2020 Audi Q7 problems

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Dashboard leather is bubbling, separating, and delaminating near the center windshield vents. This is a known manufacturing defect, Audi has issued a warranty extension (bulletin AWA-23-11) for this identical issue on the Q8, e-tron quattro, and R8 models, but not the Q7, despite the dashboard part number (4M8857001S33A) being identical across the Q7 and Q8. This appears to be a widespread issue affecting multiple Audi models sharing this dashboard component

NHTSA complaint #11752459 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

the first indication of an issue was oil consumption. It was using more oil than usual around the 70K mile mark. Then it started misfiring, and soon after a knocking noise coming from the engine. There are no check engine light on, after bringing it in for diagnostics, it read that it was a spark plug, once they got into the engine they discovered the cylinder had been stripped from the piston. Yes the diagnostics came from our foreign car mechanic. no, it has not been inspected by the manufacturer or police. Just the symptoms. sometimes the light would come on, and then it would go off. At this point it is off. All of this started in the fall of 2025.

NHTSA complaint #11737769 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

While my vehicle was in for the Audi piston issue, they stated my water pump needed to be replaced and isn’t covered by a recall (yet). My vehicle had less than 42,000 mile on it. I was lead to believe that this problem is coming up more often and they believe a class action lawsuit will come about. I needed to pay over $1,700 out of pocket and was told I was saving so much money because they already had the engine apart because of the piston recall. This is unacceptable.

NHTSA complaint #11737715 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2020 Audi Q7. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where the water pump, coolant pump, vacuum line, and vacuum reservoir were replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

NHTSA complaint #11724096 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

I discovered this item while researching another issue. There was a class action law suit against VW/Audi for the Water Pump and coolant leaking into the system. The class action covered the year and model for my Audi (2020 Q7) but my VIN was not included. The class action ended in 2024. On 8/4/25, My water pump went out because of coolant going into system. A $6,000 repair. I brought the issue up with Audi. No response.

NHTSA complaint #11720200 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

My 2020 Audi Q7 with 49,500 miles had a complete engine shut down while driving. Towed to Audi. Fuel Pump was recalled and replaced on 1/2023. Audi stated it was the jet suction pump inside the saddle fuel tank. Research discovered that this saddle tank has been problem for this model and year. Audi only covered a portion of the cost. The entire fuel tank had to be replaced. 16 days to complete.

NHTSA complaint #11720193 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

I’m having to replace my REPLACE WATER PUMP AND VACUUM LINES WITH RESERVOIR at 41k miles or it risk overheating the engine. It is a significant repair at a premature time. After researching, it has been reported there are historical issues with this and faulty parts.

NHTSA complaint #11670473 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

I urgently request a NHTSA investigation into systemic coolant leaks, a dangerous safety defect in Audi vehicles with the 3.0L turbocharged V6 (EA839) engine. Affected models include the Q7 (my 2020 Q7 55 TFSI, VIN: [XXX] ), S4, S5, SQ5, A6/A7, Q8. These defects risk engine damage, sudden power loss, and catastrophic engine failure, endangering all road users. Many owners report premature failures of cooling components (water pump, thermostat, PCV system). Failures often occur post-warranty, costing owners over $3,000 for repairs. Online forums (AudiWorld, Audizine, Reddit) document these widespread defects. The class action [XXX] et al. v. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. alleges water pump defects in EA839-equipped Audis (incl. Q7 up to 2022). Critical Safety Concerns: The primary safety risk from these coolant leaks involves: Coolant Ingestion: Coolant enters vacuum lines, mixes with oil (faulty PCV), or enters intake (failing intercoolers). Engine Malfunction: Ingestion causes misfires, drivability issues, and sudden power loss during operation. Catastrophic Engine Failure: Severe coolant ingestion can cause catastrophic engine failure, risking loss of control and collisions if the engine seizes/fails at speed. Sudden engine malfunction/failure while driving due to this systemic defect warrants immediate NHTSA investigation. Audi of America is aware. My contact (Mike, Ext. 43252) confirmed Audi is not addressing this widespread failure. Audi's inaction necessitates NHTSA intervention for consumer and road safety. Affected owners urge NHTSA to: Initiate a formal investigation into systemic coolant leak issues and component failures in EA839-equipped Audi vehicles. Assess the safety risks, including potential engine failure and loss of vehicle control. If warranted, issue a safety recall for affected vehicles to prevent accidents and injuries. Public safety is paramount. Evidence indicates a defect compromising vehicle safety and reliability. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION

NHTSA complaint #11662153 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

In July 2023, my 2020 Audi Q7 experienced a complete electrical failure at highway speeds due to a Belt Starter Generator (BSG) malfunction. Audi replaced the BSG with the same faulty part. Months later, I noticed increased oil consumption and loud engine noise. Despite multiple service visits and reporting these issues, Audi failed to properly diagnose the problem. In January 2025, despite a clear check engine light indicating a problem, Audi dismissed my concerns. Just weeks later, in February 2025, the engine catastrophically failed due to undiagnosed internal damage. Audi repeatedly ignored diagnostic warnings and failed to address my complaints, putting my safety at risk. Audi consistently dismissed my concerns, attributing engine noise and oil consumption to normal wear. The failures posed safety risks, including sudden loss of power while driving. Despite documented defects, Audi refused to take responsibility or perform proper diagnostics, resulting in continued safety hazards. I am formally requesting NHTSA to investigate the widespread issues affecting the 2020 Audi Q7, including the BSG system and excessive oil consumption leading to engine failure.” Additional Details: •Component/System Failure: The 48V Belt Starter Generator (BSG) and the engine failed. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. •Safety Risks: The electrical failure at highway speeds caused a sudden loss of power. The engine failure posed a risk of the vehicle shutting down unexpectedly while driving. •Problem Confirmation: The Audi dealership confirmed the engine failure and acknowledged the presence of metal shavings in the oil, indicating severe internal damage. •Inspections: The vehicle has been inspected by the Audi dealership, and Audi representatives acknowledged the issue. •Warning Signs: The check engine light illuminated in January 2025. Additional symptoms included loud engine noise (‘tractor-like’) and increased oil consumption, which Audi dismissed.

NHTSA complaint #11652576 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

In July 2023, my 2020 Audi Q7 experienced a complete electrical failure at highway speeds due to a Belt Starter Generator (BSG) malfunction. Audi replaced the BSG with the same faulty part. Months later, I noticed increased oil consumption and loud engine noise. Despite multiple service visits and reporting these issues, Audi failed to properly diagnose the problem. In January 2025, despite a clear check engine light indicating a problem, Audi dismissed my concerns. Just weeks later, in February 2025, the engine catastrophically failed due to undiagnosed internal damage. Audi repeatedly ignored diagnostic warnings and failed to address my complaints, putting my safety at risk. Audi consistently dismissed my concerns, attributing engine noise and oil consumption to normal wear. The failures posed safety risks, including sudden loss of power while driving. Despite documented defects, Audi refused to take responsibility or perform proper diagnostics, resulting in continued safety hazards. I am formally requesting NHTSA to investigate the widespread issues affecting the 2020 Audi Q7, including the BSG system and excessive oil consumption leading to engine failure.” Additional Details: •Component/System Failure: The 48V Belt Starter Generator (BSG) and the engine failed. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. •Safety Risks: The electrical failure at highway speeds caused a sudden loss of power. The engine failure posed a risk of the vehicle shutting down unexpectedly while driving. •Problem Confirmation: The Audi dealership confirmed the engine failure and acknowledged the presence of metal shavings in the oil, indicating severe internal damage. •Inspections: The vehicle has been inspected by the Audi dealership, and Audi representatives acknowledged the issue. •Warning Signs: The check engine light illuminated in January 2025. Additional symptoms included loud engine noise (‘tractor-like’) and increased oil consumption, which Audi dismissed.

NHTSA complaint #11652576 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

In July 2023, my 2020 Audi Q7 experienced a complete electrical failure at highway speeds due to a Belt Starter Generator (BSG) malfunction. Audi replaced the BSG with the same faulty part. Months later, I noticed increased oil consumption and loud engine noise. Despite multiple service visits and reporting these issues, Audi failed to properly diagnose the problem. In January 2025, despite a clear check engine light indicating a problem, Audi dismissed my concerns. Just weeks later, in February 2025, the engine catastrophically failed due to undiagnosed internal damage. Audi repeatedly ignored diagnostic warnings and failed to address my complaints, putting my safety at risk. Audi consistently dismissed my concerns, attributing engine noise and oil consumption to normal wear. The failures posed safety risks, including sudden loss of power while driving. Despite documented defects, Audi refused to take responsibility or perform proper diagnostics, resulting in continued safety hazards. I am formally requesting NHTSA to investigate the widespread issues affecting the 2020 Audi Q7, including the BSG system and excessive oil consumption leading to engine failure.” Additional Details: •Component/System Failure: The 48V Belt Starter Generator (BSG) and the engine failed. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. •Safety Risks: The electrical failure at highway speeds caused a sudden loss of power. The engine failure posed a risk of the vehicle shutting down unexpectedly while driving. •Problem Confirmation: The Audi dealership confirmed the engine failure and acknowledged the presence of metal shavings in the oil, indicating severe internal damage. •Inspections: The vehicle has been inspected by the Audi dealership, and Audi representatives acknowledged the issue. •Warning Signs: The check engine light illuminated in January 2025. Additional symptoms included loud engine noise (‘tractor-like’) and increased oil consumption, which Audi dismissed.

NHTSA complaint #11652576 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Central control module failure. Item is under recall for various Q5 models. Q7 is essentially the same car with same water intrusion problem. Why isn’t it included in recall. Very dangerous stall.

