NHTSA (USA)High Risk
At a glance
What can fail
The padding on the C-pillar may not absorb enough impact during a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the deformation element on the C-pillars at no cost.
This page covers 3 recalls, 136 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2018 Audi Q7.
21 mpg combined
11.2 L/100km
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Complaints about the 2018 Audi Q7 cluster most heavily around the engine and exterior lighting, with suspension rounding out the top three. On the engine side, owners most commonly report excessive oil consumption, describing the need to add oil between scheduled maintenance intervals, with some noting the problem worsens over time and mileage. Several owners mention piston-related diagnoses tied to this consumption. Exterior lighting complaints center on warning messages and failures involving side marker and other exterior lights. Suspension complaints, while fewer in number, include reports of rear spring failures occurring without prior warning, with owners describing sudden drops in ride height and a loss of stability. A small number of reports reference suspected odometer discrepancies, though that appears isolated rather than a recurring pattern across the complaint set.
136
Total Complaints
3
Crash-Related
3
With Injuries
By System
The 2018 Audi Q7 has 3 recalls, with two tied for most serious: fuel rails that can leak and create a fire risk, and a steering shaft bolt that can loosen and cause sudden loss of steering control.
On the fuel side, both the left and right fuel rails can develop leaks, and any nearby ignition source, including a hot engine or an electrical spark, can turn that leak into a fire. The steering concern is equally serious: a bolt connecting the steering shaft to the steering gear can work loose over time, and if it loosens enough, the driver may find the steering wheel no longer responds as expected, with little or no warning before control is lost. The third recall involves the padding on the C-pillar, the roof support behind the rear door. In a crash, an unbelted rear occupant's head can strike this pillar with more force than the padding is designed to absorb, raising the risk of a head injury.
At a glance
What can fail
The padding on the C-pillar may not absorb enough impact during a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the deformation element on the C-pillars at no cost.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The bolt connecting the steering shaft to the steering gear may loosen, which could result in loss of steering control.
What the fix does
Audi dealers will inspect the steering shaft bolt and replace it if necessary at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The left and right fuel rails may develop leaks, allowing fuel to escape.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace both the left and right fuel rails at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.