Owners have filed 179 complaints
about the 2018 Audi Q7 with NHTSA between 2018 and 2026.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 1 of 17 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 100
Against the median year of the Audi Q7. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 35
6.7% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
82% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
36.8%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
1125.0%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
1840.9%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
49.1%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
49.1%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
49.1%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jan 2018peak 9Jul 2026
Recalls on the 2018 Audi Q7
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 202010212 units in Canada
Steering
Issue: On certain vehicles, the bolt that attaches the steering shaft to the steering gear may not be properly tightened. Over time, the bolt may loosen. If you continue to operate the vehicle, the bolt could detach completely and cause a loss of steering control. Safety Risk: A loss of steering could create the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Audi will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to inspect the steering shaft bolt and, if necessary, replace it.
Recall 20190248,631 units in Canada
Fuel System
Issue: On certain vehicles, a small amount of fuel may leak from one or both fuel rails. Safety Risk: Leaking fuel in the presence of an ignition source could increase the risk of a fire. Corrective Actions: The company will notify owners by mail. Owners will be instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer to have the left and right fuel rails replaced.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
West Bloomfield, MI1 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY
My 8-year-old's finger was in the door frame and the door came close enough to engage the soft close feature and she tried to pull her finger out as we watched the door slowly continue closing on it. After 4 x-rays the doctor determined it was not fractured, but it is badly bruised, swollen, and was cut. This should not be possible that it doesn't sense her finger. On a car not equipped with soft closing, this incident wouldn't have occurred.
NHTSA complaint #11610620 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Jose, CACrash
ENGINE
coolant leaking @ 50K miles and also their warning system is not as effective. I got into a fender bender 2 months in owning the car as brand new.
NHTSA complaint #11544218 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Jose, CACrash
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
coolant leaking @ 50K miles and also their warning system is not as effective. I got into a fender bender 2 months in owning the car as brand new.
NHTSA complaint #11544218 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Jose, CACrash
BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS
coolant leaking @ 50K miles and also their warning system is not as effective. I got into a fender bender 2 months in owning the car as brand new.
NHTSA complaint #11544218 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 27,500 milesEL Paso, TX1 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
IN MAY OF 2020 I SEVERELY HIT MY HEAD (LEFT SIDE OF FOREHEAD) ON THE C-PILLAR WHILE EXITING THE LEFT-REAR SEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT THE TIME AT THE TIME OF MY HEAD INJURY. THE INJURY WAS CAUSED BECAUSE THE C-PILLAR IS VERY CLOSE TO THE REAR HEADREST, AND TO EXIT THE VEHICLE ONE GENERALLY HAS TO LOOK DOWN AT THE GROUND WHERE ONE IS ABOUT TO STEP. IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT THERE IS CURRENTLY A SAFETY RECALL (70H8 NHTSA: 20V658) FOR THIS VEHICLE, A 2018 AUDI Q7. (THE C-PILLAR IS THE THIRD VERTICAL BEAM FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE.) THE RECALL STATES "AN INCREASED RISK OF INJURY IF AN UNBELTED PASSENGER'S HEAD CONTACTS THE C-PILLAR IN A CRASH." MY EXPERIENCE IS THAT THERE IS ALSO AN INCREASED RISK OF HEAD INJURY ON THE C-PILLAR AS PASSENGERS EXIT THE VEHICLE FROM THE REAR DOORS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS PARKED. I REPORTED MY PROBLEM TO THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY RESPONDED ON DEC. 22, 2020: "AUDI OF AMERICA HAS REVIEWED YOUR CONCERNS AND WE SEE THE EXPERIENCE AS BEING NO FAULT OF THE VEHICLE OR THE 70H8 CAMPAIGN."
NHTSA complaint #11384568 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fort Myers, FL1 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I WENT TO PICK MY 3 YO TWINS AT SCHOOL. OPENED MY DOOR, GOT OFF THE CAR AND CLOSED IT, WITH KEYS INSIDE MY PURSE AT FRONT PASSENGER SEAT (MY USUAL ROUTINE). WAS ABLE TO OPEN PASSENGER'S BACK DOOR, BUCKLED MY SON TO CAR SEAT AND CLOSED HIS DOOR. WHEN TURNED TO OTHER SIDE TO OPEN THE DOOR FOR MY GIRL, NOTED CAR WAS LOCKED AND IGNITION TURNED OFF WITH MY 3YO SON INSIDE. ALL DOORS WERE LOCKED DESPITE KEYS BEING INSIDE CAR AND IGNITION OFF. REMOTE CONTROL WAS OPERABLE WITH BATTERIES FUNCTIONING WELL. SCHOOL DIRECTOR CALLED 911 AND FIRE DEPARTMENT WENT TO ASSIST. THEY WERE UNABLE TO OPEN DOOR AND AFTER ~20MINUTES OF MY SON BEING INSIDE, BUCKLED AND IN FLORIDA HEAT, EMT AND FIRE FIGHTERS HAD TO BREAK A WINDOW TO GET HIM OUT. WHEN I WAS ABLE TO GET HIM, HE WAS EXTREMELY HOT WITH ELEVATED TEMPERATURE AND SOAKED IN SWEAT. THANKFULLY I WAS NOT WITH MY 3MONTH OLD BABY THAT DAY. SINCE MY BOY'S TEMPERATURE WAS COMING DOWN NICELY WITH SUPPORTIVE MEASURES I DID NOT TAKE HIM TO THE HOSPITAL AND DECIDED TO OBSERVE AT HOME. CAR HAD SERVICE 6 DAYS PRIOR TO THIS EVENT IN AUDI FORT MYERS NEXT DAY ON 10/08/10, TOOK CAR TO AUDI FORT MYERS AND REPORTED EVENT TO SERVICE DEPARTMENT, COMPUTER SYSTEM WAS CHECKED AND NO EVENT WAS REGISTERED. THEN I WAS TOLD BY EMPLOYEES AT AUDI, THEY COULD NOT EXPLAIN THE EVENT BUT NOTHING THEY CAN DO AND NO NEED TO REPORT TO AUDI USA.
