Recall 20V786 affects 313 2020 Audi Q3 SUVs for a brake pedal plate defect. Repair is free at any franchised Audi dealer.
Audi is recalling 313 2020 Q3 SUVs because the brake pedal plate can bend or detach during sudden stopping. A bent or detached plate leaves less contact area for the driver's foot and increases the risk of a crash, and Audi dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The brake pedal in the 2020 Audi Q3 is the driver’s direct input to the brake system. The pedal plate is the foot pad attached to the pedal arm, and it transfers the force from your foot into the linkage that builds hydraulic braking pressure. In normal use, that welded joint must stay rigid when the driver presses hard.
On affected Q3 vehicles, a manufacturing error at the sub-supplier left the joint between the brake pedal and the brake pedal plate welded incorrectly in individual cases. During an emergency stop, that joint can deform under a full-force pedal press. The pedal plate can bend, and Audi did not rule out full detachment.
There is no warning sign before failure. The weak point is inside the welded joint, so the pedal can feel normal until a sudden, hard braking event puts enough load on the plate.
Who's affected?
| 2020 Audi Q3 | hydraulic brake system |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 313 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2020 Audi Q3 is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
A bent or detached brake pedal plate leaves less contact area for the driver's foot and increases the risk of a crash. Schedule the inspection soon and drive cautiously until the brake pedal is checked and repaired. Repair is free at any franchised Audi dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020 Audi Q3 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Audi dealer to schedule the free brake-pedal inspection and replacement if the weld or pedal plate fails inspection.
- Bring the recall notice if Audi mailed one. If not, reference recall number 20V786 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the dealer completes the inspection or repair. Avoid hard braking and leave extra following distance.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Audi technician inspects the weld between the brake pedal and the brake pedal plate. If the weld or pedal plate does not pass inspection, the dealer replaces the entire brake pedal. The recall repair is available now, and the inspection, parts, and labor are free. Audi is not offering reimbursement for this campaign, so prior out-of-pocket repair costs are not covered through a recall reimbursement plan.
| Reimbursement | No separate reimbursement |
|---|
Timeline
| December 16, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 30, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| December 30, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| January 12, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
| January 31, 2021 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| January 31, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V786?
Recall 20V786 covers 313 2020 Audi Q3 vehicles with a brake pedal plate that can bend or detach during sudden stopping. That reduces the area under the driver's foot and increases crash risk. Audi dealers will inspect the brake pedal weld and replace the brake pedal for free when needed.
What should I do if my 2020 Audi Q3 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Q3 is included in recall 20V786. If it is, contact a franchised Audi dealer to schedule the brake pedal inspection. Reference recall number 20V786 or Audi recall code 46i7 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair the defect at no cost, and Audi will inspect the brake pedal weld and replace the entire brake pedal free of charge when needed at a franchised Audi dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced brake pedal control during sudden stopping. If the pedal plate bends or detaches, the driver's foot has less contact area on the pedal, increasing crash risk. Confirm the recall with your VIN, then schedule the free dealer inspection and repair.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V786000 |
|---|---|
| Audi customer service | 1-800-253-2834 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V786 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V786000 |
Source documents
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Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
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Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
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Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
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Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
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Download Owner Notice (PDF)
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Download Recall Report (PDF)
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Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →