Owners have filed 81 complaints
about the 2019 Audi Q7 with NHTSA between 2019 and 2026.
The largest single group is the steering.
Across this model's run it ranks 3 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 — 49
Against the median year of the Audi Q7. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 64
12.3% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
93% 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
517.2%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
827.6%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
1137.9%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
310.3%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
13.4%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
13.4%
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.
Mar 2019peak 6Jun 2026
Recalls on the 2019 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.
United States — NHTSA
20V658000
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.
Risk: In the event of a crash, an unbelted occupant's head may impact the vehicle's C-pillar padding, increasing the risk of injury.
20V149000
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.
Risk: A sudden loss of loss of steering control may increase the risk of a crash.
20V093000
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Audi Q7 vehicles. In the event of a crash, the side curtain air bags may not properly inflate.
Risk: An air bag that does not properly inflate in the event of a crash can increase the risk of injury.
19V114000
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SHOCK ABSORBER
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019 Q7, Q8, S5 Cabriolet, and S5 Sportback vehicles. The front shock absorber forks may develop cracks allowing the shock absorbers to loosen.
Risk: Loose shock absorbers may impair vehicle steering, increasing the risk of crash.
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 20190767 units in Canada
Suspension
Issue: On certain vehicles, the front shock absorber forks may crack. This may allow the shock absorber to come loose and cause the tire to contact the wheel housing. This could affect steering control. Safety Risk: If the steering system does not work properly, there could be an increased risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: The company will notify owners by mail. Owners will be instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer to have the affected shock absorber fork(s) replaced.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Aurora, ILCrash
AIR BAGS
On [XXX] we were parking the car in the lot at [XXX] , when the car suddenly accelerated despite my foot being on the brake and crashed into a storefront. The fireman said the airbags deploy code was issues but the airbag never deployed, and the automatic emergency braking did not stop the car. It seemed as though the transmission was switched, but we had not touched the gas. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11577307 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Aurora, ILCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
On [XXX] we were parking the car in the lot at [XXX] , when the car suddenly accelerated despite my foot being on the brake and crashed into a storefront. The fireman said the airbags deploy code was issues but the airbag never deployed, and the automatic emergency braking did not stop the car. It seemed as though the transmission was switched, but we had not touched the gas. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11577307 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Aurora, ILCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
On [XXX] we were parking the car in the lot at [XXX] , when the car suddenly accelerated despite my foot being on the brake and crashed into a storefront. The fireman said the airbags deploy code was issues but the airbag never deployed, and the automatic emergency braking did not stop the car. It seemed as though the transmission was switched, but we had not touched the gas. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11577307 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 24,000 milesWest Covina, CACrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
FAULTY RADAR SENSORS AND AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BREAKING SYSTEM ISSUES TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS (E.G. HESITATION ON ACCELERATION, FAILURE TO ACCELERATE, JERKING, SHUDDERING, REVVING, SURGING, SLIPPING, ETC.) ENGINE PROBLEMS (E.G. LEAKS, ILLUMINATION OF THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, WHINING NOISE FROM THE ENGINE AREA, LOSS OF POWER, STALLING, ROUGH RUNNING, ETC.) ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS (E.G. FAILURE TO START, DOOR LOCKS MALFUNCTION, ILLUMINATION OF THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT, STEERING SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS, BLUETOOTH, SCREEN MALFUNCTION ETC.) SUSPENSION PROBLEMS EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION STEERING SYSTEM PROBLEMS
NHTSA complaint #11389512 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 24,000 milesWest Covina, CACrash
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
FAULTY RADAR SENSORS AND AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BREAKING SYSTEM ISSUES TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS (E.G. HESITATION ON ACCELERATION, FAILURE TO ACCELERATE, JERKING, SHUDDERING, REVVING, SURGING, SLIPPING, ETC.) ENGINE PROBLEMS (E.G. LEAKS, ILLUMINATION OF THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, WHINING NOISE FROM THE ENGINE AREA, LOSS OF POWER, STALLING, ROUGH RUNNING, ETC.) ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS (E.G. FAILURE TO START, DOOR LOCKS MALFUNCTION, ILLUMINATION OF THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT, STEERING SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS, BLUETOOTH, SCREEN MALFUNCTION ETC.) SUSPENSION PROBLEMS EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION STEERING SYSTEM PROBLEMS
NHTSA complaint #11389512 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 24,000 milesWest Covina, CACrash
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
FAULTY RADAR SENSORS AND AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BREAKING SYSTEM ISSUES TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS (E.G. HESITATION ON ACCELERATION, FAILURE TO ACCELERATE, JERKING, SHUDDERING, REVVING, SURGING, SLIPPING, ETC.) ENGINE PROBLEMS (E.G. LEAKS, ILLUMINATION OF THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, WHINING NOISE FROM THE ENGINE AREA, LOSS OF POWER, STALLING, ROUGH RUNNING, ETC.) ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS (E.G. FAILURE TO START, DOOR LOCKS MALFUNCTION, ILLUMINATION OF THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT, STEERING SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS, BLUETOOTH, SCREEN MALFUNCTION ETC.) SUSPENSION PROBLEMS EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION STEERING SYSTEM PROBLEMS
NHTSA complaint #11389512 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
La Crescenta, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
See attached document for complaint.
NHTSA complaint #11743264 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Charlotte, NC
SERVICE BRAKES
My car has experienced unintended automatic emergency braking while driving in active traffic with no obstruction present. This created a serious risk of a rear-end collision from vehicles behind. Prior to this, the car had ongoing alignment and steering issues beginning shortly after purchase. The car consistently pulls while driving and has required multiple repair attempts, including alignments and inspections of steering and suspension components. These repairs have not resolved the issue. The problem appears to be worsening. In addition to the unintended braking, the vehicle intermittently displays safety system warnings related to driver assistance features. The failure involves both mechanical and electronic systems, including steering alignment and automatic emergency braking. It's believed that incorrect alignment or suspension issues may be affecting sensor calibration and causing false collision detection. The car has been inspected multiple times by the dealership, but the issue has not been diagnosed or permanently repaired. The car's unsafe to operate due to unpredictable braking behavior. The warning signs that the car gives are “Traffic jam assist unavailable” and “Safety system malfunction” while driving.These warning messages and system malfunctions have been occurring intermittently since shortly after purchase in early 2025 and were previously reported to the dealership. The warnings continued after the incident and are documented with photos taken the following day. The safety systems appear to be unreliable and malfunctioning in real-time operation.
NHTSA complaint #11728044 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Charlotte, NC
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
My car has experienced unintended automatic emergency braking while driving in active traffic with no obstruction present. This created a serious risk of a rear-end collision from vehicles behind. Prior to this, the car had ongoing alignment and steering issues beginning shortly after purchase. The car consistently pulls while driving and has required multiple repair attempts, including alignments and inspections of steering and suspension components. These repairs have not resolved the issue. The problem appears to be worsening. In addition to the unintended braking, the vehicle intermittently displays safety system warnings related to driver assistance features. The failure involves both mechanical and electronic systems, including steering alignment and automatic emergency braking. It's believed that incorrect alignment or suspension issues may be affecting sensor calibration and causing false collision detection. The car has been inspected multiple times by the dealership, but the issue has not been diagnosed or permanently repaired. The car's unsafe to operate due to unpredictable braking behavior. The warning signs that the car gives are “Traffic jam assist unavailable” and “Safety system malfunction” while driving.These warning messages and system malfunctions have been occurring intermittently since shortly after purchase in early 2025 and were previously reported to the dealership. The warnings continued after the incident and are documented with photos taken the following day. The safety systems appear to be unreliable and malfunctioning in real-time operation.
NHTSA complaint #11728044 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My car has experienced unintended automatic emergency braking while driving in active traffic with no obstruction present. This created a serious risk of a rear-end collision from vehicles behind. Prior to this, the car had ongoing alignment and steering issues beginning shortly after purchase. The car consistently pulls while driving and has required multiple repair attempts, including alignments and inspections of steering and suspension components. These repairs have not resolved the issue. The problem appears to be worsening. In addition to the unintended braking, the vehicle intermittently displays safety system warnings related to driver assistance features. The failure involves both mechanical and electronic systems, including steering alignment and automatic emergency braking. It's believed that incorrect alignment or suspension issues may be affecting sensor calibration and causing false collision detection. The car has been inspected multiple times by the dealership, but the issue has not been diagnosed or permanently repaired. The car's unsafe to operate due to unpredictable braking behavior. The warning signs that the car gives are “Traffic jam assist unavailable” and “Safety system malfunction” while driving.These warning messages and system malfunctions have been occurring intermittently since shortly after purchase in early 2025 and were previously reported to the dealership. The warnings continued after the incident and are documented with photos taken the following day. The safety systems appear to be unreliable and malfunctioning in real-time operation.
