Where is the VIN number in Audi Q3 (I (8U))?

This guide shows the verified VIN (chassis number) locations on the Audi Q3 I (8U) produced between 2012 and 2017, with practical tips to find and scan it quickly.

Chassis Number Locations

B-Pillar / Door Jamb Sticker

• Where to look: Open the front left door (driver’s side on LHD cars) and look low down on the B-pillar/door frame area for the factory sticker/label (often includes a barcode plus VIN text).
• Access: Easy to access, usually clean and high-contrast, but it sits low so you’ll be crouching.
• Note: This is a great “everyday” VIN source for LHD vehicles because it’s readable without removing any trim.
• Tip: To avoid awkward crouching and transcription mistakes, scan the label in one shot with your phone—barcodes on this sticker are usually the fastest for OCR.

Under Driver/Passenger Floor Mat (Chassis Stamp)

• Where to look: In the front footwell floor (commonly the front right/passenger side on LHD): remove the floor mat, then locate a rectangular plastic flap in the carpet and lift it to reveal the VIN stamped into the chassis metal.
• Access: It’s dark at floor level and the stamped metal can be dusty/corroded; the flap can be stiff, and it’s tricky to hold a phone while lifting the cover.
• Note: If you don’t find it on the front right footwell, check the other front footwell (some markets/variants may differ).
• Tip: Use Flashlight + OCR—open the VIN scanner and scan the stamping while the light is on to cut through shadows in the footwell.

Dashboard / Windshield (VIN Plate Under Glass)

• Where to look: From outside the car, look through the bottom corner of the front windshield on the left side (driver side on LHD) for a small VIN plate visible through the glass.
• Access: Quick to spot, but glare/reflections, rain, or dirty glass can hide characters.
• Note: Best checked in shade or with your body blocking direct sunlight.
• Tip: If glare is fighting you, capture the VIN instantly with the scanner so you don’t have to manually read characters through reflections.

Infotainment System (MMI VIN Display)

• Where to look: With ignition ON, go to Menu → Settings & Service → Vehicle Information and locate the VIN displayed on-screen.
• Access: Easy, but phone cameras can show screen flicker/moire, and bright sunlight can cause screen glare.
• Note: This is a digital reference VIN—useful when labels are damaged, but still compare against a physical stamp when buying a used car.
• Tip: Hold the phone steady and let OCR do the work—use the VIN reader to grab the on-screen VIN without typing it in.

Engine Bay (Firewall / Bulkhead Stamp or Plate)

• Where to look: Open the hood and check the firewall/bulkhead area near the base of the windshield (plenum chamber area) for a VIN stamping/plate on a metal ridge.
• Access: Requires hood access; the area is often dirty/greasy and lighting is uneven.
• Note: Good backup when you can’t get inside the cabin but the hood is open.
• Tip: If the stamping is faint or grimy, wipe it and then use High-Contrast AI scanning to make worn characters easier to read.

Video Guide

Video Tutorial: AUDI Q3 (2015-2018) – VIN Number Location and Meaning

▶ Watch Audi Q3 VIN Location Guide

• A clear walk-through on an Audi Q3 showing the floor VIN, windshield VIN, door sticker, and the VIN in the MMI system.

Common Problems & Troubleshooting

• Windshield glare/reflections: Try shade, change your viewing angle, and clean the outside glass—reflections can hide 2–3 characters at once.
• Floor-stamp hard to read: Lift the carpet flap fully, scrub dust/rust off the stamping, and use a flashlight because the footwell casts heavy shadows.
• Sticker missing or replaced: Door jamb stickers can be damaged or swapped—when buying, always cross-check the sticker VIN against the chassis stamp.

---