2018 AUDI Q7

3 recalls — 50 complaints

20V658000 Oct 27, 2020
STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Audi Q7 vehicles. The padding on the vehicle's C-pillar may not absorb enough impact in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the deformation element on the C-pillars, free of charge. The recall began November 17, 2020. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 70H8.
94,144 vehicles affected
20V149000 Mar 16, 2020
STEERING
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.
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.
229 vehicles affected
19V035000 Jan 16, 2019
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:FUEL RAIL
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.
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.
74,881 vehicles affected
EXTERIOR LIGHTING Feb 12, 2026
ALERT " Left Front side marker light defective" see owner manual. That is the message
ENGINE Feb 9, 2026
The car has always (including during warranty period) required addition of engine oil in between scheduled maintenance interval, and problem got worse as function of age/miles. Audi has diagnosed this issue and it has been determined that the engine consumes excessive oil and requires new piston skirt. The cost of the labor is not something Audi is willing to pay for and there is a class action lawsuit. Audi has sent an email/letter to certain owners of the vehicle. My VIN for some reason wasn't included but now Audi has verified, but not willing to pay for the cost to replace the engine or fix it.
ENGINE Feb 4, 2026
Excessive oil consumption and potential for engine to blow up
EXTERIOR LIGHTING Jan 8, 2026
Left Front side marker light faulty. is the warning on the dashboard - I have noticed there is a recall I believe 2017 2018 for the same part and this is on a 2019 so it's obviously the part it actually says if there's a software fix
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Jan 8, 2026
Left Front side marker light faulty. is the warning on the dashboard - I have noticed there is a recall I believe 2017 2018 for the same part and this is on a 2019 so it's obviously the part it actually says if there's a software fix
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM Dec 18, 2025
The crankcase ventilation valve is malfunctioning resulting in excessive oil consumption and unsafe idling. The Extended Warranty dated 5/24/19 with Number AWA-19-03 should be extended to other model years.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING Nov 28, 2025
Right Front Parking Light Defective
ENGINE Nov 22, 2025
2018 Audi Q7 piston melting diagnosed by a certified mechanic due to excessive oil consumption due to defective pistons. A class action suit was filed. And a warranty extension extension issued. There is no record of a warranty extension and should be. Please advise
ENGINE Nov 20, 2025
This vehicle developed low oil alerts within 6 weeks of me receiving it with normal city driving. Multiple testing visits and comprehensive consumption testing later, it continued to have the low oil alerts very frequently and various random malfunction alerts like parking brake alert etc. For each complaint I took it to the dealership and did whatever they recommended but no eventual resolution was found. Early October this year, in the middle of traffic multiple alerts came on including drive system malfunction, parking brake malfunction and start stop malfunction. So many that the whole console just lit up and the car started rocking in the middle of traffic and I had to slow down to keep the vehicle in control. The car was rocking visibly and I had difficulty in maneuvering it to a safe location . I contacted the dealership and they gave me an appointment 4 weeks out saying that since the lights were solid and not flashing I could choose to drive the car. However it didn’t look safe to drive so I didn’t use it thereafter. They later told me after a diagnostic evaluation that the engine needed to be replaced as the slapping piston rings had scraped the cylinder walls.
ENGINE Nov 19, 2025
Catastrophic engine failure, this occurred 2 weeks after a service appointment where nothing was detected. The car only had 86,000 miles and it is unrepairable. We have now found that this could be due to a design flaw in this model which we were unaware of.
