Transmission complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 6% | — |
| 2023 | 2 | 13% | — |
| 2022 | 3 | 15% | — |
| 2021 | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2020 | 3 | 11% | 6,000 miles |
| 2019 | 4 | 6% | 6,000 miles |
| 2018 | 7 | 5% | 20,000 miles |
| 2017 | 10 | 3% | 120,000 miles |
| 2015 | 4 | 9% | 55,000 miles |
| 2014 | 4 | 9% | 23,000 miles |
| 2013 | 4 | 9% | 109,000 miles |
| 2012 | 3 | 10% | 100,000 miles |
| 2010 | 3 | 10% | 44,000 miles |
| 2009 | 2 | 10% | 124,000 miles |
| 2007 | 2 | 2% | 104,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
While parked in my residential garage with the engine shut off and car door closed, the vehicle suffered an un-commanded rollaway incident due to a suspected defect in the electronic parking brake or automatic-park transmission software. The vehicle was completely stopped, the driver exited the vehicle and the driver's door was closed. Moments later, the vehicle shifted out of its parked state or failed to hold, rolling backward down the driveway and colliding with a basketball pole in the driveway, causing vehicle damage. No warning chimes or dashboard alerts were observed prior to exiting. The vehicle's electronic failsafe to automatically engage 'Park' upon the door opening failed to secure the vehicle.
Since purchase of this vehicle, it randomly trips a critical engine failure error do not exceed 1200 rpm. When it does this, it will idle at a much higher rpm than the do not exceed value, which causes the vehicle to come to a stop. The vehicle went into the shop during the winter of 2022, and they determined that it was a computer failure and replaced the car's computer system. The error went away until the winter/spring of 2023. In 2022, this error always occurred within a few blocks of home at low speed; but now this critical error will trip while driving on the roads at faster speeds, which causes the vehicle to rapidly decelerate. The dealership and service center looked over the issue and found that Audi has a technical bulletin out for this, and they expect a fix by fourth quarter 2023. …
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 clear check engine light indicating a problem, Audi dismissed my concerns. Just weeks later, in February 2025, the engine catastrophically failed due to undiagnosed internal damage. Audi repeatedly ignored diagnostic warnings and failed to address my complaints, putting my safety at risk. Audi consistently dismissed my concerns, attributing engine noise and oil consumption to normal wear. The failures posed safety risks, including sudden loss of power while driving. …
In the first 10K miles the motherboard had to be replaced. Then the volume dial twice. Then the fuel sensor broke and because of its placement the entire gas tank had to be replaced. Next up at 45K the Medtronic (brains of the transmission had to be replaced and then the differential was having problems and they were debating working on it. I went to sell it at 48K miles before the warranty expired and during the inspection it was noted the two engine mounts were leaking and needed to be replaced. After I sold it to an Audi dealer, different than the Audi dealer I had purchased the car from and where I had all the warranty work done, I found out the CARFAX report showed NONE of the repairs made by the original Audi dealer to the car. Seems fradulent to me by the original Audi dealership who did all the major repairs.
My audio Q7 had throttle delay issues soon after purchase. The service department at the dealer told me all tests were normal and returned the car. Problems continued, especially at low speeds. There is typically a delay of about 3 seconds before the car responds and when it does I have the pedal to the floor and the car lunges forward. One delay was about 6 seconds. On one occasion I was turning left into a busy intersection and the delay occurred. An oncoming car had to brake to avoid hitting me broadside. The problem is intermittent but occurs almost daily at least once. It can occur from a dead stop but more frequently occurs at low speeds. I took the car back to the Audi dealer and was given a q8 as a loaner. This loaner q8 also had the same problem. I could minimize the problem by turning off the auto start stop button and driving the car in s mode. …
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. …
When I was driving and trying to make a right turn to merge into the traffic, the transmission suddenly stalled and stuck in neutral, put my car in the right lane with large traffic on the lane and forced other cars to make sudden stop. After restarting the engine multiple times, it was suspected that somehow the transmission is always in neutral while the onboard system showing it is in driving mode. I had to get out of the car to push it to a safe side road. This is all sudden while car engine is running. Initially the onboard dashboard shows Transmission Malfunction, but after restarting even that error message disappeared, while the transmission is still not engaging.
The contact owns a 2017 Audi Q7. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 40 MPH, the front end started shaking violently, with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The following messages "Drive Malfunction and Oil Consumption" were displayed. The contact immediately pulled over and had the vehicle towed to a local independent mechanic, where the vehicle was diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine was faulty due to oil consumption and needed to be replaced. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 108,000.
Frequently asked questions
Which Audi Q7 years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2017 (10) and 2018 (7) model years. Transmission complaints make up 3% of all complaints for the 2017.
Is there a recall for Audi Q7 transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for any Audi Q7 model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Audi Q7 transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 70,000 miles; 40% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the driveline › differential unit (1 mentions).
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.