Audi Q7 Complaints
120 consumer complaints on file.
- #11669083June 25, 2025ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
First Incident [XXX], in Columbia SC driving in parking lot On Post, approx 10pm, blocking traffic. Car shut down and MMI disappeared. After approximately 20-30 minutes car started, still no screen. I was able to drive it. Next day, Rebooted per Google, took to dealership who said I should make sure I used premium gas. When I said I did I was told to be careful which gas station I bought it from. And since the screen was back up they couldn’t do anything. I called the Corporate office who had them run a full systems check. All with MMI was well until [XXX] at [XXX]pm. Driving in Columbia SC screen disappeared again but car did not stop this time. I called dealership who told me to press the volume button until it rebooted. It didn’t work. I was told to bring it in. The Audi App sent me a Headlight Assistant Malfunction Warning! message at 7:44pm also, same evening as the MMI incident. Copy of current screen and 10/24 service receipt. This is a dangerous situation as someone almost hit the back of my car during the first incident since the stop was so sudden ([XXX]) I was blocking the driveway and cars had to backup and detour in a small dark area. Losing MMI while driving is a distraction. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11663107May 27, 2025ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, SERVICE BRAKES
I am reporting a severe defect in my 2020 Audi Q7 involving “coolant migration” due to a faulty water pump, a known issue in Audi models (Q7, S4, A6, 2013–2022). This poses critical safety risks due to sudden failure with minimal warning. My out-of-warranty Q7 showed minor coolant fouling near a solenoid, with normal coolant levels and no fluid added. The dealer quoted ~$6,000 to replace the water pump and vacuum system. This defect is highly dangerous due to: Sudden Power Loss: Coolant in the vacuum system impairs solenoids and lines, disrupting engine/turbo function. This can cause abrupt power loss, risking loss of control in traffic or at high speeds, potentially leading to collisions. Catastrophic Overheating: A failing water pump may halt coolant circulation, causing rapid engine overheating without warning, risking sudden engine shutdown and stranding drivers in hazardous conditions like highways. Brake Assist Failure: The vacuum system powers the brake booster. Contamination can reduce braking effectiveness, increasing pedal effort and stopping distances, heightening collision risks in emergencies. Emissions Control Issues: Coolant fouling affects PCV and EVAP systems, causing misfires, stalling, or increased emissions, potentially triggering check engine lights and compromising engine stability. Undetectable Progression: The defect often shows no clear symptoms or warnings until severe damage occurs. My vehicle had only minor fouling that could only be detected by visual inspection, yet extensive repairs were needed, indicating the issue’s stealthy nature, which prevents timely driver intervention. Systemic Issue: Forums and a class-action lawsuit confirm this defect across Audi models, yet owners face high repair costs post-warranty. This defect endangers drivers and others by risking vehicle failure, impaired braking, and unstable performance. I urge NHTSA to investigate and mandate a recall or extended warranty.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11661780May 19, 2025ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
The instrument cluster failed as was reported in a previous recall. This failure was caused by a hardware problem which was fixed via a software update. Unfortunately, the hardware (instrument cluster) has already been compromised and warning lights are all lit up and some warnings aren't working and the instrument panel still goes blank when driving.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11660362May 12, 2025FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
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.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11659152May 6, 2025LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING, LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
The system keeps turning itself on after I knowingly turn it off. I have seen that other customers have complained for the same reason. I have owned the car since 1/30/25, it has turned itself on average 1-2x per week since owning the car. There are a myriad of other software issues with the car that Audi refuses to fix. When it comes back on, if I do not immediately notice, making any lane change becomes very dangerous, or particularly in a panic situation, the steering wheel is jerked so hard by the car that it is not a safe system to have turned on.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11657439April 29, 2025SERVICE BRAKES