ENGINE Nov 18, 2025
I am reporting a progressive oil consumption defect that led to a catastrophic engine failure in my 2018 Audi Q7. The vehicle was purchased Certified Pre-Owned (CPO). I reported the excessive oil use to an Audi dealer. The dealer attempted to address the issue by performing an engine cleaning/flush, but the engine failed shortly afterwards. Over time, the vehicle required frequent top-offs between service intervals. Eventually, the engine suffered a mechanical failure, resulting in a broken exhaust valve and internal engine damage while driving on the highway. The Audi dealer provided a repair estimate of approximately $12,000. Audi of America offered 40% assistance to make the repair, but does not recognize the underlying excessive oil consumption issue. Furthermore, the proposed repair only replaces the damaged valve and related components, but does not address the underlying excessive oil consumption that caused the failure. This means the vehicle may still: •unexpectedly run low on oil, •lose power while driving, •suffer additional internal damage, or •again experience sudden engine failure while driving. These conditions can cause dangerous drivability issues, including loss of acceleration and potential stalling at highway speeds. This appears to be a serious safety-related defect involving lubrication failure, component breakage, and potential loss of power. I am requesting that NHTSA review this issue to determine whether similar failures are occurring in other Audi Q7 vehicles with the 3.0T engine.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING Nov 11, 2025
The console displays side marker light defective warning, but both the side marker lights are working
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL Nov 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Audi Q7. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, an orange triangle warning symbol and a message that the "Driver’s side Front Marker Defective - See Owner’s Manual" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the front driver’s side marker needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,901.
STEERING Nov 3, 2025
While driving on I-90 in January 2025, the steering wheel malfunctioned causing loss of control of the car. The warning message came on the dashboard to immediately stop driving. Was able to pull off to the shoulder, turn the vehicle off, and call AAA for assistance. They towed the car to a repair shop.
SUSPENSION Sep 22, 2025
Both rear coil springs broke which the Audi shop has said is very rare to have happened
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Sep 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Audi Q7. The contact stated that there was an abnormal fuel odor inside the cabin of the vehicle at start-up, and the MMI System warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the fuel pump was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the MMI System was not fixed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 93,000.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE Sep 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Audi Q7. The contact stated that there was an abnormal fuel odor inside the cabin of the vehicle at start-up, and the MMI System warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the fuel pump was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the MMI System was not fixed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 93,000.
SUSPENSION Aug 1, 2025
Passenger side rear coil spring broken, shocks leaking. Confirmed by dealer. No warning lamps, messages. Potential safety risks include: Suspension compromise with the balance and alignment of the vehicle. There is a risk of loss of control especially with emergency maneuvers or sharp turns. This leads to poor vehicle control, increase risk of roll of vehicle and braking control. Can cause uneven wear on tires which can cause a blow out or loss of grip on roads. The leaking shocks puts stress on other parts of the vehicle. Suspension may not respond correctly if the vehicle were to hit a pothole or make a sudden turn. The broken coil can puncture a tire, causing loss of control which can result in an accident. The vehicle is garaged year round, maintained very well, with no excessive wear and tear. One owner vehicle.
ENGINE Jul 10, 2025
#1 CYLINDER LOST COMPRESSION CAUSING CAR TO ALMOST IMMEDIATELY STOP WHILE DRIVING 78MPH ON THE INTERSTATE. CAR WAS TOWED BACK TO MANUFACTURER WHERE I BOUGHT THE CAR. THE CAR 2018 AUDI Q7 HAS 68,000 MILES, ALL SERVICING OF VEHICLE WAS DONE AT DEALERSHIP WHERE I BOUGHT THE CAR. NEVER ANY PROBLEMS WITH ENGINE EXCEPT THE OCCASIONAL NEED FOR ENGINE OIL REQUIRING BEING TOPPED OFF.
SUSPENSION Jul 9, 2025
The rear passenger side suspension spring coil broke while driving. The possibility of this failure puncturing a tire, dislodging from the vehicle into traffic, or causing control/stability issues of the vehicle is significant. The vehicle has been towed and is sitting until a fix is determined. No warnings were given before the incident. It happened on a smooth, flat, straight road at the time of occurrence.
ENGINE Jun 21, 2025
This is a well known issue and multiple People have reported on this issue to Audi. It’s is very common in Audi Q7 models from the year 2017 - 2023 where the PCV valve have a defect and the marker on the front passenger and driver side lights as well are out. These are both very costly repairs that are thousands of dollars that truly hurt the consumer. They know that the 3.0 L engine had a severe problem with the PCV valve and crack case and they have not warned customers and it’s truly hurting the consumer in this economy. Please file this petition and I bet customers flock as I saw a Reddit thread with thousands of people complaining about the same common issue and problem with their Audi Q7. CRANK CASE VALVE/OIL SEPARATOR. LOUD WHISTLE NOISE COMING FROM ENGINE Parts: BOLT, Qty 14.00, CA TRIM, Qty 1.00, CA REPAIR KIT, Qty 6.00, CA GASKET, Qty 6.00, CA GASKET, Qty 6.00, CA TUBE, Qty 1.00, CA TUBE, Qty 1.00, CA WASHER, Qty 1.00, CA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING Jun 1, 2025
Left front side marker light defective.
