YearToAvoid

2018 Audi Q7 Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Avoid

Complaint Index

87/100

#3 most-complained of 16 Q7 years

The 2018 Audi Q7 has 142 NHTSA complaints, a complaint index of 87, and ranks 3rd worst among 16 model years, with 3 recalls covering fuel rails, steering, and structure. Engine problems lead at 29% of complaints, followed by electrical issues at 25%.

Complaints
142
Recalls
3
Crashes / fires
3 / 0
Injuries / deaths
3 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
5 / 5 ★
EPA combined MPG
21
19 city / 25 hwy

Top 2018 Audi Q7 problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Engine41 (29%)
  2. Electrical System36 (25%)
  3. Suspension, Wheels & Tires25 (18%)
  4. Other19 (13%)
  5. Brakes13 (9%)
  6. Fuel System7 (5%)
  7. Steering7 (5%)
  8. Transmission & Powertrain7 (5%)
  9. Collision Avoidance & Cameras5 (4%)
  10. Seat Belts4 (3%)

What owners report

  • Owners report the vehicle hesitating before accelerating when crossing intersections, delaying the expected speed increase.
  • Owners describe the parking brake failing to engage on level ground, allowing the vehicle to roll into another parked vehicle.
  • Some owners report a stabilization error message appearing along with a sudden loss of braking power while turning.
  • Owners describe the backup camera unpredictably switching from camera view to a graphic display while reversing.
  • Owners report brakes squealing constantly regardless of weather or time of day, starting at low mileage.
  • Some owners describe the automatic emergency braking (Pre Sense) triggering unexpectedly at low speeds without warning.
2018 Audi Q7 complaints: complaints filed per quarter152018 Q12019 Q22021 Q12022 Q22023 Q32024 Q42026 Q1
172 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2018 Q1 to 2026 Q3; peak 2024 Q4 (15).

2018 Audi Q7 recalls

3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 20V658000Oct 27, 2020Structure & Body94,144 vehicles

    Structure:body:roof and pillars

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Audi Q7 vehicles. The padding on the vehicle's C-pillar may not absorb enough impact in the event of a crash.

    Risk: In the event of a crash, an unbelted occupant's head may impact the vehicle's C-pillar padding, increasing the risk of injury.

    Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the deformation element on the C-pillars, free of charge. The recall began November 17, 2020. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 70H8.

  2. NHTSA 20V149000Mar 16, 2020Steering229 vehicles

    Steering

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Audi Q8 and 2017-2019 Audi Q7 vehicles. The bolt connecting the steering shaft to the steering gear may loosen, possibly resulting in a loss of steering control.

    Risk: A sudden loss of loss of steering control may increase the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and Audi dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the steering shaft bolt, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2020. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 36A1.

  3. NHTSA 19V035000Jan 16, 2019Fuel System74,881 vehicles

    Fuel system, gasoline:fuel injection system:fuel rail

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Q7, A6 and A7 vehicles, and 2015-2018 Audi A8 vehicles. The left and right fuel rails may leak fuel.

    Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase risk of a fire.

    Remedy: Audi has notified owners, and dealers will replace the left and right fuel rail, free of charge. The recall began February 28, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 24DP.

2018 Audi Q7 fuel economy and fuel cost

City
19 MPG
Highway
25 MPG
Combined
21 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$3,800
15,000 mi/yr
Fuel
Premium
Current regular gas
$4.32/gal
national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2018 compared with other Q7 years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2016No verdict021—
2017Avoid100319721.5
2018Avoid87142321
2019Caution6762421
2020Good4728519.5

All Audi Q7 years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2018 Audi Q7 reliable?
Compared to other Q7 model years, 2018 ranks 3rd worst out of 16 years tracked, with a complaint index of 87 and 142 NHTSA complaints. Engine and electrical issues account for over half of those complaints.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Audi Q7?
NHTSA data shows Engine complaints lead at 29% of the total, followed by Electrical System issues at 25% and Suspension, Wheels & Tires problems at 18%. Median mileage at failure for engine and electrical complaints was 15,000 miles.
Does the 2018 Audi Q7 have recalls?
Yes, NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2018 Q7: a fuel rail leak recall, a steering shaft bolt recall, and a C-pillar crash padding recall. None are do-not-drive recalls.
Should I avoid the 2018 Audi Q7?
Relative to other Q7 years, 2018 carries an Avoid verdict based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, ranking 3rd worst of 16 years. Years like 2010, 2012, and 2020 have lower complaint indexes and better verdicts.
How bad is the fuel system recall on the 2018 Q7?
The recall covers 2016-2018 Q7, A6, A7, and 2015-2018 A8 vehicles where the left and right fuel rails may leak fuel. Audi replaced both fuel rails free of charge.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.