109 of the
1,405 complaints filed about the Audi Q7
are about the other systems —
8% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2017.
4/30/26 I came home, parked in my driveway, got out of the car and opened the left back door to get my handicapped son out of the car. He wanted his talker from his backpack(he is nonverbal), so I sat next to him on the back seat and gave him the talker. Then I got out of the car and helped him to get out, closed the left rear door and turned towards my house holding his hand. At that point my mother who got out of the house because she saw us coming started yelling that the car is moving. I jumped, opened the driver door put my right leg inside trying to stop it but by then the car had already hit my fence right where we have a gate. The gate unlatched and opened and the car got then stuck in the opening pinning my left leg which was still On the ground against the door and the car as the car itself was pinned inside the fence opening. Eventually the gate completely gave in and the car continued to slowly move forward into my backyard, I got my right leg out while I saw the car rolling and taking down a shed and stopping in my tree. My leg was hurting very badly so I called 911. I still have some minor discomfort but had a large hematoma and significant pain for 2 weeks. Then the car had a failure to start several times on two different days on one day needing 15 attempts to start. I took the car to the dealer after the first incident and they said no codes and car is fine. I took it again after the car didn’t start and they mocked me. There was 15000 in body damage. I am a doctor and discussed with 5 different patients that are mechanics and they all said this car has clearly a defect and I should Not be driving it.
NHTSA complaint #11754011 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
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.
Start/Stop button will not start the engine at times. May take several attempts before engine will start. Had to have Audi Roadside Assist come to my location to get the vehicle car started. Drove vehicle to nearest dealer with the "engine light" illuminated. Was advised that Audi has a software update that needs to be installed. Update was supposed to drop by week 10 of 2026 but it is still not available as of week 12. Audi and the dealer cannot provide a resolution after vehicle has been in shop for 3 weeks. Was told that I could pick up the car since they did not see it as a safety issue, but if the vehicle if often unable to start why would one trust driving it?
NHTSA complaint #11725077 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Catastrophic Engine failure while driving on highway with family. System gave error codes DTC P054A, DTC P0301, DTC P0017. Vehicle was not drivable. Always serviced with oil and filter change at recommended service intervals at authorized Audi dealer. Never showed any signs of malfunction or warning lamps prior to this incidence. Brought it to a mechanic specializing in European cars and diagnosis was the Engine has failed completely and needs new engine.
NHTSA complaint #11708802 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The vehicle was parked on a sloped driveway. After the driver exited the car, the automatic parking brake/Auto-P fail-safe failed to engage. The vehicle rolled backward unexpectedly, causing the driver-side door to strike a fire hydrant and rebound into the driver's body. There is significant property damage ($6000) and personal injury. Complete home security video footage of the incident is available [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11707425 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I continue to smell a foul, moldy odor almost every time I turn on the air conditioner or heater. It has been a problem since I purchased the vehicle in August of 2024. I took the car back to the dealer from which I purchased it FOUR times. They finally “fixed” the issue by clearing out some tube. However, the issue has presented itself again. I had the cabin filter replaced last week to no avail. It still smells awful. I definitely cannot use the heater. This potentially presents a health issue and needs to be fixed.
NHTSA complaint #11688173 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Driving on a country road with no vehicle in front of me - a loud explosion occurred and realized the front panel of the sunroof had exploded. Luckily, the screen was closed at the time and no large glass fragments fell into the occupants of the vehicle - there were five of us at the time. Arrived at a friend’s house to vacuum out the small slivers of glass pieces that fell through the screen. The outside temperature that day was approximately 80°F. The explosion sounded like gunfire and it was very scary. My [XXX] (Nephew) started crying after the incident because it was very shocking to all of us. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11686487 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am filing a formal complaint regarding serious safety-related defects in a newly purchased Audi vehicle. Immediately upon delivery, the car presented: • A faulty solenoid, a critical engine component, creating risks of engine misfires, sudden stalling, loss of acceleration, and transmission malfunctions while driving. Such failures pose imminent hazards during the cross-country travel that military families like mine regularly undertake. • Defective windshield wipers from the outset, jeopardizing visibility and safety during inclement weather. These defects demonstrate systemic quality control failures by Audi, undermining the safety expectations owed to U.S. consumers. Requested Action I urge NHTSA to: 1. Investigate Audi for potential violations of federal motor vehicle safety standards. 2. Evaluate whether a recall is warranted, as this appears not to be an isolated case. 3. Hold Audi accountable for delivering vehicles with concealed or unaddressed safety defects. As a U.S. military officer, I cannot risk the safety of my family in a vehicle plagued by such defects. American families deserve full confidence that new vehicles meet uncompromising safety standards.