ENGINE May 31, 2025
Water pump failure
EXTERIOR LIGHTING May 21, 2025
"front left" or "front right" "side marker light defective" message Rear brakes loud squeal when reversing.
SERVICE BRAKES May 21, 2025
"front left" or "front right" "side marker light defective" message Rear brakes loud squeal when reversing.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM May 14, 2025
The Audi MMI system, which controls almost everything (radio, navigation, vehicle settings etc) shuts down and restarts every few minutes all by itself. The MMI system restarts completely randomly. It started out of nowhere a few months ago and happens whether driving or parked. Since then it is happening more and more frequently, making the system unusable at times (meaning navigation, radio, etc do not work). I'm afraid this issue is in the vehicle's computer and other components of hte car could be faulty, putting myself and other drivers with Audi cars at risk of injury or death if something with the computer fails. I have researched this issue extensively online and this seems to have appeared in numerous different Audi models and years. This also seems to have started happening fairly recently in most cases. I have not and will not take my vehicle to the dealership for diagnosis because I know they will charge a few hundred dollars just to tell me they cannot find anything (this is what many people have already posted online). There is an OBVIOUS computer system issue with Audi vehicles affecting their MMI system and some sort of fix is needed, for the safety of all vehicle owners.
POWER TRAIN May 10, 2025
To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally report a serious and recurring safety issue involving my 2018 Audi Q7. The vehicle has experienced repeated drive system malfunctions that result in sudden loss of power, reduced acceleration, and warning messages on the dashboard such as “Drive System: Malfunction” and “Electrical System Failure.” These incidents have occurred while the vehicle was in motion, creating a hazardous situation for both the occupants and surrounding drivers. In my case, the vehicle unexpectedly lost power while driving at highway speeds, forcing me to maneuver to the shoulder with diminished control. This sudden malfunction is unpredictable and could easily result in a collision or serious injury, especially in high-speed or high-traffic conditions. Upon researching this issue, I found that numerous other 2018 Audi Q7 owners have reported similar problems. These complaints consistently cite the same symptoms, including sudden deceleration, electrical system errors, and power steering failure. It appears to be a widespread defect that may warrant a recall or further investigation by the NHTSA. I urge your office to investigate this matter promptly to prevent potential injuries or fatalities. I am willing to provide service records, diagnostic codes, photos, or any other documentation that may support this complaint. Thank you for your attention to this serious safety concern. I hope the NHTSA will take appropriate action to ensure the safety of all drivers affected by this defect.
ENGINE May 10, 2025
To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally report a serious and recurring safety issue involving my 2018 Audi Q7. The vehicle has experienced repeated drive system malfunctions that result in sudden loss of power, reduced acceleration, and warning messages on the dashboard such as “Drive System: Malfunction” and “Electrical System Failure.” These incidents have occurred while the vehicle was in motion, creating a hazardous situation for both the occupants and surrounding drivers. In my case, the vehicle unexpectedly lost power while driving at highway speeds, forcing me to maneuver to the shoulder with diminished control. This sudden malfunction is unpredictable and could easily result in a collision or serious injury, especially in high-speed or high-traffic conditions. Upon researching this issue, I found that numerous other 2018 Audi Q7 owners have reported similar problems. These complaints consistently cite the same symptoms, including sudden deceleration, electrical system errors, and power steering failure. It appears to be a widespread defect that may warrant a recall or further investigation by the NHTSA. I urge your office to investigate this matter promptly to prevent potential injuries or fatalities. I am willing to provide service records, diagnostic codes, photos, or any other documentation that may support this complaint. Thank you for your attention to this serious safety concern. I hope the NHTSA will take appropriate action to ensure the safety of all drivers affected by this defect.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM May 10, 2025
