2018 Audi Q7 Complaint Log

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.

The crankcase ventilation valve is malfunctioning resulting in excessive oil consumption and unsafe idling. The Extended Warranty dated 5/24/19 with Number AWA-19-03 should be extended to other model years.

ALERT " Left Front side marker light defective" see owner manual. That is the message

Right Front Parking Light Defective

Catastrophic engine failure, this occurred 2 weeks after a service appointment where nothing was detected. The car only had 86,000 miles and it is unrepairable. We have now found that this could be due to a design flaw in this model which we were unaware of.

2018 Audi Q7 piston melting diagnosed by a certified mechanic due to excessive oil consumption due to defective pistons. A class action suit was filed. And a warranty extension extension issued. There is no record of a warranty extension and should be. Please advise

I am reporting a progressive oil consumption defect that led to a catastrophic engine failure in my 2018 Audi Q7. The vehicle was purchased Certified Pre-Owned (CPO). I reported the excessive oil use to an Audi dealer. The dealer attempted to address the issue by performing an engine cleaning/flush, but the engine failed shortly afterwards. Over time, the vehicle required frequent top-offs between service intervals. Eventually, the engine suffered a mechanical failure, resulting in a broken exhaust valve and internal engine damage while driving on the highway. The Audi dealer provided a repair estimate of approximately $12,000. Audi of America offered 40% assistance to make the repair, but does not recognize the underlying excessive oil consumption issue. Furthermore, the proposed repair only replaces the damaged valve and related components, but does not address the underlying excessive oil consumption that caused the failure. This means the vehicle may still: •unexpectedly run low on oil, •lose power while driving, •suffer additional internal damage, or •again experience sudden engine failure while driving. These conditions can cause dangerous drivability issues, including loss of acceleration and potential stalling at highway speeds. This appears to be a serious safety-related defect involving lubrication failure, component breakage, and potential loss of power. I am requesting that NHTSA review this issue to determine whether similar failures are occurring in other Audi Q7 vehicles with the 3.0T engine.

The console displays side marker light defective warning, but both the side marker lights are working

This vehicle developed low oil alerts within 6 weeks of me receiving it with normal city driving. Multiple testing visits and comprehensive consumption testing later, it continued to have the low oil alerts very frequently and various random malfunction alerts like parking brake alert etc. For each complaint I took it to the dealership and did whatever they recommended but no eventual resolution was found. Early October this year, in the middle of traffic multiple alerts came on including drive system malfunction, parking brake malfunction and start stop malfunction. So many that the whole console just lit up and the car started rocking in the middle of traffic and I had to slow down to keep the vehicle in control. The car was rocking visibly and I had difficulty in maneuvering it to a safe location . I contacted the dealership and they gave me an appointment 4 weeks out saying that since the lights were solid and not flashing I could choose to drive the car. However it didn’t look safe to drive so I didn’t use it thereafter. They later told me after a diagnostic evaluation that the engine needed to be replaced as the slapping piston rings had scraped the cylinder walls.

Left Front side marker light faulty. is the warning on the dashboard - I have noticed there is a recall I believe 2017 2018 for the same part and this is on a 2019 so it's obviously the part it actually says if there's a software fix

Both rear coil springs broke which the Audi shop has said is very rare to have happened

The contact owns a 2018 Audi Q7. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, an orange triangle warning symbol and a message that the "Driver’s side Front Marker Defective - See Owner’s Manual" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the front driver’s side marker needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,901.

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.