NHTSA complaint #11363538 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Montgomery, VT
ENGINE
Start/stop malfunction failed; yes it is available for inspection. Driving down highway vehicle stopped with 2 adult passengers and 2 children. Yes 3 mechanics completed a diagnostic. Vehicle has not been inspected by insurance, manufacturer or police but by VW dealer, and two registered mechanics. No other warnings or symptoms.
NHTSA complaint #11752232 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
New Canaan, CT
SEATS
The right rear passenger heated seat in my 2018 Audi Q7 overheated and burned through the leather and foam. Fortunately, my disabled [XXX] daughter, who normally sits in that seat, was not in the vehicle at the time. The failure occurred without warning and during normal use. This defect presents a serious safety risk and could have caused injury or fire. Request: Please investigate this issue in the 2018 Audi Q7 rear heated seats and determine whether a recall or repair campaign is necessary. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11750098 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Frisco, TX
ENGINE
My 2018 Audi Q7 3.0T Quattro is experiencing extreme oil consumption — dropping from full to minimum level in approximately 230 miles. This is approximately 14x beyond Audi's own threshold for excessive oil consumption of 0.5 quarts per 1,000 miles. Documented timeline: May 2026 (88,692 miles): Oil change required 2.2 extra quarts beyond standard 7.2qt fill. Low oil light triggered during highway travel. June 27, 2026 (90,200 miles): Authorized Audi dealer formally documented "oil consumption is very high" in their service system and scheduled an official oil consumption test. June 28, 2026 (90,351 miles): Audi MMI system showed oil near minimum after only 151 miles. June 30, 2026 (90,397 miles): Audi MMI showed oil at Stage 2 warning after 197 miles. June 30, 2026 (90,430 miles): Audi MMI showed oil at minimum line after 230 miles total. All readings documented with timestamped photographs from Audi's own MMI system. The authorized Audi dealer has documented repeated oil top-offs in their service system. Audi USA Customer Care was contacted on June 30, 2026 and denied goodwill repair citing no active recall and vehicle out of warranty. An open case has been filed with Audi USA. The engine lubrication system appears defective. Oil dropping to minimum in under 230 miles without adequate warning poses serious safety risk of catastrophic engine failure while driving at highway speeds. The authorized Audi dealer has scheduled an official oil consumption test and inspection for July 2, 2026. Results will be available upon request. Vehicle is available for inspection upon request.
NHTSA complaint #11747856 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Frisco, TX
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My 2018 Audi Q7 3.0T Quattro is experiencing extreme oil consumption — dropping from full to minimum level in approximately 230 miles. This is approximately 14x beyond Audi's own threshold for excessive oil consumption of 0.5 quarts per 1,000 miles. Documented timeline: May 2026 (88,692 miles): Oil change required 2.2 extra quarts beyond standard 7.2qt fill. Low oil light triggered during highway travel. June 27, 2026 (90,200 miles): Authorized Audi dealer formally documented "oil consumption is very high" in their service system and scheduled an official oil consumption test. June 28, 2026 (90,351 miles): Audi MMI system showed oil near minimum after only 151 miles. June 30, 2026 (90,397 miles): Audi MMI showed oil at Stage 2 warning after 197 miles. June 30, 2026 (90,430 miles): Audi MMI showed oil at minimum line after 230 miles total. All readings documented with timestamped photographs from Audi's own MMI system. The authorized Audi dealer has documented repeated oil top-offs in their service system. Audi USA Customer Care was contacted on June 30, 2026 and denied goodwill repair citing no active recall and vehicle out of warranty. An open case has been filed with Audi USA. The engine lubrication system appears defective. Oil dropping to minimum in under 230 miles without adequate warning poses serious safety risk of catastrophic engine failure while driving at highway speeds. The authorized Audi dealer has scheduled an official oil consumption test and inspection for July 2, 2026. Results will be available upon request. Vehicle is available for inspection upon request.