NHTSA complaint #11616150 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The Audi 2020 q7 experiences an SOS Emergency contact communication failure when it goes of cell service range and in certain circumstances, it does not reset itself Or allow reconnection to the communication module after it goes back in range within cell service. This is a know issue, similar to Audi service Bulletin 90T2 in which the NHTSA issued a recall (The Q7 model is not covered under That recall, but several other models within the same year are covered). As a result of this software bug, in certain circumstances, it the communication module may not be able to contact emergency services. Audi America dealerships require payment and charge consumers $276 for drivers to update the MMI system To correct the software “bug.” Due to the fact that it is a Software issue, which requires updating by the dealership, Extended warranties do not cover fees associated.

NHTSA complaint #11611838 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Turbo charger failure at approximately 30,000 miles

NHTSA complaint #11609572 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES

Often gets warning about Parking Brake malfunction. Dealership already checked once and could not find the problem. Warning comes on speedometer as follows: "Parking brake: malfunction! Please contact Service."

NHTSA complaint #11600536 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

while driving the vehicle, I received a warning that there was an electrical system failure. Then the entire care shut off in the middle of the highway. There was no way to get the vehicle into neutral to push it to a safer location out of traffic. I was in the vehicle with my two children. This left us stranded in the middle of the highway with a significant amount of traffic. There was no way to get the vehicle back on. This seems to be a known issue with Audi and they have notified the dealerships about it but have not issued a recall. Please expedite this as a recall. There could not have been a more dangerous situation for me and my children.

NHTSA complaint #11592205 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR

The contact owns a 2020 Audi Q7. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the messages "Electrical Malfunction" and "Stop Vehicle" were displayed. The contact stated that moments later the vehicle shut off and failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the residence and later examined by an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the alternator was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were contacted regarding the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 70,000.

NHTSA complaint #11584456 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Our 2020 Audi Q7 (50,100 miles) suffered a catastrophic electrical failure while traveling on the freeway at 65+MPH. Suddenly the engine warning light went on, and then seconds later the entire interior lit up like a Christmas tree before it succumbed to a complete and catastrophic electrical failure. EVERYTHING failed – the car had zero power. No acceleration, brakes, steering, SOS, hazards / turn signals, brake lights, airbags, door locks, etc. My wife and child sat there in a steel box traveling at a high rate of speed while obstacles navigated around them; had they been hit, the air bags would not have deployed. This car nearly cost me my family. Audi replaced the alternator and the battery, and denied my buy-back claim because the incident hasn’t happened multiple times, and therefore doesn’t qualify for the lemon law. We continue to experience problems with the car – most recently: acceleration hesitation and recent warning lights saying 1. camera sensor failure (only to have them start working again), 2. tire pressure warnings (despite all the tire pressures being normal), and 3. warnings notifying me that lights are out (despite all lights operating normally). I believe Audi is underestimating the severity of the situation. We were fortunate that the initial failure on the freeway did not result in injuries or fatalities. I cannot fathom the idea of waiting for the vehicle to fail multiple times before taking it off the road, potentially putting lives at risk. The car has only been serviced at Audi dealerships. My family and I no longer feel safe in this car. While selling it is an option, I cannot, in good conscience, endanger someone else's life by not disclosing the vehicle's history and the well-known electrical defects Audi has.

NHTSA complaint #11563287 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Emergency battery light came on with a description of power malfunction. The light went from yellow to red then shortly stopped in the road while driving with complete power outage.

NHTSA complaint #11561563 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

While driving, Forward Collision Warning appears without any reason. My understanding is that the car will brake itself if it senses frontal collosion and I am concerned that it might brake suddenly without my knowledge and cause an accident.

NHTSA complaint #11560590 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

While driving, Forward Collision Warning appears without any reason. My understanding is that the car will brake itself if it senses frontal collosion and I am concerned that it might brake suddenly without my knowledge and cause an accident.

NHTSA complaint #11560590 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Received a yellow "electrical failure" warning while driving, instructing me to call Audi for service. Audi indicated that the car remained safe to drive, and offered a service appointment greater than one month later. Driving the car the next day, the electrical failure icon converted to red and a message said to pull over immediately. The car was able to make it to a local repair shop, with electrical systems failing one-by-one (starting with heating and progressing from there). On reaching the shop, the car was no longer driveable and had to be pushed into the garage to be assessed. The problem could not be identified at the local shop, so the car was towed to Audi dealer. Problem was found to be the generator. Have been waiting on replacement part for greater than 30 days, with no ETA as of today. Primary safety concern is that the car became undriveable within minutes of the red warning. Had I been on a highway or in heavy traffic, my car could have stalled in the middle of a busy roadway. Even if I had pulled off onto the shoulder, the risk to my family would have been quite high.

NHTSA complaint #11505771 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2020 Audi Q7. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V516000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the contact was informed by local dealers that parts were on backorder. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA complaint #11500134 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.