NHTSA has received 141 owner complaints about the 2018 Audi Q7, or 16.3 per year on the road — far fewer complaints than typical for a vehicle of its age (complaint index 0.39, where 1.00 is the average of all tracked vehicles). Among the 73 model-year 2018 vehicles we track, it ranks #27 for fewest complaints per year. Against other Audi models its rate is 79% higher; against other Luxury SUVs it is 8% higher.
Counts are normalized by time on the road, not by sales volume: a popular model generates more reports than a rare one, and complaints are not verified individually. How we count
Complaints filed between 2018-01-17 and 2026-07-22. Median delay from incident to filing: 6 days.
141Complaints
16.3Complaints per year on the road
0.39Complaint index vs. all tracked vehicles
3Recalls
2.1%Share involving a crash or fire
21Last 12 months
Analysis
The following model year (2019) drew 7.9 per year, fewer than this one. In its first two years on the road the 2018 model collected 24 complaints, 73% lower than the average vehicle of the same model year.
The most common problem area is Engine (27.0% of complaints), followed by Wheels, tires & suspension (15.6%) and Lighting (12.1%). Within Engine reports, owners most often mention “consumption”, “oil”, “engine”, “piston” and “water pump”. 3 reports (2.1%) describe a crash or fire; owners mention 3 injuries and 0 deaths.
Half of the reported incidents happened within 69 months of the model year's start; the busiest period was after five years (60% of incidents). In the last 12 months 21 new complaints were filed, versus 35 in the 12 months before — the pace is falling.
NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for this model year. 9% of the complaints fall in component areas that a recall addresses.
Complaint index
vs. all tracked vehicles0.39
vs. other Audi models1.79
vs. other 2018 models0.33
vs. other Luxury SUVs1.08
Complaints in first 2 years on the road · vs. same-year average (24)0.27
My 8-year-old's finger was in the door frame and the door came close enough to engage the soft close feature and she tried to pull her finger out as we watched the door slowly continue closing on it.
Body & structure · 2024-08-24 · ODI 11610620
coolant leaking @ 50K miles and also their warning system is not as effective. I got into a fender bender 2 months in owning the car as brand new.
Engine · 2023-09-13 · ODI 11544218 · Crash
Start/stop malfunction failed; yes it is available for inspection. Driving down highway vehicle stopped with 2 adult passengers and 2 children. Yes 3 mechanics completed a diagnostic.
Engine · 2026-07-22 · ODI 11752232
The right rear passenger heated seat in my 2018 Audi Q7 overheated and burned through the leather and foam. Fortunately, my disabled [XXX] daughter, who normally sits in that seat, was not in the vehicle at the time.
Other · 2026-07-13 · ODI 11750098
I am getting front left side marker light faulty problem. I was told this is very common for 2018 audi q7. Please investigate this issue and see if I am qualified to get this replaced by audi.
Lighting · 2026-05-23 · ODI 11739746
Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, trimmed for length. The ODI number is NHTSA's record identifier.
STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS Campaign 20V658000 · 2020-10-27
Summary: 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.
Summary: 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.
Summary: 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.
No NHTSA investigation covers the tracked model years.
Frequently asked questions
How many complaints were filed for the 2018 Audi Q7?
141 complaints were filed with NHTSA for the 2018 Audi Q7, or about 16.3 per year on the road.
What is the most common problem reported for the 2018 Audi Q7?
The most common category is Engine, accounting for 27.0% of complaints.
Does the 2018 Audi Q7 have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 3 safety recall(s) for this model year.
Is the 2018 Audi Q7 still generating complaints?
In the last 12 months 21 new complaints were filed, versus 35 in the 12 months before — the pace is falling.
How does the 2018 Audi Q7 compare with similar vehicles?
NHTSA has received 141 owner complaints about the 2018 Audi Q7, or 16.3 per year on the road — far fewer complaints than typical for a vehicle of its age (complaint index 0.39, where 1.00 is the average of all tracked vehicles). Among the 73 model-year 2018 vehicles we track, it ranks #27 for fewest complaints per year. Against other Audi models its rate is 79% higher; against other Luxury SUVs it is 8% higher.