This is a well known issue and multiple People have reported on this issue to Audi. It’s is very common in Audi Q7 models from the year 2017 - 2023 where the PCV valve have a defect and the marker on the front passenger and driver side lights as well are out. These are both very costly repairs that are thousands of dollars that truly hurt the consumer. They know that the 3.0 L engine had a severe problem with the PCV valve and crack case and they have not warned customers and it’s truly hurting the consumer in this economy. Please file this petition and I bet customers flock as I saw a Reddit thread with thousands of people complaining about the same common issue and problem with their Audi Q7. CRANK CASE VALVE/OIL SEPARATOR. LOUD WHISTLE NOISE COMING FROM ENGINE Parts: BOLT, Qty 14.00, CA TRIM, Qty 1.00, CA REPAIR KIT, Qty 6.00, CA GASKET, Qty 6.00, CA GASKET, Qty 6.00, CA TUBE, Qty 1.00, CA TUBE, Qty 1.00, CA WASHER, Qty 1.00, CA

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)

Left front side marker light defective.

Water pump failure

To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally report a serious and recurring safety issue involving my 2018 Audi Q7. The vehicle has experienced repeated drive system malfunctions that result in sudden loss of power, reduced acceleration, and warning messages on the dashboard such as “Drive System: Malfunction” and “Electrical System Failure.” These incidents have occurred while the vehicle was in motion, creating a hazardous situation for both the occupants and surrounding drivers. In my case, the vehicle unexpectedly lost power while driving at highway speeds, forcing me to maneuver to the shoulder with diminished control. This sudden malfunction is unpredictable and could easily result in a collision or serious injury, especially in high-speed or high-traffic conditions. Upon researching this issue, I found that numerous other 2018 Audi Q7 owners have reported similar problems. These complaints consistently cite the same symptoms, including sudden deceleration, electrical system errors, and power steering failure. It appears to be a widespread defect that may warrant a recall or further investigation by the NHTSA. I urge your office to investigate this matter promptly to prevent potential injuries or fatalities. I am willing to provide service records, diagnostic codes, photos, or any other documentation that may support this complaint. Thank you for your attention to this serious safety concern. I hope the NHTSA will take appropriate action to ensure the safety of all drivers affected by this defect.

The engine burns oil. At about 60k miles started to burn about a liter every 10k miles. Once the engine got to about 80K engines it started burning a leter about every 1K miles. The high amount of oil consumption fouled the spark plugs, coils, injectors and sensors. This resulted in a drive system malfunction, caused loss of power in the engine that ultimately ruined the engine with less than 100K miles.

"front left" or "front right" "side marker light defective" message Rear brakes loud squeal when reversing.

The Audi MMI system, which controls almost everything (radio, navigation, vehicle settings etc) shuts down and restarts every few minutes all by itself. The MMI system restarts completely randomly. It started out of nowhere a few months ago and happens whether driving or parked. Since then it is happening more and more frequently, making the system unusable at times (meaning navigation, radio, etc do not work). I'm afraid this issue is in the vehicle's computer and other components of hte car could be faulty, putting myself and other drivers with Audi cars at risk of injury or death if something with the computer fails. I have researched this issue extensively online and this seems to have appeared in numerous different Audi models and years. This also seems to have started happening fairly recently in most cases. I have not and will not take my vehicle to the dealership for diagnosis because I know they will charge a few hundred dollars just to tell me they cannot find anything (this is what many people have already posted online). There is an OBVIOUS computer system issue with Audi vehicles affecting their MMI system and some sort of fix is needed, for the safety of all vehicle owners.

#1 CYLINDER LOST COMPRESSION CAUSING CAR TO ALMOST IMMEDIATELY STOP WHILE DRIVING 78MPH ON THE INTERSTATE. CAR WAS TOWED BACK TO MANUFACTURER WHERE I BOUGHT THE CAR. THE CAR 2018 AUDI Q7 HAS 68,000 MILES, ALL SERVICING OF VEHICLE WAS DONE AT DEALERSHIP WHERE I BOUGHT THE CAR. NEVER ANY PROBLEMS WITH ENGINE EXCEPT THE OCCASIONAL NEED FOR ENGINE OIL REQUIRING BEING TOPPED OFF.

