2014 Audi Q7 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2014 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
- Fuel system1727.4%
- Engine1117.7%
- Electrical711.3%
- Driver assistance58.1%
- Powertrain (other)46.5%
- Visibility46.5%
- Airbags34.8%
- Suspension34.8%
- Interior & seats23.2%
- Steering23.2%
- Seat belts11.6%
- Body & structure11.6%
- Tires & wheels11.6%
- Exterior lighting11.6%
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2014 Audi Q7. The contact stated that while attempting to trade the vehicle at a dealer, the team observed an abnormal fuel odor coming from the vehicle. While inspecting the vehicle, there was fuel dripping down the side of the fuel tank into a puddle underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 66,000.
Gas leak under left passenger side of the vehicle.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2014 Audi Q7. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, there was an abnormal beeping sound coming from the warning light on the instrument panel. The message "Low Coolant" was displayed. In addition, the vehicle stalled. The contact was unable to move over to the side of the road. The contact raised the hood and refilled the coolant reservoir. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was included in the Volkswagen Emissions Scandal several years ago, and the vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact related the failure to the EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation), where the valve recirculates exhaust gas to lower combustion temperatures and reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 111,000.
I am experiencing a severe oil leak between the engine and gearbox of my Audi Q7. This issue poses a safety risk due to potential engine malfunctions and accidents. Many Hello My name is [XXX] , owner of 2014 Q7 tdi. I am writing to bring to your attention a prevalent issue that has been reported by numerous Audi Q7 TDI vehicle owners, including myself. It has come to my attention, through various online forums such as AudiForum, that a significant number of Q7 TDI owners are experiencing oil leaks between the engine and gearbox. This issue poses a safety risk due to potential engine malfunctions and accidents. Many other Q7 owners have reported similar problems, and Audi America is aware of the issue. Warning signs appear when oil levels are low, indicating the need for constant oil replenishment. The component in question is available for inspection upon request. This issue not only poses a potential safety risk but also has the potential to cause significant damage to the vehicle's engine and drivetrain components. As a concerned owner, I believe it is imperative for Audi to address this issue promptly and comprehensively. Therefore, I am formally requesting that Audi initiate a recall for all affected Audi Q7 TDI vehicles to rectify the oil leak issue. I urge Audi to conduct a thorough investigation into the root cause of the problem and implement appropriate measures to remedy it, ensuring the safety and satisfaction of its customers. Please provide me with information on the formal procedure to file a request for a recall regarding this issue. Additionally, I would appreciate regular updates on the progress of this matter and any actions taken by Audi to address it. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your prompt response and resolution of this issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
Flooding due to improper cleaning of ac valve blockage. I took the car to the dealership due to water leakage in the floorboards. They said they fixed the issue but after within a few weeks the water leakage kept pouring now due to that the water leakage has exceeded its point to which it has now put it self into the electronica areas of the car. Now the car will no longer run and it shows multiple issues with the check engine light constantly on consistent water leakage now there’s mold and water leakage in the electronica area and it’s preventing me from using my car my car is no longer able to drive and I feel it’s due to the consistency of them not being able to control the water leak damage the car has caused
