Audi Q7 reliability and problems by year
Owners have filed 899 complaints about the Audi Q7 with NHTSA since 2010, most often about engine and electrical system. Audi has filed 16 warranty extensions and 10 service campaigns for it, and there are 31 safety recalls on file.
From NHTSA's public data files, downloaded 2026-10-10.
How reliable is the Audi Q7? What NHTSA's records show
We don't give the Q7 a reliability score. NHTSA publishes complaint counts but no sales figures, so complaints can't be turned into a rate or compared between models. Here is what's on file for model years 2010 on.
- Owner complaints
- 899
- Filed with NHTSA, all model years
- Warranty extensions
- 16
- Filed by Audi
- Service campaigns
- 10
- Filed by Audi
- Safety recalls
- 31
- Each covers part of the model
Every model year compared
Complaints rise with how many were sold and how long they've been on the road, so a newer or rarer year will show fewer. Compare years of the Q7 with each other.
| Year | Complaints | Most named | Recalls | Warranty / campaigns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | Engine (100%) | 1 | 0 |
| 2025 | 16 | Other or unspecified (31%) | 2 | 0 |
| 2024 | 2 | Other or unspecified (100%) | 3 | 2 |
| 2023 | 16 | Brakes (19%) | 3 | 3 |
| 2022 | 20 | Engine (45%) | 3 | 3 |
| 2021 | 75 | Electrical system (59%) | 9 | 4 |
| 2020 | 28 | Electrical system (36%) | 5 | 4 |
| 2019 | 62 | Steering (16%) | 4 | 3 |
| 2018 | 143 | Engine (27%) | 3 | 2 |
| 2017 | 320 | Exterior lights (42%) | 7 | 2 |
| 2016 | 2 | Airbags (50%) | 1 | 2 |
| 2015 | 45 | Engine (29%) | 2 | 7 |
| 2014 | 45 | Fuel and propulsion (24%) | 2 | 7 |
| 2013 | 43 | Fuel and propulsion (30%) | 3 | 8 |
| 2012 | 29 | Fuel and propulsion (38%) | 4 | 9 |
| 2011 | 23 | Visibility and wipers (30%) | 4 | 18 |
| 2010 | 29 | Fuel and propulsion (31%) | 3 | 16 |
Look up one model year, or a VIN
See the complaints, recalls and warranty extensions for a single Q7 model year, with the typical mileage when owners reported each problem.
Acknowledged by Audi
Warranty extensions and service campaigns Audi filed with NHTSA for the Q7, in its own words. A warranty extension means Audi pays for the repair beyond the normal warranty.
- Warranty extensionJun 2025· Electrical system· model years 2021
For applicable vehicles, the New Vehicle Limited Warranty will be extended to repair the Virtual Cockpit by an authorized Audi dealer for a period of 15 years or 125,000 miles, whichever occurs first, from the vehicle’s original in-service date.
- Warranty extensionApr 2022· Airbags· model years 2010–2023
This Document informs dealers on the new Takata warranty extension for 2005-2017 A3, A4 Avant, A4 Sedan, S4 Sedan, S4, Avant, A4 Cabriolet, S4 Cabriolet, A5 Cabriolet, S5 Cabriolet, A6 Avant, A6 Sedan, Q5, R8 Coupe, R8 Spyder, RS4 Cabriolet, RS4 Sedan, S6 Sedan, S6 Sedan, TT…
- Warranty extensionSep 2020· Engine and cooling· model years 2010–2015
Reminders - TDI Approved Emissions Modifications, Emissions Compliant Repairs, corrections and extended warranty / warranty policy and loaner vehicle overview
- Warranty extensionSep 2019· Equipment and accessories· model years 2013–2015
This is the extended warranty for Gen 2.1 TDI vehicles. Revised September 18, 2019 to include information about vehicles with a totaled status, and revised "Loaner Vehicle Applicability" statement.
- Warranty extensionJun 2018· Engine and cooling· model years 2010–2023
For Audi 3.0 L TDI Generation 2.1 SUV vehicles repaired by the emissions modification recall, the following warranty extension is applicable.Extended Emissions Warranty?
- Warranty extensionMar 2018· Equipment and accessories· model years 2013–2015
This communication asks dealers to contact Audi Warranty if they have any questions about the extended warranty coverage for 2.0L and 3.0L TDI vehicles.
- Warranty extensionNov 2017· Engine and cooling· model years 2013–2015
This communication notifies dealers that the Class Bridge Warranty extension is no longer valid on Gen 2.1 TDI vehicles because the repair is available.
- Warranty extensionDec 2016· Equipment and accessories· model years 2014–2015
This is a general communication notifying dealers that there is extended Warranty coverage available for the exhaust gas temperature sensor for certain models and model years. This document details the terms of the warranty extension.
- Warranty extensionJul 2015· Fuel system· model years 2011–2012
All audi 2011-2012 Model year with an 2.0 tfsi engine will be extending the warranty on all fuel injectors. 7/23/15
- Warranty extensionJun 2015· Equipment and accessories· model years 2010–2012
This document modifies the Audi Warranty Policies and Procedures Manual on the high pressure fuel pump limited warranty extension for certain 2009-2012 model year Audi TDI clean diesel engine vehicles.
- Warranty extensionApr 2015· Fuel system· model years 2010–2012
This document contains general information on the upcoming warranty extension on the high pressure fuel pump.
- Warranty extensionSep 2014· Other or unspecified· model years 2010–2011
A warranty extension has been issued for 10 yrs or 120, 000 miles, whichever occur first, on emissions control systems warranty for intake manifold and fuel injectors, under specific conditions. Model 2008-2011.
- Warranty extensionSep 2014· Other or unspecified· model years 2011
Warranty extension for emissions control systems warranty for fuel injector replacement, has been issued, under specific conditions, 10 years or 120,000 miles, whichever first occurs. Model 2011.
- Warranty extensionDec 2013· Engine· model years 2010–2013
Information provided regarding warranty extension on carbon buildup removal, engine cylinder head secondary air ports. Models 2009-2012. No model provided.
- Warranty extensionAug 2013· Mobility equipment· model years 2010–2012
A faulty intake manifold may cause the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) on the instrument cluster to illuminate due to the presence of specific fault codes caused by this component and/or a faulty fuel injector may cause minor misfire conditions and, in turn, cause the…
- Warranty extensionAug 2013· Engine and cooling· model years 2010–2013
As part of Audi's ongoing commitment to our environment, Audi is extending the Emissions Control Systems Warranty to cover cleaning of the engine cylinder head secondary air ports to remove carbon buildup under specific conditions to 10 years or 120,000 miles, whichever occurs…
- Service campaignFeb 2025· Other or unspecified· model years 2019–2020
Service Action and UPDATE Closure Notice
Manufacturer reference Audi-closures-20250218: quote it to a dealer to check whether a car is covered.
- Service campaignAug 2024· Other or unspecified· model years 2024
The gateway control module will be replaced at no cost to owners. Updated claiming information
- Service campaignMay 2024· Other or unspecified· model years 2020–2024
Under this service action, Audi dealers will replace the starter-alternator in affected vehicles at no cost to owners.
- Service campaignJun 2011· Transmission and drivetrain· model years 2010–2011
Under certain conditions the coolant pump may leak.
- Service campaignJun 2011· Transmission and drivetrain· model years 2010–2011
Apology letter about the water pump campaign.
- Service campaignJun 2011· Transmission and drivetrain· model years 2010–2011
Apology letter about the water pump campaign and warranty information.
- Service campaignJun 2011· Transmission and drivetrain· model years 2010–2011
Apology letter about the water pump campaign and warranty information.
- Service campaignJun 2011· Transmission and drivetrain· model years 2010–2011
Apology letter about the water pump campaign and warranty information.
- Service campaignApr 2011· Engine and cooling· model years 2010–2011
A seal inside the coolant pump can wear out and leak coolant. This also caused the engine light to come on. *rm updated on 06/27/2011.
- Service campaignApr 2011· Engine and cooling· model years 2010–2011
The engine thermostat stays close and may cause the engine to overheat. Warning lights will illuminate. 2010-2011 Models.
What owners report most
The parts of the car owners named in their complaints, across every Q7 model year. Unverified, and not a failure rate.
- Engine191 (21%)
- Electrical system158 (18%)
- Exterior lights157 (17%)
- Other or unspecified96 (11%)
- Fuel and propulsion80 (9%)
- Suspension60 (7%)
- Transmission and drivetrain45 (5%)
- Steering45 (5%)
Safety recalls
31 recalls cover at least one Q7 model year. Each covers a range of VINs, not every car. Check one car at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying as intended.
The driver and front passenger seat belt buckles may be missing a rivet that secures the buckle to the seat belt stalk.
Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail.
An electrical connection in the front passenger seat for the occupant detection system (ODS) control module may loosen and deactivate the front passenger air bag.
The driver's seat side air bag may have been improperly mounted to the seatback frame.
Incompatibility between the front camera control software and the heating element used for the front camera on the windshield may cause the heating element to overheat.
The Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) listed on the certification label is incorrect, which can allow the vehicle to be overloaded.
The infotainment main unit may become damaged internally when the vehicle is shut off, resulting in an inoperative rearview camera display the next time the vehicle is started.
Due to a software issue, a blank or black screen may be displayed instead of the rearview camera image when the vehicle is placed in reverse gear.
A component inside the fuel pump may break, causing the fuel pump to fail.
The rear axle alignment may not have been inspected after the repairs for Recall 21V-295 (42L1) were performed.
A software error may prevent the rear-view image from initially displaying when the vehicle begins to reverse.
The rear seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly.
The lock nut on the trailing arm of the rear axle may break due to stress corrosion.
The air bag control module may deploy the second stage of the front passenger air bag too quickly after the first stage when the seat is occupied by an unbelted child.
And 16 more recalls on NHTSA.
NHTSA investigations
Defect investigations NHTSA opened. Many close without a recall.
- EA11003Engineering analysis· opened Feb 2011, closed Mar 2015· Fuel system (diesel)· model years 2010–2012
High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure
NHTSA's own page for the 2027 Audi Q7 has the complaint text and every document.
Common questions
Is the Audi Q7 reliable?
We don't score reliability: NHTSA publishes complaint counts but no sales figures, so complaints can't be turned into a rate or compared between models. What's on file for model years 2010 on: 899 owner complaints, 16 warranty extensions and 10 service campaigns Audi filed, and 31 safety recalls. The model years with the most complaints are 2017 (320), 2018 (143), 2021 (75). Whether a known problem was fixed on one car is what its service records show.
What are the most common problems with the Audi Q7?
Across every model year since 2010, owners' complaints to NHTSA most often name engine (21%), electrical system (18%), exterior lights (17%). Audi has filed 16 warranty extensions covering the Q7, listed on this page.
Which Q7 model years have the most complaints?
2017 (320), 2018 (143), 2021 (75). Complaint counts rise with how many were sold and how long they've been on the road, so compare years of the Q7 with each other rather than with other models.
Has Audi extended the warranty on the Q7?
Yes: electrical system (model years 2021); airbags (model years 2010–2023); engine and cooling (model years 2010–2015), and 13 more. A dealer does a covered repair for free within the extended time or mileage.
How do I check recalls on a Q7?
Enter the car's 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. That answers for one vehicle; the 31 recalls listed here are for the model, and each covers only part of it.