separate model.
Audi Q3 model year codes
Position 10 of the VIN.
- B2011
- C2012
- D2013
- E2014
- F2015
- G2016
- H2017
- J2018
- K2019
- L2020
- M2021
- N2022
- P2023
- R2024
- S2025
Generation changeover years overlap, so always check positions 7 and 8 as well.
Can You Get an Audi Q3 Build Sheet or PR Codes From the VIN?
Not from the VIN itself. The 17 characters tell you the model, generation and year, but not the options.
The full build sheet is stored against the VIN in Audi's factory system, so any Audi dealer can pull it with your VIN. If you'd rather do it yourself, the same PR codes are printed on the car.
Spare wheel well Easiest
Lift the trunk floor. The vehicle data sticker lists the VIN, paint code, engine code, gearbox code and every PR code on the car.
Service book
An identical sticker sits inside the front cover. Handy if the one in the trunk is damaged or missing.
Audi dealer
Give the service desk your VIN and ask for the vehicle data printout. It shows the original build and every factory code.
VCDS or OBD11
A scan tool reads coding from the control modules. Good for confirming lighting, assistance or infotainment equipment, but it won't give you the full PR list on its own.
Grab the codes from either sticker and paste them into the decoder below to get your full Audi Q3 options list.
Audi Q3 PR Code Decoder
Paste the codes from your data sticker and get a readable Q3 options list, grouped by system.
Separate codes with spaces, commas or new lines.
Codes not in our list
Look up a single code
Search by code or keyword. Covers PR codes, paint, engine codes and gearboxes.
Type a code or keyword to see matches.
Tip: click any code to copy it. Some codes change meaning by generation and market, so check anything important against the dealer printout.
Which Audi Q3 Do I Have?
Positions 7 and 8 of the VIN give you the generation. From there, the engine code and data sticker tell you if you're looking at a standard Q3, a Sportback or an RS Q3.
First generation Q3 (2011 to 2018)
Sold in Europe from 2011 and in the US for model years 2015 to 2018. US cars are all 2.0 TFSI with a 6 speed Tiptronic, front wheel drive or quattro. European cars add 1.4 TFSI, TDI diesels, manuals and S tronic. The facelift arrived for 2015.
Second generation Q3 (2018 to 2025)
Bigger, with virtual cockpit, MMI touch, LED lighting and assistance packs. The Q3 Sportback joined in 2019. Spec can matter almost as much as the engine, so read the data sticker before you compare prices.
| Model | What it is | How to confirm it |
|---|---|---|
| Q3 | Petrol or diesel SUV, front wheel drive or quattro | Engine code on the sticker and the absence of RS codes |
| Q3 S line | Styling and interior pack, same engines as the Q3 | S line PR codes on the sticker, not the bumpers or badges |
| Q3 Sportback | Coupe styled F3 Q3 with a lower roofline | Sportback on the dealer printout and the registration |
| RS Q3 | 2.5 TFSI five cylinder with quattro, on both generations | RS engine code, the quattro code 1X1 and the dealer printout. Visual upgrades can't copy the engine. |
There's no SQ3 in these generations. If a listing calls a Q3 an SQ3, it's either a mistake or a badge swap.
S line, Black Edition, Premium Plus or Prestige?
Trim names depend on the market. UK cars are sold as SE, Sport, S line, Black Edition and Vorsprung. US cars are Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige. They don't translate cleanly, and bumpers, wheels, black trim and badges are easy to change after the fact. The VIN alone won't confirm trim. The PR codes on the data sticker, or the dealer printout, will. If a car is priced like a higher spec Q3, the codes should prove it.
Audi Q3 Engine, Gearbox and Drivetrain: What to Check
The same Q3 badge covers a front wheel drive 1.5 TFSI, a quattro diesel and a five cylinder RS Q3, and the mix changes by market. Confirm the mechanical setup before you judge the spec.
