2018 Audi Q7 problems, complaints & recalls

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

Owners have filed 119 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Audi Q7, most often about engine. There are 3 recalls for this model year.

Complaints
119
Recalls
3
Crashes
1
Fires
0
Injuries
3
Median mileage
50,000 mi
at time of problem

Key facts

  • Engine is the most-reported problem area, named in 37 of 119 complaints (31%).
  • Lighting (23) and suspension (17) follow.
  • Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 50,000 mi.
  • Owners reported 1 crash, 0 fires and 3 injuries.
  • The 2018 Audi Q7 has 3 recalls on file.
  • It ranks 3rd of 19 Audi Q7 model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).
  • That is 57% fewer complaints than the 2017 model year (277).

2018 Audi Q7 problems by category

  • Engine · 1 crash
    37 complaints
  • 23 complaints
  • Suspension
    17 complaints
  • Other / Unknown
    13 complaints
  • Electrical System
    11 complaints
  • Brakes
    8 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    6 complaints
  • Transmission & Drivetrain
    6 complaints
  • Steering
    5 complaints
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech · 1 crash
    5 complaints
  • Wheels & Tires
    4 complaints
  • Seats & Seat Belts
    4 complaints
  • Body & Structure
    2 complaints
  • Visibility & Wipers
    2 complaints
  • Airbags
    1 complaints

A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.

Most-reported components

Component (as filed with NHTSA)Complaints
Engine36
Exterior lighting21
Suspension17
Unknown or other13
Electrical system10
Service brakes7
Power train6
Fuel/propulsion system5

When problems happen (mileage)

Under 10k610k–30k130k–60k660k–100k100k–150k150k+
Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2018 Audi Q7 complaints that list mileage.

2018 Audi Q7 recalls (3)

  • Recall 20V658000Oct 27, 202094,144 vehicles
    STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Audi Q7 vehicles. The padding on the vehicle's C-pillar may not absorb enough impact in the event of a crash.

    Risk: In the event of a crash, an unbelted occupant's head may impact the vehicle's C-pillar padding, increasing the risk of injury.

    Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the deformation element on the C-pillars, free of charge. The recall began November 17, 2020. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 70H8.

  • Recall 20V149000Mar 16, 2020229 vehicles
    STEERING

    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.

    Risk: A sudden loss of loss of steering control may increase the risk of a crash.

    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.

  • Recall 19V035000Jan 16, 201974,881 vehicles
    FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:FUEL RAIL

    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.

    Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase risk of a fire.

    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.

Recent 2018 Audi Q7 complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

  1. Filed Sep 25, 2026OHSuspension
    I have a 2018 Audi Q7 3.0L with 86K miles on it. I discovered 1 of the rear coil springs was broke and both rear perches were very rusted. I had a local mechanic, who specializes in AUDIs, replace both rear springs and perches with OEM parts. After replacing everything, the mechanic went to take the car on a test drive. He said one of the new springs broke right away. The spring that broke was in the exact same location as the one that originally broke and it broke in the…
    NHTSA complaint #11766848 · source
  2. Filed Sep 12, 2026ILEngine
    Vehicle began displaying low engine oil level warnings between scheduled oil changes beginning in 2021, at approximately 50,000 miles. Condition was reported to the authorized Audi dealer on multiple occasions. Dealer added oil each time and stated there was no visible oil leak. No oil consumption test was performed and no repair order documenting the concern was provided. Oil loss worsened progressively through 2024. Engine failed in January 2026 at approximately 101,000…
    NHTSA complaint #11763767 · source
  3. Filed Jul 22, 2026VTEngine
    Start/stop malfunction failed; yes it is available for inspection. Driving down highway vehicle stopped with 2 adult passengers and 2 children. Yes 3 mechanics completed a diagnostic. Vehicle has not been inspected by insurance, manufacturer or police but by VW dealer, and two registered mechanics. No other warnings or symptoms.
    NHTSA complaint #11752232 · source
  4. Filed Jul 13, 2026CTSeats & Seat Belts
    The right rear passenger heated seat in my 2018 Audi Q7 overheated and burned through the leather and foam. Fortunately, my disabled [XXX] daughter, who normally sits in that seat, was not in the vehicle at the time. The failure occurred without warning and during normal use. This defect presents a serious safety risk and could have caused injury or fire. Request: Please investigate this issue in the 2018 Audi Q7 rear heated seats and determine whether a recall or repair…
    NHTSA complaint #11750098 · source
  5. Filed Jul 1, 2026TXEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    My 2018 Audi Q7 3.0T Quattro is experiencing extreme oil consumption — dropping from full to minimum level in approximately 230 miles. This is approximately 14x beyond Audi's own threshold for excessive oil consumption of 0.5 quarts per 1,000 miles. Documented timeline: May 2026 (88,692 miles): Oil change required 2.2 extra quarts beyond standard 7.2qt fill. Low oil light triggered during highway travel. June 27, 2026 (90,200 miles): Authorized Audi dealer formally…
    NHTSA complaint #11747856 · source
  6. Filed May 23, 2026CALighting
    I am getting front left side marker light faulty problem. I was told this is very common for 2018 audi q7. Please investigate this issue and see if i am qualified to get this replaced by audi. Apparently, the replacing the lamp isn't easy but woudl require to replace the whole lighting fixture which could cost over $2k. Thank you.
    NHTSA complaint #11739746 · source
  7. Filed May 19, 2026MELighting
    Parking light defective message on dash board. Looked at the light and all lights present. Talked to a dealer and the headlight assembly to replace is 6K plus. For a small yellow side light inside of headlight that is still on, but the message on dashboard says otherwise. Was told that it isn't outputting enough light power.
    NHTSA complaint #11738684 · source
  8. Filed Apr 13, 2026VAEngineOther / Unknown
    I am reporting suspected odometer fraud on my 2018 Audi Q7 3.0T Prestige (VIN: [XXX] ). Between May 8 and June 13, 2025, while I was the sole driver of the vehicle, Audi dealership service records show an odometer increase of 5,282 miles (from 78,260 to 83,542). However, independently verified GPS trip data from the Audi Connect system confirms I drove only approximately 2,103 miles during this period — a discrepancy of approximately 3,178 miles. The vehicle was serviced at…
    NHTSA complaint #11730885 · source

Compare the 2018 Audi Q7 with another vehicle →

Other 2018 Audi models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 10, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology