AUDI Q7
Reliability, NHTSA Complaints & Recall History
10 model years analyzed (2017β2026). All data sourced directly from the NHTSA public complaints and recall database β the same data used by federal regulators.
Checking a specific AUDI Q7? Run a VIN check for its exact history.
β NHTSA NCAP Crash Test Ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
AI Interpretation
High ConfidenceAverageComplaints for the Audi Q7 (2017β2026) are concentrated in the 2017 and 2018 model years, with exterior lighting, electrical system, and engine issues being the most frequently reported components. The data shows a sharp drop in complaints after 2021, with zero complaints reported for 2022β2024 model years.
- Exterior lighting is the most complained-about component with 155 complaints.
- The 2017 model year accounts for the highest number of complaints (313).
- There are zero complaints for model years 2022, 2023, and 2024.
- Exterior lighting issues, such as malfunctioning headlights or taillights.
- Electrical system problems, including battery, wiring, or infotainment failures.
- Engine-related complaints, such as stalling, loss of power, or unusual noises.
The 2017 model year has the highest complaint volume (313), driven largely by exterior lighting, electrical system, and engine issues. The 2018 model year also shows elevated complaints (136).
Model years 2022, 2023, and 2024 have zero reported complaints, which may indicate improved reliability or limited data. Buyers may consider these years as potentially more trouble-free.
- Inspect exterior lighting for proper operation and signs of failure.
- Check for electrical system issues, including battery health and infotainment functionality.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine, suspension, and steering components.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
π NHTSA Safety Recalls
40 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
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Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2017β2026. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
π§ Most-Reported Problem Areas
Based on component keywords extracted from all 609 NHTSA complaints.
π NHTSA Complaint Reports
609 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
WHile trying to park 2025 Q7 the vehicle accelerated without warning and adaptive cruise flashed quickly then disappeared. I was the driver and had a passanger along. THis incedent repeated itself within 30 mins. I am not comfortable driving the car..
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?
I own a 2025 Audi Q7 and have experienced repeated malfunctions related to the vehicleβs driver assistance and safety systems. The vehicle frequently displays warnings such as βDriving Assist Not Availableβ and other safety system errors. These issues started while the vehicle was still relatively new and have continued intermittently. The warnings appear while driving and indicate that important driver assistance systems are not functioning properly. I have taken the vehicle to the dealership multiple times for inspection. However, the dealership often reported that they could not duplicate the problem or that no fault codes were found. Despite this, the warnings continue to appear and the problem remains unresolved. Because these systems are related to safety features such as emergency braking and driver assistance, I am concerned that the malfunction could create a dangerous driving situation. The vehicle has multiple documented service visits and I also have video evidence showing the warnings when they occur. I am reporting this issue because the malfunction involves critical safety systems and has not been properly resolved by the dealership.
New Audi Q7 only 1,392 miles driven, front brake failed, Audi NOT willing to remedy under warranty claiming unsubstantiated brakes overheated due to excessive braking ? Clearly manufacturer fault and serious safety hazard - no support from Audi Grapevine
The vehicle has adaptive cruise control with something called "predictive control." The occurrence happened on I-40 in New Mexico with a 75mph speed limit. I went to pass a semi and a pickup truck followed me into the passing lane. Both lanes were clear ahead for at least a tenth of a mile. As I got to the front of the semi, we reached an exit off the right lane. The Q7 slammed on the brakes - not slowed down, it literally slammed on the brakes. Luckily I reacted to hit the gas pedal to override the cruise control and the pickup truck driver reacted by slamming on his brakes. But a simple pass could have resulted in a disastrous accident solely because of the vehicle. I had some of these issues earlier in my trip, but not to the degree of the above incident. It was most common when passing near any intersection, including exit ramps and emergency vehicle cross-overs. An intersection icon showed up and the vehicle slowed down - sometimes gently, sometimes more forcefully. It appears to be operating within its design parameters. I reported the issue to the dealer, but I am currently across the country. I am awaiting a response. I found the settings to turn off predictive control and am testing the system to see if this works. But if the system is operating as designed, there appears to be a flaw if predictive control is active.