To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally report a serious and recurring safety issue involving my 2018 Audi Q7. The vehicle has experienced repeated drive system malfunctions that result in sudden loss of power, reduced acceleration, and warning messages on the dashboard such as “Drive System: Malfunction” and “Electrical System Failure.” These incidents have occurred while the vehicle was in motion, creating a hazardous situation for both the occupants and surrounding drivers. In my case, the vehicle unexpectedly lost power while driving at highway speeds, forcing me to maneuver to the shoulder with diminished control. This sudden malfunction is unpredictable and could easily result in a collision or serious injury, especially in high-speed or high-traffic conditions. Upon researching this issue, I found that numerous other 2018 Audi Q7 owners have reported similar problems. These complaints consistently cite the same symptoms, including sudden deceleration, electrical system errors, and power steering failure. It appears to be a widespread defect that may warrant a recall or further investigation by the NHTSA. I urge your office to investigate this matter promptly to prevent potential injuries or fatalities. I am willing to provide service records, diagnostic codes, photos, or any other documentation that may support this complaint. Thank you for your attention to this serious safety concern. I hope the NHTSA will take appropriate action to ensure the safety of all drivers affected by this defect.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING May 7, 2025
We had a warning light go on on the dash advising there was an issue with the driver's side side marker lamp. In looking at the lamp, it is still illuminating, just not as bright as normal. This is a known issue with Audi - several complaints have been made already and there is even a recall on certain vins. My vin was not included in this so the cost is falling on me (in the form of $6200 not including tax) despite this being the exact same issue in the recall.
ENGINE May 3, 2025
The engine burns oil. At about 60k miles started to burn about a liter every 10k miles. Once the engine got to about 80K engines it started burning a leter about every 1K miles. The high amount of oil consumption fouled the spark plugs, coils, injectors and sensors. This resulted in a drive system malfunction, caused loss of power in the engine that ultimately ruined the engine with less than 100K miles.
ENGINE Apr 14, 2025
Engine Rebuild/Replace: Cylinder 1 intake valve has broken causing misfire/ oil consumption. Due to piece of valve falling into combustion chamber, damage/scoring on cylinder wall. Recommend replacement of engine
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING Mar 14, 2025
Twice, without logically-relevant symptom or warning, when the vehicle attempted to accelerate from a low speed in the middle of a busy intersection, the AEB incorrectly activated, suddenly stopped the vehicle, startled the drivers, and nearly caused accidents. Turned out, this was known behavior caused by a design defect software bug in the "door control modules" for which a software update had been released but never publicly announced. Audi charged us $315 for the software update, but since it is a manufacturing defect causing a critical safety issue, it should be covered by a safety recall, all owners of Audi vehicles with the affected "door control modules" should be proactively notified of the software update and should receive it without cost.
ENGINE Mar 13, 2025
For over 24+ months now, the engine has been showing signs of excessive oil consumption. I've had the engine light come on requesting for me to add a quart of oil...on average, every 2,000 miles. I'm concerned with this excessive oil consumption as it is a major safety issue, as the piston rings may fail due to a possible faulty engine design (most likely since this excessive oil consumption is a frequent occurrence with other drivers of this vehicle). When discussed with the dealership, they are aware of the situation (2017-2019 Audi Q7 excessive oil consumption) and they request that I pay for an engine compression test. This amount of oil consumption shouldn't happen.
ENGINE Mar 10, 2025
First time on highway since getting it back from the car repair vendor two days prior. Drive system malfunction occurred on the highway drive approx.13 miles from my house. Car lost power and would stall and would barely idle. Stopped in the middle of highway traffic 3 times. Got the car towed to vendor that had serviced my car 2 days prior which involved changing rear brake pads and rotors, 6 supercharged spark plugs and air filter. Estimate of issue was damaged exhaust valves on cylinder 2 & 4. Recommended service was remove the cylinder heads, replace all exhaust valves, clean pistons and combustion chambers $8,032.99.
