2017 Audi Q7 Powertrain (other) Problems

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

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

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

My 2017 Audi Q7 Prestige 3.0T 6Cyl GAS CREC Supercharged has experienced repeated, serious failures involving the engine, powertrain, and fuel system. - At 72,000 miles, the vehicle developed coolant leaks under the supercharger, a failed water pump, and soaked drive belts. Repairs included multiple hoses, gaskets, and thermostat replacement. -Shortly after, repeated PCV/Oil system failures caused oil leaks, warning lights, and engine shaking. Repairs included PCV system, oil separator, valve cover gasket, breather pipes, and new spark plugs. - at 111,000 miles, the low-pressure fuel pump and relay failed, causing the vehicle to stall and lose all power while driving- a major safety risk. -Most recently, the engine developed a severe misfire in cylinder #4. Compression testing confirmed abnormally low compression (15 psi) due to a suspected cracked valve seat. The vehicle cannot be repaired without a complete engine replacement, quoted at ~$20,000. Safety Impact: - Vehicle has stalled suddenly in traffic due to fuel and engine failures, risking crash or injury. - Coolant and oil leaks present a potential fire hazard. - Loss of power and shaking while driving put my family and others at risk. Inspection/Confirmation: -All problems have been repeatedly confirmed and repaired by an independent Audi specialty service center (S&S Auto Repair). - Numerous invoices document coolant, oil, fuel, and engine failures. Warning Signs: - Multiple dashboard warning lights appeared either right before or during failure, including engine malfunction, coolant loss, and auto start/stop malfunction. These repeated failures at relatively low mileage suggest a design/manufacturing defect with the Audi 3.0T engine platform that compromises both safety and reliability. The issue seems to be widespread amongst other Audi owners with the same 3.0T engine- Per AudiWorld Forums.

NHTSA ID

11686163

Incident

Sep 2, 2025

The contact owns a 2017 Audi Q7. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 40 MPH, the front end started shaking violently, with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The following messages "Drive Malfunction and Oil Consumption" were displayed. The contact immediately pulled over and had the vehicle towed to a local independent mechanic, where the vehicle was diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine was faulty due to oil consumption and needed to be replaced. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 108,000.

NHTSA ID

11664343

Incident

Dec 11, 2024

Mileage

108,000 mi

The contact owns a 2017 Audi Q7. The contact stated that while attempting to shift into reverse, the transmission failed to recognize that the vehicle was in reverse. The message “Transmission Malfunction – You can Continue Driving” was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact stated that after restarting the vehicle, the failure was temporarily fixed; however, the failure had gotten progressively worse. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the transmission had malfunctioned and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 143,000.

NHTSA ID

11640427

Incident

Nov 30, 2024

Mileage

143,000 mi

I got the checking engine malfunction. took it to the dealer for dianogtic found code P052E001 PCV ( crankcase breather valve fault and it need to be replace because it also caused the emission issue). I found it was under extentison warranty to 10 year or 120000 miles , I contacted Audi and they said my VIN is not eligible to the warranty. I believed they should provide the extension warranty for all of their vehicles.

NHTSA ID

11573493

Incident

Nov 13, 2023

The water pump was leaking while I was on the highway and smoke came out from the engine blocking my view. Had to make an emergency maneuver and pull over immediately.

NHTSA ID

11494951

Incident

Oct 24, 2022

The contact owns a 2017 Audi Q7. The contact stated while turning in either direction at a low rate of speed, the vehicle vibrated abnormally without warning. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer where they informed him that the failure was caused by tension between front and rear differentials and that the failure was comfort related. The dealer linked the failure to TSB number 2059129. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and provided the same information as the dealer. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

NHTSA ID

11428420

Incident

Jul 1, 2021

Mileage

75,000 mi

WATER PUMP LEAKED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED AT 50,000 MILES AND 4 1/2 YEARS OLD.

NHTSA ID

11395095

Incident

Dec 15, 2020