Audi Q3 Oil Pressure Warning Points to Serious Issue

I dealt with nearly identical symptoms on my 2017 Audi Q5 diesel. With some experience working on cars, I recognized that low oil pressure warnings combined with mechanical noise often point to serious issues requiring immediate attention. In my case, after getting the oil pressure sensor tested, the real problem turned out to be a defective oil pump. These symptoms can indicate failing engine bearings if left unchecked. The workshop confirmed low oil pressure readings and discovered the oil pump wasnt delivering proper pressure, despite correct oil viscosity and a clean oil filter. The repair involved replacing the oil pump assembly, which came to 755 Euro including labor. Since the fix, the engine has been running smoothly with stable oil pressure readings. For your Q3, could you share: Current mileage, When the symptoms first appeared, If the noise changes with engine speed, Oil change history and type of oil used This information would help determine if youre facing a similar oil pump issue or potentially something else in the lubrication system. Strongly recommend not driving the vehicle until checked, as low oil pressure can cause severe engine damage.

Thank you for the detailed feedback. My current mileage is 40423KM and the last service was done just 2 months ago. The mechanical noise becomes more noticeable at higher RPMs, and it started about a week ago. The oil leakage seems minimal but the persistent low oil pressure warning is concerning. The engine bearings sound is most pronounced during cold starts. Following up on your experience, I will have the oil pressure sensor and pump checked as the main suspects. The timing matches since these issues started shortly after a cold snap. I use the manufacturer-recommended synthetic oil, which was changed during the recent service. Since my Q3 is still relatively young with low mileage, I hope its just a sensor malfunction rather than oil pump failure.

Thanks for providing those additional details. Having gone through this with my Q5, the symptoms youre describing, especially the noise being more pronounced during cold starts and at higher RPMs, align closely with what I experienced before my oil pump failed. The low mileage on your Q3 is actually interesting, while my pump failed at around 65000km, Ive seen cases where oil pump failure occurred earlier, particularly when frequent cold starts are involved. The cold snap timing you mentioned could definitely be a factor, as oil pressure issues often become more apparent in colder conditions. A quick diagnostic approach Id suggest before the workshop visit: Check for any oil leakage around the filter housing, Listen if the mechanical noise changes when oil pressure drops, Monitor if the warning appears more frequently at idle While your Q3s oil pressure sensor could be faulty, the combination of mechanical noise and pressure warnings matches the classic symptoms of oil pump issues. In my case, postponing the repair would have led to more severe engine damage. The good news is that catching this early typically means a straightforward oil pump replacement without additional engine repairs. Since the repair solved my similar issues completely, Id strongly recommend getting it checked soon while the symptoms are still mild.

Thanks for the input. After considering the feedback, I decided to book an urgent appointment with my local workshop. The symptoms match too closely with the oil pump failure scenario to risk waiting any longer, especially given how the low oil pressure warning persists and those worrying engine bearing sounds during cold starts. I will have them specifically check both the oil pressure sensor and the pump assembly. The fact that the noise increases with RPM and the recent cold weather timing really does point toward potential pump issues rather than just a sensor malfunction. Even though my Q3 has relatively low mileage at 40423KM, better safe than sorry when it comes to oil pressure problems. Will update once I get the diagnosis. For now, I am keeping driving to an absolute minimum to prevent any risk of engine damage. The workshop quoted around 800 Euro for a full diagnostic check including pressure testing, which seems reasonable given the potential severity of the issue.