Owners have filed 26 complaints
about the 2023 Audi Q7 with NHTSA between 2023 and 2026.
The largest single group is the driver assist & collision avoidance.
Across this model's run it ranks 17 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 — 16
Against the median year of the Audi Q7. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 20
3.8% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — not reported
Too few complaints recorded a mileage to measure this.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2023 Audi Q7
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance
519.2%
Seats
311.5%
Brakes
311.5%
Median failure at 32,000 miles
Electrical System
311.5%
Median failure at 32,000 miles
Other & Unspecified
27.7%
Acceleration & Cruise Control
27.7%
Transmission & Drivetrain
27.7%
Engine & Cooling
27.7%
Median failure at 32,000 miles
Wheels
13.8%
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
13.8%
Median failure at 271 miles
Body & Structure
13.8%
Steering
13.8%
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.
May 2023peak 4Feb 2026
Recalls on the 2023 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
25V900000
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2026 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
24V251000
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2023 Audi S5 Cabriolet, A4 Allroad, Q5 Sportback, A3 Sedan, S5 Sportback, SQ7, TT Coupe, TT Roadster, RS5 Sportback, 2024 A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, Q8, RSQ8, 2023-2024 Q3, Q5, and Q7 vehicles. An electrical connection in the front passenger seat for the occupant detection system (ODS) control module may loosen and deactivate the front passenger air bag.
Risk: A deactivated front passenger air bag will not deploy during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
23V868000
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2023-2024 SQ8, RSQ8, Q8, Q7, and 2024 SQ7 vehicles. The driver's seat side air bag may have been improperly mounted to the seatback frame. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 214, "Side Impact Protection."
Risk: An improperly mounted air bag may not restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 202571330,276 units in Canada
Visual System
Issue: On certain vehicles, a software problem could cause the rearview camera image not to appear on the display. Canadian regulations require the rearview image to display when the transmission is shifted into reverse gear. Safety Risk: A rearview camera image that doesn't display could reduce a driver's ability to see behind the vehicle while backing up. This could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Audi will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to update the rearview camera software.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Atlanta, GA1 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The front moonroof exploded while I was driving on the highway. There was heavy traffic so I was not traveling at a high speed. There was no debris that hit the roof. Without warning, It shattered and the falling glass cut my hand. I had to navigate to the side of the road while falling glass was hitting my head and body. It was hard to see with the glass falling.
NHTSA complaint #11521159 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Naples, FL
POWER TRAIN
My rear differential keep locking and making noise while turning
NHTSA complaint #11715852 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Naples, FL
WHEELS
My rear differential keep locking and making noise while turning
NHTSA complaint #11715852 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Naples, FL
STEERING
My rear differential keep locking and making noise while turning
NHTSA complaint #11715852 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bristow, VA
POWER TRAIN
Audi Rumble is present on this vehicle, Audi disregards it even after visiting the dealer many times over the issue. Center diff is what is causing it. No issue up to 30k miles, then the rumble started. I am afraid of the drivetrain breaking and locking up during driving which could be catastrophic. Audi does have TSBs on this exact issue from previous model years, this model year doesnt. More complaints should come in eventually for this exact issue.
