2018 Audi Q7 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2018 Audi Q7 has a complaint index of 83, ranking 4th worst among 19 model years, with an Avoid verdict. Owners most often reported Engine problems (29% of complaints), followed by Electrical System (25%) and Suspension, Wheels & Tires (18%). NHTSA lists 3 recalls for this model year.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 83/100
- #4 of 19 Q7 years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 142
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 3
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 3
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 3
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 21
- 19 city / 25 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 3 / 0
Top 2018 Audi Q7 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine41 (29%)
- Electrical System36 (25%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires25 (18%)
- Other19 (13%)
- Brakes13 (9%)
- Fuel System7 (5%)
- Steering7 (5%)
- Transmission & Powertrain7 (5%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras5 (4%)
- Seat Belts4 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners describe hesitation before acceleration when merging into or crossing busy intersections.
- Some drivers report the parking brake did not engage on level ground, leading to the vehicle rolling into a parked car.
- A stabilization error message reportedly appeared along with a loss of braking ability during a turn.
- Backup camera display reportedly reverts unpredictably from camera view to a graphic icon while backing up.
- Owners describe run-flat tires developing tread loss or delamination on all four tires shortly after purchase.
- The automatic emergency braking feature reportedly activates on its own at low speeds without warning.
2018 Audi Q7 recalls
3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2018 Audi Q7 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2018 Q7 has a complaint index of 83 and ranks 4th worst out of 19 model years, earning an Avoid verdict relative to other Q7 years.
- What are the most common problems with the 2018 Audi Q7?
- NHTSA complaint data shows Engine issues made up 29% of complaints, Electrical System 25%, and Suspension, Wheels & Tires 18%, with a median mileage at failure of 15,800 for the model year overall.
- Does the 2018 Audi Q7 have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2018 Q7 covering the fuel system (fuel rail leaks), steering (a bolt that may loosen), and structure/body (C-pillar padding), none marked do-not-drive.
- How does the 2018 Q7 compare to other Q7 model years?
- The 2018 Q7 has a complaint index of 83, worse than years like 2012 (11) and 2010 (17), which carry Best verdicts, but better than 2017 (100) and 2013 (94), both rated Avoid.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2018 Audi Q7?
- The EPA rates the 2018 Q7 at 21 mpg combined (19 city / 25 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,800.