Headlight complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
I am filing a complaint and request for a recall on 2019 Audi Q7's side marker light. This is 2019 Model Audi Q7.It has about 60K miles. I start getting a warning message pops up frequently saying "Right front side marker light faulty See owner's manual". Searching online it appears many user with same model years facing the same problem, but could be on the left side. Some say dealer will not cover the repair even with extended warranty. Repair cost ranges from $3000 to $5000. The part is around $30. Due to this What people would normally do is just disable the light with some diagnostic tools. This is against the safety requirement and extremely dangerous in my opinion. This is most likely manufacturer's faulty design or defects since it is so prevailing among car owners of same model. Please see some of the online posts by owners with this issue. [redacted]
On my 2019 Audi Q7 anytime the headlights are activated either manually or automatically by the vehicle, it will pull up a "Right front parking light defective" error code. This code randomly showed up one day and has persisted ever since. Through research I have done on the issue it sounds like other 2017 Q7 models were also affected and recalled for this exact same issue. Clearly the issue is affecting later models as well that need to be included under the same recall. This issue puts my safety at risk by potentially limiting my visibility at night with a defective headlight.
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. …
The contact owns a 2017 Audi Q7. The contact stated while driving 55-60 MPH, a message regarding the exterior passenger's side marker light was displayed. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered and hesitated upon depressing the accelerator pedal. The message "Malfunction System. Contact Service" was displayed. The contact stated that the failure recurred intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that an unknown software needed to be updated; however, the dealer later informed the contact that the front passenger's side headlight assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V642000 (Electrical System, Exterior Lighting) however, the VIN was not included. …
The contact owns a 2017 Audi Q7. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's side marker warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic with a failing driver's side marker. The contact was informed that the driver's side marker needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact stated that while driving at night, the failure was a safety issue. In addition, the contact stated that the dinging from the sensor was a distraction. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V642000 (Electrical System, Exterior Lighting); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.
Related recalls (1)
Exterior lighting
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.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will upload revised software to correct the issue, free of charge. This recall began November 2016. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
Frequently asked questions
Which Audi Q7 years have headlight problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2017 (133) and 2018 (23) model years. Headlight complaints make up 42% of all complaints for the 2017.
Is there a recall for Audi Q7 headlight problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 16V-642 (exterior lighting, Sep 6, 2016). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Audi Q7 headlight problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 68,000 miles; 18% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the turn signal › bulbs (1 mentions), followed by the headlights (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.