The contact owns a 2025 Audi Q7. The contact stated that the Lane Departure: Lane Keep Assist unintendedly engaged. While driving 40-70 MPH and attempting to switch lanes, the vehicle jerked abnormally. The contact stated that the Lane Departure: Lane Keep Assist was turned off. The Lane Departure: Lane Keep Assist warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer on two occasions, and the contact was informed that the vehicle was operating as designed. The system was reset, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was unknown.
I am filing a formal complaint regarding serious safety-related defects in a newly purchased Audi vehicle. Immediately upon delivery, the car presented: β’ 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. β’ 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.
The system keeps turning itself on after I knowingly turn it off. I have seen that other customers have complained for the same reason. I have owned the car since 1/30/25, it has turned itself on average 1-2x per week since owning the car. There are a myriad of other software issues with the car that Audi refuses to fix. When it comes back on, if I do not immediately notice, making any lane change becomes very dangerous, or particularly in a panic situation, the steering wheel is jerked so hard by the car that it is not a safe system to have turned on.
Purchased my new 2025 Audi Q7 on 11/23/2024. About a week later, I discovered that after I permanently turned OFF the Lane Departure Warning/Alert, it came back on unexpectedly and nearly caused me to overcorrect during a lane change and nearly caused me to hit an oncoming vehicle. This problem has been recurring at random intervals over the last 3 months of approximately 3 to 10 key cycles with the same safety issues. I've advised the dealership & Audi of the problem and they have refused to do anything since they say it is a 'software problem' and hope to have a 'fix' in Q2 or Q3. I understand that this issue has been ongoing for the last 2 or 3 years on Audi new cars and a software fix has been 'in the works' since then.
Often brakes abruptly. the first time the car was set at 60mph adaptive cruise control when the car abruptly braked to almost a stop on a divided four lane hwy. I reported incidents to Audi Cary & put my car in for service. they did not find diagnostic conclusion. after picking up my car the problem continues.While on Adaptive cruise control set at 62 mph abruptly decelerates to 17, forcing driver to pull into right turn lane. Again on same afternoon car braked abruptly with another car following closely behind, the driver accelerated, there was a pause where braking stopped but car did not accelerate, then the car accelerated avoiding being hit from behind. The last two incidents I immediately call Audi Cary to report the problem. I now journal all episodes of malfunction.
I leased a brand new 2025 Q7 at the beginning of June 2024. Two weeks into the lease i was attempting to back my car out of a parking spot at work, during a rainstorm, and the vehicle applied the brakes, grinding me to a sudden halt. It thought the rain was an obstacle. I tried several times to back out of the parking space and each time the car, without any other warning, slammed on the brakes. I called my salesperson who requested I contact the service center, who requested that I bring the vehicle in to be looked at. I was told that the vehicle should not be acting that way. After having the vehicle for 24 hours they called me to say there were no malfunctions or errors recorded in the system and I could come get the car. They told me that they were not able to "simulate rain" to test the issue adequately. A couple of weeks later it happened again. This time I was attempting to leave my garage, again in the rain, and I could not do so. The vehicle continued to halt each time I tried to back up. The car went back to the service center who had it for a full week, from 7/23/24 - 7/30/24, just to tell me that the issue I am referring to is actually "normal behavior and is a feature of the car" and they said that it could be turned off. This issue continued to occur and so I was provided a loaner vehicle while they were investigating what was occurring with mine. This report is related to that loaner vehicle as it has the same issue as my leased vehicle. Neither 2025 Q7 will backup in the rain and will slam on the brakes if you attempt to do so. The dealer continues to claim this is normal and I was told the issue was mine and there was nothing the dealer can or will do. I am reporting this vehicle as having an issue due to the severe safety concerns surrounding this issue with these vehicles. It is not being taken seriously by Audi and this is very concerning.
