Engine complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 | 13% | 32,000 miles |
| 2022 | 10 | 50% | 20,000 miles |
| 2021 | 20 | 27% | 60,000 miles |
| 2020 | 9 | 32% | 70,000 miles |
| 2019 | 7 | 11% | 17,000 miles |
| 2018 | 40 | 28% | 20,000 miles |
| 2017 | 61 | 19% | 57,000 miles |
| 2015 | 13 | 29% | 59,000 miles |
| 2014 | 11 | 24% | 61,000 miles |
| 2013 | 11 | 26% | 82,000 miles |
| 2012 | 8 | 28% | 91,000 miles |
| 2011 | 2 | 9% | 110,000 miles |
| 2010 | 5 | 17% | 35,000 miles |
| 2009 | 4 | 19% | 120,000 miles |
| 2008 | 2 | 6% | 99,000 miles |
| 2007 | 19 | 20% | 97,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2022 Audi Q7. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to Technical Service Bulletin: 10244468 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed and determined that the failure was an EVAP leak detection from the circuit with trouble code: T240700. The failure was confirmed and related to TSB: 10244468 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was not repaired due to parts not being available. The TSB stated that parts would be available by the end of the 2nd quarter of 2024. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the parts were not yet available. The approximate failure mileage was 20,000.
My 2022 Audi Q7 experienced an internal water pump seal failure that allowed engine coolant to migrate into the vehicle's vacuum system, contaminating the vacuum reservoir, valve, and connected lines. This is a known failure pattern affecting Audi/Volkswagen vehicles equipped with the 2.9T/3.0T EA839 engine family, where the water pump's internal design allows coolant to be drawn into the vacuum circuit undetected, since the leak is internal and not visible externally. This can affect brake booster vacuum assist and turbo/drivetrain systems depending on severity. The failure occurred outside of any accident or misuse, is a documented design issue in ongoing class action litigation against Audi/Volkswagen, and required extensive repair (water pump, vacuum reservoir, valve, and related lines) once diagnosed. I am filing this complaint to document the pattern of this defect.
The contact owns a 2021 Audi Q7. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 - 55 MPH, the Check Engine light had illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed code PO299, which referred to coolant migration into the vacuum system. The contact was unable to provide the exact parts that were needed for repairs. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The manufacturer opened a case regarding the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
While driving the vehicle, error messages began appearing on the in-panel dashboard display. At first, a yellow/orange battery icon appeared with the message "Electrical system: malfunction! Please contact Service". Within an hour, the car experienced another electrical system malfunction (red battery icon appeared with the message "Electrical system: malfunction! Safely stop vehicle") along with a host of other error messages (Brakes: malfunction, Steering: malfunction, Parking brake: malfunction, Vehicle lights: malfunction, Stabilization control (ESC/ABS): malfunction, Drive system: malfunction, Transmission: malfunction). The car was undrive-able at this point, coasted to a stop and could not be restarted while on an active roadway. The car had to be towed to the dealership, where it still remains today. …
The contact owns a 2020 Audi Q7. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where the water pump, coolant pump, vacuum line, and vacuum reservoir were replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
the first indication of an issue was oil consumption. It was using more oil than usual around the 70K mile mark. Then it started misfiring, and soon after a knocking noise coming from the engine. There are no check engine light on, after bringing it in for diagnostics, it read that it was a spark plug, once they got into the engine they discovered the cylinder had been stripped from the piston. Yes the diagnostics came from our foreign car mechanic. no, it has not been inspected by the manufacturer or police. Just the symptoms. sometimes the light would come on, and then it would go off. At this point it is off. All of this started in the fall of 2025.
With 49,520 miles, low coolant warning came on during vehicle start up. Periodic checks had not revealed a drop in coolant. Added coolant to minimum line, and drove to dealer for 50k mile servicing. Water pump had failed! Good thing it was under warranty. Replaced at no cost. It would have been a $1500 repair otherwise. Water pumps should not fail at 50k miles, not on a car this expensive. Audi had a massive recall on earlier model years of this car - it appears the current design is no better.
Motor mount is leaking hydraulic fluid. Available for inspection. At around 69,000 miles this was found by an independent service center. Motor mount must be replaced. There was no knowledge other than vehicle shaking. No lights. It was detected by other issues and codes being ran.
Related recalls (1)
Engine and engine cooling
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2013 Audi Q7 vehicles manufactured June 5, 2012, to November 29, 2012 and equipped with a 3.0L TDI engine.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace a vacuum line, free of charge. Dealers will also inspect the brake booster system for oil contamination and, if oil contamination is present, additional components…
Frequently asked questions
Which Audi Q7 years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2017 (61), 2018 (40), 2021 (20), 2007 (19) and 2015 (13) model years. Engine complaints make up 19% of all complaints for the 2017.
Is there a recall for Audi Q7 engine problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 14V-516 (engine and engine cooling, Aug 26, 2014). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Audi Q7 engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 72,000 miles; 37% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the cooling system (2 mentions), followed by the engine (1).
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.