THE PANORAMIC SUNROOF HAS A FLAW THAT CAUSES RAIN TO OR ON THE AMPLIFIER. AUDI FUNCTIONS THROUGH FIBER OPTICS, THEREFORE WHEN THE AMPLIFIER MALFUNCTIONS, THE ENTIRE ELECTRIC SYSTEM IS INOPERABLE. THIS INCLUDES BUT NIT LIMITED TO- THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM, THE CAR MONITORING SYSTEM THAT DISPLAYS WARNINGS FOR THE VEHICLE, THE STEREO SYSTEM ETC. THIS IS A KNOWN DEFECT THAT HAS NIT BEEN ADDRESSED BY AUDI.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
Adaptive cruise and speed control were intermittently operating eventually resulting in a defective system. No resolution at this time
Flooding due to improper cleaning of ac valve blockage. I took the car to the dealership due to water leakage in the floorboards. They said they fixed the issue but after within a few weeks the water leakage kept pouring now due to that the water leakage has exceeded its point to which it has now put it self into the electronica areas of the car. Now the car will no longer run and it shows multiple issues with the check engine light constantly on consistent water leakage now there’s mold and water leakage in the electronica area and it’s preventing me from using my car my car is no longer able to drive and I feel it’s due to the consistency of them not being able to control the water leak damage the car has caused
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
I am experiencing a severe oil leak between the engine and gearbox of my Audi Q7. This issue poses a safety risk due to potential engine malfunctions and accidents. Many Hello My name is [XXX] , owner of 2014 Q7 tdi. I am writing to bring to your attention a prevalent issue that has been reported by numerous Audi Q7 TDI vehicle owners, including myself. It has come to my attention, through various online forums such as AudiForum, that a significant number of Q7 TDI owners are experiencing oil leaks between the engine and gearbox. This issue poses a safety risk due to potential engine malfunctions and accidents. Many other Q7 owners have reported similar problems, and Audi America is aware of the issue. Warning signs appear when oil levels are low, indicating the need for constant oil replenishment. The component in question is available for inspection upon request. This issue not only poses a potential safety risk but also has the potential to cause significant damage to the vehicle's engine and drivetrain components. As a concerned owner, I believe it is imperative for Audi to address this issue promptly and comprehensively. Therefore, I am formally requesting that Audi initiate a recall for all affected Audi Q7 TDI vehicles to rectify the oil leak issue. I urge Audi to conduct a thorough investigation into the root cause of the problem and implement appropriate measures to remedy it, ensuring the safety and satisfaction of its customers. Please provide me with information on the formal procedure to file a request for a recall regarding this issue. Additionally, I would appreciate regular updates on the progress of this matter and any actions taken by Audi to address it. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your prompt response and resolution of this issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
We have a 2014 Audi Q7 with 60K mileage that we serviced and maintained by Hoffman Audi all the time. On December 27th, while on the freeway, the engine was shut down without any prior alert, with a lot of smoke and oil leakage. With our minimal knowledge, it appears the gasket was frozen, causing the coolant to leak into the engine's unwanted part and damage it completely. This is a manufacturing and poor-quality Audi product that could have risked the life of the passengers on board. We filed a complaint to Audi USA with no response, and insurance declined. We need your kind attention to help us in finding a way to fix the issue as why did Hoffman service center never figure out the issue, if there was one, and why did Audi not give any alert before such a disaster took place that will cost us >24K to fix a $35K car.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE FAN BLOWER FAILED, CAUSING THE WINDSHIELD DEFROSTER TO NOT WORK. THE WINDSHIELD BECAME FOGGY WITH ZERO VISIBILITY WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE. ON 2 OCCASIONS IN DECEMBER, 2018. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEARLY RESULTED IN A CRASH DUE TO THE INABILITY TO SEE. NO PICTURES WERE TAKEN AS IT WOULD HAVE BEEN TOO UNSAFE TO DO SO. SERVICE WAS REQUIRED TO REPLACE THE BLOWER ASSEMBLY TO CORRECT THE ISSUE SO IT DOESN'T HAPPEN AGAIN.
