Exterior Lighting. Review the 133 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Engine. Review the 60 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Electrical System. Review the 53 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

7 crash reports3 fire reports7 injury reports

Engine complaints

60 reports

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Mileage unknown · Nov 3, 2021

Engine

At 35,400 miles, the car indicated low coolant via dash message. Audi dealer then diagnosed as a leaking water pump that requires replacement. Continued driving could have led to complete engine failure, since the engine would overheat and be destroyed by a lack of coolant. This type of water pump failure should never happen …

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NHTSA ODI #11439173

Mileage unknown · Oct 25, 2021

Engine

Car has 50k miles on it and was told by the dealer the water pump needs to be replaced!

NHTSA ODI #11438114

Mileage unknown · Oct 18, 2021

Engine

main water pump failure at 45 K witout any leaks or warning signs . confirmed by independent repair shop . spoked with other shops and its seams like common almoust guaranteed failure because of use plastic parts inside pump unit . average pump life span 15 - 40 .000 miles . cost to repair 1200 $ and week that took to get parts…

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NHTSA ODI #11437144

Mileage unknown · Sep 28, 2021

Engine

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Water pump failed at 42,xxx miles, well below the 50,000 mile warranty of the vehicle. Totally unacceptable for this type of luxury SUV and no support from Audi or my local dealer to cover any of the nearly $1500 charges to replace the water pump and refill / test the system with coolant. If the car wasn't in my garage at home, I could have been left stranded several hundred miles from any type of service or repairs. This is a common problem with other previous Audi SUVs and there should be an extended warranty for these repairs, something the manufacturer didn't build the car right to save a few dollars and leaving Owners to foot the high repair bills and deal with being stranded. If this would have happened while driving on the highway, my engine could have overheated and caught fire or caused a high-speed accident, possibly injuring me, my family, and others. The vehicle has been repaired by the Audi dealer but at a very high cost. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure.

NHTSA ODI #11434763

Mileage unknown · Aug 18, 2021

Engine

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I purchased my 2017 Audi Q7 in August 2016. The vehicle is advertised as requiring servicing and oil change every 10,000 miles. Unfortunately, my vehicle has never made it to a 10,000 mile interval without the yellow oil indicator light come on. When I asked the Audi service agent , he states that the car does not typically make it to a 10,000 mile interval because of the large engine. Over the past 5 years the interval to add one quart of oil has been less and less. It has gone from ~9500, 7500, 3000 intervals. On July 22, 2021 I took my car in for the 80,000 mile service. The actual mileage on the odometer was 80,304. The car service was complete and returned. On August 16, 2021, my yellow oil indicator light came on at 81,588 miles. I called the my local Audi Service and was advised to come in for an oil consumption test. I also notified the National Audi Customer Service line to voice my concern for my car. I inquired if oil consumption is a known issue in the Audi Q7 2017. There was not a clear admission of this concern in their vehicles but it made me concern that this could be an issue because of historical issues with Audi's early consumption of oil. I am concerned because this vehicle has the oil indicator light come on in shorter intervals which make me concerned about the longevity and reliability of the engine.

NHTSA ODI #11429662

63,000 miles · Feb 8, 2021

Electrical SystemEngineSteering

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WHILE DRIVING DOWN A LOCAL CITY STREET, THE CAR BEGAN TO LOSE POWER, FLASHED A BUNCH OF ERROR CODES AND THEN LOST POWER WITHIN A FEW SECONDS. THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED WHEN THIS HAPPENED SO THE CAR COULD NOT SAFELY BE STEERED OFF THE ROAD. THEY DID INITIALLY REPLACE THE BATTERY THINKING THAT THAT WAS THE CAUSE BUT IT HAPPENED SHORTLY AFTER LEAVING THE MECHANIC SO IT WE TOOK AT BACK WHICH IS WHEN WE WERE TOLD THAT A SOFTWARE UPDATE WAS NEEDED BUT THAT ONLY THE DEALERSHIP CAN DO THIS. THE CAR IS NOW SITTING AT THE DEALERSHIP BUT THAT ARE NOW TELLING US THAT WE MUST BUY THEIR BATTERY OTHERWISE THEY CAN'T WORK ON IT.

NHTSA ODI #11395192

Mileage unknown · Feb 7, 2021

EnginePower Train

WATER PUMP LEAKED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED AT 50,000 MILES AND 4 1/2 YEARS OLD.

NHTSA ODI #11395095

55,535 miles · Feb 2, 2021

Engine

AT APPROXIMATELY 54K MILES THE COOLING SYSTEM PUMP WAS DIAGNOSED BY THE AUDI DEALER THAT IT WAS LEAKING. I HAD TO HAVE THE PUMP AND ALL ASSOCIATED PARTS REPLACED. THIS IS A COMMON FAILURE WITH THIS MODEL. I BELIEVE AUDI IS USING INFERIOR PUMPS.

