As per the Audi dealership inspection: Driver's-side rear coil spring is broken (also noted that the passenger-side spring is "swollen" and will need to be replaced). Appears to be a known issue; many complaints can be found online for the exact same issue (google 2017 Audi Q7 rear broken spring). The NHTSA issued a recall for a similar issue within the VW/Audi group for the VW Atlas (a similar vehicle in the Audi/VW motor group). [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11736992 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
The rear passenger and driver side coil springs failed along with the bottom rubber seats. Both springs were broken/cracked and had slide off the rubber seats.
NHTSA complaint #11721313 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On or December 5th, 2025 (4 days after taking possession of the vehicle, I experienced a sudden and severe steering system failure while driving. When turning the steering wheel (even slightly), the vehicle produced a loud buzzing/grinding noise and the steering effort increased significantly, creating an immediate safety hazard. Because the steering issue worsened quickly and made the vehicle difficult to control, I stopped driving and brought the vehicle to an authorized Audi dealership for inspection. The Audi dealership confirmed the steering failure was caused by a major power steering system defect, including active power steering fluid leakage from the steering rack area consistent with internal seal failure, and the power steering pump being faulty due to fluid loss. The dealership advised replacement of the power steering rack and pump and stated the vehicle was unsafe to test drive due to its condition. During the same inspection, the Audi dealership also identified additional serious safety-related defects, including a brake system condition where the brake pedal slowly sinks toward the floor when pressure is applied (indicating a braking system performance failure requiring brake fluid exchange and further diagnosis if unresolved). The inspection also documented multiple additional mechanical and safety concerns requiring extensive repairs, including suspension and drivetrain defects and other conditions indicating the vehicle was not roadworthy as sold. The vehicle remains available for inspection. This incident involved a sudden loss of steering assist and braking abnormalities that could lead to loss of control, crash risk, and injury to the driver, passengers, and other motorists.
NHTSA complaint #11711746 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The coil isolated started deteriorating causing stress to the coil. This stress has caused my coil to crack and need replacement if the entire assembly. There is nothing to support the coil in the lower control arm from fully disconnecting
NHTSA complaint #11684607 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Passenger side rear coil spring broken, shocks leaking. Confirmed by dealer. No warning lamps, messages. Potential safety risks include: Suspension compromise with the balance and alignment of the vehicle. There is a risk of loss of control especially with emergency maneuvers or sharp turns. This leads to poor vehicle control, increase risk of roll of vehicle and braking control. Can cause uneven wear on tires which can cause a blow out or loss of grip on roads. The leaking shocks puts stress on other parts of the vehicle. Suspension may not respond correctly if the vehicle were to hit a pothole or make a sudden turn. The broken coil can puncture a tire, causing loss of control which can result in an accident. The vehicle is garaged year round, maintained very well, with no excessive wear and tear. One owner vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11677881 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
About two years ago I was driving down my recently paved street, and a loud bang shocked me. I thought something had hit my car. It ended up both of my rear suspension coil springs failed. I do not have a boat or trailer and have not put undue stress on it. Last week, while driving down a smooth street there was another loud bang, and my wife though I hit something, but no, I knew the noise. The front driver side suspension coil spring failed. I was 80 miles from a dealer and had to get it towed to a chevy dealer, with a repair cost of $3,000, and had to repair other parts of the suspension that were damaged. I also elected to replace the fourth and final one while they were in there so it would not happen again. Never in 40 years of owning cars have coils ever failed on me. There must have been a bad run, and this should be investigated. Suspension failure, if it happend at speed could have been dangerous.
NHTSA complaint #11672229 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The rear passenger side suspension spring coil broke while driving. The possibility of this failure puncturing a tire, dislodging from the vehicle into traffic, or causing control/stability issues of the vehicle is significant. The vehicle has been towed and is sitting until a fix is determined. No warnings were given before the incident. It happened on a smooth, flat, straight road at the time of occurrence.
NHTSA complaint #11672328 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
2017 Audi Q7 Premium Plus. 85000 miles. The car runs normal and has no warning lights and has been regularly services at Audi dealership. 1. Rear driver side spring broken. This is stated as a common problem with this model as researched on Audi Forums. 2. Engine burning excessive oil. Have to add a quart every 500 miles. This is also stated as a common problem with this model as researched on Audi Forums. Both incidents have a potential safety concern as a damaged suspension and engine can be detrimental for driving
NHTSA complaint #11644005 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
The rear coils springs snapped. The vehicle has 66k miles, which is very low for this type of component to fail. I have not used the vehicle for towing or heaving hauling. From what I have read online, many owners of 2017 Audi Q7s have experience this same issue. There is a clear defect in the springs that is causing this to happen.
NHTSA complaint #11625725 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rear spring and lower plates have snapped and are broken. This happened at around 60,000 miles. A lot of 2017 & 2018 Audi Q7 owners are complaining at Audi Forums. Please take a look at this issue. Thank you.
NHTSA complaint #11623158 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
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.