I leased a brand new 2025 Q7 at the beginning of June 2024. Two weeks into the lease i was attempting to back my car out of a parking spot at work, during a rainstorm, and the vehicle applied the brakes, grinding me to a sudden halt. It thought the rain was an obstacle. I tried several times to back out of the parking space and each time the car, without any other warning, slammed on the brakes. I called my salesperson who requested I contact the service center, who requested that I bring the vehicle in to be looked at. I was told that the vehicle should not be acting that way. After having the vehicle for 24 hours they called me to say there were no malfunctions or errors recorded in the system and I could come get the car. They told me that they were not able to "simulate rain" to test the issue adequately. A couple of weeks later it happened again. This time I was attempting to leave my garage, again in the rain, and I could not do so. The vehicle continued to halt each time I tried to back up. The car went back to the service center who had it for a full week, from 7/23/24 - 7/30/24, just to tell me that the issue I am referring to is actually "normal behavior and is a feature of the car" and they said that it could be turned off. When I picked up the car, the feature they turned off was the Rear Cross Traffic Assist (RCTA). However, that is a feature that I want to be able to use and nowhere in the owner's manual or anywhere I can find does it say that rain will stop the vehicle. I do understand how the RCTA is meant to work and I do want to have an audible and visual warning of objects or people impeding my path. However, I do not want the vehicle thinking that rain is an obstacle. I do have videos of this occurring.
Matrix adaptive headlights are not working. Night driving with increased adoption of LED headlights become challenging due to high glare level and associated temporary vision sensitivity reduction, I was hoping that matrix adaptive headlights will improve this (especially in states like Michigan where extra side light appreciates due to high amount of deers) but they are not working. Also, It puts some pedestrians under extra danger since they could not been seen in low light conditions (thereβs a lack of external lighting poles)
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.
While my vehicle was in for the Audi piston issue, they stated my water pump needed to be replaced and isnβt 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.
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.
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.
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.
I am filing a complaint concerning serious safety risks associated with my 2020 Audi Q7 (VIN: [XXX] ) purchased as a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle from Audi Dominion San Antonio. It is currently under service at Audi Central Houston, where multiple concerning events occurred. Timeline and Issues: - Initial diagnosis identified a fire-damaged electrical harness, estimated at $1,400 for replacement. - After repair attempts, the vehicle began smoking, and the diagnosis expanded to include additional compromised electrical lines. The revised quote skyrocketed to $4,700 (later reduced to $3,100). - After nearly two months in service, I was informed that the AC compressor is now deemed "bad" due to debris from the harness, an issue not mentioned in previous inspections. Safety Concerns: 1. Inconsistent Diagnosis: There was no mention of compressor damage during initial assessments. This late-stage discovery indicates negligence or potential additional damage during servicing. 2. Risky AC Activation: A technician attempted to clean the compromised AC compressor and activated the system, a procedure that is dangerous given the debris. This could lead to refrigerant leaks and electrical shorts. 3. Conflicting Statements: Audi Central Houston claims the compressor was previously damaged but also attempted to restore it. Such contradictions raise serious concerns about service integrity. 4. Certified Pre-Owned Credibility: The emergence of these costly issues questions the reliability guarantees of vehicles sold under Audi's Certified Pre-Owned program. Given that the vehicle began smoking shortly after being parked and had not undergone prior electrical work, I underscore the severe safety risks posed by potential electrical fires and undisclosed damage. These issues could endanger lives and property if not properly addressed. I strongly urge Audi USA and the NHTSA to investigate this matter for potential technical service bulletins or recalls, especially fo INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Iβm 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.
Showing 20 of 609 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check a Specific AUDI Q7
This page shows fleet averages across all 10 model years. Enter a VIN to see the exact accident history, odometer records, title brands, and open recall status for a specific car.
π Understanding This Data
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is β but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The AUDI Q7 has 609 complaints on record across 10 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The AUDI Q7 has 40 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 18 of the AUDI Q7's 609 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions β a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the AI Rating Calculated?
The AI reliability rating (Average) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. The rating provides a plain-English summary for buyers who want a quick verdict without parsing raw numbers. It is one input in your buying decision β always verify with a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable β simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all AUDI Q7 vehicles on the road β not any specific car. Two AUDI Q7 vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage β NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The AUDI Q7 has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.