RoadVitals

2017 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.
317
+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.
7
Latest Mar 16, 2020
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.
10
10 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 317 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2017 Audi Q7, most frequently naming the exterior lighting, engine and electrical categories. 7 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 1,220 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

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

7 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

STEERING

Mar 16, 2020
229 units potentially affected
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Audi Q8 and 2017-2019 Audi Q7 vehicles. The bolt connecting the steering shaft to the steering gear may loosen, possibly resulting in a loss of steering control.
The risk: A sudden loss of loss of steering control may increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and Audi dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the steering shaft bolt, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2020. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 36A1.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Manufacturer number 36A1View on NHTSA.gov

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:FUEL RAIL

Jan 16, 2019
74,881 units potentially affected
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Q7, A6 and A7 vehicles, and 2015-2018 Audi A8 vehicles. The left and right fuel rails may leak fuel.
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase risk of a fire.
The remedy: Audi has notified owners, and dealers will replace the left and right fuel rail, free of charge. The recall began February 28, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 24DP.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Manufacturer number 24DPView on NHTSA.gov

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE; AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE; AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW; SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER

Dec 29, 2016
5,947 units potentially affected
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2017 Audi A7, A4, A6, Volkswagen Golf and Tiguan vehicles and 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf vehicles for driver frontal air bags, passenger frontal air bags or head air bags that may not deploy properly. Additionally, certain 2017 Audi Q7, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad, and 2018 Audi Q5 vehicles are being recalled because the seat belt pretensioners may not activate properly.
The risk: In the event of a crash, if the air bags and/or the seat belt pretensioners do not inflate or function properly, the vehicle occupants have an increased risk of injury.
The remedy: Volkswagen and Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected air bags and seat belt pretensioners, free of charge. The recall began April 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Manufacturer number VW: 69P4; Audi 69P2View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

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

ElectricalEnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Jul 31, 2026

My 2017 Audi Q7 with the 3.0T engine has experienced repeated engine/ignition system failures. The vehicle displays a "System Malfunction" warning light accompanied by shaking and stalling. This same malfunction has occurred at least 3 separate times over the past few years. Each time, a repair shop diagnosed and replaced faulty ignition coils, and the vehicle ran normally for a period of time before the identical malfunction returned. The vehicle is currently inoperable due to the most recent occurrence. This creates a safety risk because the stalling and shaking can occur while driving, with no clear warning beyond the malfunction light appearing at the same time as the symptoms begin. A stall or loss of power while in motion, especially in traffic or on a highway, could lead to a collision. The problem has been confirmed and repaired multiple times by an independent European auto repair specialist, who stated this is a known, recurring issue with this engine/model. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer directly. Separately, the vehicle has also developed excessive oil consumption, requiring approximately 2 gallons of oil added roughly every 6 weeks, with the frequency increasing over the last 2 months. I am uncertain whether the oil consumption and the recurring coil/ignition failures share a common root cause, but both issues are ongoing and unresolved. The vehicle and its components are available for inspection upon request.

NHTSA ID
11754079
Incident
Jul 6, 2026
Exterior lighting
Filed Jul 2, 2026

On my 2017 Audi Q7 with 93169 miles, I am getting the error message along with a warning lamp that states: "Front right side marker light defective." The light actually works however I am getting this message. If the light were to actually go out it would affect the safety of my vehicle. I hear this is a common issue with the 2017 Audi Q7s and is very costly to fix at the dealer because the entire headlight assembly is usually replaced by the dealer. My vehicle is available for inspection if needed.

NHTSA ID
11748055
Incident
Jul 1, 2026
Exterior lighting
Filed Jun 8, 2026

Defective side‑marker LED inside sealed headlight assembly Component: Exterior Lighting / Headlights Make/Model/Year: 2017 Audi Q7 prestige Issue: Defective side‑marker LED inside sealed headlight assembly Complaint: The side‑marker LED inside the headlight assembly on my 2017 Audi Q7 has failed due to an internal LED driver defect. The LED module is sealed and non‑serviceable, so the entire headlight assembly must be replaced at a cost of $2,000–$5,000. The vehicle displays a “Side Marker Light Defective” warning even though the LED is still illuminated, indicating reduced output that triggers the fault. This failure reduces nighttime visibility and creates a safety hazard. This is a widespread issue reported by many Audi Q7 owners. Audi designed the LED module as a non‑replaceable component, leaving full headlight replacement as the only repair option. This is a design flaw that forces an extremely expensive repair for a basic safety function. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this lighting defect.

NHTSA ID
11742844
Incident
Jun 1, 2022
EngineFuel systemExterior lighting
Filed May 17, 2026

Front right Marker light defect alert keeps pooping up and sounding an audible alarm while I am driving even through the marker light is working perfectly. Drive train alert comes on after I add oil and the vehicle starts hesitating while I accelerate.I just got a tune up which included new spark plus and a new coils. Problem came back even after the tune up within 3000 miles. Excessive oil loss. I constantly have to add a quart of oil even after I just got an oil change and tune up. Seeing oil in the cover shield that covers the entire engine. Seems like the oil is blowing out of the cap area where you add in oil. These problems are very costly for a vehicle that I ordinary love. Please advise what can be done because I can not pay for any more repairs out of pocket. There is only 80,100 mile on the vehicle.

NHTSA ID
11738363
Incident
May 16, 2026
Suspension
Filed May 11, 2026

As per the Audi dealership inspection: Driver's-side rear coil spring is broken (also noted that the passenger-side spring is "swollen" and will need to be replaced). Appears to be a known issue; many complaints can be found online for the exact same issue (google 2017 Audi Q7 rear broken spring). The NHTSA issued a recall for a similar issue within the VW/Audi group for the VW Atlas (a similar vehicle in the Audi/VW motor group). [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11736992
Incident
Jan 16, 2026
Exterior lighting
Filed Apr 23, 2026

I have gotten a notice that my "front left side marker light defective"

NHTSA ID
11733230
Incident
Apr 2, 2026
Exterior lighting
Filed Apr 19, 2026

Warning light for right side marker light comes on. Light seems to be working, but warning comes on. Cost to repair is thousands of dollars. It is a well known complaint of this car.

NHTSA ID
11732265
Incident
Feb 6, 2026
Exterior lighting
Filed Apr 15, 2026

The console is reporting: "Front left side marker light is defective. See owner's manual". This is a lighting problem that Audi seems to have covered by a previous recall but this VIN was not included in said recall: Campaign 97CB/NHTSA #16V642000. I have had this defection confirmed by my local service center.

NHTSA ID
11731359
Incident
Oct 31, 2025

Manufacturer communications

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

TSB_2082846_1

This bulletin provides a statement regarding the bottleneck of supply for VW approved oil types VW 504.00 and VW 507.00.

TSB_2078648_2

STRUCTURE:BODY

This service information TSB provides warranty coverage information for vehicles with a broken sunroof panel.

TSB_2073747_4

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin provides informatoinw hent here are scratches or a coating on the cover of the instrument cluster, or particles inside of the housing.

TSB_2073282_1

STRUCTURE:BODY

This bulletin provides information when there is a film/visible rings on the clear glass cover of the headlight when the dipped beam is switched on.

TSB_2074640_3

ENGINE

This bulletin provides information when there is increased oil consumption; >0.5ltr/1000 km.

TSB_2074729_3

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin provides informationwhen noises/vibration are detected from front of vehicle in dynamic mode.

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
2017Viewing3177055.9
2016210
2015442042.1
2014452052.9
2013413060.2
2012294152.7
2011234154.5
2010293145.1
2009213148.4
2008333047.9
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.