Engine Rebuild/Replace: Cylinder 1 intake valve has broken causing misfire/ oil consumption. Due to piece of valve falling into combustion chamber, damage/scoring on cylinder wall. Recommend replacement of engine

For over 24+ months now, the engine has been showing signs of excessive oil consumption. I've had the engine light come on requesting for me to add a quart of oil...on average, every 2,000 miles. I'm concerned with this excessive oil consumption as it is a major safety issue, as the piston rings may fail due to a possible faulty engine design (most likely since this excessive oil consumption is a frequent occurrence with other drivers of this vehicle). When discussed with the dealership, they are aware of the situation (2017-2019 Audi Q7 excessive oil consumption) and they request that I pay for an engine compression test. This amount of oil consumption shouldn't happen.

First time on highway since getting it back from the car repair vendor two days prior. Drive system malfunction occurred on the highway drive approx.13 miles from my house. Car lost power and would stall and would barely idle. Stopped in the middle of highway traffic 3 times. Got the car towed to vendor that had serviced my car 2 days prior which involved changing rear brake pads and rotors, 6 supercharged spark plugs and air filter. Estimate of issue was damaged exhaust valves on cylinder 2 & 4. Recommended service was remove the cylinder heads, replace all exhaust valves, clean pistons and combustion chambers $8,032.99.

Twice, without logically-relevant symptom or warning, when the vehicle attempted to accelerate from a low speed in the middle of a busy intersection, the AEB incorrectly activated, suddenly stopped the vehicle, startled the drivers, and nearly caused accidents. Turned out, this was known behavior caused by a design defect software bug in the "door control modules" for which a software update had been released but never publicly announced. Audi charged us $315 for the software update, but since it is a manufacturing defect causing a critical safety issue, it should be covered by a safety recall, all owners of Audi vehicles with the affected "door control modules" should be proactively notified of the software update and should receive it without cost.

The vehicle developed a misfire on cylinder 1. The dealership ran a 3 hour diagnostic that included using a borescope on all cylinders. One of the valves on cylinder 1 was identified as bad. The dealership indicated the only solution was to replace the engine and suggested trading the vehicle in for a new car.

We had a warning light go on on the dash advising there was an issue with the driver's side side marker lamp. In looking at the lamp, it is still illuminating, just not as bright as normal. This is a known issue with Audi - several complaints have been made already and there is even a recall on certain vins. My vin was not included in this so the cost is falling on me (in the form of $6200 not including tax) despite this being the exact same issue in the recall.

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.

Bad water pump and thermostat for 2018 Audi q7 59,000 miles I see it has been a class action lawsuit on the water pumps

While driving on I-90 in January 2025, the steering wheel malfunctioned causing loss of control of the car. The warning message came on the dashboard to immediately stop driving. Was able to pull off to the shoulder, turn the vehicle off, and call AAA for assistance. They towed the car to a repair shop.

Getting error message again regarding "Front Right Side Marker Light Defective". This issue was already addressed back in late 2024 by my local Audi service center, but has popped back up again for the second time. My car has a little over 100K and has no other problems. There was an Audi recall Campaign 97CB (NHTSA campaign ID #16V642000) that addresses this exact issue and applies to some affected VIN numbers, but mine is not included. Seem to be occurring with a lot of regularity based on research online.

Error code for right front side marker light faulty. Light seems to be working. I've had two mechanics look at the car. They can't figure out what's wrong. Error message appears randomly. Brakes are very squeaky. I took the car to Audi and they said it was normal and I should brake more aggressively.

97CB (NHTSA campaign ID 16V642000. This recall address this issue on the 2018 Audi Q7. Side marker light malfunction. Does my vehicle qualify?

Getting error message regarding "Front Right Side Marker Light Defective". My car has a little over 66K and has no problems. There was an Audi recall ampaign97CB (NHTSA campaign ID #16V642000) that addresses this exact issue and applies to some affected VIN numbers, but mine is not included.

