2022 Audi Q7 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
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What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2022 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
- Engine1040.0%
- Driver assistance416.0%
- Electrical416.0%
- Powertrain (other)312.0%
- Brakes28.0%
- Airbags14.0%
- Seat belts14.0%
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
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
While driving, the vehicle displayed an error message (occurring when going downhill), limited engine RPM to 1200, and illuminated a warning instructing the driver not to exceed 1200 RPM — a limp-mode condition that severely limited acceleration and the ability to maintain speed in traffic. On other occasions the vehicle entered limp mode and shut down while driving. The selling dealer, Audi Mohegan Lake (Mohegan Lake, NY), checked all systems, stored fault code P060C00, and stated a software update was needed, referencing TSB-2067767 — but advised the fix was not available. Audi was unable to diagnose or repair the defect. A buyback request was filed in April 2023 (Audi case AU-2023-0468) but never resolved; with no repair available, the vehicle was traded in November 2023.
What happened: During routine service on XXX at 64,148 miles, an independent Audi specialist ([XXX], [XXX]) found low coolant, coolant leaking into the vacuum system, and coolant on the belt drive. On XXX the shop replaced the water pump, thermostat, vacuum pump, vacuum tank, and vacuum lines at a cost of $6,314.30. Safety risk: The failure was found before any on-road incident. Left undetected, continued coolant loss could cause engine overheating and a stall while driving. Coolant contamination of the vacuum system and coolant on the drive belt could also compromise systems that depend on them. This failure mode is documented across EA839-equipped vehicles and is the subject of a pending class action ([XXX] v. Volkswagen Group of America, D.N.J.). Confirmation: Diagnosed and repaired by an independent Audi specialist. Not inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance. The failed components are [available / not retained]. Prior warnings: No warning lamps or messages were recorded at the time of inspection. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
My car has suddenly tried to stop in the middle of an interstate highway. It happens when the adaptive cruise control is active. Even though the lane in front of the car is clear, a warning sign appears in the dash that the pathway is obstructed and the car tries to stop quickly. This has happened on this vehicle four times now. It happened on my previous Audi as well. At that time, the car was taken off the highway and the dealer would not return it to me for a period of six weeks. During this last incident, the dealer said that they searched the information in the car. I had provided the odometer reading and date to the dealer when it happened. I was told that there was no information found about any malfunction. Of course the car thinks that there is an obstruction there in front of me and thinks it is properly functioning and now error message is created. This creates an extreme hazard for accident on a busy highway. It is a recurring problem and should be investigated. I have uploaded a picture of the error message displayed in the instrument cluster. This is not a trivial problem.
My wife was driving the car with the adaptive cruise control set at 72mph on 5/11/2025. The milage on the odometer was about 37165. A car was close behind when suddenly on of the systems in my car slammed on the brakes and attempted to stop the car. There were no warning indicators to suggest why this had happened. My last Audi, a 2020 A6, did this as well. It had a number of safety systems malfunctioning around the same time. At one time, I was told by the Audi dealer that the car was unsafe to be driven and it would not return the car to me. It was impounded for about six weeks as I recall. Whatever the reason, this is a serious safety issue when an vehicle suddenly tries to stop at that rate of speed on a highway with other vehicles on the road.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
While driving, the vehicle displayed an error message (occurring when going downhill), limited engine RPM to 1200, and illuminated a warning instructing the driver not to exceed 1200 RPM — a limp-mode condition that severely limited acceleration and the ability to maintain speed in traffic. On other occasions the vehicle entered limp mode and shut down while driving. The selling dealer, Audi Mohegan Lake (Mohegan Lake, NY), checked all systems, stored fault code P060C00, and stated a software update was needed, referencing TSB-2067767 — but advised the fix was not available. Audi was unable to diagnose or repair the defect. A buyback request was filed in April 2023 (Audi case AU-2023-0468) but never resolved; with no repair available, the vehicle was traded in November 2023.
While parked in my residential garage with the engine shut off and car door closed, the vehicle suffered an un-commanded rollaway incident due to a suspected defect in the electronic parking brake or automatic-park transmission software. The vehicle was completely stopped, the driver exited the vehicle and the driver's door was closed. Moments later, the vehicle shifted out of its parked state or failed to hold, rolling backward down the driveway and colliding with a basketball pole in the driveway, causing vehicle damage. No warning chimes or dashboard alerts were observed prior to exiting. The vehicle's electronic failsafe to automatically engage 'Park' upon the door opening failed to secure the vehicle.
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 was traveling at highway speeds in active, high-velocity traffic when my vehicle suffered a sudden, catastrophic mechanical failure that nearly resulted in a severe multi-car accident. Without any warning, the vehicle completely lost its ability to accelerate, flatly refusing to pick up speed or maintain momentum despite pressing the gas pedal. This unexpected, immediate drop in propulsion marooned me in high-speed lanes, leaving the vehicle dangerously vulnerable as oncoming traffic rapidly closed the distance behind me. Drivers behind me were forced to aggressively swerve and brake to avoid a high-speed rear-end collision. Moments after this life-threatening loss of power occurred, the Check Engine Light illuminated on the dashboard. Subsequent technical inspection revealed a severe engineering defect: the internal seals of the factory coolant control components failed, forcing pressurized engine coolant backward into the engine’s primary vacuum system. This pressurized fluid completely contaminated the vacuum lines, the vacuum reservoir tank, and the electronic solenoids—including the N75 boost control solenoid. By filling the vacuum infrastructure with liquid coolant, the engine was instantly starved of its ability to regulate turbocharger boost, triggering a critical "limp mode" and a P0299 underboost fault. The catastrophic failure of an internal cooling seal directly compromising an active drivability safety system represents an unreasonable and severe defect. It transforms a routine drive into an immediate, uncontrollable highway hazard. I am filing this report because this known coolant migration pattern presents a clear, present, and life-threatening danger to owners operating this engine platform.
While parked in my residential garage with the engine shut off and car door closed, the vehicle suffered an un-commanded rollaway incident due to a suspected defect in the electronic parking brake or automatic-park transmission software. The vehicle was completely stopped, the driver exited the vehicle and the driver's door was closed. Moments later, the vehicle shifted out of its parked state or failed to hold, rolling backward down the driveway and colliding with a basketball pole in the driveway, causing vehicle damage. No warning chimes or dashboard alerts were observed prior to exiting. The vehicle's electronic failsafe to automatically engage 'Park' upon the door opening failed to secure the vehicle.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
While parked in my residential garage with the engine shut off and car door closed, the vehicle suffered an un-commanded rollaway incident due to a suspected defect in the electronic parking brake or automatic-park transmission software. The vehicle was completely stopped, the driver exited the vehicle and the driver's door was closed. Moments later, the vehicle shifted out of its parked state or failed to hold, rolling backward down the driveway and colliding with a basketball pole in the driveway, causing vehicle damage. No warning chimes or dashboard alerts were observed prior to exiting. The vehicle's electronic failsafe to automatically engage 'Park' upon the door opening failed to secure the vehicle.
I drove home after shopping, opened my garage door by remote, and pulled into the garage. I placed the vehicle in park, and shut off the engine via push button. I retrieved my purse from the passenger seat and exited the vehicle. I exited the vehicle with the intent of retrieving my shopping bags from the rear hatch. As I walked towards the rear of the vehicle I noticed my next-door neighbor had stopped at the end of my driveway with the driver’s window down. I did not make it to the hatch door and instead walked to the end of my driveway. [XXX] was the only occupant of the car. He was the driver. We started talking for several minutes with my back to the garage the entire time until neighbor hollered “[XXX] is going on?” The last thing I remember is my Audi Q7 slamming my body into one or both vehicles. I was thrown to the driveway with my right foot wedged under the Audi Q7’s driver’s side rear tire. I worked my foot free from my shoe and got myself up to a standing position with clear pain in my back and foot. Vehicle rolled on its own with transmission in Park. Note: ~Vehicle transmission was in Park on a flat surface when I exited vehicle with car keys ~ I was stuck by vehicle, vehicle in question also struck another vehicle ~Not to my knowledge ~None of the agencies or companies have inspected vehicle ~No warning lights INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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
Purchased brand new 5/11/22. A few days later my air bag warning light came on so I made an appointment and took my car in for service. Audi service told me that the light was in error and they fixed it. After I left the air bag light came on again that same day and I took the car in again...at which time they told me the passenger side air bag was bad and does not work so they disabled it. I have complained to my Audi dealer that not having an air bag for passenger side is not safe ... they disagreed. They said an air bag is on order...no date on when it will arrive...but, it's safe to drive with a passenger. How can this be when the air bag is not working for my passenger side. I also called Audi customer service and filed a complaint with them. This has been on going since May 2022 when I purchased my brand new audi and is still not rectified and I still don't have a working passenger side air bag. In my mind, a serious safety issue! Not having an air bag for my passengers is not safe. I drive the car daily with the air bag warning light on. I call my Audi dealer daily asking when I will have an air bag and they continue to tell me they have no date. 1) passenger side air bag failure-yes it is available for inspection 2) Passengers are not safe to ride in my car 3) Yes, dealer confirms the air bag does not work 4) It's been inspected by the dealer 5) Warning lights/lamp comes on when car is started and does not go off until the car is off
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
I'm writing you today with a MAJOR CONCERN related to the safety of the current model Audi Q7. The problem is with the left and right 2nd row belt buckles. Both are attached to a plastic fixture, sit a few inches in front of the back seat, and cannot be moved beyond a forward 45 degree angle. The position and orientation prevent you from safely/correctly installing ANY child seat using the belt path. Latch works fine but it has an upper weight limit. We took the car to the local police dept and the certified child seat expert confirmed the buckle design would NOT ALLOW US TO SAFELY INSTALL ANY FORWARD FACING CAR SEAT USING THE BELT PATH. We tried to install our Nuna Rava car seat rear facing as well - one of the safest and most expensive convertible seats available - and the buckle position prevented me from securing it properly as well. The belt kinks and the position creates a slightly forward angle from the passthrough on the seat to the buckle. Leaving way too much lateral motion. I took the car to my local Audi dealer recently and they confirmed there is no available solution from Audi. I asked the service rep to escalate this with HQ but no progress. As a result of this, we are unable to safely install ANY car seat using the belt path, FORWARD and REAR facing, on either side of the Q7 second row. Please investigate for yourself. This is serious issue. Audi needs to take action here ASAP before someone gets hurt. Thank you in advance.
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 .