ENGINE Mar 5, 2025
The vehicle developed a misfire on cylinder 1. The dealership ran a 3 hour diagnostic that included using a borescope on all cylinders. One of the valves on cylinder 1 was identified as bad. The dealership indicated the only solution was to replace the engine and suggested trading the vehicle in for a new car.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING Jan 15, 2025
Getting error message again regarding "Front Right Side Marker Light Defective". This issue was already addressed back in late 2024 by my local Audi service center, but has popped back up again for the second time. My car has a little over 100K and has no other problems. There was an Audi recall Campaign 97CB (NHTSA campaign ID #16V642000) that addresses this exact issue and applies to some affected VIN numbers, but mine is not included. Seem to be occurring with a lot of regularity based on research online.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Jan 15, 2025
Getting error message again regarding "Front Right Side Marker Light Defective". This issue was already addressed back in late 2024 by my local Audi service center, but has popped back up again for the second time. My car has a little over 100K and has no other problems. There was an Audi recall Campaign 97CB (NHTSA campaign ID #16V642000) that addresses this exact issue and applies to some affected VIN numbers, but mine is not included. Seem to be occurring with a lot of regularity based on research online.
POWER TRAIN Jan 11, 2025
Bad water pump and thermostat for 2018 Audi q7 59,000 miles I see it has been a class action lawsuit on the water pumps
EXTERIOR LIGHTING Dec 18, 2024
A very distracting warning about an issue with a front left side marker keeps popping up - on some rides multiple times in a minute! - and the only way to address it is, according to the dealership, to pay almost $7,000 to replace the entire headlamp assembly. It’s so distracting I do not permit the new teenage driver in our family to drive the car because I do not think it is safe. The visual is alarming and appears in the display immediately behind the steering wheel, so it is distracting. I think it makes a Ping! noise too, each time it appears. The car passed inspection because the light still works, there seems to be some other problem deep in the assembly that is causing the distracting warning. Given the cost and the safety issue from the distraction, I was surprised there is not a recall on this. So, I am reporting it now. Here is the information the dealership provided with the estimate: IMMEDIATE ATTENTION UPON INSPECTION AND DIAGNOSING FOUND LEFT HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY IS DEFECTIVE 450TU FOR HEADLAMP REPLACEMENT 350 TU FOR FRONT CAMERA CALIBRATION REPLACE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY IS 6,973.89
EXTERIOR LIGHTING Dec 13, 2024
97CB (NHTSA campaign ID 16V642000. This recall address this issue on the 2018 Audi Q7. Side marker light malfunction. Does my vehicle qualify?
EXTERIOR LIGHTING Dec 12, 2024
Getting error message regarding "Front Right Side Marker Light Defective". My car has a little over 66K and has no problems. There was an Audi recall ampaign97CB (NHTSA campaign ID #16V642000) that addresses this exact issue and applies to some affected VIN numbers, but mine is not included.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Dec 12, 2024
Getting error message regarding "Front Right Side Marker Light Defective". My car has a little over 66K and has no problems. There was an Audi recall ampaign97CB (NHTSA campaign ID #16V642000) that addresses this exact issue and applies to some affected VIN numbers, but mine is not included.
SERVICE BRAKES Dec 11, 2024
Error code for right front side marker light faulty. Light seems to be working. I've had two mechanics look at the car. They can't figure out what's wrong. Error message appears randomly. Brakes are very squeaky. I took the car to Audi and they said it was normal and I should brake more aggressively.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING Dec 11, 2024
Error code for right front side marker light faulty. Light seems to be working. I've had two mechanics look at the car. They can't figure out what's wrong. Error message appears randomly. Brakes are very squeaky. I took the car to Audi and they said it was normal and I should brake more aggressively.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING Dec 7, 2024
My car shows a warning message that says, right front side marker light issue. I understand Audi issued a recall for this issue but only for certain VINs which did not include my car.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING Dec 3, 2024
The left front side marker light is defective. However, the left front side marker light is working. The vehicle keeps reporting this error. Audi recall campaign 97CB (NHTSA campaign ID 16V642000) addresses this exact issue, but this problem has always existed. Even 2018 Audi vehicles have this problem.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING Dec 1, 2024
Audi Q7 front right parking light defective. Audi recall campaign 97CB (NHTSA campaign ID 16V642000) 16V642000 My vehicle says no open recalls but I get the error meaaage.
ENGINE Nov 13, 2024
Valve three burnt causing engine failure and replacement
SUSPENSION Nov 1, 2024
Rear spring and lower plates have snapped and are broken. This happened at around 60,000 miles. A lot of 2017 & 2018 Audi Q7 owners are complaining at Audi Forums. Please take a look at this issue. Thank you.