Recall 26V209 covers 6,077 2026 Audi Q3 SUVs for remote sunroof-closing software. Free repair at a franchised Audi dealer once available.
Audi is recalling 6,077 2026 Q3 SUVs because its remote sunroof-closing software does not meet the federal visibility requirement. Closing the sunroof without a clear view increases the risk of injury to occupants, and the Audi dealer repair will be free once Audi opens it.
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What's wrong?
The sunroof control module on the 2026 Audi Q3 is the electronic controller that tells the sliding roof when to open, close, and stop. It works with the power-operated roof system so the sunroof responds to the switch or approved remote command in a controlled way. The software inside that module sets the allowed behavior for those commands.
On affected Q3 vehicles, an incorrect software entry in the sliding roof control unit allows remote sunroof closing from a distance where the person operating it cannot clearly see the sunroof. That does not meet the federal rule for power-operated window systems. The repair installs a new target data container, which is the software data package for the sunroof control unit.
There is no warning sign before failure. Owners should not expect a warning light, noise, or change in sunroof movement before the noncompliant remote-close behavior is present.
Who's affected?
VINs became searchable on April 7, 2026.
| 2026 Audi Q3 | visibility component |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 6,077 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific SUV.
What's the safety risk?
Closing the sunroof without seeing it can increase injury risk to occupants. If your VIN is included, avoid closing the sunroof unless you can clearly see the opening, and keep hands, heads, and loose items away from the glass. Repair will be free at any franchised Audi dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2026 Audi Q3 is included in this recall.
- Wait for Audi or your franchised Audi dealer to confirm the free remedy is open before scheduling the repair.
- Contact a franchised Audi dealer once the remedy opens to schedule the sunroof-control software and owner's-manual update, which fixes remote closing when the sunroof is not in clear view.
- Keep the sunroof in view before closing it remotely until the software update is complete.
- Bring Audi's owner letter if you have it, and reference recall number 26V209 when you call.
What happens at the repair
Audi's final dealer repair is still under development. Once it opens, an Audi technician will update the sunroof control module software and update the owner's manual so the recall remedy is applied to the vehicle and the instructions match the corrected system. The dealer repair will be free once available, with parts, software, and labor covered. Owner notification letters were mailed April 22, 2026. Audi is not offering a separate reimbursement program because the affected 2026 Q3 vehicles are within the New Vehicle Limited Warranty period. Ask the service desk how that warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| April 1, 2026 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 7, 2026 | Dealer notification began |
| April 7, 2026 | Dealer notification ended |
| April 7, 2026 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| April 7, 2026 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| April 22, 2026 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 26V209?
Recall 26V209 covers 6,077 2026 Audi Q3 vehicles with sunroof software that allows remote closing from a distance where the operator cannot clearly see the sunroof. That violates Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 118 and increases injury risk. Audi's free dealer remedy is a sunroof control module software update and owner's manual update.
What should I do if my 2026 Audi Q3 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Q3 is included in recall 26V209. If it is, contact a franchised Audi dealer and ask about recall 57KS. The dealer will update the sunroof control module software and owner's manual for free once the repair is open for your VIN.
Is the Audi Q3 recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Audi's remedy states that dealers will update the sunroof control module software and owner's manual free of charge. Use recall 57KS when you speak with the dealer service desk.
What is the safety risk with recall 26V209?
The risk is injury from a remotely closed sunroof that the operator cannot clearly see. Audi reported that the incorrect software allows remote sunroof closing from a distance, which fails the federal power-operated window safety standard. The fix is the free dealer software update and owner's manual update.
When were owners notified about the Audi Q3 sunroof recall?
Audi mailed owner notification letters on April 22, 2026. VINs became searchable on April 7, 2026. A mailed letter is helpful, but your VIN decides whether your specific 2026 Audi Q3 is included, especially if you bought the vehicle used or recently moved.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/26V209000 |
|---|---|
| Audi customer service | 1-800-253-2834 |
| NHTSA recall # | 26V209 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 26V209000 |
Source documents
-
Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF) - Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 19, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →