NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2017 Audi Q7. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026
I have gotten a notice that my "front left side marker light defective"
Warning message on dashboard regarding right side marker light defective. This warning only occurs after sundown when the daylight sensor has engaged. Confirmed by Audi dealer service on 3/12/2026. Dealer reports this is due to a problem with a LED light inside the headlamp component. Dealer denies coverage for the repair under my active extended warranty. Dealer states an approximate 5,000 repair, at my expense, to replace the entire right headlamp assembly is the sole remedy. It appears the failed component may fall under the scope of safety recall, Audi 97CB (found on your website at: NHTSA ID 16V642-5761.pdf) but my VIN number is not specifically included within the recall. As this appears to be the same or directly related issue, perhaps the recall affects a greater amount of vehicles beyond the initially declared VIN number. My safety concern is that any problem with nighttime lighting is a deadly serious matter.
Warning light for right side marker light comes on. Light seems to be working, but warning comes on. Cost to repair is thousands of dollars. It is a well known complaint of this car.
I am having issues with my vehicle ( Audi 2017 Q7)that matches Audi Recall 97CB NHTSA campaign Number 16V642000 regarding the side marker light software malfunction. While my VIN is not currently showing as open on a Recall my vehicle is experiencing the marker lights failure. My vehicles MFD date is 05/16 which is in the dates of the recall 97CB but is for some reason excluded from the recall. I have had the vehicle at the Audi dealer to check on the problem. They have had the vehicle two different times totaling 15 hours and are unable to find a problem.They refuse to provide the recall remedy because my VIN is not currently flagged. my Vin is [XXX] . I am requesting my VIN be added to the 97CB NHTSA# 16V64200 My case # with Audi is XXX Rep is Susan . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The rear passenger and driver side coil springs failed along with the bottom rubber seats. Both springs were broken/cracked and had slide off the rubber seats.
Getting error message that the "Front Left Side Marker Light Defective". The light appears to be operational. Service shop looked to read the errors with ODB2 and both light modules (left and right) are not communicating any info. In same time the warning in dashboard is continuous and can impede gauges visibility during night. Audible warning noise can also activate at random times. Searched for this issue and Audi recalled some models for electrical software issue but many users outside the current recall report this same issue. Please expand the VIN numbers for the recall action for safety.
The car is displaying "Right front marker light defective". This lessens the visibility when turning. This problem is a VIN specific recall of the 2017 Q7 and my VIN is not included, even though I am experiencing the exact same problem as the recall on the other VINs from the same year.
Car has a burnt cylinder from excessive oil consumption due to poor piston ring design. These engines are prone to failure to do carbon buildup on the cylinders which leads to poor PCV performance to exacerbate the problem. Audi dealership has confirmed my cylinder 3 has a burnt valve and requires a new engine.
The contact owns a 2017 Audi Q7. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the contact became aware of an abnormal odor. The vehicle started shaking, and the drive train malfunction indicator was displayed. The contact pulled over to the side of the road, and the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the exhaust valve had burned a hole through cylinder #1 due to a misfire. The contact notified the dealer, but assistance was declined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.
Getting error message that the "Front Right Side Marker Light Defective". The light appears to be operational. Searched for this issue and Audi recalled some models but many users outside the current recall report this same issue. Please expand the vin numbers for the recall action for safety.
I was driving last night and the "marker light is defective" error came on. This is a well documented defect in the Audi Q7 and many are subject to recall for this issue.
Catastrophic Engine failure while driving on highway with family. System gave error codes DTC P054A, DTC P0301, DTC P0017. Vehicle was not drivable. Always serviced with oil and filter change at recommended service intervals at authorized Audi dealer. Never showed any signs of malfunction or warning lamps prior to this incidence. Brought it to a mechanic specializing in European cars and diagnosis was the Engine has failed completely and needs new engine.
Dash light is on saying “Front right marker light is defective”. However, the marker light appears to be fine. This seems to be a software issue.
Notifications come on indicating that “Front Left side marker light defective.” Identical error message for the right side marker.
Started receiving error message intermittently regarding front right marker light being defective on the dashboard even though the lights are working. From a brief search online, this appears to be an known issue for this make and year as many others are facing a similar issue. There has been a limited recall for only certain VINs for a similar issue. The recall should be expanded as it's impact is much broader. It is an expensive fix especially for something that is working.
Front right & left side marker light defective. See owner's manual However my lights are not blown or out.
The console is reporting: "Front left side marker light is defective. See owner's manual". This is a lighting problem that Audi seems to have covered by a previous recall but this VIN was not included in said recall: Campaign 97CB/NHTSA #16V642000. I have had this defection confirmed by my local service center.
On Thursday, October 30, 2025, when I got seated in my car, put my seat belts on, and put the car in reverse gear to slowly get out of my parking space, it kept on going in reverse and won’t stop with break I tried to change the parking mode or drive mode but the steering column would not take any command. After 350 feet driven in reverse, it went into a ditch where it tried to turn it and the car was still in reverse, climbing out of the ditch, damaging another section of the fence, till I could turn off the engine with the ignition switch. It looks that the gear was stuck in reverse and after engine cut off it went back in drive mode. In the meantime, all four sides of the car were damaged and scratched all over, and there was damage on the bottom. Apparently it is electronic malfunction when the gear got stuck in reverse. Thank God that I was not in a busy parking lot, otherwise would have damaged dozens of cars and hurt many innocent bystanders. Will keep you posted till the Audi repair shop gives me a diagnosis
I am submitting this complaint regarding a serious safety issue I experienced with my vehicle. Shortly after starting to drive, about 2 miles from my home, while traveling at approximately 25 mph, the vehicle suddenly began to shake violently and came to a complete stop at the intersection of Crescent Street and Astoria Boulevard. At that moment, I lost all control over the steering wheel—it completely locked up. The dashboard displayed the message: “Drive System Malfunction – Contact Service.” These diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) appeared: •P2179 •P025C •P0087 •P0306 This incident posed a major safety risk, as I was unable to steer or move the vehicle in a high-traffic area. I am very concerned that this could happen again or to other drivers under more dangerous conditions. Please investigate this matter as it may indicate a serious defect that could affect others.
Front right side marker light is showing defective on 2017 Audi Q7. Light appears to be on but is still throwing error message. Safety issue as I have no visibility when driving to determine whether or not the light is properly working - anything regarding light faults should be considered a safety issue. Problem has not been reproduced or confirmed by an independent service center, but a quick online search will show this is a known issue and an astronomical cost associated with replacing the entire light assembly.
My 2017 Audi Q7 Prestige 3.0T 6Cyl GAS CREC Supercharged has experienced repeated, serious failures involving the engine, powertrain, and fuel system. - At 72,000 miles, the vehicle developed coolant leaks under the supercharger, a failed water pump, and soaked drive belts. Repairs included multiple hoses, gaskets, and thermostat replacement. -Shortly after, repeated PCV/Oil system failures caused oil leaks, warning lights, and engine shaking. Repairs included PCV system, oil separator, valve cover gasket, breather pipes, and new spark plugs. - at 111,000 miles, the low-pressure fuel pump and relay failed, causing the vehicle to stall and lose all power while driving- a major safety risk. -Most recently, the engine developed a severe misfire in cylinder #4. Compression testing confirmed abnormally low compression (15 psi) due to a suspected cracked valve seat. The vehicle cannot be repaired without a complete engine replacement, quoted at ~$20,000. Safety Impact: - Vehicle has stalled suddenly in traffic due to fuel and engine failures, risking crash or injury. - Coolant and oil leaks present a potential fire hazard. - Loss of power and shaking while driving put my family and others at risk. Inspection/Confirmation: -All problems have been repeatedly confirmed and repaired by an independent Audi specialty service center (S&S Auto Repair). - Numerous invoices document coolant, oil, fuel, and engine failures. Warning Signs: - Multiple dashboard warning lights appeared either right before or during failure, including engine malfunction, coolant loss, and auto start/stop malfunction. These repeated failures at relatively low mileage suggest a design/manufacturing defect with the Audi 3.0T engine platform that compromises both safety and reliability. The issue seems to be widespread amongst other Audi owners with the same 3.0T engine- Per AudiWorld Forums.
Rear passenger spring coil broke at around 82000 miles (8 years 9 months old) on the vehicle.
