2017 Audi Q7 Owner Complaints

"Front Right Side Marker Light Defective" Error

NHTSA ID

11774097

Incident

Oct 15, 2026

In XXX, my 2017 Audi Q7 3.0T unexpectedly lost engine power while traveling approximately 70 mph on a highway in [XXX]. A "Drive System Malfunction" warning appeared. The driver pulled over, shut off the engine, and restarted it; the vehicle then drove normally. The sudden reduction in power at highway speed created a risk of collision with surrounding traffic. The precise cause is UNKNOWN. I reported the highway-speed loss of power and warning to Audi Wilmington. At its XXX visit (102,255 miles), the dealership documented the warning and multiple engine misfire codes. It identified a vacuum leak at a broken oil-fill pipe neck, replaced the pipe, cleared codes, and reported no issue during its test drive. The intermittent power loss did not recur during that visit. The vehicle also had recurring excessive oil consumption. In XXX (104,261 miles), Audi Wilmington found it approximately 1.5 quarts low and documented possible piston-and-ring replacement if proposed treatments failed. Those proposed repairs were not performed. In XXX (approximately 109,320 miles), the vehicle again showed a Drive System Malfunction warning and check engine light. Maguire Audi documented multiple misfires and a persistent cylinder #2 misfire after service, and suspected internal engine damage. The vehicle has been out of service since then. Independent testing in XXX confirmed cylinder #2 had 35 PSI compression and 100% leak-down, with part of an exhaust valve missing and oil on the piston. The connection, if any, between the XXX power loss and later engine damage is UNKNOWN. Authorized Audi dealers and an independent shop have inspected the vehicle; I am unaware of any inspection by police, insurers, or the manufacturer. The vehicle remains in my possession and is available for inspection. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11773478

Incident

Nov 20, 2023

The contact owns a 2017 Audi Q7. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, an inoperable passenger’s side front headlight assembly warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the headlight was functioning properly even though the warning light was displayed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure by telephone. The contact expressed concerns that the warning failure posed a safety risk because the contact might not be alerted if the headlight failed. The approximate failure mileage was 54,921.

NHTSA ID

11772699

Incident

Aug 28, 2026

Mileage

54,921 mi

I was backing out of a retail shopping parking lot and heard a loud bang, then a horrible noise from the front driver side. The car went on a lock down - was useless. The front driver wheel was pushed out and we could see control arms. broken underneath. I had no warning, no indicators on the dash- this was catastrophic. I was stopping traffic from passing and required police assistance. The car had was towed via flatbed to a Firestone repair shop. As mentioned, no warning - I am certainly glad I was just backing out and not driving on the highway.

NHTSA ID

11769101

Incident

Oct 3, 2026

The vehicle has a recurring electrical failure involving the camshaft position sensor circuit (DTC P0365). The sensor itself is functional, but the wiring harness leading to the sensor develops internal copper fatigue due to a design flaw in the factory routing. The harness is bent tightly behind the passenger-side cylinder head, causing vibration-induced internal wire breakage that is invisible externally. This failure is well known to Audi dealers and has been reproduced and confirmed by multiple service centers. The problem is not caused by the sensor, plug, or engine components. It is caused by the wiring harness design, which repeatedly fails in the same 6–10 inch section. The defect causes intermittent loss of camshaft signal, illumination of the check engine light, and inability to pass emissions. Repair requires cutting open the harness and splicing in new wire, costing approximately $700–$1,200 each time. This is a repeated electrical defect caused by poor harness routing and inadequate wire durability. This issue affects safety indirectly because the vehicle cannot reliably report camshaft position to the ECM, and the failure is unpredictable. The defect is widespread among vehicles using the same engine and harness design.

NHTSA ID

11762386

Incident

Sep 5, 2026

The 2017 Audi Q7 Prestige was purchased on November 7,2016. Since the purchase, all service was provided by one or the other of two Audi dealerships. During this period, the Audi recommended 10K, 20K,30K, 40K, 50K, 60K, 70K, and 80K mile services had all been performed. In the almost ten years that I owned the car, the oil and oil filter were changed 11 times at one or the other of the two dealerships. The mileage interval between oil changes was 6,383 miles on average with a maximum interval on 8,177 miles; the time interval between oil changes was 320 days on average with a maximum of 399 days. The engine oil cooler valve had shorted out internally and was replaced in April 2025 at 58,225 miles. By the end of August 2026, the car had travelled 71,375 miles. From 60,000 miles on, oil consumption has gradually increased to alarming levels:1-quart every 700 miles. On August 22, while driving at highway speed on the Pennsylvania turnpike near Pittsburgh, I experienced a sudden loss of power, rapid deceleration, rough running of the engine, and a “Drive System Malfunction “indicator. Fortunately, I was able to slow the vehicle and safely move off the highway. The car was towed ($396) to an Audi dealership. The technician reported that the diagnostic scan showed a misfire code for cylinder #2; and, upon inspection, the #2 spark plug was found to be excessively oil-fouled. When the technician swapped the coils and spark plugs from cylinders #2 and #3, the misfire remained on cylinder #2. A compression test on cylinder #2 showed 120 psi – below normal, but not low enough by itself to definitively condemn the engine. The cost for this analysis was $500. I declined to invest in further teardown of the engine. Audi purchased the vehicle for $4,000. My experience appears similar to others with the 2017 Audi Q7 with the 3.0 engine. Exceptionally poor engineering and total lack of customer care!

NHTSA ID

11760564

Incident

Aug 22, 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

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

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

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

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

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

NHTSA ID

11733230

Incident

Apr 2, 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

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

Warning message on dashboard regarding right side marker light defective. This warning only occurs after sundown when the daylight sensor has engaged. Confirmed by Audi dealer service on 3/12/2026. Dealer reports this is due to a problem with a LED light inside the headlamp component. Dealer denies coverage for the repair under my active extended warranty. Dealer states an approximate $5,000 repair, at my expense, to replace the entire right headlamp assembly is the sole remedy. It appears the failed component may fall under the scope of safety recall, Audi 97CB (found on your website at: NHTSA ID 16V642-5761.pdf) but my VIN number is not specifically included within the recall. As this appears to be the same or directly related issue, perhaps the recall affects a greater amount of vehicles beyond the initially declared VIN number. My safety concern is that any problem with nighttime lighting is a deadly serious matter.

NHTSA ID

11724327

Incident

Mar 1, 2026

Getting error message that the "Front Left Side Marker Light Defective". The light appears to be operational. Service shop looked to read the errors with ODB2 and both light modules (left and right) are not communicating any info. In same time the warning in dashboard is continuous and can impede gauges visibility during night. Audible warning noise can also activate at random times. Searched for this issue and Audi recalled some models for electrical software issue but many users outside the current recall report this same issue. Please expand the VIN numbers for the recall action for safety.

NHTSA ID

11722959

Incident

Jan 22, 2026

The rear passenger and driver side coil springs failed along with the bottom rubber seats. Both springs were broken/cracked and had slide off the rubber seats.

NHTSA ID

11721313

Incident

Feb 1, 2026

Side marker light malfunction warning while light is working properly. There was previously a recall campaign for this issue on this model but the vin number was not included.

NHTSA ID

11720501

Incident

May 1, 2025

I am having issues with my vehicle ( Audi 2017 Q7)that matches Audi Recall 97CB NHTSA campaign Number 16V642000 regarding the side marker light software malfunction. While my VIN is not currently showing as open on a Recall my vehicle is experiencing the marker lights failure. My vehicles MFD date is 05/16 which is in the dates of the recall 97CB but is for some reason excluded from the recall. I have had the vehicle at the Audi dealer to check on the problem. They have had the vehicle two different times totaling 15 hours and are unable to find a problem.They refuse to provide the recall remedy because my VIN is not currently flagged. my Vin is [XXX] . I am requesting my VIN be added to the 97CB NHTSA# 16V64200 My case # with Audi is XXX Rep is Susan . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11719946

Incident

Feb 2, 2026

The contact owns a 2017 Audi Q7. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the contact became aware of an abnormal odor. The vehicle started shaking, and the drive train malfunction indicator was displayed. The contact pulled over to the side of the road, and the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the exhaust valve had burned a hole through cylinder #1 due to a misfire. The contact notified the dealer, but assistance was declined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.

NHTSA ID

11717230

Incident

Jan 16, 2026

Mileage

120,000 mi

The car is displaying "Right front marker light defective". This lessens the visibility when turning. This problem is a VIN specific recall of the 2017 Q7 and my VIN is not included, even though I am experiencing the exact same problem as the recall on the other VINs from the same year.

NHTSA ID

11712720

Incident

Jan 21, 2026

Car has a burnt cylinder from excessive oil consumption due to poor piston ring design. These engines are prone to failure to do carbon buildup on the cylinders which leads to poor PCV performance to exacerbate the problem. Audi dealership has confirmed my cylinder 3 has a burnt valve and requires a new engine.

NHTSA ID

11712628

Incident

Jan 17, 2026

Getting error message that the "Front Right Side Marker Light Defective". The light appears to be operational. Searched for this issue and Audi recalled some models but many users outside the current recall report this same issue. Please expand the vin numbers for the recall action for safety.

NHTSA ID

11710168

Incident

Jan 8, 2026

Catastrophic Engine failure while driving on highway with family. System gave error codes DTC P054A, DTC P0301, DTC P0017. Vehicle was not drivable. Always serviced with oil and filter change at recommended service intervals at authorized Audi dealer. Never showed any signs of malfunction or warning lamps prior to this incidence. Brought it to a mechanic specializing in European cars and diagnosis was the Engine has failed completely and needs new engine.

NHTSA ID

11708802

Incident

Dec 26, 2025

I was driving last night and the "marker light is defective" error came on. This is a well documented defect in the Audi Q7 and many are subject to recall for this issue.

NHTSA ID

11707347

Incident

Dec 27, 2025