NHTSA complaint #11728044 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 138,000 milesColumbia, SC
BACK OVER PREVENTION
The contact owns a 2019 Audi Q7. The contact stated that while in reverse, the back-over prevention intermittently displayed a black screen. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact researched online and became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V900000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.
NHTSA complaint #11724609 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Milford, CT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The starter in my Audi Q7 2019 failed and the car would not start. I was parked in my garage and manually had to put the car in neutral using the tool provided in the trunk and push the car out of the garage until a flatbed tow truck was able to take my car to the shop. If this happened elsewhere, I could have been stranded without the ability to start my car. My car was towed to a certified shop where they confirmed the failure and made the repair by installing a new starter.
NHTSA complaint #11711657 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Diego, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
While driving, the vehicle’s infotainment system suddenly froze and then rebooted on its own. During the reboot, the display was unavailable for several minutes, causing loss of access to navigation, vehicle status information, and warning messages while the vehicle was in motion. This occurred without warning and distracted the driver while driving, creating a potential safety risk.
NHTSA complaint #11706777 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Dimas, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Drive System malfunction code appeared while driving. Engine then shut off immediately. Had it towed to Audi dealership. Fuel Pump and Fuel Pump Module Codes reported in diagnostics check: codes P3044, P1158, and P0148. There is a NHTSA campaign number 22V516 (Audi recall number 20DR) that has been reported on this same issue with the fuel pump, however, my model 2019 is one year shy of the 2020 Q7 to 2021 affected vehicle range. Asking NHTSA to look into other repeated fuel pump issues for the same model vehicle, but for 2019 models. I have read of other 2019 model fuel pump complaints that match the 2020-2021 recall. The 2019 models need to be included in the investigation and recall.
NHTSA complaint #11691309 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Secaucus, NJ
STEERING
Steering malfunction , stop car warning. On the road
NHTSA complaint #11680534 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Spartanburg, SC
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Yesterday I bought a 2019 Audi Q7 and today I get a warning light stating my right parking lamp is defective. Upon checking the light I found that it was on and working. Upon researching the issue I found that there are numerous complaints on 2017 and 2018 models of the same vehicle, for the same issue. Dealership stating it is an entire right headlight replacement to the tune of over $ 2500.
NHTSA complaint #11668483 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Spartanburg, SC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Yesterday I bought a 2019 Audi Q7 and today I get a warning light stating my right parking lamp is defective. Upon checking the light I found that it was on and working. Upon researching the issue I found that there are numerous complaints on 2017 and 2018 models of the same vehicle, for the same issue. Dealership stating it is an entire right headlight replacement to the tune of over $ 2500.
NHTSA complaint #11668483 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
East Lansing, MI
SUSPENSION
Broken front springs at 60000 miles.
NHTSA complaint #11664749 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
East Montpelier, VT
STEERING
Driving down the road at 50 mph and warning light came on stating "Steering Malfunction" and lost all steering capacity and had difficultly safely exiting the traveled road to safe location. No steering and avoiding a rear collision due to unexpected breaking to handle car.
NHTSA complaint #11664388 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Winter Springs, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
As always, my wife put her purse with the key in the purse in the front seat of the car while she was putting our (3) old grandchild in the care seat. as soon as my wife closed the back door all the doors locked, possibly our granddaughter hit the lock with her foot. The back doors only have a lock feature but not an unlock feature. My wife had to call the fire department to get the doors open. We live in Florida, if this was summer, there could have been a health risk to our grandchild. (1) why with the keys in the car would it lock (2) why isn't there a way to unlock the doors from the back seat? I went on line and it looks like others have had this same issue.
NHTSA complaint #11657508 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Queen Creek, AZ
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
On my 2019 Audi Q7 anytime the headlights are activated either manually or automatically by the vehicle, it will pull up a "Right front parking light defective" error code. This code randomly showed up one day and has persisted ever since. Through research I have done on the issue it sounds like other 2017 Q7 models were also affected and recalled for this exact same issue. Clearly the issue is affecting later models as well that need to be included under the same recall. This issue puts my safety at risk by potentially limiting my visibility at night with a defective headlight.
NHTSA complaint #11648487 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Elmhurst, IL
SUSPENSION
At approximately 67,000 miles there was a loud bang and the passenger side rear coil spring was broken.
NHTSA complaint #11641834 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cupertino, CA
STEERING
02/04/2025 after work I was driving on local street in rush hours, suddenly the display panel popped out the warning message: Steering: malfunction! Please stop vehicle. Then I found out the wheel couldn't turn right or left any more. I turned on the emergency light immediately and moved my vehicle close to curb pending tow truck. Luckily it was raining evening, traffic was slow at 15~20 MPH, this incident didn't cause crash or injury but blocking the traffic more then one hour for the tow truck. If it happened on highway, I couldn't imagine what the serious fatal accident would be... After the Audi tech inspected, it was the electrical steering failed / the internal control died out--a defective parts.
