Q7 (4M)
Verdict Choose a 2020 or later car, where the refresh resolved much of the early 3.0L V6 trouble. On a 2017 to 2019 car, insist on a clean inspection and documented service history for the supercharged V6, and check the air suspension.
- 692 NHTSA complaints
- 27 recalls
- 4 fire reports
- 22 crash reports
Data covers 3 NHTSA model names
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
Every complaint of any kind (brakes, airbags, electrical and the rest) whose VIN names the engine, across all model years. The score above counts only engine, transmission and drivetrain complaints, so its figures for the same engine are smaller. Fire, injury and death figures count complaints that report one.
3.0-V6-Gas
3.0L 6-cyl / 333 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
55 TFSI
3.0L 6-cyl Turbo / 335 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
2.0T
2.0L 4-cyl Turbo / 252 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Audi Q7 Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Show 2 additional engine variants with limited data
EA825 CEUC/DJYA
4.0L 8-cyl / 500 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
4.0 TFSI
4.0L 8-cyl Turbo / 500 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Reliability Overview
The Audi Q7's reliability record carries a clear dividing line, and it falls at the 2020 model year. Across the 4M generation that ran from 2017 through 2025, owners filed 692 complaints, and the early cars account for most of them. The supercharged 3.0-liter V6 in the 2017 to 2019 models alone draws 456, about 66 percent of the generation's total. The Q7 that Audi refreshed for 2020 is a meaningfully steadier vehicle than the one it replaced.
After the refresh, the picture improves across the range. The revised 3.0-liter V6 in the 2020-and-later cars records a fraction of the early engine's complaints. The 2.0-liter four is the quiet base option, and the 4.0-liter V8 in the SQ7 draws just 11 complaints, though it is a rare and thirsty choice. A buyer who reads the model year as a proxy for reliability will not be far wrong here.
The complaint categories are less about the powertrain than the total suggests. Exterior and body issues lead at 160, followed closely by electrical faults at 154, both flagged critical. Engine complaints follow at 150. Suspension trouble, at 61, is worth noting on a vehicle frequently fitted with air springs, a system that grows expensive to maintain as the miles climb. Four fire reports across the generation keep the safety tail modest for a vehicle of this complexity.
The 27 recalls span the usual luxury-SUV range: fuel system, seats and seat belts, electrical components, and rearview cameras, many of them shared across the broader Volkswagen Group lineup. None dominates the way the early V6's complaints do, so the recall list is a verification task rather than a red flag on its own.
This is a used SUV for a buyer who wants three rows of Audi comfort and will let the model year guide the search. A 2020-or-later Q7 sidesteps the early V6's worst tendencies, and the air suspension and electronics are where the long-term budget goes.
Battery & Propulsion Reliability
Mild Hybrid
Battery & propulsion complaint analysis for the 2017-2025 Audi Q7
The number of mild hybrid versions built is not on file, so this cannot be set against other mild hybrids per vehicle built.
What kind of battery complaint?
What the 12 battery-related complaints describe. One complaint can name more than one of these, so the shares add up to more than 100%. They describe what owners complained about, not how often the vehicle fails.
Loss of power, drive unit, inverter, traction motor, DC-DC converter.
Propulsion battery defects, capacity loss, BMS faults, replacement claims.
Hybrid system warnings, eCVT, motor-generator, hybrid transaxle.
Sample complaint excerpts
Electric Propulsion
- [2022] 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 Moheg
- [2022] 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 maro
- [2020] In July 2023, my 2020 Audi Q7 experienced a complete electrical failure at highway speeds due to a Belt Starter Generator (BSG) malfunction. Audi replaced the BSG with the same faulty part. Months later, I noticed increased oil consumption and loud engine noise. Despite multiple service visits and reporting these issues, Audi failed to properly diagnose the problem. In January 2025, despite a clea
High-Voltage Battery
- [2020] Emergency battery light came on with a description of power malfunction. The light went from yellow to red then shortly stopped in the road while driving with complete power outage.
