Most common 2018 Audi Q7 problems
Share of the 144 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Audi Q7 complaints by model year
Best Q7 years: 2024, 2011, 2010. Years to avoid: 2017, 2018, 2021, 2025, 2019. Compare all years →
2018 Audi Q7 recalls (3)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
What 2018 Audi Q7 owners say
Engine & cooling all 40 →
The contact owns a 2018 Audi Q7. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the low oil warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the oil level was topped off every 700 miles. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed piston and excessive oil consumption. The contact was informed that the piston needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally report a serious and recurring safety issue involving my 2018 Audi Q7. The vehicle has experienced repeated drive system malfunctions that result in sudden loss of power, reduced acceleration, and warning messages on the dashboard such as "Drive System: Malfunction" and "Electrical System Failure." These incidents have occurred while the vehicle was in motion, creating a hazardous situation for both the occupants and surrounding drivers. In my case, the vehicle unexpectedly lost power while driving at highway speeds, forcing me to maneuver to the shoulder with diminished control. This sudden malfunction is unpredictable and could easily result in a collision or serious injury, especially in high-speed or high-traffic conditions. Upon researching this issue, I found that numerous other 2018 Audi Q7 owners have reported similar problems. …
Lights all 23 →
The contact owns a 2018 Audi Q7. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, an orange triangle warning symbol and a message that the "Driver's side Front Marker Defective - See Owner's Manual" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the front driver's side marker needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,901.
A very distracting warning about an issue with a front left side marker keeps popping up - on some rides multiple times in a minute! - and the only way to address it is, according to the dealership, to pay almost $7,000 to replace the entire headlamp assembly. It's so distracting I do not permit the new teenage driver in our family to drive the car because I do not think it is safe. The visual is alarming and appears in the display immediately behind the steering wheel, so it is distracting. I think it makes a Ping! noise too, each time it appears. The car passed inspection because the light still works, there seems to be some other problem deep in the assembly that is causing the distracting warning. Given the cost and the safety issue from the distraction, I was surprised there is not a recall on this. So, I am reporting it now. …
Suspension
I'm reporting a serious safety issue with my 2018 Audi Q7. Both rear suspension springs failed suddenly while I was driving at highway speeds 70 MPH, with no warning at all. This was extremely dangerous-I almost lost control of the vehicle when it happened. The rear of the car dropped and handling became unstable immediately. There were no prior signs, noises, or issues leading up to the failure. This kind of failure should not happen under normal driving conditions, especially on a vehicle like this. Having both springs fail at the same time creates a major safety risk not only for me but for others on the road. I had to replace both rear springs at my own expense. Based on what I've seen, this may be a known issue and not just a one-time occurrence. …
Passenger side rear coil spring broken, shocks leaking. Confirmed by dealer. No warning lamps, messages. Potential safety risks include: Suspension compromise with the balance and alignment of the vehicle. There is a risk of loss of control especially with emergency maneuvers or sharp turns. This leads to poor vehicle control, increase risk of roll of vehicle and braking control. Can cause uneven wear on tires which can cause a blow out or loss of grip on roads. The leaking shocks puts stress on other parts of the vehicle. Suspension may not respond correctly if the vehicle were to hit a pothole or make a sudden turn. The broken coil can puncture a tire, causing loss of control which can result in an accident. The vehicle is garaged year round, maintained very well, with no excessive wear and tear. One owner vehicle.
2018 Audi Q7 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 8-speed automatic | AWD | 19 / 25 / 21 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl supercharged | 8-speed automatic | AWD | 19 / 25 / 21 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2018 Audi Q7 a good car?
Based on 144 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2018 Q7 rates avoid: 5.8× as many complaints as a typical year of the Q7 at the same age. It is one of the Q7 years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2018 Audi Q7?
The engine & cooling — 40 complaints, 28% of all complaints for this model year, most often about cooling system. Next are the lights (23) and suspension (17).
How many recalls does the 2018 Audi Q7 have?
There are 3 recalls for the 2018 Audi Q7, the most recent from October 27, 2020 (roof and pillars). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Audi Q7?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2024, 2011 and 2010. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2017, 2018, 2021, 2025 and 2019. See the full Audi Q7 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2018 Audi Q7 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 16,000 miles; 79% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.