NHTSA complaint #11684625 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
El carro fue comprado en febrero 2024 en greenway ford inclui un paquete de cambio de aceite,rotacion de llantas y cambio de los limpiabrisas.esto ha sido un dolor de cabeza. cada vez que se le realiza el servicio sale con la luz del ingenier prendido, en la computadora de auto zone aparece TURBOCHARGER INTERCOOLER(P0299). Ademas El asiento del pasajero esta siempre muy caliente el carro gasta demasiada gasolina y esta perdiendo velocidad,en verdad no se si el carro esta gastando aceite, ya que recién cambiado el sistema me mostro falta de aceite .o el consecionario no cambio el aceite correctamente..
NHTSA complaint #11684120 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On [XXX], I experienced multiple failures of core safety systems in my 2021 Audi Q7 that put my 17-month-old child at serious risk and exposed critical flaws in how the vehicle’s systems operate and record events. On [XXX], the pre sense automatic braking system suddenly engaged while I was driving approximately 35 mph on a clear, empty suburban road. There were no visible obstructions, no warning lights, and nothing recorded in the vehicle’s logs. This occurred less than 48 hours after the vehicle had received recall-related software updates and routine service at an Audi dealership. Prior to that service, the vehicle had no history of mechanical or safety issues. The following day, the keyless entry and anti-lockout system failed. I placed my toddler in his rear-facing car seat behind the front passenger seat and set our baby bag—with the key fob inside—on the rear seat. After closing the door and walking to the driver’s side, the car unexpectedly locked. The fob and my child were both inside. The outdoor temperature was over 90°F. I attempted to open the vehicle and then to break the window with tools, without success. After approximately seven minutes, I broke the driver’s side window with a sledgehammer and removed my child from the car. The car alarm eventually activated, but no lock-in event, key fob error, or warning was recorded. The vehicle was inspected by the dealership twice and Audi Corporate engineers once. Audi confirmed faults in the emergency call module, comfort system, rear lid sensor, and parking sensors. However, they could not reproduce or explain the braking event or lock-in failure. Audi confirmed that the vehicle should not be able to lock with the key inside, and they do not know why it did and are unable to guarantee the safety feature will work in the future. The vehicle has not been driven since. The failure of both safety function and system visibility placed my child in danger. I am requesting a safety investigation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION
NHTSA complaint #11683470 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The recall involves the virtual cockpit instrument cluster. Audi requires the use of the vehicle’s USB port to complete the update. However, my USB system is not functioning properly. •The Issue: Audi has refused to perform the recall because of the inoperable USB. They have stated that without the USB, they cannot install the update. They are not offering any alternative method or solution to ensure that this recall is completed. •Why This is a Concern: A recall is issued because of a safety-related defect. The manufacturer is obligated under federal law to remedy the defect at no cost to the owner. By refusing to provide a solution beyond requiring a functioning USB, Audi is failing its duty to correct a known safety defect. This leaves me driving a vehicle with an unresolved recall. •My Position: It is unreasonable and negligent for Audi to deny responsibility simply because the recall requires a USB port that is not functioning. The recall repair should be performed regardless, whether through replacement of the port, use of alternate diagnostic tools, or another approved method. By refusing to act, Audi is leaving my vehicle unrepaired, unsafe, and in violation of recall compliance obligations. Requested Action: I respectfully request that the NHTSA investigate Audi’s handling of this recall and require them to provide an effective remedy at no cost to me, in accordance with federal safety recall requirements.