My car shows a warning message that says, right front side marker light issue. I understand Audi issued a recall for this issue but only for certain VINs which did not include my car.

Audi Q7 front right parking light defective. Audi recall campaign 97CB (NHTSA campaign ID 16V642000) 16V642000 My vehicle says no open recalls but I get the error meaaage.

The left front side marker light is defective. However, the left front side marker light is working. The vehicle keeps reporting this error. Audi recall campaign 97CB (NHTSA campaign ID 16V642000) addresses this exact issue, but this problem has always existed. Even 2018 Audi vehicles have this problem.

A very distracting warning about an issue with a front left side marker keeps popping up - on some rides multiple times in a minute! - and the only way to address it is, according to the dealership, to pay almost $7,000 to replace the entire headlamp assembly. It’s so distracting I do not permit the new teenage driver in our family to drive the car because I do not think it is safe. The visual is alarming and appears in the display immediately behind the steering wheel, so it is distracting. I think it makes a Ping! noise too, each time it appears. The car passed inspection because the light still works, there seems to be some other problem deep in the assembly that is causing the distracting warning. Given the cost and the safety issue from the distraction, I was surprised there is not a recall on this. So, I am reporting it now. Here is the information the dealership provided with the estimate: IMMEDIATE ATTENTION UPON INSPECTION AND DIAGNOSING FOUND LEFT HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY IS DEFECTIVE 450TU FOR HEADLAMP REPLACEMENT 350 TU FOR FRONT CAMERA CALIBRATION REPLACE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY IS 6,973.89

At my 100k mile inspection it was noted that an engine mount is leaking. With a repair cost in the multiple thousands I checked online and have found this to be an extremely common occurrence with possible disastrous implications.

We were driving down the expressway when the car began to vibrate. We pulled over and had lights on the dash. We had it towed to a dealership where it was diagnosed as a burnt valve and ruined motor. I believe a new Audi engine quote was around $26,000. We took very good care of this car. This is a common issue and will become more common as these engines fail.

Valve three burnt causing engine failure and replacement

Car starting giving an error that the “Front right side parking light is defective”.

See attached document for complaint.

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.

The contact owns a 2018 Audi Q7. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 15 MPH and attempting to make a left turn, the steering wheel seized without warning. The contact stated that the passenger’s side front and rear wheels struck the curb causing the vehicle to spin out. The contact was able to regain control of the vehicle. The vehicle was brought to a stop and was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the steering rack had failed due to a loss of communication with the steering module. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 64,851.

I researched this issue and noticed a widespread problem with the light detection of the 2017 modes and the 2018 Audi Q7 left front-side marker light. I have had this issue with my vehicle twice, resulting in over 4,000 dollars in repairs each time. I noticed that the 2018 models were left off, but I am sure there are more owners with this exact problem, and I believe this recall should be granted to 2017-2019 owners since the vehicles are in the same generation and have the same vehicle components on them. This is a widely known issue and a clear cash grab for Audi as the repair process to fix this is over $4,000 dollars each time, and the issue has not been resolved and is not covered under many warranties.

Front left side marker light malfunction warning came on. All lights seem to be working but warning light is still on . All forums online indicate a common issue with no resolution other than disabling the safety feature which is not a good option. Seems to be a prevalent issue with the q7 and should warrant a recall

My 8-year-old's finger was in the door frame and the door came close enough to engage the soft close feature and she tried to pull her finger out as we watched the door slowly continue closing on it. After 4 x-rays the doctor determined it was not fractured, but it is badly bruised, swollen, and was cut. This should not be possible that it doesn't sense her finger. On a car not equipped with soft closing, this incident wouldn't have occurred.

Rear Drivers side spring cracked failed and corrosion on the bottom mount. Passenger side corrosion also visible and needed to be replaced. Confirmed and documented by dealer and repaired on 7-12-24. Vehicle has 93K miles and was last brought in for multi point inspection at 50K.