RoadVitals

2008 Audi Q7 Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

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
Latest Aug 6, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
11
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

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2008 Audi Q7, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

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

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Electrical513.5%
  • Brakes25.4%
  • Driver assistance25.4%
  • Engine25.4%
  • Visibility25.4%
  • Body & structure25.4%
  • Exterior lighting12.7%
  • Other / unspecified12.7%
  • Tires & wheels12.7%
  • Airbags12.7%

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

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

18
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Aug 6, 2026

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 · filed Aug 18, 2022
All 18 reports naming fuel system

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Apr 15, 2025

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 · filed Jan 4, 2022

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE CAR WAS SLIPPING ON ICE WHEN THERE WAS NOT THAT MUCH ICE. THEN I WAS TOLD IT HAS AN ISSUE WITH AN ABS CONTROL MODULE. THE PART IS OVER $2500 AND THE CAR DOES NOT EVEN HAVE 70 000 MILES. VW HAS RECALLED THIS PART AND SO SHOULD AUDI BEFORE INJURIES AND DEATHS OCCUR. *TR

NHTSA ID 10703135 · filed Apr 1, 2015

I HAVE ATTEMPTED TO GET MY BRAKES REPAIRED ON A 2008 AUDI Q7. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO TWO DIFFERENT SERVICE CENTERS WITH 2 VISITS TO EACH ONE. NONE OF THEM HAVE FIXED THE PROBLEMS COMPLETELY. *TR

NHTSA ID 10326716 · filed Apr 20, 2010

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jan 28, 2022

THE CAR WAS SLIPPING ON ICE WHEN THERE WAS NOT THAT MUCH ICE. THEN I WAS TOLD IT HAS AN ISSUE WITH AN ABS CONTROL MODULE. THE PART IS OVER $2500 AND THE CAR DOES NOT EVEN HAVE 70 000 MILES. VW HAS RECALLED THIS PART AND SO SHOULD AUDI BEFORE INJURIES AND DEATHS OCCUR. *TR

NHTSA ID 10703135 · filed Apr 1, 2015

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE UPPER PLASTIC INTAKE RUNNER FLAPS IN THE INTAKE MANIFOLD BROKE CAUSING THE FLAPS AND PLASTIC DEBRIS TO BE PULLED INTO THE INTAKE PORTS OF THE CYLINDER HEAD RESULTING IN INTAKE VALVE AND INJECTOR DAMAGE. THIS CAUSED THE ENGINE TO STOP RUNNING.

NHTSA ID 10917543 · filed Oct 20, 2016

INTAKE MANIFOLD FLAP ON PASSENGER NOT OPENING FULLY CAUSING THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO TURN ON. I CHECKED THE WEB AND I THERE ARE A LOT OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM. I'VE HAD BMW, MERCEDEZ, TOYOTA'S AND A LOT MORE, NONE OF THOSE VEHICLE GAVE ME PROBLEM. AUDI IS TAKING CARE OF OTHER MODELS WITH 2.0 TFSI ENGINE, THEY EXTENDED THE EMMISSION WARRANTY TO 10 YRS OR 100K. AUDI SHOULD TAKE CARE OF THIS ISSUE ASWELL.

NHTSA ID 10734103 · filed Jul 15, 2015

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

MY PASSENGER WINDSHIELD WIPER FLEW OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. IT WAS RAINING PRETTY HARD AND THE AUTOMATIC WIPERS WERE GOING PRETTY FAST WHEN SUDDENLY IT SNAPPED OFF AND FLEW BEHIND ME. THIS HAPPENED ON MAY 17, 2018. THE DEALER I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM REPLACED IT WITH ANOTHER Q7'S WIPER THAT WAS ON THEIR LOT. THIS HAPPENED AGAIN ON 11/06/2018... I WAS AROUND THE SAME AREA OF THE HIGHWAY, IT WAS RAINING AND THE WIPERS WERE GOING PRETTY FAST. I WAS GOING ABOUT 50 MILES PER HOUR WHEN IT FLEW OFF AGAIN. I THINK THIS IS VERY UNSAFE AS THE WHOLE ARMS FLIES OFF WHICH IS MADE OF HEAVY METAL THAT CAN CRACK SOMEONE'S WINDSHIELD ON THE HIGHWAY OR EVEN WORSE. THERE HAS TO BE SOMETHING THAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT THIS.

NHTSA ID 11149923 · filed Nov 7, 2018

DRIVING ON A CAUSEWAY WHILE RAINING AND SUDDENLY PASSENGER SIDE WIPER ARM BROKE. IT MADE HUGE NOISE AND THANKS GOD IT DID NOT BREAK THE WINDSHEILD OR HIT ANYBODY BEHIND THE WHEEL. COULD HAVE BEEN WORSE. SEEN SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ON AUDIWORLD FORUM BUT NO REMEDY. I ORDERED ONE AND REPLACING ONE NOW. BUT THIS WINDSHIELD WIPER SYSTEM SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED DUE TO SAFETY CONCERN.

