IllustrationI keep on getting a message that states that my right side marker light is defective even though it is working just fine. I looked online and see that it is a common issue with 2017 Q7 in particular but not exclusively. The cost from the dealer is more than $7,000.00.
2017 Audi Q7
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Q7 years
Owner complaints for the 2017 Audi Q7 are substantially higher than the model-year median of 29.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Q7 years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 75 of 319 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- 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
Exterior Lighting complaints
133 reports"Front left side marker light failure" notification. Appears to be a common issue with 2017 Audi Q7's as there was a recall with limited vin support. Audi Recall Campaign Number 97CB NHTSA Campaign ID 16V642000
Front right side marker light defective error shows up on console. No fix available but Audi seems to be aware of the issue but not willing to fix. Many 2017 Q7's seem to have the same problem.
Front left side marker defective fault code. Same issue was part of an existing recall but did not include this VIN. Fault first occurred on January 3rd, 2025. Was taken to Audi dealer who assessed there was in fact an error code in effect. The result is a $6,200 replacement of the entire left headlight. Related recall: Manuf…
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Front left side marker defective fault code. Same issue was part of an existing recall but did not include this VIN. Fault first occurred on January 3rd, 2025. Was taken to Audi dealer who assessed there was in fact an error code in effect. The result is a $6,200 replacement of the entire left headlight. Related recall: Manufacturer's Report Date: September 06, 2016 NHTSA Campaign ID Number: 16V-642 16V642000 Manufacturer Campaign Number: 97CB Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE Potential Number of Units Affected: 79,895
"Front left side market light defective" - When the vehicle turns on and the lights activate the side marker lights do not illuminate. There was a recall for this model and year but doesn't include my VIN#. This is happening to MANY 2017 Q7 models. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor…
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"Front left side market light defective" - When the vehicle turns on and the lights activate the side marker lights do not illuminate. There was a recall for this model and year but doesn't include my VIN#. This is happening to MANY 2017 Q7 models. 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."
There is an issue with this vehicle that seems to have been addressed by Audi recall campaign 97CB (NHTSA campaign ID 16V642000), however it does not apply to all affected vehicles. I bought the car used in 2020 with approx 35k miles on it. At about 55k miles, I began getting a warning on the dash that says “front (left/right)…
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There is an issue with this vehicle that seems to have been addressed by Audi recall campaign 97CB (NHTSA campaign ID 16V642000), however it does not apply to all affected vehicles. I bought the car used in 2020 with approx 35k miles on it. At about 55k miles, I began getting a warning on the dash that says “front (left/right) side marker light defective. see owners manual.” It began with the left light only. I had the car inspected at an independent repair shop and there were no issues with the light. They thought maybe there was a wiring or sensor issue and suggested I check with Audi for any open recalls. I called the Audi dealer and explained the issue, they said there were no recalls and suggested replacing the headlight assembly for about $4k. I refused, and dealt with the warning. At about 75k miles, the right side has started coming on as well. I had it checked with the repair shop, and confirmed the light is working. My research has shown many others experience this issue, and Audi is aware of it, but the recall only covered a small number of VIN’s. The others have opted to get a re-programming device (OBD-11) and disable the marker lights altogether. This will result in the side marker lights not being lit, meaning the car is less safe than intended. Please see if something can be done to add all affected vehicles to the Audi recall so I can have this issue repaired and not compromise the safety of the vehicle. Thank you.
2017 Audi Q7 , issue is Left marker light not working according to the dash computer, called Audi , inspected and they said it works but is dimmer than the other side, so needs replaced. $6000.... not doing that, called Audi customer service and they would do a good will for less but still $4000.. I chose to just put up with it …
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2017 Audi Q7 , issue is Left marker light not working according to the dash computer, called Audi , inspected and they said it works but is dimmer than the other side, so needs replaced. $6000.... not doing that, called Audi customer service and they would do a good will for less but still $4000.. I chose to just put up with it since it works and the dash light stays on all the time. Then months go by and now the Right marker light not working, same thing. works but the computer says it doesnt. This is a issue with Audi and needs to be a recall. The warning light states left light out, then flashes and says the right light is out. BOTH lights work, but computer says it doesnt.. the dash light and the dinging noise needs to be a recall.
Light comes on dash when you cut in lights only that says Front side marker light defective All lights work can’t sell or trade with out repairs that dealer wonts $8000 for a car that’s not worth that was a old recall for this problem still exist Please help
The computer keeps showing that we have a malfunction in the side marker lights. They still work but we get the notice daily. Have taken it to the the dealer and they state that there is a recall but our vin number is not in the listing. There repair cost is over $4000. It's the same problem, my vehicle is in the 2017 Q7 range. …
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The computer keeps showing that we have a malfunction in the side marker lights. They still work but we get the notice daily. Have taken it to the the dealer and they state that there is a recall but our vin number is not in the listing. There repair cost is over $4000. It's the same problem, my vehicle is in the 2017 Q7 range. Our number needs to be added to the recall of the same problem.
The front left side marker lighting is defective. This was a recall but only on certain VIN numbers, although it appears the recall should’ve covered more VINs.
Official recalls
720V149000 · 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
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: 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
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: 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:side/window
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: 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:driver Side:inflator Module
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: 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.
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
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: 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
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: 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.
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
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.