DURING A HEAVY RAIN, THE TWO WIPERS LOCKED EACH OTHER UP, THE DRIVER SIDE MOVED DOWN BUT THE PASSENGER SIDE DID NOT, CAUSE THE LOCKED UP, PUTTING ME IN A VERY SERIOUS SITUATION, LUCKILY, IT WAS A OVERPASS NEAR BY AND I STAYED THERE UNTIL THE RAIN WAS STOPPED. I TOOK MY CAR TO THE BLUEGRASS AUDI IN LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY TO REPORT THE PROBLEM, BUT THEY TOLD ME THAT I HAVE TO PAY FOR IT BECAUSE MY CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. I DON'T MIND TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR, BUT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE, SOMEONE MAY GET INJURED OR KILLED BECAUSE OF THIS DEFECTIVE FROM AUDI.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
Component/System That Failed: The airbag system failed to deploy during a frontal collision. The vehicle’s front driver and passenger airbags did not activate at the time of impact. The airbag system is still present in the vehicle and is available for inspection upon request. ⸻ Safety Risk: The failure of the airbags to deploy during a significant front-end collision put my safety and the safety of my passengers at serious risk. The impact was forceful enough to cause frame displacement and over $11,000 in structural damage, rendering the vehicle inoperable. Had the collision occurred at a slightly higher speed or involved another passenger vehicle, the lack of airbag protection could have resulted in serious injury or death. ⸻ Reproduced or Confirmed by a Dealer or Service Center: The issue has not been reproduced, as it occurred during a single collision event. However, an independent body shop has confirmed structural frame damage, and Audi of America was provided photos, repair estimates, and the official police report. Audi reviewed the case but denied the claim, stating the crash “did not meet the deceleration threshold” for deployment — despite the vehicle being disabled in the crash. ⸻ Inspected By: •Police: Yes – an official California Highway Patrol report was filed (Report #231220583). •Insurance Representative: Yes – damage was assessed and repairs partially initiated. •Manufacturer: Yes – Audi of America reviewed photos and documentation submitted by me but declined further inspection. •Independent Service Center: Yes – initial damage assessment and frame displacement confirmed. ⸻ Warning Lamps or Symptoms: There were no warning lights or malfunction indicators related to the airbag system before the collision. The vehicle was operating normally at the time of the incident. Post-incident, the airbags never deployed and no system alerts were generated.
I WAS DRIVING 40-45 MPH GO STRAIGHT ON THE LEFT LANE OF TWO LANES CITY ROAD WITH 45 MPH LIMIT. ONE CAR CAME OUT FROM MY RIGHT SIDE COMMUNITY AND MAKE LEFT TURN. IT SUDDENLY APPEARED IN FRONT OF ME, I BARELY HAD TIME TO STEP ON BRAKE AND HIT HER CAR. HER CAR WAS HIT PRETTY BAD AND MY Q7 FRONT WAS MESSED UP PRETTY BADLY. THE PROBLEM IS THE AIRBAD WAS NEVER DEPLOYED.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
the vehicle was leaking gas. the vehicle rarely would start. fuses easily burn out or go bad due to possible electrical problems. now I am having to purchase maybe it is called a drive shaft? or something that makes the vehicle not go or start?? I am not a mechanic but I pay a lot of money on this vehicle every month, the repairs are extremely high and not wating to ruin my credit due to neglect part of Audi company. I will also get pictures as soon as the mechanic can get the parts and start working on the next problem.