NHTSA ID 11065499 · filed Jan 28, 2018

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 AUDI Q7. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE CLOSING THE REAR HATCH, A KNOCKING SOUND WAS HEARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HATCH PULL DOWN MOTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,300 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 86,364. *TR UPDATED 5/22/13 *CN

NHTSA ID 10504604 · filed Mar 26, 2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 AUDI Q7. THE CONTACT STATED WHENEVER IT WOULD RAIN OR WHEN WASHING THE VEHICLE, WATER WOULD LEAK INTO THE FRONT PASSENGERS SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER ADVISED THE DRAIN WAS CLOGGED WITH LEAVES AND THE DRAIN WAS UNCLOGGED BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE DEALER THEN ATTEMPTED TO REPLACE THE CIRCULATOR TO ADDRESS THE FAILURE BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED TAKING THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER AND WOULD NOT PROVIDE ANY FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 24,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 30,000.

NHTSA ID 10336264 · filed Jun 14, 2010

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

MY LIGHTS FREQUENTLY BURN OUT, DAYLIGHT RUNNING LIGHT, BRAKE LIGHTS, LOWER LIGHTS, TAIL LIGHTS, NIGHT LAMPS. I'VE HAD TO REPLACE MORE BULBS THAN OIL CHANGES. PLEASE HELP, THIS IS COSTLY AND DEEMED NOT RELIABLE OR SAFE.

NHTSA ID 10936127 · filed Dec 19, 2016

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

I HAVE ATTEMPTED TO GET MY BRAKES REPAIRED ON A 2008 AUDI Q7. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO TWO DIFFERENT SERVICE CENTERS WITH 2 VISITS TO EACH ONE. NONE OF THEM HAVE FIXED THE PROBLEMS COMPLETELY. *TR

NHTSA ID 10326716 · filed Apr 20, 2010

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

I WAS DRIVING AT 70 MPH ON INTERSTATE WHEN BLOWOUT OCCURRED ON MICHELIN PILOT SPORT PS2 TIRE WITH ONLY 11,000 MILES ON TIRES. THE LEFT FRONT TIRE BLEW. THE TIRES HAD BEEN WELL MAINTAINED BY ROTATING AND BALANCING EVERY 3,500 MILES AND TIRE INFLATION PROPERLY MAINTAINED. THE WEATHER WAS CLEAR AND DRY. I HAD BEEN DRIVING FOR ABOUT 2.5 HOURS WHEN THE INCIDENT OCCURRED. I WAS ABLE TO STEER THE CAR TO THE EMERGENCY LANE AND CALL FOR ASSISTANCE TO CHANGE TIRE TO SPARE. UPON EXAMINATION, THE INSIDE EDGE OF THE TIRE THE STEEL BELT CAME THROUGH THE TIRE AND CAUSED BLOWOUT. THE OUTSIDE EDGE OF TIRE DID NOT SHOW THE WEAR THAT THE INSIDE EDGE SHOWED AND HAD NOT BEEN READILY NOTICEABLE UPON VISUAL INSPECTION EARLIER IN THE DAY. THE TIRES HAD JUST BEEN ROTATED, BALANCED AND ALIGNED 1 MONTH PRIOR AND THERE WAS A NOTATION TO MONITOR THE TREAD BAR AS THE FRONT TIRES WERE WEARING FASTER THAN THE BACK TIRES (THE CAR IS ALL WHEEL DRIVE). I HAD BEEN DOING A VISUAL INSPECTION OF THE TIRES EACH TIME I GOT IN THE CAR AND HAD NOT NOTICED THAT THE INSIDE EDGE OF THE LEFT FRONT TIRE WAS WEARING UNEVENLY FROM THE OUTSIDE EDGE. THE AAA EMPLOYEE WHO REMOVED THE TIRE STATED THAT HE BELIEVED THAT AIR LEAKED OUT THROUGH THE STEEL AND CAUSED THE BLOWOUT. THE CAR HAS TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM HOWEVER NEVER SHOWED TIRE PRESSURE LOSS UNTIL THE BLOWOUT OCCURRED. *TR

NHTSA ID 10329366 · filed May 8, 2010

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* (COUNTERFEIT AIRBAG CONCERN) THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 AUDI Q7. THE CONTACT SUSPECTED THAT HER VEHICLE COULD POSSESS A COUNTERFEIT AIR BAG. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 70,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID 10479774 · filed Oct 11, 2012

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

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.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .