Owners have reported 3 crashes and 3 injuries to NHTSA for the 2018 Audi Q7. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints28
ENGINE
Owners of the 2018 Audi Q7 frequently report excessive oil consumption, often necessitating oil top-offs between scheduled maintenance intervals. Common symptoms include low oil alerts, engine misfires, and in some cases, catastrophic engine failure, with some vehicles requiring a quart of oil every few hundred miles. These issues typically emerge around 60,000 to 80,000 miles, with some owners noting engine damage such as broken valves and cylinder scoring. Safety implications are significant, as several complaints describe sudden power loss and stalling while driving, with one report involving a crash. Potential buyers should be aware of these patterns, especially if considering a vehicle with higher mileage.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints17
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Owners of the 2018 Audi Q7 frequently report issues with the side marker lights, with many complaints indicating a warning message about defective front left or right side marker lights, despite the lights functioning or appearing to work. Symptoms often include persistent and distracting dashboard warnings, sometimes accompanied by a "ping" sound, which can occur repeatedly during a single drive. Some reports mention that this issue emerges around or after 84,000 miles. Affected owners express concerns over the high cost of repairs, with estimates reaching several thousand dollars to replace the headlamp assembly. While there are no reports of accidents or injuries, the distraction caused by the warning messages is noted as a potential safety concern. Some owners reference a related recall, but many indicate their vehicles are not covered by it.
Owner complaints15
SUSPENSION
Owners report frequent issues with the rear coil springs on the 2018 Audi Q7, particularly on the passenger side, with several instances of both springs failing. Symptoms typically include loud noises while driving, a noticeable sag on the affected side, and in some cases, leaking shocks. These failures are commonly reported between 43,000 and 93,000 miles. Safety implications noted by owners include potential loss of vehicle control, risk of tire puncture, and compromised suspension performance, especially during emergency maneuvers or on uneven roads. This pattern of complaints may be significant for prospective buyers considering the vehicle's long-term reliability.
Owner complaints15
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Owners of the 2018 Audi Q7 frequently report issues with the sunroof spontaneously exploding while driving, with multiple complaints noting loud noises followed by shattered glass. Engine mount fluid leaks are also commonly mentioned, with reports indicating occurrences around 44,000 to 100,000 miles. Another recurring issue involves the vehicle's backup camera system unpredictably switching modes, requiring manual intervention to restore the desired view. Safety implications are noted in several complaints, particularly concerning the sunroof explosions and potential child safety lock malfunctions, which could trap children inside the vehicle. These patterns suggest potential concerns for prospective buyers, particularly regarding costly repairs and safety risks associated with these issues.
Severity signals: 0 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports
Owner complaints13
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners of the 2018 Audi Q7 frequently report issues with the vehicle's electrical system, particularly involving the MMI system and lighting components. Multiple complaints describe the MMI system shutting down and restarting unpredictably, affecting navigation and other vehicle settings, with some reports indicating increasing frequency over time. Additionally, several owners mention recurring problems with the side marker lights, often referencing previous recalls that did not cover their specific VINs. Reports also highlight safety concerns, including instances where the vehicle unexpectedly runs out of fuel due to a faulty fuel level sender, and issues with the driver assist system, such as the pre-sense feature engaging brakes abruptly. These problems are noted across various mileage ranges, with some occurring as early as 42,000 miles, and pose potential safety risks, including unintended vehicle stoppages and the risk of being stranded.
Severity signals: 0 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports
Owner complaints7
STEERING
Owners of the 2018 Audi Q7 report several steering-related issues. A common problem involves the steering wheel malfunctioning or seizing, often accompanied by warning messages, which can lead to loss of control and necessitate towing, as noted at mileages around 60,000 to 65,000 miles. Additionally, some owners describe a misalignment between the steering wheel and driver seat, and steering drift towards the passenger side, which is linked to tire wear issues. Safety concerns are highlighted by instances of steering failure during driving, with one report involving a collision with a curb. These complaints suggest potential safety implications for prospective buyers to consider.
Owner complaints7
POWER TRAIN
Owners of the 2018 Audi Q7 frequently report issues with the power train, particularly involving sudden loss of power and transmission malfunctions. Common symptoms include unexpected deceleration, the vehicle stalling or being stuck in neutral, and dashboard warnings such as “Drive System: Malfunction” and “Transmission Malfunction.” These issues often occur at higher mileages, such as 59,000 miles, but have also been reported in vehicles with as little as 7,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with owners describing scenarios where the vehicle loses power on highways or during turns, potentially leading to hazardous situations. Additionally, some owners mention differential noise and oil consumption issues, which may further affect vehicle reliability.
Owner complaints6
SERVICE BRAKES
Owners report frequent issues with the brakes on the 2018 Audi Q7, with the most common complaint being a loud squeaking noise, particularly when reversing. This noise is described as alarming to both the driver and surrounding individuals. Several complaints indicate that this issue becomes noticeable at mileage as low as 20,000 to 27,700 miles. In some instances, owners have reported that dealers initially did not inform them of a relevant Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) and suggested costly repairs instead. Additionally, one owner mentions a brake lock-up at low speeds on icy roads, indicating a potential safety concern. Used car buyers should be aware of these brake performance and communication issues when considering this vehicle.
Owner complaints5
WHEELS
Owners of the 2018 Audi Q7 frequently report issues with tire wear and performance, particularly with run-flat tires from various manufacturers including Pirelli, Goodyear, and Continental. Complaints commonly describe uneven tire wear, with patterns such as "chunking" on outer edges and "wavy" wear on the inside, often appearing as early as 7,000 to 14,000 miles. Some owners note that replacement tires also exhibit premature wear. One incident involves a crash following a stabilization error and brake failure during a U-turn, though the exact cause remains unclear. Prospective buyers should be aware of these tire-related issues and the potential for early replacement costs.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints3
STRUCTURE
Owners of the 2018 Audi Q7 report several issues related to the vehicle's structure. One complaint involves the soft-close door feature, which failed to detect an 8-year-old's finger, resulting in injury. Another owner describes an exhaust pipe tip becoming rusted and detaching from the vehicle, creating a road hazard. A third complaint involves a parking brake malfunction that led to the vehicle rolling into another parked car, though no alarms indicated the vehicle was not in park. These issues highlight potential safety implications, including injury and crashes, and occur without specific mileage patterns mentioned.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports
