2017 Audi Q7 Reliability Report
NHTSA data as of Oct 15, 2026Published Oct 19, 2026
Ranks 15th of 16 Q7 years we score.
- Owner complaints
- 320
- 41 are recall notices
- Per 10,000 cars
- 54.3
- 51,375 made for the U.S.
- Vs the average car
- 1.4×
- same age, 1× is average
- Serious outcomes
- 49
- crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
- Recalls
- 7
- NHTSA crash rating
- –
Should You Buy the 2017 Audi Q7?
Only after careful checks. Our reliability score for the 2017 Audi Q7 is 66 out of 100, which rates Caution. Owners reported about 1.4 times as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 15th of the 16 Q7 years we score.
The most reported problem is the exterior bulbs or DRL, mostly warning lights (140 of 320 complaints). Owners also complain about the coil springs and high oil consumption. 49 of the 320 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.
It has 7 recalls. Audi also offers three warranty extensions that may still apply, for problems with the air conditioning, brakes and driver assistance systems. For comparison, the 2018 scores 70.
Before you buy, check that the recalls were done, ask an Audi dealer about warranty extension AWA-21-01 and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.
Pros
- No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls
- 3 Audi warranty extensions may cover repairs
Cons
- About 1.4 times the problems of the average car its age
- Exterior lights: warning lights140 complaints
- Coil spring: parts breaking or coming apart27 complaints
- Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil27 complaints
How the 2017 Q7 Earned Its Score
Every model year starts at 100. Each part takes points away when this year has more problems than the average car of the same age. How we score
| Item | Vs average | Points lost |
|---|---|---|
| Starting score | 100 | |
| Serious problems | 0.83× | −10 |
| Everyday problems | 2.7× | −7 |
| Problems in the last two years | 1.4× | −10 |
| Recalls | 1.2× | −7 |
| Score | 66 |
What Owners Report
We read all 320 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2017 Audi Q7, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first. A complaint that describes more than one problem is counted under each, so the counts add up to more than 320.
Exterior lights: warning lights
140 complaints (44%)
Warning lights, a failure and a feature that stopped working. 1 of these 140 complaints describes a serious outcome: loss of visibility. In 7 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 67,000 miles.
Coil spring: parts breaking or coming apart
27 complaints (8%)
Parts breaking or coming apart and shattering or cracking. 3 of these 27 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 66,000 miles.
Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil
27 complaints (8%)
Burning or using oil. Median mileage when it started: about 103,000 miles.
Cooling system: a leak
26 complaints (8%)
A leak, a failure and coolant loss with antifreeze smell. 1 of these 26 complaints describes a serious outcome: loss of visibility. Median mileage when it started: about 50,000 miles.
Steering: unusual noises
12 complaints (4%)
Unusual noises, a failure that needed a new part and loss of steering control. 4 of these 12 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of steering control. In 3 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 47,000 miles.
Engine (misfire codes): rough running or misfires
10 complaints (3%)
Rough running or misfires and a loss of power. 1 of these 10 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 112,000 miles.
Brakes: unusual noises
9 complaints (3%)
Unusual noises and warning lights. Median mileage when it started: about 8,000 miles.
Valve train: parts breaking or coming apart
8 complaints (3%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, damage and a failure. 3 of these 8 complaints describe a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 124,000 miles.
Engine failure
6 complaints (2%)
A failure. 5 of these 6 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 108,000 miles.
Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking
6 complaints (2%)
Shattering or cracking. 2 of these 6 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an injury. Median mileage when it started: about 20,000 miles.
Tires: early wear
6 complaints (2%)
Early wear. Median mileage when it started: about 14,000 miles.
Piston rings: damage
5 complaints (2%)
Damage and a failure. All 5 describe a serious outcome, most often a tow. In 3 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 112,000 miles.
Automatic emergency braking: hard braking with nothing ahead
4 complaints (1%)
Hard braking with nothing ahead and the system not working when needed. 2 of these 4 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden braking. Median mileage when it started: about 17,000 miles.
Headlights failure
4 complaints (1%)
A failure and warning lights. Median mileage when it started: about 80,000 miles.
Poor acceleration (cause not stated)
4 complaints (1%)
Hesitation. Median mileage when it started: about 80,000 miles.
Show 29 more problems
Seat belts failure
4 complaints (1%)
A failure and problems that come and go. Median mileage when it started: about 32,000 miles.
PCV valve or crankcase breather failure
3 complaints (under 1%)
A failure.
Airbags: no deployment in a crash
3 complaints (under 1%)
No deployment in a crash and deployment with no crash. Median mileage when it started: about 40,000 miles.
Engine: stalling
3 complaints (under 1%)
Stalling, a loss of power and reduced power or limp mode. 2 of these 3 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Engine mounts failure
3 complaints (under 1%)
A failure and a leak. Median mileage when it started: about 61,000 miles.
Screen and audio: works on and off
3 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go and a failure.