Engines
Most Q3s use a four cylinder TFSI petrol: 1.4 on the 8U, 1.5 on the F3, and 2.0 on both. UK and European cars were often 2.0 TDI diesels. The RS Q3 uses a 2.5 TFSI five cylinder. US Q3s have all been 2.0 TFSI.
Gearboxes
Manuals are 6 speed and European only. Smaller petrol engines use a dry clutch S tronic, bigger ones and the RS Q3 a wet clutch S tronic. US cars are different: the 8U uses a 6 speed Tiptronic and the F3 an 8 speed Tiptronic. The Q3 never had the Multitronic CVT.
Front wheel drive or quattro
Lower output Q3s are often front wheel drive, especially in Europe. quattro is standard on the RS Q3 and common on 2.0 TFSI cars. A quattro Q3 should show 1X1 on its data sticker.
Why it matters
A front wheel drive 1.5 TFSI, a quattro TDI and an RS Q3 share a badge but not running costs, insurance or value. Engine code, gearbox and drivetrain first, then worry about wheels and trim.
| Setup | What it is | What it means for a buyer |
|---|---|---|
| Manual | 6 speed | European cars only. Simple and cheap to maintain. |
| S tronic DQ200 (0AM) | 6 or 7 speed dry clutch dual clutch | Used with the 1.4 and 1.5 TFSI. Check for judder when pulling away slowly. |
| S tronic DQ500 (0BH) | 7 speed wet clutch dual clutch | Used on 8U 2.0 quattro cars and the RS Q3. Strong, and it needs its fluid changed on schedule. |
| S tronic DQ381 (0DL) | 7 speed wet clutch dual clutch | Used on many F3 2.0 cars in Europe. Servicing still matters. |
| Tiptronic | 6 speed on US 8U cars, 8 speed on US F3 cars | Smooth torque converter automatics. The common US setup. |
| quattro | All wheel drive | Standard on RS Q3. More grip and appeal, with higher running costs to match. |
Audi Q3 Common Problems by Engine and Gearbox
Known issues depend on the exact engine, gearbox and generation, which is why confirming them comes first.
| Engine or setup | What to look for | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| 8U 2.0 TFSI | Oil consumption, timing chain tensioner wear, patchy servicing | Good engines when looked after. The exact engine code tells you if the car has the updated parts. |
| F3 2.0 TFSI | Coolant leaks from the water pump and thermostat housing | A common repair. Check the coolant level and look for crusty residue around the pump. |
| DQ200 dry clutch S tronic | Judder, hesitation, jerky low speed shifts | Test it in slow traffic, not just on an open road. |
| DQ500 S tronic | Mechatronic faults, harsh or slipping shifts | Service history on the gearbox matters. |
| 2.0 TDI | DPF, EGR and other emissions system wear | Short journeys are hard on diesel emissions systems. Common on UK and European cars. |
| RS Q3 2.5 TFSI | Ignition coils, carbon buildup, high running costs | Characterful engine with bills to match. Service history is essential. |
| Panoramic roof | Blocked drains and water leaks | Check the headliner, carpets and spare wheel well for damp. |
How to Check Audi Q3 Recalls
Recall campaigns differ by market, so check through the channel that covers where the car was sold.
In the US
Run the VIN through the decoder above for NHTSA recall records, or use the NHTSA recall lookup directly.
In the UK
Use the DVSA vehicle recall checker on GOV.UK with the make, model and year, then ask an Audi dealer to run the VIN.
Imported cars
A car sold new in one country may never have had recall work done in the country it's in now. An Audi dealer can check the VIN against every open campaign.
Never assume recall work was done. Ask for proof it was completed, not just booked.
Audi Q3 Wheel and Tire Sizes
Wheels are easy to swap, so compare what's on the car with what it left the factory with. Wrong sizes or budget tires change how a Q3 rides and handles.
| Wheel size | Common tire size | Typical on |
|---|---|---|
| 17 inch | 235/55 R17 | Entry level cars, Premium and SE |
| 18 inch | 235/50 R18 | Most mid spec cars |
| 19 inch | 235/45 R19 | S line, Black Edition and Prestige |
| 20 inch | 255/40 R20 | S line options and RS Q3 |
| 21 inch | 255/35 R21 | RS Q3 options |
The tire placard on the door jamb shows the sizes approved for that exact car.
Audi Q3 Option Codes List
The full list behind the decoder, grouped by system. Codes can vary by generation and market, so verify anything important against your own car.
Audi Q3 engine codes
- CZDA 1.4 TFSI (8U facelift)
- CTSA 2.5 TFSI five cylinder, RS Q3 (8U)
- DADA 1.5 TFSI (F3)
- DNWA 2.5 TFSI five cylinder, RS Q3 (F3)
Engine codes vary by generation, output and market. The 2.0 TFSI and 2.0 TDI engines ran through several codes, so confirm yours on the data sticker or the engine itself.
Audi Q3 gearbox types
- 0AM S tronic DQ200, dry clutch, 1.4 and 1.5 TFSI
- 0BH 7 speed S tronic DQ500, 8U quattro and RS Q3
- 0DL 7 speed S tronic DQ381, F3
- 09G 6 speed Tiptronic, US 8U
These are gearbox families, not PR codes. The gearbox code on the data sticker is a separate three letter code. US F3 cars use an 8 speed Tiptronic.
Audi Q3 paint codes
- LA7W Reflex Silver Metallic
- LB7Z Satin Silver Metallic
- LS9R Glacier White Metallic
- LX1X Manhattan Grey Metallic
- LX7Z Dolomite Grey Metallic
- LX9X Mythos Black Metallic
- LY1P Dakota Grey Metallic
- LY3U Tango Red Metallic
- LY7C Nardo Grey
- LY9B Brilliant Black
- LY9C Ibis White
- LY9T Mythos Black Metallic
- LZ7G Florett Silver Metallic
- LZ7S Daytona Grey Pearl Effect
- LZ9Y Phantom Black Pearl Effect
Sorted by paint code. Not every color was offered on every Q3 generation or in every market.
Audi Q3 exterior trim codes
- PQD S line exterior package
- 4ZB High gloss package, exterior moldings
- 4ZD Black styling package
- 6FA Exterior mirror housings in body color
- 6FJ Exterior mirror housings in black
- 6XE Power adjustable and heated exterior mirrors
- 6XL Power folding heated exterior mirrors with memory
- 2Z7 Model and technology badge at rear
- 2Z0 Without model badge at rear
- 3S1 Roof rails
- 4KF Privacy glass
- 4KC Heat insulating glass, side and rear windows
- 4E7 Power tailgate
Audi Q3 lighting codes
- 8EX Xenon Plus headlights with LED daytime running lights
- 8IT LED headlights
- 8Q1 Manual headlight range adjustment
- 8Q3 Automatic headlight range adjustment
- 8Q5 Automatic headlights with coming home and leaving home
- 8G1 High beam assist
- 8K4 LED daytime running lights in headlight
- 8X1 Headlight washers
- 8SP LED taillights
- 8WH Static cornering light
Matrix LED codes vary by generation and year. If your car has Matrix LED, confirm the code on the dealer printout.