NHTSA complaint #11697332 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Columbia, SC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
First Incident [XXX], in Columbia SC driving in parking lot On Post, approx 10pm, blocking traffic. Car shut down and MMI disappeared. After approximately 20-30 minutes car started, still no screen. I was able to drive it. Next day, Rebooted per Google, took to dealership who said I should make sure I used premium gas. When I said I did I was told to be careful which gas station I bought it from. And since the screen was back up they couldn’t do anything. I called the Corporate office who had them run a full systems check. All with MMI was well until [XXX] at [XXX]pm. Driving in Columbia SC screen disappeared again but car did not stop this time. I called dealership who told me to press the volume button until it rebooted. It didn’t work. I was told to bring it in. The Audi App sent me a Headlight Assistant Malfunction Warning! message at 7:44pm also, same evening as the MMI incident. Copy of current screen and 10/24 service receipt. This is a dangerous situation as someone almost hit the back of my car during the first incident since the stop was so sudden ([XXX]) I was blocking the driveway and cars had to backup and detour in a small dark area. Losing MMI while driving is a distraction. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11669083 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hudson, OH
SERVICE BRAKES
After owning the vehicle for less than one-year (~20k) miles, the front brakes started to pulse and make noise when stopping. Stopping distance was reduced. The dealer recommended that the rotors be replaced and did so at zero cost as a courtesy. Twelve weeks later, the pulsing and noise and reduced stopping distance started again. This time they refused to pay for the repair and blamed "braking habits". Audi national customer care also refused to do anything. The car is mostly driven on the highway and most of the braking is done by the adaptive cruise control. There is no other evidence of hard driving (i.e. tire wear or low gas mileage). The problem is almost certainly the calipers which should not fail after a year. Reduced stopping distance and brake failure are a safety hazard.
NHTSA complaint #11657439 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mamaroneck, NY
SEATS
Sensors go off that I will hit something when not there Remote batteries have dies three times in two years Car won't start Bluetooth doesn't connect Trunk liftgate doesn't work Volume turns off.
NHTSA complaint #11646157 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mamaroneck, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Sensors go off that I will hit something when not there Remote batteries have dies three times in two years Car won't start Bluetooth doesn't connect Trunk liftgate doesn't work Volume turns off.
NHTSA complaint #11646157 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mamaroneck, NY
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
Sensors go off that I will hit something when not there Remote batteries have dies three times in two years Car won't start Bluetooth doesn't connect Trunk liftgate doesn't work Volume turns off.
NHTSA complaint #11646157 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Irvine, CA
SEATS
See attached document for complaint.
NHTSA complaint #11636224 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Irvine, CA
SEATS:BARRIERS
See attached document for complaint.
NHTSA complaint #11636224 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Zephyr Cove, NV
STRUCTURE:BODY
Door latched locked and won’t open. In case of an emergency door would be unable to open. Certainly causing a dangerous situation.
NHTSA complaint #11635629 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 32,000 milesColchester, VT
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2023 Audi Q7. The contact stated that the MIL warning light was illuminated. There was a yellow warning light illuminated with a message to take the vehicle to the dealer displayed. While the contact’s wife was driving at an undisclosed speed and approaching an intersection, the yellow warning light turned red. The contact stated that the vehicle suddenly independently skidded to a screeching stop. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 32,000.
NHTSA complaint #11631051 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 32,000 milesColchester, VT
SERVICE BRAKES
The contact owns a 2023 Audi Q7. The contact stated that the MIL warning light was illuminated. There was a yellow warning light illuminated with a message to take the vehicle to the dealer displayed. While the contact’s wife was driving at an undisclosed speed and approaching an intersection, the yellow warning light turned red. The contact stated that the vehicle suddenly independently skidded to a screeching stop. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 32,000.
NHTSA complaint #11631051 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am reaching out to raise a serious safety concern regarding the Audi Pre Sense feature in 2023 Audi models. This feature has caused sudden, unexpected braking on both freeways and internal roads, creating a significant hazard for drivers and passengers. There appears to be no permanent way to disable this feature, and its malfunction poses a critical risk of causing accidents rather than preventing them. I urge the NHTSA to investigate this issue and ensure that manufacturers provide a safe and reliable solution, including an option to disable the feature if needed.
NHTSA complaint #11630857 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 32,000 milesColchester, VT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS
The contact owns a 2023 Audi Q7. The contact stated that the MIL warning light was illuminated. There was a yellow warning light illuminated with a message to take the vehicle to the dealer displayed. While the contact’s wife was driving at an undisclosed speed and approaching an intersection, the yellow warning light turned red. The contact stated that the vehicle suddenly independently skidded to a screeching stop. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 32,000.