NHTSA ODI #11394317

15,000 miles · Oct 7, 2018

Engine

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THE VEHICLES AUTO OFF FEATURE ACTIVATES BEFORE THE VEHICLE IS COMPLETELY STOPPED. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE AFTER 'ALMOST' STOPPING, SAY AT AN UNPROTECTED LEFT TURN WHERE YOU'RE INCHING OUT, IT DOESN'T GO. THE ENGINE WILL BE SHUTTING DOWN AS YOU PRESS THE ACCELERATOR. IT TAKES 2-3 SECONDS FOR THE ENGINE TO START, AND YOU ARE NOW PRIMED FOR T-BONING, WHICH HAS HAPPENED ON NUMNEROUS OCCASSIONS. IT ALSO HAPPENS AT 4-WAY STOPS. OTHERS WILL HONK AT ME TO GO, AND IT WON'T. THE DEALER SAID TO PUT IT IN SPORT OR DISABLE TO FEATURE EACH TIME THE VEHICLE IS STARTED. I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO REMEMBER TO TURN OFF A FEATURE EVERY TIME. THE SAME FEATURE WORKS FLAWLESSLY IN THE A4 I OWN.

NHTSA ODI #11138859

30,000 miles · Dec 18, 2017

Electrical SystemEngine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 AUDI Q7. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT OR STOP SIGN, IT STALLED AND SHUT OFF. THE CONTACT HAD TO PUSH THE START BUTTON FOR THE VEHICLE TO RETURN TO NORMAL. WHEN THE CONTACT CAME TO A STOP, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE BECAME MORE CONSISTENT. THE CONTACT HAD …

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NHTSA ODI #11055347

Official recalls

20V149000 · Steering

Mar 16, 2020

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Audi Q8 and 2017-2019 Audi Q7 vehicles. The bolt connecting the steering shaft to the steering gear may loosen, possibly resulting in a loss of steering control.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A sudden loss of loss of steering control may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and Audi dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the steering shaft bolt, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2020. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 36A1.

19V035000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System:fuel Rail

Jan 16, 2019

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Q7, A6 and A7 vehicles, and 2015-2018 Audi A8 vehicles. The left and right fuel rails may leak fuel.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase risk of a fire.

Remedy: Audi has notified owners, and dealers will replace the left and right fuel rail, free of charge. The recall began February 28, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 24DP.

16V955000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module; Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module; Air Bags:side/window; Seat Belts:pretensioner

Dec 29, 2016

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2017 Audi A7, A4, A6, Volkswagen Golf and Tiguan vehicles and 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf vehicles for driver frontal air bags, passenger frontal air bags or head air bags that may not deploy properly. Additionally, certain 2017 Audi Q7, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad, and 2018 Audi Q5 vehicles are being recalled because the seat belt pretensioners may not activate properly.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: In the event of a crash, if the air bags and/or the seat belt pretensioners do not inflate or function properly, the vehicle occupants have an increased risk of injury.

Remedy: Volkswagen and Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected air bags and seat belt pretensioners, free of charge. The recall began April 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.

Additional source detail variants (4)

Seat Belts:pretensioner

Consequence: In the event of a crash, if the air bags and/or the seat belt pretensioners do not inflate or function properly, the vehicle occupants have an increased risk of injury.

Remedy: Volkswagen and Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected air bags and seat belt pretensioners, free of charge. The recall began April 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.

Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Consequence: In the event of a crash, if the air bags and/or the seat belt pretensioners do not inflate or function properly, the vehicle occupants have an increased risk of injury.

Air Bags:side/window

Consequence: In the event of a crash, if the air bags and/or the seat belt pretensioners do not inflate or function properly, the vehicle occupants have an increased risk of injury.

Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

Consequence: In the event of a crash, if the air bags and/or the seat belt pretensioners do not inflate or function properly, the vehicle occupants have an increased risk of injury.

16V648000 · Steering:electric Power Assist System

Sep 8, 2016

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2017 Audi Q7 vehicles manufactured November 11, 2015, to November 23, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the electric power steering assist control unit may short circuit resulting in a loss of power steering assist.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: With a loss of power steering assist, extra steering effort will be required, especially at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering rack, free of charge. The recall began November 2016. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-822-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 48M5.

16V641000 · Seats:mid/rear Assembly

Sep 6, 2016

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2017 Audi Q7 vehicles manufactured August 30, 2015, to July 10, 2016. In the affected vehicles, the third row seat back may move forward under load, such as in a frontal collision. As such, the vehicles do not conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 207, "Seating Systems."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the third row seat does not remain in its adjusted position, there may be an increased risk of injury to an occupant in the event of a crash.

Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional support bracket to the seat, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in November 2016. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 72F8.

16V642000 · Electrical System:software; Exterior Lighting

Sep 6, 2016

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2016 TT roadster, A3 cabriolet, A3 sedan and A3 e-tron, 2016-2017 TT coupe, 2017 A4 sedan and Q7 and 2015-2017 Q3 vehicles. The affected vehicles may have been programmed with new software that inadvertently makes the side marker lights inoperative in conjunction with the parking lights or the headlights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the side marker lights do not illuminate, the vehicle may be less visible at night, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will upload revised software to correct the issue, free of charge. This recall began November 2016. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 97CB.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Exterior Lighting

Consequence: If the side marker lights do not illuminate, the vehicle may be less visible at night, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will upload revised software to correct the issue, free of charge. This recall began November 2016. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 97CB.

Electrical System:software

Consequence: If the side marker lights do not illuminate, the vehicle may be less visible at night, increasing the risk of a crash.

16V519000 · Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control MODULE-INACTIVE

Jul 8, 2016

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Audi Q7 vehicles manufactured August 30, 2015, to May 8, 2016. Due to a software issue within the air bag control module, the frontal air bags may deploy with more force than required in certain crashes. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Air bags that deploy with excessive force may increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will update the air bag control module software, free of charge. The recall began September 2016. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69O3.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.