The coil isolated started deteriorating causing stress to the coil. This stress has caused my coil to crack and need replacement if the entire assembly. There is nothing to support the coil in the lower control arm from fully disconnecting
Complete loss of steering control while driving at low speeds. Dashboard indicator illuminated for "Severe Steering Malfunction - Do Not Drive." Had the car towed to the dealership. Dealership indicated that the car needed a new steering rack and pinion. Cost estimate was $4000. The car had 72,000 miles with mostly highway mileage.
Was driving on small town road, pulling into gas station, and 'steering malfunction, stop car immediately' notice popped up, with red steering wheel icon above message with line across wheel and exclamation mark. I lost power steering at the same time, immediately. Very difficult to drive, and thankful it was not on busy, interstate road, and that nothing more happened. Very tough to drive, and so far, need to tow to Audi dealership to check and repair. I have been in touch with Audi, nothing they can do over phone, they suspect electronic issue. Very dangerous and disappointing. Just happy it did not cause death or injury.
About two years ago I was driving down my recently paved street, and a loud bang shocked me. I thought something had hit my car. It ended up both of my rear suspension coil springs failed. I do not have a boat or trailer and have not put undue stress on it. Last week, while driving down a smooth street there was another loud bang, and my wife though I hit something, but no, I knew the noise. The front driver side suspension coil spring failed. I was 80 miles from a dealer and had to get it towed to a chevy dealer, with a repair cost of $3,000, and had to repair other parts of the suspension that were damaged. I also elected to replace the fourth and final one while they were in there so it would not happen again. Never in 40 years of owning cars have coils ever failed on me. There must have been a bad run, and this should be investigated. Suspension failure, if it happend at speed could have been dangerous.
A warning light is showing on the dash about the right side light not working. On inspection all lights are illuminated. Reportedly there has been a recall on some VIN’s for this problem but not ours. On line discussion groups report that the problem is more wide-spread in this model than with the limited VIN’s covered. Since the cost of a dealer replacing the lighting assembly is around $5000, we would like to have our vehicle covered as well.
The "right side marker light" error message comes on when headlights are on, but the marker light is operating fine. I understand that this is part of a recall on other Audi Q7 models, but my 2017 does not appear to be within that recall. I request that the recall be expanded to include my auto. It appears from online information that other owners outside of the recall are having the issue that the recall is aimed at. Thank you for your consideration. [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I drive a 2017 Audi Q7 and recently I got a warning light and message on my dash telling me my front right marker was defective and to check my owners manual and contact Audi but when I reached out to Audi they said my car was not one of the cars affect by the recall but I know a lot of people who are not under the recall status who also have had this issue and it is very expensive to fix even if nothing is wrong. My light appears to be working but my service center I take my car too told me to reach out to NHTSA to let it be known that others aside from those under the recall status are having the same issue and we are having to pay out of pocket to get it fixed. Audi recall campaign 97CB (NHTSA campaign ID 16V642000).
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.
The contact owns a 2017 Audi Q7. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "Side Marker light Fault Detected" was displayed. The contact stated that after a visual inspection, the contact became aware that both side marker lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the side marker light assembly. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V642000 (Electrical System, Exterior Lighting); but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.
Rear springs are broken. Safety concern car is unstable when driving. Shakes and difficulty controlling at higher speeds.
Side markers lights are failing at an abnormally high rate. The pop up error and chime is incredibly distracting as it pops up every 20 to 30 seconds blocking most of the information on the instrument cluster. The side marker lights still function even when the error pops up. Audi will only replace the entire headlight housing to fix the problem, but that seems extreme to fix what appears to be a software issue, as the side marker lights still is fully functioning.
Side marker light malfunction warning while light is working properly. There was previously a recall campaign for this issue on this model but the vin number was not included.
CAMPAIGN 97cb (nhtsa campaign ID 16v642000 Side Marker Lights Do Not Illuminate With Parking Lights Or Headlights On This poses a risk for my safety and others during night driving making the vehicle less visible at night. I paid Audi of Portland $285.00 to diagnose this issue, due to receiving the message on my car "front left" or "front right" "side marker light defective" and they said it would cost almost $12,000.00 to replace both left and right-side headlight housing. Marker lights are LED and cannot be replaced without replacing entire housing. I checked for a recall and my 2017 Audi Q7 does not have any open recalls. However other models made the same year are being recalled. the side marker lights do not illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
found broken rear shock springs during tire rotation. This is dangerous. Low Quality parts from Audi.
The issue is related to Audi TSB 2048402/3. 2017 Audi Q7 3.0T. First the an engine light appears, then get Drive System Malfunction Warning appears, then car misfires, then car goes into limp mode causing the car to rapidly slow down (while driving on a highway!!!!!). This is is common issue on the 2017 Audi Q7, code is P05A000 Active Grill Shutter "A" Stuck on. Which then triggers the Drive System Malfunction, misfire, and limp mode. Audi will not repair due to mileage on vehicle. Concern is this is a know issue and a safety concern.
The gasket seals and the seals on the cylinder are not sealed causing fuel to peak from fuel injectors
My engine just failed after over a year of having to put oil in. The car has 77K miles and has been regularly maintained. Audi used this as a "demo car" and after purchase we immediately had to put oil in and were told verbally this is not an issue. The excessive engine oil consumption caused this catastrophic engine failure our an independent and trusted mechanic reports the engine has failed and cylinder number five only has 30 pounds of pressure. Please advise on what I can do with Audi for repair. We also have a 2019 and are fearful this will happen to that car as well. Thank you.
This issue closely resembles Audi recall campaign 97cb (NHTSA campaign id 16v642000), with details available at [xxx] . In my case, the marker light itself is functioning properly, but the vehicle is displaying a false error message: "front right side marker light defective. " this poses safety risks because the erroneous warning distracts drivers from the road and could lead to the system failing to alert the driver of an actual side marker light issue in the future. Many owners of the same model and year are disabling their side marker lights entirely to avoid the error, as evidenced in discussions such as those on [xxx] . Repairing this issue typically requires replacing the entire headlight assembly, with costs ranging from $2,400 to $5,300, making it prohibitively expensive for many. Although Audi initiated a recall (97cb) for a similar issue, it was limited to a specific subset of vehicles, and the widespread nature of this problem in other vehicles outside the recall’s VIN range suggests a broader defect. Given these safety risks, high repair costs, and the frequency of the issue, I urge the NHTSA to investigate whether this problem warrants a broader recall or corrective actions by the manufacturer. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).
According to the dealer’s diagnosis, a burnt and broken valve caused the car to shake violently while I was driving on the highway with my family, including our three children. Prior to this incident, there were no warning lights or error messages. Only after the shaking began did a “Drive System Malfunction” alert appear on the dashboard.
Front side marker error
We suddenly ([XXX]) experienced the warning message: "front right side marker light defective" on the dash. The marker lights are however working, and it seems related to the recall for a software update (Audi Q7 2017). Our VIN, however, is not covered by the recall for some strange reason. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
My car start showing me error "Side marker light defective" but all the lights seems to work properly, none of them is off.
My vehicle is experiencing the same issues as described in NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V642000, but my vin number isn't listed in the vehicles affected even thought the year make and model agree to the recall. Should the dealer be willing to correct this issue since it's a known safety hazard?
Front left side marker light defective. See owner's manual
Audi Pre-Sense failure warning came on. I took it to Audi Fairfield CT and it was diagnosed as having a bad camera/sensor in the windshield. This could have resulted in a collision. the repair would have cost almost $3000. I bought a used one and went to an independent shop for calibration.
My car giving me a "Front right side marker light defective" fault on the cluster. I searched and there is a recall for that issue. Safety Recall Code: 97CB. I called dealer about it and they are saying that there is no Recall for my VIN number. So they want to charge me for fixing that issue. I search it and it's common problem for 2017 Q7. And also it says there is a software issue on the recall notice. So the problem is not my fault and I need you to add my VIN Number to that Recall Notice.
The vehicle is giving an error message that states " "front left side marker light defective". Not having marker lights that make me visible to others on the road reduces my safety. The problem is apparently a known issue by Audi and several consumers are impacted by this error. The Audi recall campaign 97CB (NHTSA campaign ID 16V642000) addresses this exact issue and applies to some affected VIN numbers but not all. It appears that this issue is happening to MANY more owners outside of the VIN numbers that qualify for the recall
Sunroof leaks into the car in rear shorting out subwoofer and components apparently the drain tubes are not secure and separate many complaints on this issue should be a recall no warnings just tons of moisture