After owning the vehicle for less than one-year (~20k) miles, the front brakes started to pulse and make noise when stopping. Stopping distance was reduced. The dealer recommended that the rotors be replaced and did so at zero cost as a courtesy. Twelve weeks later, the pulsing and noise and reduced stopping distance started again. This time they refused to pay for the repair and blamed "braking habits". Audi national customer care also refused to do anything. The car is mostly driven on the highway and most of the braking is done by the adaptive cruise control. There is no other evidence of hard driving (i.e. tire wear or low gas mileage). The problem is almost certainly the calipers which should not fail after a year. Reduced stopping distance and brake failure are a safety hazard.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11657159April 28, 2025ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2021 Audi Q7. The contact stated the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V201000 (Electrical System); however, the repair failed to prevent a failure from occurring. The contact stated that two days after the recall repair, several unknown warning lights illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, the fuel gauge failed to provide an accurate reading for the fuel. The contact stated that the check coolant and temperature warning lights were intermittently illuminated. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11656509April 24, 2025ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
There is a recall for my issue from Audi 90VC. The “remedy” is a software update that a previous dealer and Audi field techs say willl not fix my issue. It’s a hardware issue. The remedy provided for the recall is a facade and doesn’t fix the root cause of the issue. I’m one that actually have the symptoms of the cockpit failed (completely blank screen) but yet Audi is telling me I have to pay to have this safety recall/issue fixed.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11655166April 17, 2025ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2021 Audi Q7. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the instrument cluster display was inoperable and could not be viewed by the driver. During the failure, the driver was unable to view the speedometer and turn signals. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the instrument cluster was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V201000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 52,000.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11654382April 13, 2025ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Both of the screens went blank while I was driving and the top one showed this: ENGINEERING +Update + Activation keys +Version information +Reboot to normal mode
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11653021April 6, 2025ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
In correspondence with recall number 25V201, the Virtual Cockpit display would go blank while driving, hiding all driver assistance indicators/instruments. Unable to verify engine speed unless looking at the heads up display, but adaptive cruise control/forward collision warnings won’t display. Upon parking and restarting vehicle, the display would work, but will intermittently go blank after some time while resuming driving. Called local dealership and they are aware of issue but since a repair is unavailable, out of pocket costs would be incurred. There have not been any inspections but I’ve scanned the vehicle for error code B200049, documented in previous Audi TSBs related to the virtual cockpit display issue.There were no warnings or indications, prior to the event which occurred less than a week after recall number 25V201 had started.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11646213March 4, 2025LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING, LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
Purchased my new 2025 Audi Q7 on 11/23/2024. About a week later, I discovered that after I permanently turned OFF the Lane Departure Warning/Alert, it came back on unexpectedly and nearly caused me to overcorrect during a lane change and nearly caused me to hit an oncoming vehicle. This problem has been recurring at random intervals over the last 3 months of approximately 3 to 10 key cycles with the same safety issues. I've advised the dealership & Audi of the problem and they have refused to do anything since they say it is a 'software problem' and hope to have a 'fix' in Q2 or Q3. I understand that this issue has been ongoing for the last 2 or 3 years on Audi new cars and a software fix has been 'in the works' since then.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11646157March 4, 2025ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SEATS, LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
Sensors go off that I will hit something when not there Remote batteries have dies three times in two years Car won't start Bluetooth doesn't connect Trunk liftgate doesn't work Volume turns off.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11636224January 16, 2025SEATS, SEATS:BARRIERS
See attached document for complaint.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11635629January 13, 2025STRUCTURE:BODY
Door latched locked and won’t open. In case of an emergency door would be unable to open. Certainly causing a dangerous situation.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11632492December 26, 2024FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Often brakes abruptly. the first time the car was set at 60mph adaptive cruise control when the car abruptly braked to almost a stop on a divided four lane hwy. I reported incidents to Audi Cary & put my car in for service. they did not find diagnostic conclusion. after picking up my car the problem continues.While on Adaptive cruise control set at 62 mph abruptly decelerates to 17, forcing driver to pull into right turn lane. Again on same afternoon car braked abruptly with another car following closely behind, the driver accelerated, there was a pause where braking stopped but car did not accelerate, then the car accelerated avoiding being hit from behind. The last two incidents I immediately call Audi Cary to report the problem. I now journal all episodes of malfunction.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11631051December 16, 2024SERVICE BRAKES, ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS
The contact owns a 2023 Audi Q7. The contact stated that the MIL warning light was illuminated. There was a yellow warning light illuminated with a message to take the vehicle to the dealer displayed. While the contact’s wife was driving at an undisclosed speed and approaching an intersection, the yellow warning light turned red. The contact stated that the vehicle suddenly independently skidded to a screeching stop. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 32,000.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11630857December 16, 2024FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
I am reaching out to raise a serious safety concern regarding the Audi Pre Sense feature in 2023 Audi models. This feature has caused sudden, unexpected braking on both freeways and internal roads, creating a significant hazard for drivers and passengers. There appears to be no permanent way to disable this feature, and its malfunction poses a critical risk of causing accidents rather than preventing them. I urge the NHTSA to investigate this issue and ensure that manufacturers provide a safe and reliable solution, including an option to disable the feature if needed.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11629360December 6, 2024BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING, BACK OVER PREVENTION: AUTOMATIC SYSTEM BRAKING
I leased a brand new 2025 Q7 at the beginning of June 2024. Two weeks into the lease i was attempting to back my car out of a parking spot at work, during a rainstorm, and the vehicle applied the brakes, grinding me to a sudden halt. It thought the rain was an obstacle. I tried several times to back out of the parking space and each time the car, without any other warning, slammed on the brakes. I called my salesperson who requested I contact the service center, who requested that I bring the vehicle in to be looked at. I was told that the vehicle should not be acting that way. After having the vehicle for 24 hours they called me to say there were no malfunctions or errors recorded in the system and I could come get the car. They told me that they were not able to "simulate rain" to test the issue adequately. A couple of weeks later it happened again. This time I was attempting to leave my garage, again in the rain, and I could not do so. The vehicle continued to halt each time I tried to back up. The car went back to the service center who had it for a full week, from 7/23/24 - 7/30/24, just to tell me that the issue I am referring to is actually "normal behavior and is a feature of the car" and they said that it could be turned off. This issue continued to occur and so I was provided a loaner vehicle while they were investigating what was occurring with mine. This report is related to that loaner vehicle as it has the same issue as my leased vehicle. Neither 2025 Q7 will backup in the rain and will slam on the brakes if you attempt to do so. The dealer continues to claim this is normal and I was told the issue was mine and there was nothing the dealer can or will do. I am reporting this vehicle as having an issue due to the severe safety concerns surrounding this issue with these vehicles. It is not being taken seriously by Audi and this is very concerning.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11627155November 25, 2024BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING, BACK OVER PREVENTION: AUTOMATIC SYSTEM BRAKING
I leased a brand new 2025 Q7 at the beginning of June 2024. Two weeks into the lease i was attempting to back my car out of a parking spot at work, during a rainstorm, and the vehicle applied the brakes, grinding me to a sudden halt. It thought the rain was an obstacle. I tried several times to back out of the parking space and each time the car, without any other warning, slammed on the brakes. I called my salesperson who requested I contact the service center, who requested that I bring the vehicle in to be looked at. I was told that the vehicle should not be acting that way. After having the vehicle for 24 hours they called me to say there were no malfunctions or errors recorded in the system and I could come get the car. They told me that they were not able to "simulate rain" to test the issue adequately. A couple of weeks later it happened again. This time I was attempting to leave my garage, again in the rain, and I could not do so. The vehicle continued to halt each time I tried to back up. The car went back to the service center who had it for a full week, from 7/23/24 - 7/30/24, just to tell me that the issue I am referring to is actually "normal behavior and is a feature of the car" and they said that it could be turned off. When I picked up the car, the feature they turned off was the Rear Cross Traffic Assist (RCTA). However, that is a feature that I want to be able to use and nowhere in the owner's manual or anywhere I can find does it say that rain will stop the vehicle. I do understand how the RCTA is meant to work and I do want to have an audible and visual warning of objects or people impeding my path. However, I do not want the vehicle thinking that rain is an obstacle. I do have videos of this occurring.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0