NHTSA complaint #11631051 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Colleyville, TX
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
During a rain storm, the vehicles rear cross traffic will force the vehicle to stop when it mistakes rain for a person. We were stopped against our will for 3 minutes. Audi corporate worked with our dealership, determined it's a known issue, and determined the vehicle is safe to drive. However, a 1995 Honda Civic will allow us to reverse away from an oncoming train, but ALL the 2023 Audi Q7 potentially will force your death by train. Or in event of being attacked.
NHTSA complaint #11595183 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
During a rain storm, the vehicles rear cross traffic will force the vehicle to stop when it mistakes rain for a person. We were stopped against our will for 3 minutes. Audi corporate worked with our dealership, determined it's a known issue, and determined the vehicle is safe to drive. However, a 1995 Honda Civic will allow us to reverse away from an oncoming train, but ALL the 2023 Audi Q7 potentially will force your death by train. Or in event of being attacked.
NHTSA complaint #11595183 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Colleyville, TX
BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING
During a rain storm, the vehicles rear cross traffic will force the vehicle to stop when it mistakes rain for a person. We were stopped against our will for 3 minutes. Audi corporate worked with our dealership, determined it's a known issue, and determined the vehicle is safe to drive. However, a 1995 Honda Civic will allow us to reverse away from an oncoming train, but ALL the 2023 Audi Q7 potentially will force your death by train. Or in event of being attacked.
NHTSA complaint #11595183 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Needham, MA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Vehicle displayed a “malfunction” warning followed by a notification the engine RPM would be limited to 1,200 and decelerated rapidly to 1,200 rpm and would not go past it. Vehicle would only drive at about 11-13 mph afterwards. Incident occurred on a downhill 5 minutes after starting driving in the morning. If this had happened on a highway at high speeds it could have been a very dangerous situation
NHTSA complaint #11566661 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Needham, MA
ENGINE
Vehicle displayed a “malfunction” warning followed by a notification the engine RPM would be limited to 1,200 and decelerated rapidly to 1,200 rpm and would not go past it. Vehicle would only drive at about 11-13 mph afterwards. Incident occurred on a downhill 5 minutes after starting driving in the morning. If this had happened on a highway at high speeds it could have been a very dangerous situation
NHTSA complaint #11566661 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Car was parked, no cars or objects within approx. 40 feet (to rear). Started car and placed in Reverse. Backed up about 3 feet and brakes activated automatically and fully. Warning lights flashed on the dash. Car was immobilized. Shifted to Drive and pulled forward. Shifted to reverse and the same thing occurred again. Repeated two additional times with same result. On the fifth time we backed up normally and without incident. Did not ever shut the ignition off. It was raining at the time.
NHTSA complaint #11538505 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fairway, KS
SERVICE BRAKES
2023 Audi Q7 The brake pedal randomly does not respond. This prevents the vehicle from being able to start, shift out of gear when parked, and the rear brake lights do not respond. My main concern is the brake lights not responding. I do not want to be injured in a collision when slowing down on the road. The vehicle has been sent back to the dealership twice. The first time the dealership could not duplicate the issue. There were no warning lights or system faults found when scanned. Two days latter the vehicle had to be towed due to the same issue not starting. The tow truck driver could not get the vehicle out of gear to move and noticed the brake lights not responding. Next day the vehicle was sent back to the dealership where they duplicated the problem but wanted to keep the vehicle for testing. The vehicle is still at the dealership 35+ days. I have multiple videos of the issue.
NHTSA complaint #11538271 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 271 milesHouston, TX
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
The contact owns a 2023 Audi Q7. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, a rock hit the front windshield. The contact noticed a crack on the driver's side of the windshield. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the windshield needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 271.
NHTSA complaint #11536219 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Eastvale, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I have charged many phones in this car's wireless charging pad and they all get extremely hot. Fortunately I caught it early. When the phone was removed, it was too hot to touch. I believe there is a real risk of phones catching fire in this car. I've now discontinued use of the charger.
NHTSA complaint #11532229 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.