We have a 2014 Audi Q7 with 60K mileage that we serviced and maintained by Hoffman Audi all the time. On December 27th, while on the freeway, the engine was shut down without any prior alert, with a lot of smoke and oil leakage. With our minimal knowledge, it appears the gasket was frozen, causing the coolant to leak into the engine's unwanted part and damage it completely. This is a manufacturing and poor-quality Audi product that could have risked the life of the passengers on board. We filed a complaint to Audi USA with no response, and insurance declined. We need your kind attention to help us in finding a way to fix the issue as why did Hoffman service center never figure out the issue, if there was one, and why did Audi not give any alert before such a disaster took place that will cost us >24K to fix a $35K car.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
BACK SEAT COVER COME OFF
IN AUDI Q7, THERE IS A LOCK BUTTON ON THE REAR DOORS, WHICH LOCKS THE WHOLE CAR. THIS BUTTON DOES NOT GET DISABLED WHEN THE CHILD LOCK IS ENGAGED. A CHILD SEATED IN A REAR SEAT CAN KICK THE BUTTON AND EASILY LOCK THE DRIVER OUT OF THE VEHICLE, IF THE DRIVER HAS LEFT THE CAR WITH KEYS INSIDE THE CAR. THIS IS VERY COMMON FOR REFILLING OF GAS. OUR DAUGHTER WAS LOCKED IN THE CAR FOR 1/2 HOUR WHILE I BROUGHT ANOTHER SET OF KEYS. IT WAS HOT OUTSIDE AND THE CAR WAS NOT RUNNING, SO THERE WAS NO A/C. POLICE WAS DISPATCHED TO THE SCENE TO BREAK HER OUT, BUT I MADE IT THERE BEFORE THEY DID. CHILDREN IN THE CAR CANNOT OPEN THE DOOR, SINCE THEY ARE STRAPPED IN AND / OR THEY ARE TOO YOUNG TO RECEIVE AND FOLLOW INSTRUCTION. THIS IS A GENERAL CHILD SAFETY ISSUE WITH THIS CAR AND LOCK. THERE ARE MANY REPORTS OF THE SAME ISSUE ON THIS WEB FORUM, REPORTED FOR ALMOST 5 YEARS. AUDI HAS NOT DONE ANYTHING. HTTP://WWW.AUDIWORLD.COM/FORUMS/Q7-DISCUSSION-112/DISABLING-DOOR-LOCK-BUTTON-REAR-DOORS-2767659/ IF THE SITUATION WE LIVED WAS AT A HIKE, WHERE THERE IS NO CELL PHONE COVERAGE, WE WOULD BE IN DEEP TROUBLE. AUDI NEEDS TO FIX THIS BY DISABLING THE BUTTON WHEN THE CHILD LOCK IS ENGAGED, BEFORE A CHILD OR PET IS HURT IN A SERIOUS WAY OR WORSE. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
AT 40,398 MILES THE CRANKSHAFT DAMPENER PULLEY FAILED BREAKING OFF AT THE HARD RUBBER CENTER IN TURN THROWING THE SEPENTINE BELT. AT THAT POINT POWER STEERING WAS LOST ALONG WITH ALL OTHER FUNCTIONS DRIVEN BY THE SEPENTINE BELT. AN INTERNET SEARCH TURNED UP A NUMBER OF AUDI OWNERS HAVING THE SAME HAPPEN TO THEM BETWEEN 40 TO 50,00 MILES. THIS SAFETY FAILURE AT SUCH LOW MILEAGE IS UNWARRANTED. THE REPLACEMENT PART APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN REDESIGNED AND MORE ROBUST .. AUDI MUST REALIZE THAT THE ORIGINAL PART WAS FAULTY. FOR ME, THANKFULLY IT HAPPENED WHILE I WAS STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT AND NOT TRAVELING AT SPEED ON THE HIGHWAY.
RANDOMLY, WHEN THE VEHICLE COMES TO A STOP, THE WHEEL WILL TURN TO THE RIGHT 90 DEGREES, YET THE CAR WOULD GO STRAIGHT. THIS HAPPENS RANDOMLY WHEN DRIVING TOO. THE WHEEL TURNS TO THE RIGHT 90 DEGREES, YET THE CAR GO STRAIGHT. YOU HAVE TO FORCE THE STEERING WHEEL BACK TO STRAIGHT. DEALER SAYS NOTHING IS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE AND CAN'T DUPLICATE THE EVENTS. A LOUD CLUNKING/BANGING NOISE WHEN THE CAR IS SHIFTED INTO REVERSE. THE WHOLE VEHICLE WILL SHAKE. THE DEALER DID DUPLICATE THE NOISE, YET THEY COULDN'T TELL US WHAT WAS CAUSING IT SO THEY REPLACED THE DIFFERENTIAL. THAT DIDN'T STOP THE NOISE, SO THE DEALER BROUGHT IN A TECHNICIAN FROM CORPORATE. THIS PERSON FOUND NOTHING