RoadVitals

2008 Audi Q7

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
33
+1 complaint in 30 days
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
3
Latest Nov 19, 2018
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
1

Overview

Our database contains 33 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2008 Audi Q7, most frequently naming the fuel system, electrical and brakes categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 457 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Electrical513.5%
  • Brakes25.4%
  • Driver assistance25.4%
  • Engine25.4%
  • Visibility25.4%
  • Body & structure25.4%
  • Exterior lighting12.7%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

3 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Nov 19, 2018
5,987 units potentially affected
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2007-2012 Audi Q7 and 2009-2012 Audi Q5 vehicles, previously repaired under NHTSA recall 16V-660. These vehicles were previously repaired with an interim repair of installing butyl tape to the fuel pump flange, until replacement remedy parts became available.
The risk: The butyl tape may not prevent fuel from leaking. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
The remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump flange and install butyl tape, free of charge. The recall began December 28, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20BJ.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Manufacturer number 20BJView on NHTSA.gov

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Sep 13, 2016
143,214 units potentially affected
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 Audi Q5, and 2007-2012 Audi Q7 vehicles equipped with gasoline engines. The fuel pump flange on the affected vehicles may crack, allowing fuel to leak.
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
The remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the flange, replacing any flanges that are cracked. If the flange is not cracked, dealers will clean the pump flange and install a butyl rubber band to protect the pump. These repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began November 9, 2016. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20W9.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Manufacturer number 20W9View on NHTSA.gov

STRUCTURE:BODY:TRUNK LID

Aug 1, 2007
23,898 units potentially affected
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE AUTOMATIC REAR LID INCLUDES AN ELECTRIC MOTOR AND CLUTCH THAT WORK IN CONJUNCTION WITH TWO GAS STRUTS TO OPEN AND CLOSE THE REAR LID, INCLUDING A MANUAL CLOSE FUNCTION. IF ONE OF THE STRUTS HAS A TOTAL LOSS OF PRESSURE, THE RESULTANT SLOW MOVEMENT OF THE REAR LID IS INTERPRETED BY THE SOFTWARE AS AN INTENDED MANUAL CLOSE AND THE MOTOR CLUTCH RELEASES TO CLOSE THE REAR LID IMMEDIATELY.
The risk: THIS CAN RESULT IN AN UNINTENDED RAPID CLOSING OF THE REAR LID WITH A RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW SOFTWARE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 14, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AUDI AT 1-800-822-2834.
VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INCManufacturer number JVView on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Fuel system
Filed Aug 6, 2026

Last year I bought my Audi q7 2008 3.6 v6 and This car really smells like gas so bad on the inside. It’s becoming so strong my garage smells like it too and my children are complaining about headaches. I now also have an Audi q7 2013 3.0 v6 supercharge gas. And this one really has that same leaking strong gas smell. There’s even mentions of it on the invoice from the shops I’ve been to. Sometimes I can smell it then others it’s irresistible and I don’t know if me and my children or others on the road or safe.

NHTSA ID
11755160
Incident
Mar 22, 2025
Electrical
Filed Apr 15, 2025

This issue closely resembles Audi recall campaign 97CB (NHTSA campaign ID 16V642000), with details available at [XXX] . In my case, the marker light itself is functioning properly, but the vehicle is displaying a false error message: "Front Right Side Marker Light Defective." This poses safety risks because the erroneous warning distracts drivers from the road and could lead to the system failing to alert the driver of an actual side marker light issue in the future. Many owners of the same model and year are disabling their side marker lights entirely to avoid the error, as evidenced in discussions such as those on [XXX] . Repairing this issue typically requires replacing the entire headlight assembly, with costs ranging from $2,400 to $5,300, making it prohibitively expensive for many. Although Audi initiated a recall (97CB) for a similar issue, it was limited to a specific subset of vehicles, and the widespread nature of this problem in other vehicles outside the recall’s VIN range suggests a broader defect. Given these safety risks, high repair costs, and the frequency of the issue, I urge the NHTSA to investigate whether this problem warrants a broader recall or corrective actions by the manufacturer.

NHTSA ID
11654641
Incident
Jan 15, 2025
Fuel system
Filed Aug 18, 2022

The contact owns a 2008 Audi Q7. The contact stated that fuel was leaking from the fuel tank onto the ground. There was an abnormal odor of fuel detected. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V660000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.

NHTSA ID
11480023
Incident
Jun 1, 2022
Mileage
95,000 mi
Driver assistanceFuel system
Filed Jan 28, 2022

My vehicle [XXX] has a few symptoms that no Audi dealer or European repair shop can tell me the issue first the EPG blinks on then the vehicle won’t start Then once it finally starts up in the parking gear it’s revving up as if I pressing on the gas it does this on its own my check engine light comes on even when the necessary maintenance have been done. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ID
11449215
Incident
Jun 10, 2021
ElectricalFuel system
Filed Jan 4, 2022

Unknown my esp fault was blinking then my car wouldn’t start took it to Audi of Bedford and and another European auto and was told they didn’t know why my vehicle wouldn’t start After 8 days of sitting it finally started back up still with no explanation as to why it didn’t start

NHTSA ID
11446104
Incident
Nov 19, 2021
Fuel system
Filed Dec 3, 2021

Good day, I took the car for the oil change and was advised by auto repairman that there is a fuel leak underneath the rear passenger side seat and the issue has a recall by Audi. Repairman stated he was unable to fix it due to the recall and instructed me to contact Audi direct to have the issue fixed. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ID
11442559
Incident
Nov 30, 2021
Fuel system
Filed Oct 25, 2021

Good morning, As of two days ago I began smelling gas when I exited my vehicle. I paid it no mind at the time since I was parked amongst other vehicles in the parking lot and this has never happened before or at least since I owned the vehicle. I placed a card board box under the vehicle just to sense if it was my vehicle and have a sense of security that I had nothing to worry about. The next day I did notice that the box contained stains of fluid and smelled like gas. As this is my only vehicle I had to drive to work and noticed that the smell got worst. As I arrived at work I immediately did some research and found out that there was a recall on the matter, but I did not receive any information pertaining to recall etc. On my way back home I drove below the speed limit and in the slow lane just as a pre-caution. During that time the engine light came on putting my stress level even higher. As of today I have reached out to the dealership and expressed my concerns about the safety of my family with the fluid being gas and may cause a fire. The response I received was that there was a recall, but it has since been closed. I have been taking the vehicle to be serviced at the Audi dealership and you would think that they would inform me of that information. I am awaiting a call from the corporate office to address my concerns at the moment and I don't think that it is going to be a good one. I contacted them before about the steering column issue where the system locks you out and would not allow access to get the vehicle started. I was told that it was my responsibility because of the age and mileage on the vehicle. Please note, I have not modified or changed anything on the vehicle. These are all manufacturing defects that they know exist.

NHTSA ID
11438036
Incident
Oct 23, 2021
Fuel system
Filed Sep 24, 2021

I have an audi 2008 q7, that has a gas leak of some kind. Local mechanic says that it could be fuel pump leak. I looked for recalls to this problem and found two for 2008 q7 gas leaks. When I contacted the local audi dealership and gave them my vin, they said no recalls on that vin. When I called Audi corporate, they said the same thing when I gave them my vin. I clearly see the recalls on line and it states all q7 gas engines. This is a fire hazard and Audi is refusing to fix my car, because my vin number isnt listed. Its obvious that its associated with this recall and Im getting no help at all from Audi. They must take care of this recall.

NHTSA ID
11434157
Incident
Sep 23, 2021

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

TSB_2082615_1

POWER TRAIN

This bulletin provides inormation when the ATF pipes leak; Q7 with 0C8 gearbox.

A9124632044694_3

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)

This bulletin provides information pertaining to MMI Navigation database concerns.

A912306202432310

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:PARKING ASSIST:SENSORS; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:PARKING ASSIST:SOFTWARE

This bulletin provides information when the parking assistance provides false warnings.

A9023562032113_8

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

This bulletin provides general information about the outside air temperature reading.

A0023812070568_2

EQUIPMENT

This bulletin provides information on the VAS 611 015 PICO-NVH tool for professional noise analysis.

A9423672071954_1

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS; EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS

This bulletin provides information pertaining to when there are foreign objects inside of a headlight or taillight.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Audi Q7 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026110
2025142053.8
2024130
2023163048.2
2022183061.2
2021699062.6
2020265058.3
2019614054.2
20181413054.0
20173177055.9
2016210
2015442042.1
2014452052.9
2013413060.2
2012294152.7
2011234154.5
2010293145.1
2009213148.4
2008Viewing333047.9
2007953047.8
2006000

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.