NHTSA complaint #11681319 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
The car caught fire and burnt to to the frame. The message that came on the dash board before it caught fire was camera. I told Audi and they disregard all of that. They told me they were going to check or do investigation and the only thing I was told after looking for answer was this! These people know my insurance was state minimum so everyone put aside our safety concerned… Thank you for your continued patience while allowing Volkswagen Group of America the opportunity to review the subject Audi Q7 bearing the Vehicle Identification Number, [XXX] . Inspection of the subject Audi Q7 was conducted on September 6, 2023 at Mac’s Towing in Dania Beach, FL. Our investigation found no sign or suggestion of any manufacturer defect or shortcoming present with the vehicle. While the root cause is unknown, we would see the damages as remaining an insurance matter in light of no sign or suggestion of any manufacturer defect or shortcoming being found. Should your insurance company believe that Volkswagen Group of America is responsible for any damages, they will contact us to subrogate the claim. Regards, [XXX] Single Incident Coordinator – Audi / Lamborghini Product Analysis Group Office of the General Counsel Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. 2200 Woodland Pointe Avenue Herndon, VA 20171 Phone : +1 248 754 3367 Cell : [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11648603 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On November 2, 2015, the Environmental Protection Agency and California Air Resources Board informed Volkswagen Group companies that my Model Year 2012 3.0L Turbo Diesel Injection (TDI) vehicle did not comply with Federal and California emissions standards. In the approved emissions modification, Audi Lynbrook claims to have removed the software that reduced the effectiveness of my TDI's emission control system and to have installed new emission control software designed to function effectively in all normal driving conditions. NOTE: this "fix" that was devised to meet emission standards was never actually tested for "vehicle reliability, durability, performance, drivability or other driving characteristics", and by their own account would consume 40% more DEF [XXX], meaning it's stressing the emissions system 40% more than designed. Since the TDI Modification my 2012 Audi Q7 TDI is having constant emissions system faults with 200 mile shutdown ransomware programming, and repeated replacement of the same components. It has rendered the vehicle as unreliable and now unusable unless I keep paying for Audi's "fix". My vehicle had no such issues prior to the TDI modification and received all regularly scheduled maintenance at Audi Lynbrook. I have compiled all my service records including the TDI Modification (7/26/18) then 9 emissions system failures (XXX). Currently, Audi Lynbrook states that again emissions component replacement is needed, a part (rear nox sensor G687) that was replaced 4/10/2023 just 20 months for the second time since 11/12/2020. This failure to deliver a reliably working vehicle has already cost me considerably, so Audi has disabled my car with shutdown programming, taken it hostage needing proprietary Audi service, and are now demanding ransom to make it temporarily usable. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11638376 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On Oct. 7th, 2024, our Audi Q7 2017 needed software update because the front data screen (MMI system) was rebooting frequently while driving, causing the screen to go up and down to reset itself. The Mission Viejo, CA Audi dealership updated the software. We picked up our car on Oct 24th, 2024. By the evening of Oct 24th, 2024, an error message for ‘front right-side marker light defective’ appeared on the dashboard screen when we drove under bridges, dark areas, and at night. The error message appeared with multiple loud beeps each time it appeared. At night, the message would appear every 5-10 minutes, making the car undriveable at night. The dealership suggested they would have Audi corporate perform the Audi recall campaign 97CB – NHTSA campaign ID 16V642000. With the holidays, time dragged on. The update was finally attempted 1/7/25-1/8/25. The dealership said the update failed and suggested I either buy a new light ($4895) or contact a tune-shop to turn-off the front side markers via coding/programming, thus reducing my safety and augmenting the factory software by an outside vendor. Once the MMI software system was updated, it caused the front marker light coding to malfunction. After more research in the last few weeks, the front marker light (NHTSA campaign ID 16V642000) is a much broader issue than a light not working and still resides with Audi Q7 2017 this many years later.
NHTSA complaint #11635667 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
Panoramic sunroof imploded while traveling at freeway speeds (70mph) during normal conditions (no rain, hail, snow, etc. and 60* temp) causing a large amount of glass to be blown into the cab of vehicle, striking the driver and passenger. With this loud implosion and visibility obstructed by flying glass debris it put the driver in a unsafe environment. This also put the passenger and other drivers on the road at a huge risk of an accident. Throughout the automotive industry, this has been a known issue over the past several years and even at the local Audi dealership in Bellingham, WA. After conversation with dealership there was no known contributing factors to the implosion and was suspected to be a manufacturing defect.
NHTSA complaint #11622755 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.