2021 Audi Q7

I am filing this complaint regarding a serious safety and mechanical issue involving my 2021 Audi Q7. The alternator on my vehicle was replaced by Audi in November 2024 as part of an official Audi recall. On October 22, 2025, less than one year later, the alternator failed while I was driving, causing the following safety hazards and damages: Sudden loss of battery power Complete battery drain Damage to the electrical stabilizer Vehicle shut down while driving Required towing Left me stranded on the road Another independent auto shop confirmed that the alternator failure directly caused the battery to fail. My vehicle is only four years old, and the battery should not fail under normal operation unless another component (such as the alternator) is defective. Audi of America refuses to cover the resulting damages, even though the alternator was replaced under their recall and failed prematurely. They have denied reimbursement for repairs, towing, and related expenses, despite clear evidence that the alternator caused the battery and electrical damage. This is a serious safety concern because the alternator failed without warning, and the vehicle lost electrical power while driving. I am requesting NHTSA to review this issue, as the failure of the recall-installed alternator may impact other Audi Q7 owners and may indicate a broader defect or improper recall repair. Thank you for your attention to this matter

On [XXX], I experienced multiple failures of core safety systems in my 2021 Audi Q7 that put my 17-month-old child at serious risk and exposed critical flaws in how the vehicle’s systems operate and record events. On [XXX], the pre sense automatic braking system suddenly engaged while I was driving approximately 35 mph on a clear, empty suburban road. There were no visible obstructions, no warning lights, and nothing recorded in the vehicle’s logs. This occurred less than 48 hours after the vehicle had received recall-related software updates and routine service at an Audi dealership. Prior to that service, the vehicle had no history of mechanical or safety issues. The following day, the keyless entry and anti-lockout system failed. I placed my toddler in his rear-facing car seat behind the front passenger seat and set our baby bag—with the key fob inside—on the rear seat. After closing the door and walking to the driver’s side, the car unexpectedly locked. The fob and my child were both inside. The outdoor temperature was over 90°F. I attempted to open the vehicle and then to break the window with tools, without success. After approximately seven minutes, I broke the driver’s side window with a sledgehammer and removed my child from the car. The car alarm eventually activated, but no lock-in event, key fob error, or warning was recorded. The vehicle was inspected by the dealership twice and Audi Corporate engineers once. Audi confirmed faults in the emergency call module, comfort system, rear lid sensor, and parking sensors. However, they could not reproduce or explain the braking event or lock-in failure. Audi confirmed that the vehicle should not be able to lock with the key inside, and they do not know why it did and are unable to guarantee the safety feature will work in the future. The vehicle has not been driven since. The failure of both safety function and system visibility placed my child in danger. I am requesting a safety investigation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION

I am reporting a severe defect in my 2020 Audi Q7 involving “coolant migration” due to a faulty water pump, a known issue in Audi models (Q7, S4, A6, 2013–2022). This poses critical safety risks due to sudden failure with minimal warning. My out-of-warranty Q7 showed minor coolant fouling near a solenoid, with normal coolant levels and no fluid added. The dealer quoted ~$6,000 to replace the water pump and vacuum system. This defect is highly dangerous due to: Sudden Power Loss: Coolant in the vacuum system impairs solenoids and lines, disrupting engine/turbo function. This can cause abrupt power loss, risking loss of control in traffic or at high speeds, potentially leading to collisions. Catastrophic Overheating: A failing water pump may halt coolant circulation, causing rapid engine overheating without warning, risking sudden engine shutdown and stranding drivers in hazardous conditions like highways. Brake Assist Failure: The vacuum system powers the brake booster. Contamination can reduce braking effectiveness, increasing pedal effort and stopping distances, heightening collision risks in emergencies. Emissions Control Issues: Coolant fouling affects PCV and EVAP systems, causing misfires, stalling, or increased emissions, potentially triggering check engine lights and compromising engine stability. Undetectable Progression: The defect often shows no clear symptoms or warnings until severe damage occurs. My vehicle had only minor fouling that could only be detected by visual inspection, yet extensive repairs were needed, indicating the issue’s stealthy nature, which prevents timely driver intervention. Systemic Issue: Forums and a class-action lawsuit confirm this defect across Audi models, yet owners face high repair costs post-warranty. This defect endangers drivers and others by risking vehicle failure, impaired braking, and unstable performance. I urge NHTSA to investigate and mandate a recall or extended warranty.

The instrument cluster failed as was reported in a previous recall. This failure was caused by a hardware problem which was fixed via a software update. Unfortunately, the hardware (instrument cluster) has already been compromised and warning lights are all lit up and some warnings aren't working and the instrument panel still goes blank when driving.

The contact owns a 2021 Audi Q7. The contact stated the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V201000 (Electrical System); however, the repair failed to prevent a failure from occurring. The contact stated that two days after the recall repair, several unknown warning lights illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, the fuel gauge failed to provide an accurate reading for the fuel. The contact stated that the check coolant and temperature warning lights were intermittently illuminated. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.

There is a recall for my issue from Audi 90VC. The “remedy” is a software update that a previous dealer and Audi field techs say willl not fix my issue. It’s a hardware issue. The remedy provided for the recall is a facade and doesn’t fix the root cause of the issue. I’m one that actually have the symptoms of the cockpit failed (completely blank screen) but yet Audi is telling me I have to pay to have this safety recall/issue fixed.

The contact owns a 2021 Audi Q7. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the instrument cluster display was inoperable and could not be viewed by the driver. During the failure, the driver was unable to view the speedometer and turn signals. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the instrument cluster was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V201000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 52,000.

In correspondence with recall number 25V201, the Virtual Cockpit display would go blank while driving, hiding all driver assistance indicators/instruments. Unable to verify engine speed unless looking at the heads up display, but adaptive cruise control/forward collision warnings won’t display. Upon parking and restarting vehicle, the display would work, but will intermittently go blank after some time while resuming driving. Called local dealership and they are aware of issue but since a repair is unavailable, out of pocket costs would be incurred. There have not been any inspections but I’ve scanned the vehicle for error code B200049, documented in previous Audi TSBs related to the virtual cockpit display issue.There were no warnings or indications, prior to the event which occurred less than a week after recall number 25V201 had started.

Driving on highway at 70 mph and high engine temp light came on. Said to pull over and continue to run car until temp decreased. I got over as quickly as I could ( no more than 1/4 of a mile) and sat on side of PA turnpike as engine cooled. I was at bottom of an exit ramp. I slowly proceeded up the ramp and warning came on again and red temp light reached again. I pulled right into the gas station at top of TP exit ramp. It still said to continue to run the car. I sat with my son in the car and ran the car in the shade. The temp was decreasing and then all my electrical lights came on, yellow battery warning light on and then suddenly the red battery light and all systems failed. Car turned off. Called AAA to take to my mechanic as Audi was a 3 hour wait for a tow and 3 weeks for service appointment with no loaners available. My certified mechanic said water pump completely dislodged. He replaced water pump, thermostat (which was already replaced bc it failed in year 2 of ownership). After repair, 48 volt battery would not take a charge. Assumed faulty alternator and/or battery. Alternator was already replaced once at year 1 as car died while driving as well. We had car towed to audi and they are reporting known issues with water pump but not issuing recalls. Also known issues with alternator repair parts that were used in year 1 but no warning to consumers. They are diagnosing problem now and if alternator and subsequent battery issue, it will be covered but not if battery issue comes back as electrical in nature.