NHTSA (USA)Medium Risk
At a glance
What can fail
A software error may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying on the screen as intended.
What the fix does
This page covers 6 recalls, 25 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2020 Audi Q7.
18–21 mpg combined
11.2–13.1 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.
The 2020 Q7's complaint picture is split mainly between electrical and engine issues. On the electrical side, owners describe a range of warning lights, unexpected system behavior, and component failures, though the reports don't point to a single repeating fault. Engine complaints are more specific: multiple owners report higher-than-normal oil consumption, misfires, and internal engine damage discovered only after the car was already symptomatic. Water pump and coolant system failures come up across both the engine and powertrain complaints, with some owners noting the failure triggered other downstream problems. A smaller number of reports describe fuel system failures, including at least one account of a complete engine shutdown traced to an internal fuel tank component requiring full tank replacement.
25
Total Complaints
1
Fire-Related
1
With Injuries
By System
The 2020 Audi Q7 has 6 recalls, the most serious being a front camera heating element that can overheat and start a fire in the windshield area.
Two recalls involve the front passenger airbag. The airbag control module software can fire the second stage of the front passenger airbag too quickly after the first stage when a child is in that seat without a seatbelt, raising the risk of injury in a crash. Related to this, the airbag system does not meet Canadian crash protection testing requirements for a six-year-old child seated in the front passenger position, which also raises injury risk in a collision. On the fuel side, a component inside the fuel pump can break and cause the pump to fail entirely, stalling the engine without warning while driving. The C-pillar padding, the vertical structure between the rear side windows, may not absorb enough impact energy in a crash, meaning an unbelted occupant's head striking that pillar faces a higher injury risk than it should. The rearview camera can also fail to display its image when backing up, reducing the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle.
At a glance
What can fail
A software error may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying on the screen as intended.
What the fix does
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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 →
Dealers will update the vehicle software at no cost to restore rearview camera display function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front camera control software doesn't work properly with the heating element that keeps the windshield camera lens clear, causing the heater to overheat.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the camera control software and replace the heating element at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
An internal component in the fuel pump can break, which causes the fuel pump to stop working.
What the fix does
The fuel pump will be replaced at no cost by an Audi dealer.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front passenger airbag system does not provide adequate protection for a 6-year-old child sitting in the front seat during a crash test, failing to meet Canadian safety requirements.
What the fix does
Audi will mail you instructions to visit a dealer, where technicians will update the airbag control module software.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The air bag control module may deploy the front passenger air bag's second stage too quickly after the first stage when an unbelted child occupies the seat, potentially causing improper protection.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the air bag control module at no cost to reprogram the deployment sequence.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