NHTSA complaint #11641430 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Philadelphia, PA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
When the vehicle is connected to a cell phone and reliant on Apple CarPlay for navigation support, the screen will freeze numerous times while in transit. This causes the driver to lose situational awareness. The natural impulse for most drivers is to try to remedy the issue while moving. Once the device is disconnected the application resets and loses the destination. This can happen while driving on a highway at a high rate of speed.
NHTSA complaint #11635338 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Roslindale, MA
SUSPENSION
Both rear coil springs broke. Was not obvious when I was backing up. I heard a bang. I thought I hit something, but in fact I didn’t. I never knew what was wrong. The dealer reported that both rear springs were broken. He said it was a safety problem to keep it that way. The Audi dealer said it was a safety problem I think you should believe him. It is a safety problem. The car drove but I had to replace the springs cost thousands of dollars. Videos of spring at. [XXX] There was no crash. There was no heavy use. The spring simply broke the first one broke I believe at 55,000 miles and the second one at 76,000 miles. Everybody on the Internet seems to be having broken springs on Audi Q7 and Q5 models. And when they break, they’re no longer supported mechanic , as you can see from the photographs. One spring is supported in one way on the edge of the retain cup and one spring is pressing against some other component. It’s dangerous. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11628303 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Henderson, NV
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
I am filing a complaint and request for a recall on 2019 Audi Q7's side marker light. This is 2019 Model Audi Q7.It has about 60K miles. I start getting a warning message pops up frequently saying "Right front side marker light faulty See owner's manual". Searching online it appears many user with same model years facing the same problem, but could be on the left side. Some say dealer will not cover the repair even with extended warranty. Repair cost ranges from $3000 to $5000. The part is around $30. Due to this What people would normally do is just disable the light with some diagnostic tools. This is against the safety requirement and extremely dangerous in my opinion. This is most likely manufacturer's faulty design or defects since it is so prevailing among car owners of same model. Please see some of the online posts by owners with this issue. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11627197 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hudson, WI
SUSPENSION
Rear coil springs broke after just 60,000 miles. Audi refused to cover but dealer said this is very common. Vehicle stability affected. After my 42 years in automotive industry as a supplier my bet is these springs are made in China and supplier is cheating on material specifications and Audi must know.
NHTSA complaint #11619637 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Newton, MA
SUSPENSION
On October 9, I brought my 2019 Audi Q7 with approximately 79k miles to my dealership service department for an oil change and an inspection sticker. While in for the service, the dealership performed a multi-point inspection. During the inspection, the service technician found that both rear coils were broken off of the base. The technician recommended that these be replaced immediately and need immediate attention. The cost of the repair is over $3,000 and would then require an alignment and calibration, costing an additional over $500. I understand that these coils were recalled in later model Audi Q7's but not my year. Based upon this, it seems that the coils are defective and there should be additional recalls. There really is no reason for coils to break on a car that has such a large towing capacity (though I don't tow anything on the car and don't have a tow hitch). This is a safety issue for the car's performance and control.
NHTSA complaint #11619348 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lake Havasu City, AZ
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
During high weather temperature the fuel lines pops off and leaks fuel everywhere.
NHTSA complaint #11600498 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Watervliet, NY
SUSPENSION
At 50k miles, in July 2023, I was told by the dealer, Audi, that the rear spring mounts were corroding, and it was not covered by warranty. Everything I have read about spring mounts is that they are not considered a wear and tear part, and should not deteriorate. But I paid about $2,000 for the repair. Now, 11 months later, one spring coil itself has broken, and despite the warranty since it was last replaced less than a year ago, Audi will not honor the warranty at all, because it was the spring mounts and not the springs themselves that were replaced. However, it is the same job to repair, and so I am forced to pay for the same amount of labor again. This seems criminal given the parts are interdependent and the job takes an equal amount of time. I don’t understand why the coils weren’t replaced initially, as I now have to pay for the project to essentially be redone. Yes, it is a safety issue. Was not inspected by police but it was by the manufacturer. There haven’t been any warning indicators in the vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11596271 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hastings, MN
LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
Lane keeping assistance jerks car into turn lanes at highway speeds. Happens consistently on MN State Hwy 316. I usually disable it to prevent an accident.
NHTSA complaint #11595337 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.