NHTSA complaint #11747856 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Santa Maria, CA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
I AM GETTING FRONT LEFT SIDE MARKER LIGHT FAULTY PROBLEM. I WAS TOLD THIS IS VERY COMMON FOR 2018 AUDI Q7. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS ISSUE AND SEE IF I AM QUALIFIED TO GET THIS REPLACED BY AUDI. APPARENTLY, THE REPLACING THE LAMP ISN'T EASY BUT WOUDL REQUIRE TO REPLACE THE WHOLE LIGHTING FIXTURE WHICH COULD COST OVER $2K. THANK YOU.
NHTSA complaint #11739746 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Portland, ME
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Parking light defective message on dash board. Looked at the light and all lights present. Talked to a dealer and the headlight assembly to replace is 6K plus. For a small yellow side light inside of headlight that is still on, but the message on dashboard says otherwise. Was told that it isn't outputting enough light power.
NHTSA complaint #11738684 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Alexandria, VA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I am reporting suspected odometer fraud on my 2018 Audi Q7 3.0T Prestige (VIN: [XXX] ). Between May 8 and June 13, 2025, while I was the sole driver of the vehicle, Audi dealership service records show an odometer increase of 5,282 miles (from 78,260 to 83,542). However, independently verified GPS trip data from the Audi Connect system confirms I drove only approximately 2,103 miles during this period — a discrepancy of approximately 3,178 miles. The vehicle was serviced at two Penske-owned dealerships: Audi of Arlington (3200 Columbia Pike, Arlington, VA 22204) and Audi of Chantilly (14839 Stonecroft Center Ct, Chantilly, VA 20151). Only authorized dealer diagnostic equipment can alter odometer values. This manipulation resulted in the wrongful denial of my extended warranty coverage and a $37,567.16 out-of-pocket engine replacement. I have a fully documented demand letter with ten supporting exhibits including service records, Audi Connect trip data, and a detailed timeline. The dealerships did not respond to my demand letter. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11730885 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Alexandria, VA
ENGINE
I am reporting suspected odometer fraud on my 2018 Audi Q7 3.0T Prestige (VIN: [XXX] ). Between May 8 and June 13, 2025, while I was the sole driver of the vehicle, Audi dealership service records show an odometer increase of 5,282 miles (from 78,260 to 83,542). However, independently verified GPS trip data from the Audi Connect system confirms I drove only approximately 2,103 miles during this period — a discrepancy of approximately 3,178 miles. The vehicle was serviced at two Penske-owned dealerships: Audi of Arlington (3200 Columbia Pike, Arlington, VA 22204) and Audi of Chantilly (14839 Stonecroft Center Ct, Chantilly, VA 20151). Only authorized dealer diagnostic equipment can alter odometer values. This manipulation resulted in the wrongful denial of my extended warranty coverage and a $37,567.16 out-of-pocket engine replacement. I have a fully documented demand letter with ten supporting exhibits including service records, Audi Connect trip data, and a detailed timeline. The dealerships did not respond to my demand letter. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11730885 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Blaine, MN
SUSPENSION
I’m reporting a serious safety issue with my 2018 Audi Q7. Both rear suspension springs failed suddenly while I was driving at highway speeds 70 MPH, with no warning at all. This was extremely dangerous—I almost lost control of the vehicle when it happened. The rear of the car dropped and handling became unstable immediately. There were no prior signs, noises, or issues leading up to the failure. This kind of failure should not happen under normal driving conditions, especially on a vehicle like this. Having both springs fail at the same time creates a major safety risk not only for me but for others on the road. I had to replace both rear springs at my own expense. Based on what I’ve seen, this may be a known issue and not just a one-time occurrence. I’m asking NHTSA to look into this problem and determine if there’s a defect with the suspension system on the 2018 Audi Q7 that could require a recall or further action.
NHTSA complaint #11729693 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
El Portal, FL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
ALERT " Left Front side marker light defective" see owner manual. That is the message
NHTSA complaint #11717586 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rancho Mission Viejo, CA
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11716861 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rancho Mission Viejo, CA
ENGINE
Excessive oil consumption and potential for engine to blow up
NHTSA complaint #11715434 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brooklyn, NY
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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
NHTSA complaint #11709667 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brooklyn, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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
NHTSA complaint #11709667 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lancaster, PA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11705971 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Auburn, ME
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Right Front Parking Light Defective
NHTSA complaint #11701912 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Manchester, NH
ENGINE
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
NHTSA complaint #11700992 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fairview, PA
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11700557 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
South Orange, NJ
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11700458 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Spring Grove, PA
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11700218 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cary, NC
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The console displays side marker light defective warning, but both the side marker lights are working
NHTSA complaint #11698838 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 84,901 milesCarbondale, CO
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL
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.
NHTSA complaint #11698524 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Issaquah, WA
STEERING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11697260 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cumberland, RI
SUSPENSION
Both rear coil springs broke which the Audi shop has said is very rare to have happened
NHTSA complaint #11688937 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 93,000 milesSt. George, UT
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11684539 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.