- [2021] I am filing this complaint regarding a serious safety and mechanical issue involving my 2021 Audi Q7. The alternator on my vehicle was replaced by Audi in November 2024 as part of an official Audi recall. On October 22, 2025, less than one year later, the alternator failed while I was driving, causing the following safety hazards and damages: Sudden loss of battery power Complete battery drain D
- [2021] During commute dash lit-up with "central indicator light", "Vehicle starting system; malfunction! Please contact Service" warning notice, "Audi pre sense" yellow-lit dash warning light, yellow-lit battery warning light that alternated to red-lit battery warning light. AC automatically shut off, radio shut off, was able to limp vehicle home. Restarting the vehicle gave a "Battery low voltage" read
Hybrid Drivetrain
- [2021] While driving, vehicle flashed red error codes for an electrical system malfunction and indicated that the vehicle should be stopped as soon as possible. As part of this failure, the auto start/stop for the vehicle became disabled. Vehicle was towed to Audi dealer, and after sitting on the lot for a week, the dealer confirmed that the starter generator for the 48V mild hybrid system failed.
Source: classified from NHTSA complaint and recall data. "Battery-related" includes high-voltage propulsion battery, charging system, hybrid drivetrain, electric propulsion, regenerative braking, 12V auxiliary battery, and thermal-event complaints. Other complaints (suspension, steering, brakes, infotainment) appear in the engine and vehicle-level sections. The rate divides those complaints by the electrified versions built, from the production counts makers report to NHTSA, and it is not adjusted for age. Death and injury figures count complaints that report one, not the number an owner typed in.
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Audi Q7, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
Buyer's Guide
Model year is the first filter on a used Q7. A 2020 or later car brings the mid-cycle refresh that resolved much of what dominated the early complaint record, particularly around the 3.0-liter V6. If the budget points to a 2017 to 2019 car, go in expecting the supercharged V6 to be the area that most needs a clean inspection and a documented service history.
At inspection, start with the air suspension if the car has it. Check that the vehicle sits level, listen for the compressor cycling normally, and watch for sagging after it has sat, since suspension repairs on this system are costly. Exercise every electrical feature, from the MMI screen to the driver aids and power tailgate, because electrical faults are the second-largest complaint category. Look closely at exterior and body items, the single largest category, including the panoramic roof, seals, and trim for leaks or wind noise.
Run the VIN through Audi's recall lookup and confirm the fuel-system, seat, and electrical campaigns are closed. As with most German luxury SUVs, a pre-sale inspection at an independent Audi specialist is worth the cost, and a full maintenance record matters more here than a low odometer reading.
What to check on a used 2017-2025 Audi Q7
On a used 2017-2025 Audi Q7, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the exterior lighting (160), the electrical system (154) and the engine (150). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-08. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Check every exterior light, the wipers, the washers, the mirrors and the glass.Safety. NHTSA has 160 owner complaints on the 2017-2025 Audi Q7 about the exterior lighting.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 154 owner complaints on the 2017-2025 Audi Q7 about the electrical system.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 150 owner complaints on the 2017-2025 Audi Q7 about the engine, all engines combined.
- Switch the ignition on and watch the airbag light. On the drive, check the backup camera and any collision or lane warning.Safety. NHTSA has 63 owner complaints on the 2017-2025 Audi Q7 about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
- Drive over a speed bump and a rough patch at 15 to 20 mph with the radio off.Safety. NHTSA has 61 owner complaints on the 2017-2025 Audi Q7 about the suspension.
Recalls (27)
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2026 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2025 Audi RS Q8, Audi Q8, Audi Q7, and Audi SQ8 vehicles. The driver and front passenger seat belt buckles may be missing a rivet that secures the buckle to the seat belt stalk.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling one Audi SQ7 vehicles. The fasteners securing the high pressure fuel pump may not be tightened properly, resulting in a fuel leak.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 SQ8, A6 SEDAN, A7, A8, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S6 SEDAN, S7, S8, A6 Allroad, and SQ7 vehicles. Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2023 Audi S5 Cabriolet, A4 Allroad, Q5 Sportback, A3 Sedan, S5 Sportback, SQ7, TT Coupe, TT Roadster, RS5 Sportback, 2024 A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, Q8, RSQ8, 2023-2024 Q3, Q5, and Q7 vehicles. 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.
Show 22 older recalls
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2023-2024 SQ8, RSQ8, Q8, Q7, and 2024 SQ7 vehicles. The driver's seat side air bag may have been improperly mounted to the seatback frame. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 214, "Side Impact Protection."