Instrument cluster: glare in driver line of sight
3 complaints (under 1%)
Glare in driver line of sight. Median mileage when it started: about 4,000 miles.
Lane keeping assist: the system not working when needed
3 complaints (under 1%)
The system not working when needed, the system acting on its own and a feature that stopped working.
Coil spring seat or isolator: damage
3 complaints (under 1%)
Damage.
Stall (cause not stated)
3 complaints (under 1%)
Stalling. 2 of these 3 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Windows or locks or sunroof (operate by themselves): the system acting on its own
3 complaints (under 1%)
The system acting on its own. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome.
AWD or rear differential: vibration or shudder
2 complaints (under 1%)
Vibration or shudder and parts breaking or coming apart.
Adaptive cruise control: warning lights
2 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights and a feature that stopped working.
Airbag warning light
2 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights.
Uneven tire wear: early wear
2 complaints (under 1%)
Early wear.
Ball joints and control arms: parts breaking or coming apart
2 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart. Both describe a serious outcome, most often a tow.
Body seals (water leak): water leaking in
2 complaints (under 1%)
Water leaking in.
Check engine light (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights.
Engine oil leak
2 complaints (under 1%)
A leak.
Forward collision warning: warning lights
2 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights.
Fuel pump failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure and stalling. Both describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Fuel system: a bad smell
2 complaints (under 1%)
A bad smell and a leak.
Ignition coils or spark plugs failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Fuel filler neck valve: parts breaking or coming apart
2 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart and fuel sprays out of the filler during refueling. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Vehicle fire (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
A fire. Both describe a serious outcome, most often a fire.
Start-stop system: hesitation
2 complaints (under 1%)
Hesitation and a loss of power. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving.
Sunroof: unusual noises
2 complaints (under 1%)
Unusual noises and water leaking in.
Shifter or park: stopped working
2 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working and sticking or stiffness. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: a crash.
Wiring, fuses or body control module failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure and parts breaking or coming apart.
Reported Once (35)
Show the 35 problems reported once
- Control arm bushings failure
- Several warning lights at once
- CV axles: parts breaking or coming apart
- Engine overheating
- Exhaust manifold: parts breaking or coming apart
- Exterior trim: parts breaking or coming apart
- Fuel gauge or level sensor: wrong readings
- Fuel injector: a leak
- Fuel leak
- High-pressure fuel pump: a leak
- Key fob: not opening or unlocking
- Loss of power (cause not stated)
- Driver-assist camera and radar failure
- Noise (cause not stated)
- Active grille shutter: sticking or stiffness
- Clockspring: unusual noises
- Cruise control: the system acting on its own
- Driver assistance system: warning lights
- Engine oil cooler valve failure
- Front suspension: unusual noises
- Smoke from under vehicle (cause not stated)
- Surround-view camera failure
- Phone and navigation: the system acting on its own
- Door lock actuators: not opening or unlocking
- Power liftgate: the system acting on its own
- Power windows or regulator: closes on obstruction without stopping
- Rearview camera: image froze
- Seats: stopped working
- Side blind zone alert: the system not working when needed
- Stability control (ESC): warning lights
- Struts or shocks: unusual noises
- Transmission failure
- Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
- Warning lights (cause not stated)
- Windshield: damage
How the 2017 Audi Q7 Compares With Other Years
The other Q7 years of the 2nd generation, 2017 to 2026, and the years just before and after it.
| Year | Rating | Score | Vs average | Per 10k cars | Recalls | Most reported problem |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Too new | – | – | 2.2 | 1 | – |
| 2025 | Provisional 67 | – | – | 6.0 | 3 | Lane keeping assist: the system acting on its own |
| 2024 | Not scored | – | – | 3.0 | 3 | Phone and navigation: parts breaking or coming apart |
| 2023 | Good | 78 | 0.51× | 5.5 | 3 | Brakes: hard braking with nothing ahead |
| 2022 | Caution | 69 | 1.0× | 13.2 | 3 | Cooling system: a leak |
| 2021 | Caution | 64 | 1.5× | 26.0 | 10 | Cooling system: a leak |
| 2020 | Caution | 67 | 1.2× | 22.8 | 5 | Cooling system failure |
| 2019 | Excellent | 80 | 0.52× | 13.1 | 4 | Steering: stopped working |
| 2018 | Good | 70 | 1.0× | 29.6 | 3 | Exterior lights: warning lights |
| 2017 This year | Caution | 66 | 1.4× | 54.3 | 7 | Exterior lights: warning lights |
2017 Audi Q7 Recalls
Seven recalls cover the 2017 Audi Q7. The most recent was issued in March 2020: “Possible Loss of Steering Control.” A VIN check at NHTSA shows which are still open on a given car.
Possible Loss of Steering Control
A sudden loss of loss of steering control may increase the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 20V149000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Mar 16, 2020. By the second quarter of 2021, 92% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Improperly Welded Fuel Rails May Leak Fuel
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase risk of a fire.
NHTSA 19V035000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jan 16, 2019. By the second quarter of 2020, 92% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Air Bags or Seat Belt Pretensioners May Not Deploy
In the event of a crash, if the air bags and/or the seat belt pretensioners do not inflate or function properly, the vehicle occupants have an increased risk of injury.
NHTSA 16V955000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Dec 29, 2016. By the second quarter of 2018, 86% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Loss of Electric Power Steering Assist
With a loss of power steering assist, extra steering effort will be required, especially at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 16V648000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Sep 8, 2016. By the first quarter of 2018, 88% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Third Row Seat May Move Forward Under Load
If the third row seat does not remain in its adjusted position, there may be an increased risk of injury to an occupant in the event of a crash.
NHTSA 16V641000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Sep 6, 2016. By the first quarter of 2018, 95% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Side Marker Lights May Not Illuminate/FMVSS 108
If the side marker lights do not illuminate, the vehicle may be less visible at night, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 16V642000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Sep 6, 2016. By the first quarter of 2018, 95% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Show 1 more recalls
Air Bags May Deploy with Excessive Force/FMVSS 208
Air bags that deploy with excessive force may increase the risk of injury.
NHTSA 16V519000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jul 8, 2016. By the fourth quarter of 2017, 95% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
2017 Audi Q7 Warranty Extensions and Programs
Audi has three warranty extensions for the 2017 Audi Q7, separate from its recalls. They are for problems with the air conditioning, brakes and driver assistance systems. Whether one applies to a car depends on its VIN, which an Audi dealer can check.
- Warranty extensionAudi AWA-21-01
Air conditioning evaporator failure
- The problem:
- The air conditioning evaporator can fail. The bulletin does not describe the symptoms.
- The fix:
- An Audi dealer repairs or replaces a failed A/C evaporator, with any parts and labor needed.
- Who qualifies:
- Certain A4, S4 and Q7 from model year 2017 and A5, S5 and Q5 from 2018. The bulletin gives no last model year. Cars already repaired still qualify, but totaled cars do not.
- Coverage:
- 10 years or 100,000 miles from the original in-service date, whichever comes first.
- Warranty extensionAudi AWA-22-01
Squealing front brakes
- The problem:
- The front brakes can make a squealing noise.
- The fix:
- An Audi dealer repairs the front brakes to fix the squeal, with any parts and labor needed. The bulletin does not say which parts.
- Who qualifies:
- Certain 2017 and 2018 Q7. Cars already repaired still qualify, but totaled cars do not.
- Coverage:
- 4 years or 48,000 miles from the original in-service date, whichever comes first.
- Warranty extensionAudi AWA-24-04
Automatic emergency braking system faults
- The problem:
- The automatic emergency braking, or AEB, system can malfunction when its control unit, a camera, the LIDAR or a sensor fails.
- The fix:
- An Audi dealer repairs the AEB fault and Audi pays 75 percent of the cost. Damage from crashes, impacts, moved sensors or weather is not covered.
- Who qualifies:
- Certain Audis covered by the settlement, with a confirmed fault in the AEB control unit, cameras, LIDAR or sensors. If the new car warranty's time ran out by May 16, 2024, the extension's time limit was November 16, 2024.
- Coverage:
- Up to 12 months or 12,000 miles after the new car warranty ends. Ask an Audi dealer for the exact terms.
Check Before You Buy
A checklist for the 2017 Q7, from its seven recalls, three Audi warranty extensions that may still apply and the problems owners report most.
Confirm the Recalls Were Done
Ask the seller for proof that each of these recalls was repaired.
- Possible Loss of Steering Control NHTSA 20V149000
- Improperly Welded Fuel Rails May Leak Fuel NHTSA 19V035000
- Air Bags or Seat Belt Pretensioners May Not Deploy NHTSA 16V955000
- Loss of Electric Power Steering Assist NHTSA 16V648000
- Third Row Seat May Move Forward Under Load NHTSA 16V641000
- Look up the VIN at NHTSA to see all 7 recalls and which are still open.
Ask an Audi Dealer
Ask whether each of these warranty extensions applies to this VIN, and whether the work was done.
- AWA-21-01: air conditioning evaporator failure
- AWA-22-01: squealing front brakes
- AWA-24-04: automatic emergency braking system faults
On the Test Drive
- Look for uneven tire wear and listen for clunks or humming that changes with speed.
- Ask how often oil is added between changes, and watch for blue smoke at startup.
- Check the coolant level and watch the temperature gauge on the test drive.
Ask the Seller
Ask whether any of these were ever repaired, and ask to see the receipts.
- Exterior bulbs or DRL
- Coil springs
- High oil consumption
- Also ask for the service records, especially oil changes.
Before You Pay
- Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic you choose.
- Decode the VIN to confirm the model year, engine and trim.
- Check the title for salvage, flood or rebuilt branding.
What to do next