Audi Q3 interior option codes
- 4A3 Heated front seats
- 4A4 Heated front and rear seats
- 3PN Power driver seat with memory
- Q1A Standard front seats
- Q1G Sport seats
- 7P1 Electric lumbar support, front seats
- 1XW Leather steering wheel, 4 spoke
- 1XX Leather 3 spoke multifunction steering wheel with shift paddles
- 2C7 Manually adjustable steering column
- 9AK Dual zone automatic climate control
- 9M9 Auxiliary heater
- 4L6 Auto dimming interior mirror
- 5MA Aluminum decorative inlays
- 6NJ Black cloth headliner
- 6E3 Front center armrest
- 7HE Extended leather package
- 7AL Anti theft alarm system
- QE1 Storage package
- VC1 Garage door opener (HomeLink)
Audi Q3 safety and driver assistance codes
- PCF Assistance package with lane assist and adaptive cruise control
- 8T2 Cruise control
- 8T8 Adaptive cruise control
- 7Y1 Side assist
- 7X2 Rear parking sensors
- 7X5 Park assist with steering guidance
- 7X8 Front and rear parking sensors
- KA2 Rear view camera
- KA6 Top view camera system
- UH2 Hill hold assist
- QK1 Camera based lane assist
- QR9 Traffic sign recognition
- 7L8 Start stop system
- 7W1 Audi pre sense basic
- IW3 Emergency call system
- 1AT Electronic stabilization program with traction control
- 4UF Front airbags with passenger airbag deactivation
- 4X3 Front side airbags and curtain airbags
- 7K1 Tire pressure monitoring, passive
- 7K6 Tire pressure monitoring, active
- 8N6 Light and rain sensor
Audi Q3 infotainment and communication codes
- 7UF MMI Radio plus
- 7UG MMI Navigation plus with MMI touch
- 9S9 Audi virtual cockpit (F3)
- 9ZX Bluetooth hands free
- 9ZK Audi smartphone interface, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- 9VD Audi sound system
- 9VS Bang and Olufsen sound system
Audi Q3 drivetrain codes
- 1X1 quattro all wheel drive
- 1G1 Space saver spare wheel
- 1G5 Tire repair kit in place of spare wheel
Wheel design codes vary by year and market. Verify fitment against the VIN, brake size and tire placard before buying wheels.
Audi Q3 VIN Decoder FAQs
Where is the VIN number on an Audi Q3?
At the bottom of the windshield on the driver side, on the door jamb label, on the data sticker in the spare wheel well and service book, and stamped into the body in the engine bay. It's also on the title or V5C logbook.
Where is the chassis number on an Audi Q3?
The chassis number is the VIN. It's stamped into the body in the engine bay and repeated on the windshield, door jamb and data sticker.
Can I decode a UK or European Audi Q3 VIN?
Only partly with most free tools, because they run on US data. You can read the generation and model year yourself using the guide above, then decode the PR codes for the full spec.
What does WAUZZZ8U mean?
WAU is Audi, ZZZ is filler used on European market VINs, and 8U is the model code for the first generation Q3. A second generation Q3 shows F3 in the same spot.
Is my Audi Q3 the first or second generation?
Look at positions 7 and 8 of the VIN. 8U is the first generation and F3 is the second. Position 10 gives you the model year.
How do I get an Audi Q3 build sheet?
Read the PR codes from the data sticker in the spare wheel well or service book and paste them into the decoder above. An Audi dealer can also print the full factory spec from your VIN.
Can the VIN confirm S line, Premium Plus or Prestige?
Not on its own. The VIN confirms the model and year. Trim and packs show up in the PR codes and on the dealer printout.
Can the VIN tell me if my Q3 is S tronic or Tiptronic?
Not reliably. US decoders sometimes return a transmission style, but the gearbox code on the data sticker or the dealer printout is the proof.
How do I know if an Audi RS Q3 is genuine?
Check the engine code, the quattro code 1X1 on the data sticker and the dealer printout. Bumpers, badges and wheels prove nothing.
Does every Audi Q3 have quattro?
No. Many are front wheel drive, especially lower output European cars. quattro is standard on the RS Q3 and common on 2.0 TFSI cars.
Dale Ogden
Dale has spent more than 20 years in vehicle valuations, forecasting and asset management. He was a Forecast Manager at CAP HPI, the UK's leading vehicle valuation authority and a counterpart to Kelley Blue Book.
He helped pioneer early electric vehicle depreciation models adopted by major manufacturers, and his residual value forecasts cover more than 10,000 vehicles. Today his data led insights help buyers, enthusiasts and automotive professionals around the world.
What Is Your Audi Q3 Spec Worth?
Virtual cockpit, LED lighting, Bang and Olufsen, quattro, S line. Two Q3s can look the same in photos and be worth very different money. See what the options on yours are worth today.
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