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2020 Q7 vehicles. 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.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021-2022 AUDI A8, A6 Allroad, E-TRON Quattro, 2022 S3, RSQ8, RS7, RS6 Avant, Q8, Q7, Q3, E-TRON Sportback Quattro, S5 Cabriolet, E-TRON GT, S5 Sportback, A7, A6, A5 Sportback, A5 Cabriolet, A4, A4 Allroad, A3, S8, SQ7, SQ8, S6, and S4 vehicles. 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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Audi A8, RS7, RS6 Avant, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, Q8, Q7, Q5 Sportback, S4 Sedan, Q5, A7, A6, A6 Allroad, A5 Sportback, A5 Coupe, A5 Cabrioleet, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, SQ7, S5 Cabriolet, E-Tron Quattro, SQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ5, S8, S7, S6 Sedan, S5 Sportback, S5 Coupe, 2022 E-Tron GT, and 2021-2022 RSQ8 vehicles. 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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi Q8, and 2020-2021 Audi Q7 vehicles. A component inside the fuel pump may break, causing the fuel pump to fail.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, 2020-2021 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, Q5, S4 Sedan, S5 Coupe, S5 Cabriolet, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, 2021 Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, and SQ8 vehicles. The rear axle alignment may not have been inspected after the repairs for Recall 21V-295 (42L1) were performed.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi A8 and S8, 2022 Audi A5 Sportback, A4 Sedan, E-Tron GT, Q3, Q5, RS6 Avant, A3 Sedan, S5 Sportback, Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RSQ8, SQ7, SQ8, and S3 Sedan vehicles. A software error may prevent the rear-view image from initially displaying when the vehicle begins to reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Volkswagen ID4, Audi A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, Q3, Q5, Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S4 Sedan, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, S5 Sportback, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, SQ8, and 2021-2022 S3 Sedan vehicles. The rear seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi SQ7, RSQ8, RS7, RS6 AVANT, and SQ8 vehicles. Cracks may develop on the surface of the engine cylinder bore.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Q7, Q8, Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, RS6 Avant, RS7, RS Q8, 2020-2021 Audi S6 sedan, Q5, A8, S8, A7, A6 Allroad, A5 Cabriolet, A4 sedan, A4 Allroad, SQ5, S7, A6 sedan, S5 coupe, S4 sedan, S5 Cabriolet, A5 coupe, 2019-2021 RS5 coupe, A5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, RS5 Sportback vehicles. The lock nut on the trailing arm of the rear axle may break due to stress corrosion.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Audi Q7 vehicles. 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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi A6 Allroad, Q7, RS6 and RS7 vehicles. The electrical connector can detach from the door crash sensor in either of the front doors.
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.
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.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Audi Q7 vehicles. In the event of a crash, the side curtain air bags may not properly inflate.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019 Q7, Q8, S5 Cabriolet, and S5 Sportback vehicles. The front shock absorber forks may develop cracks allowing the shock absorbers to loosen.
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.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2017 Audi A7, A4, A6, Volkswagen Golf and Tiguan vehicles and 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf vehicles for driver frontal air bags, passenger frontal air bags or head air bags that may not deploy properly. Additionally, certain 2017 Audi Q7, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad, and 2018 Audi Q5 vehicles are being recalled because the seat belt pretensioners may not activate properly.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2017 Audi Q7 vehicles manufactured November 11, 2015, to November 23, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the electric power steering assist control unit may short circuit resulting in a loss of power steering assist.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2017 Audi Q7 vehicles manufactured August 30, 2015, to July 10, 2016. In the affected vehicles, the third row seat back may move forward under load, such as in a frontal collision. As such, the vehicles do not conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 207, "Seating Systems."
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2016 TT roadster, A3 cabriolet, A3 sedan and A3 e-tron, 2016-2017 TT coupe, 2017 A4 sedan and Q7 and 2015-2017 Q3 vehicles. The affected vehicles may have been programmed with new software that inadvertently makes the side marker lights inoperative in conjunction with the parking lights or the headlights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Audi Q7 vehicles manufactured August 30, 2015, to May 8, 2016. Due to a software issue within the air bag control module, the frontal air bags may deploy with more force than required in certain crashes. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2017-2025 Audi Q7 complaints?
Owners have filed 692 complaints with NHTSA about the 2017-2025 Audi Q7. The systems they name most often are the exterior, the electrical system and the engine.
Is the 2017-2025 Audi Q7 a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 692 complaints with NHTSA about the 2017-2025 Audi Q7. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2017-2025 Audi Q7 have?
NHTSA has 692 owner complaints on file for the 2017-2025 Audi Q7 as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2017-2025 Audi Q7?
NHTSA lists 27 recalls covering some 2017-2025 Audi Q7 vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Audi Q7?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the exterior, the electrical system and the engine, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Q7?
The 2025 Audi Q7 received an overall 5-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 4 stars. Side crash: 5 stars. Rollover: 4 stars (15.5% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: Standard. Lane Departure Warning: Standard. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 692 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-18.