RoadVitals

2018 Audi Q7 Electrical Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the electrical system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Electrical reportsComplaints 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.
16
Latest Jan 8, 2026
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
11%
of 141 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
0
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
1

What this page shows

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2018 Audi Q7 submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 16 reports on file name it.

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

Owner reports naming electrical

Shown in the owner’s own words, exactly as filed

ElectricalExterior lighting
Filed Jan 8, 2026

Left Front side marker light faulty. is the warning on the dashboard - I have noticed there is a recall I believe 2017 2018 for the same part and this is on a 2019 so it's obviously the part it actually says if there's a software fix

NHTSA ID
11709667
Incident
Oct 3, 2025
ElectricalFuel system
Filed Sep 2, 2025

The contact owns a 2018 Audi Q7. The contact stated that there was an abnormal fuel odor inside the cabin of the vehicle at start-up, and the MMI System warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the fuel pump was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the MMI System was not fixed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 93,000.

NHTSA ID
11684539
Incident
Dec 28, 2023
Mileage
93,000 mi
Electrical
Filed May 14, 2025

The Audi MMI system, which controls almost everything (radio, navigation, vehicle settings etc) shuts down and restarts every few minutes all by itself. The MMI system restarts completely randomly. It started out of nowhere a few months ago and happens whether driving or parked. Since then it is happening more and more frequently, making the system unusable at times (meaning navigation, radio, etc do not work). I'm afraid this issue is in the vehicle's computer and other components of hte car could be faulty, putting myself and other drivers with Audi cars at risk of injury or death if something with the computer fails. I have researched this issue extensively online and this seems to have appeared in numerous different Audi models and years. This also seems to have started happening fairly recently in most cases. I have not and will not take my vehicle to the dealership for diagnosis because I know they will charge a few hundred dollars just to tell me they cannot find anything (this is what many people have already posted online). There is an OBVIOUS computer system issue with Audi vehicles affecting their MMI system and some sort of fix is needed, for the safety of all vehicle owners.

NHTSA ID
11661032
Incident
Apr 1, 2025
ElectricalEnginePowertrain (other)
Filed May 10, 2025

To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally report a serious and recurring safety issue involving my 2018 Audi Q7. The vehicle has experienced repeated drive system malfunctions that result in sudden loss of power, reduced acceleration, and warning messages on the dashboard such as “Drive System: Malfunction” and “Electrical System Failure.” These incidents have occurred while the vehicle was in motion, creating a hazardous situation for both the occupants and surrounding drivers. In my case, the vehicle unexpectedly lost power while driving at highway speeds, forcing me to maneuver to the shoulder with diminished control. This sudden malfunction is unpredictable and could easily result in a collision or serious injury, especially in high-speed or high-traffic conditions. Upon researching this issue, I found that numerous other 2018 Audi Q7 owners have reported similar problems. These complaints consistently cite the same symptoms, including sudden deceleration, electrical system errors, and power steering failure. It appears to be a widespread defect that may warrant a recall or further investigation by the NHTSA. I urge your office to investigate this matter promptly to prevent potential injuries or fatalities. I am willing to provide service records, diagnostic codes, photos, or any other documentation that may support this complaint. Thank you for your attention to this serious safety concern. I hope the NHTSA will take appropriate action to ensure the safety of all drivers affected by this defect.

NHTSA ID
11660203
Incident
May 10, 2025
ElectricalExterior lighting
Filed Jan 15, 2025

Getting error message again regarding "Front Right Side Marker Light Defective". This issue was already addressed back in late 2024 by my local Audi service center, but has popped back up again for the second time. My car has a little over 100K and has no other problems. There was an Audi recall Campaign 97CB (NHTSA campaign ID #16V642000) that addresses this exact issue and applies to some affected VIN numbers, but mine is not included. Seem to be occurring with a lot of regularity based on research online.

NHTSA ID
11636014
Incident
Dec 27, 2024
ElectricalExterior lighting
Filed Dec 12, 2024

Getting error message regarding "Front Right Side Marker Light Defective". My car has a little over 66K and has no problems. There was an Audi recall ampaign97CB (NHTSA campaign ID #16V642000) that addresses this exact issue and applies to some affected VIN numbers, but mine is not included.

NHTSA ID
11630338
Incident
Dec 6, 2024
Electrical
Filed Sep 4, 2024

I researched this issue and noticed a widespread problem with the light detection of the 2017 modes and the 2018 Audi Q7 left front-side marker light. I have had this issue with my vehicle twice, resulting in over 4,000 dollars in repairs each time. I noticed that the 2018 models were left off, but I am sure there are more owners with this exact problem, and I believe this recall should be granted to 2017-2019 owners since the vehicles are in the same generation and have the same vehicle components on them. This is a widely known issue and a clear cash grab for Audi as the repair process to fix this is over $4,000 dollars each time, and the issue has not been resolved and is not covered under many warranties.

NHTSA ID
11612461
Incident
Sep 3, 2024
ElectricalFuel system
Filed Mar 6, 2023

The problem: I was driving and noticed a high remaining fuel range, or a fuel gauge that appears to be stuck at a specific level, I ran out of gas while in motion, and my engine stalled almost causing a crash on the highway. My vehicle was towed to the Kansas City Audi dealer and they have identified the same issue in the recall in the NHTSA campaign number: 22V155. Audi’s own number for this recall is 20DN. The dealer has quoted $5,000 to make the repair (My vehicle is currently at the dealer). My 2018 Q7 has the same engine as the 2018 A7 where there is a recall regarding the same reported issue. "The fuel level sender, which is located inside the vehicle’s gas tank, may get stuck on the gas tank’s ventilation pipe, leading the dashboard display to show an incorrect gas level and remaining range level."

NHTSA ID
11510340
Incident
Feb 27, 2023
Electrical
Filed Aug 21, 2022

My Audi with 42k miles ran out of gas on the Interstate Highway without any warning. Failure was a fuel sending unit which provides fuel quantity info and the low fuel light. The erroneous display indicated just less than half tank and the display indicated 185 miles to empty. This failure of the engine to suddenly quit on a busy freeway is potentially catastrophic! At a minimum there should be a safety recall requiring the Audi company to design the low fuel light to be on a separate circuit.

NHTSA ID
11480408
Incident
Aug 15, 2022
Driver assistanceElectricalEngine
Filed Jun 20, 2022

1.Interior color light bars: These light bars developed inconsistency. Audi repaired the inconsistency however now the light bars only display pink (not white) during start up. The dealership tried telling me it’s not pink, then claims to be color blind. I have artiest friends who maintain the color is pink. 2.Engine start-stop: Dealership confirms the Q7 will shut down as part of the start-stop feature before the vehicle has stopped. I explained to the dealership that the Q7 speedo claims moving 1 to 2 mph faster than it is moving. Therefore, during slow speed braking, stop sign, the Q7 will shut down before it stops moving. Without the engine on, the Q7 will lurch to a stop or and forcing the transmission to turn. 3. Low oil light comes on between oil changes sometimes.

NHTSA ID
11470061
Incident
Jun 20, 2022
Electrical
Filed Oct 9, 2020
1 injury reported

I WENT TO PICK MY 3 YO TWINS AT SCHOOL. OPENED MY DOOR, GOT OFF THE CAR AND CLOSED IT, WITH KEYS INSIDE MY PURSE AT FRONT PASSENGER SEAT (MY USUAL ROUTINE). WAS ABLE TO OPEN PASSENGER'S BACK DOOR, BUCKLED MY SON TO CAR SEAT AND CLOSED HIS DOOR. WHEN TURNED TO OTHER SIDE TO OPEN THE DOOR FOR MY GIRL, NOTED CAR WAS LOCKED AND IGNITION TURNED OFF WITH MY 3YO SON INSIDE. ALL DOORS WERE LOCKED DESPITE KEYS BEING INSIDE CAR AND IGNITION OFF. REMOTE CONTROL WAS OPERABLE WITH BATTERIES FUNCTIONING WELL. SCHOOL DIRECTOR CALLED 911 AND FIRE DEPARTMENT WENT TO ASSIST. THEY WERE UNABLE TO OPEN DOOR AND AFTER ~20MINUTES OF MY SON BEING INSIDE, BUCKLED AND IN FLORIDA HEAT, EMT AND FIRE FIGHTERS HAD TO BREAK A WINDOW TO GET HIM OUT. WHEN I WAS ABLE TO GET HIM, HE WAS EXTREMELY HOT WITH ELEVATED TEMPERATURE AND SOAKED IN SWEAT. THANKFULLY I WAS NOT WITH MY 3MONTH OLD BABY THAT DAY. SINCE MY BOY'S TEMPERATURE WAS COMING DOWN NICELY WITH SUPPORTIVE MEASURES I DID NOT TAKE HIM TO THE HOSPITAL AND DECIDED TO OBSERVE AT HOME. CAR HAD SERVICE 6 DAYS PRIOR TO THIS EVENT IN AUDI FORT MYERS NEXT DAY ON 10/08/10, TOOK CAR TO AUDI FORT MYERS AND REPORTED EVENT TO SERVICE DEPARTMENT, COMPUTER SYSTEM WAS CHECKED AND NO EVENT WAS REGISTERED. THEN I WAS TOLD BY EMPLOYEES AT AUDI, THEY COULD NOT EXPLAIN THE EVENT BUT NOTHING THEY CAN DO AND NO NEED TO REPORT TO AUDI USA.

NHTSA ID
11363538
Incident
Oct 7, 2020
Driver assistanceElectrical
Filed Sep 23, 2019

THE DRIVER ASSIST SYSTEM ON THE CAR HAS BEEN COMPLETELY MALFUNCTIONING. IT WILL SLAM ON THE BRAKES WHEN TURNING, AND HAS ALMOST CAUSED SEVERAL ACCIDENTS. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN THE DEALERSHIP FOR A TOTAL OF MORE THAN A MONTH WITH NO RESOLUTION

NHTSA ID
11257430
Incident
Sep 12, 2019
Mileage
16,000 mi
BrakesElectrical
Filed Apr 2, 2019

AUDI HAS A PRE SENSE FEATURE THAT WILL AUTOMATICALLY SLAM ON THE BRAKES. IT FAILS CONSTANTLY AND SLAMS ON THE BRAKES AT VARIOUS TIMES. SO FAR IT HAS BEEN AT SLOW SPEEDS, BUT SOMEONE IS GOING TO GET KILLED BY THIS FEATURE. THERE IS NO WAY TO AUTOMATICALLY TURN IT OFF, AND IT TURNS ON EVERY TIME YOU RESTART THE CAR

NHTSA ID
11193369
Incident
Apr 2, 2019
Mileage
15,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Sep 13, 2018

WHILE IN REVERSE BACKING UP, THE BACKUP CAMERA UNPREDICTABLY REVERTS TO USELESS "GRAPHIC" MODE DESPITE REPEATEDLY BEING SET TO "CAMERA" MODE. CHANGING THIS SETTING WHILE BACKING UP IS DANGEROUS, DISTRACTING AND UNPREDICTABLE. SOMETIMES IT WORKS CORRECTLY AND STAYS IN CAMERA MODE, OTHER RANDOM TIMES IT REVERTS TO GRAPHICS MODE. THIS IS A KNOWN DEFECT OF MOST 2018 AUDI VEHICLES AND HAS BEEN UPDATED IN LATER RELEASED VEHICLES, BUT NO UPDATE TO EXISTING VEHICLES HAS BEEN OFFERED.

NHTSA ID
11129372
Incident
Sep 13, 2018
Mileage
1 mi
ElectricalPowertrain (other)
Filed Aug 23, 2018

WHEN CAR IS PLACED IN REVERSE A "P" OR PARK IS STILL DISPLAYED IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THIS HAS HAPPED SEVERAL TIMES. AUDI SERVICE WAS PROVIDED PICTURES AND VIDEO OF OCCURRENCES AND THEY SAID THEY WOULD GET BACK TO ME. THEY NEVER DID. ALSO NOW HAVE SOS MALFUNCTION WARNING DISPLAYED. CAR ONLY HAS 7K MILES ON IT.

NHTSA ID
11121938
Incident
Jun 11, 2018
Mileage
5,000 mi
Driver assistanceElectrical
Filed Apr 9, 2018

THE 2018 AUDI Q7 HAS BEEN IN FOR SERVICE THREE TIMES SINCE I LEASED THE CAR ON 9/11/2017. MY INITIAL INQUIRY RELATED TO TECHNOLOGY ISSUES WAS BACK ON DECEMBER 22, 2017 THAT WAS SHORTLY FOLLOWED UP BY A SERVICE APPOINTMENT. AFTER YOUR TEAM ASSESSED THE ISSUE AND ALLEGEDLY RESET THE SYSTEM, I CHECKED OUT OF THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT, ONLY TO EXPERIENCE THE SAME TECHNOLOGY ISSUE AS I WAS DRIVING OFF THE LOT. YOUR TEAM PROCEEDED TO CHECK THE VEHICLE BACK IN FOR FURTHER INVESTIGATION. ASIDE FROM CONTINUED REBOOTS OF THE AUDI COMPUTER SYSTEM OR MMI SYSTEM, THE CAR WOULD FLAG AUDI PRE SENSE WARNINGS AND FORCE THE CAR TO STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF INTERSECTIONS, MID TURN. ONCOMING TRAFFIC WAS ESTIMATED AT 150 YARDS FROM THE INTERSECTION WHEN THE CAR JAMMED TO A STOP. THE SENSORS APPEAR TO STOP THE CAR AFTER IDENTIFYING A FALSE READ. THE CAR IS THEN STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION CAUSING SIGNIFICANT SAFETY RISK. AUDI REPLACED THE MMI SYSTEM AND THE FUEL TANK AFTER IDENTIFYING A FAULTY VALVE. AFTER THE REPAIRS, THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO HAVE THE SAME ISSUES. AUDI WAS NOT ABLE TO IDENTIFY THE SOURCE OF THE ISSUE AND CLAIMED THAT THE PRE SENSE SYSTEM SENSORS WERE SET TO A HIGH SENSITIVITY. THEY ALSO CLAIMED THAT A POTHOLE OR A BIRD COULD SET OFF THE SENSORS, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION. THIS SEEMS LIKE A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. BY THE WAY, I WAS DRIVING A LOANER CAR FOR OVER THREE MONTHS WHILE THEY ATTEMPTED TO FIX MY VEHICLE AND FALSE PRE SENSE WARNINGS ARE COMMON.

NHTSA ID
11084005
Incident
Apr 9, 2018
Mileage
2,600 mi

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.

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