WRONG. AFTER HAVING THE CAR TO THE DEALER 5 TIMES, THEY TOLD US THERE IS NOTHING WRONG. MANY TIMES, THE BACK-UP CAMERA WILL NOT TURN OFF AFTER THE CAR GOES FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE. THIS MEANS THE RADIO/NAVIGATION CAN'T BE USED. SOMETIMES WHEN THE CAR IS PUT INTO DRIVE FROM REVERSE, THE CAMERA WOULD TURN OFF, BUT THE RADIO WOULD NOT TURN BACK ON. WHEN THE CAR WAS IN PARK AND NOT RUNNING, THE RADIO WILL TURN ON WHEN THE CAR DOOR WAS OPENED AND CAN'T BE TURNED OFF. TO RESET THINGS, THE CAR HAS HAVE TO BE TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED OR TURNED ON AND THEN OFF AND THEN RESTARTED. THIS IS THE ONLY WAY TO RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM. ALSO, WHEN TRYING TO OPEN THE BACK HATCH USING THE RELEASE ON THE DRIVER DOOR, IT WOULDN'T WORK. YOU NEEDED TO TURN THE CAR OFF, THEN BACK ON, IN ORDER TO GET IT TO WORK.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
06/23/2017 TOOK VEHICLE INTO DEALER FOR AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT, REPAIR FINISHED 06/30/2017 DUE TO CRACKED CONNECTOR UNDER DRIVER'S SEAT IN A WIRING BUNDLE THAT DOES NOT FLEX WITH MOVEMENT OF SEAT. CONNECTOR UNDER DRIVER'S SEAT IN A WIRING BUNDLE SHORTED ONE MONTH AFTER SEAT WAS REMOVED FOR BATTERY REPLACEMENT. DISABLING ALL AIRBAGS AND SEAT BELT MODULE. VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON CITY STREET WHEN AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. MY CONCERN IS REMOVING THE DRIVER'S SEAT OR STRESS CAN CAUSE CRACKING OF THIS SEATBELT CONNECTOR DISABLING THE AIRBAGS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
I WAS DRIVING 40-45 MPH GO STRAIGHT ON THE LEFT LANE OF TWO LANES CITY ROAD WITH 45 MPH LIMIT. ONE CAR CAME OUT FROM MY RIGHT SIDE COMMUNITY AND MAKE LEFT TURN. IT SUDDENLY APPEARED IN FRONT OF ME, I BARELY HAD TIME TO STEP ON BRAKE AND HIT HER CAR. HER CAR WAS HIT PRETTY BAD AND MY Q7 FRONT WAS MESSED UP PRETTY BADLY. THE PROBLEM IS THE AIRBAD WAS NEVER DEPLOYED.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2014 Audi Q7 equipped with Nexen HP, Tire Line: Roadian, Tire Size: 275/45/R20, DOT Number: 8YEHDECR2122. The contact stated that after washing her vehicle she noticed that a bubble had formed on the side wall of the passenger’s side front tire. The contact stated that the front tires were constantly losing air. The contact stated that this was the fourth set of tires that had a failure from the same retailer. The contact had originally purchased the first set of tires over one year ago, and all the tires had experienced the failures. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate vehicle failure mileage was 120,000. The tire failure mileage was approximately 1,200.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
THIS A COMPLAINT ABOUT OVER BRIGHT HEADLIGHTS. WHEN CERTAIN AUTOS ARE PASSING ME WITH ONCOMING TRAFFIC I FIND CERTAIN HEADLAMPS TO BE ACTUALLY DANGEROUSLY BRIGHT AND ANGLED DIRECTLY AT MY HEIGHT ( I AM 5"10") IN MY MAZDA 6 STATION WAGON (2005). MY AUTO IS OF STANDARD HEIGHT YET THE HEADLAMPS ON THE AUDI, BMW AND OTHER SUVS ARE NOT ANGLED DOWN AND BLIND ME AT NIGHT. WHEN THEY COME UP BEHIND ME , THEY ARE OVERBRIGHT IN MY REAR VIEW MIRROR, AND ESPECIALLY IN THE DRIVERS OUTSIDE MIRROR (WHICH I CAN'T CHANGE TO NIGHT MODE). MANY MANY PEOPLE I HAVE SPOKEN TO ARE EXPERIENCING THIS SAME PROBLEM. I WOULD BE WILLING TO TESTIFY TO CONGRESS OR ANYWHERE ELSE AS TO MY OPINION THAT THESE AUTOS ARE UNSAFE. *TR
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
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .