2017 Audi Q7 Safety Report

2017 Audi Q7 Safety Report

309Complaints
7Recalls
85/100Reliability Score
7Crash Reports
3Fire Reports
10Injuries
Most reported components: Exterior Lighting (93)Engine (38)Electrical System,Exterior Lighting (29)Suspension (26)Unknown Or Other (19)Steering (13)Electrical System (11)Fuel/Propulsion System (8)Wheels (5)Service Brakes (5)

Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2017 Audi Q7

This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2017 Audi Q7. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.

2017 Audi Q7 Safety Signal Summary
SignalValueWhat to inspect next
Recall burdenHigh (7)Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below.
Owner complaintsHigh (309)Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates.
Crash and fire reports10Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item.
Primary component hubExterior LightingCompare exterior lighting issues across vehicles.
Cleaner nearby model year2016Compare against the 2016 Audi Q7 with 2 complaints and 1 recalls.
Riskier nearby model year2018Check the 2018 Audi Q7 before buying across this generation.

Audi Q7 Year-by-Year Comparison

The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Audi Q7 years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.

Nearby Audi Q7 Model Years
Model YearComplaintsRecallsUse case
2018 Audi Q7 134 3 Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative.
2016 Audi Q7 2 1 Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative.
2019 Audi Q7 59 4 Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative.
2015 Audi Q7 44 2 Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative.
2020 Audi Q7 23 5 Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative.
2021 Audi Q7 62 9 Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative.

2017 Audi Q7 Complaint Theme Map

Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2017 Audi Q7, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.

Exterior Lighting

93 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.

All Exterior Lighting issues Audi only

Engine

38 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.

All Engine issues Audi only

Electrical System,Exterior Lighting

29 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.

All Electrical System,Exterior Lighting issues Audi only

Suspension

26 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.

All Suspension issues Audi only

Unknown Or Other

19 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.

All Unknown Or Other issues Audi only

Steering

13 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.

All Steering issues Audi only

AI Safety Analysis for the 2017 Audi Q7

The 2017 AUDI Q7 has accumulated 309 complaints and 7 recalls in the NHTSA database. Among the complaints, 7 involved crashes and 3 involved fires. There have been 10 reported injuries and 0 reported deaths. The most frequently reported problem areas are exterior lighting (93 complaints), engine (38 complaints), electrical system,exterior lighting (29 complaints). Exterior lighting issues are common, with warnings about malfunctioning side marker lights appearing on the dashboard. These warnings can occur even when the lights are functioning properly, indicating a software issue. Suspension problems have been reported, with coil springs failing and breaking, which can affect ride quality and safety, especially at higher speeds. Key known issues to be aware of include Side Marker Light Software Issue, Suspension Failure, Fuel System Recall. Be aware of potential issues with exterior lighting and suspension. Check for recalls and address any warning messages promptly.

Reliability Score

The 2017 Audi Q7 receives a reliability score of 85 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.

Known Issues for the 2017 Audi Q7

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2017 Audi Q7:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Side Marker Light Software Issue
Dashboard warnings about side marker lights malfunctioning, even when the lights are operational, are common in this model.
Medium Common 30k-60k miles
Suspension Failure
Coil springs and bottom rubber seats have been reported to fail, leading to potential safety risks.
High Common 30k-60k miles
Fuel System Recall
Recall for fuel injection system issues, including fuel rail problems, affecting a range of Audi models.
Medium Occasional 30k-60k miles
Steering System Recall
Recall for electric power assist system issues, affecting certain model year 2017 Audi Q7 vehicles.
Medium Occasional 30k-60k miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2017 Audi Q7:

Exterior Lighting 23% of complaints

Issues with side marker lights are frequently reported.

Suspension 26% of complaints

Suspension problems, including spring failures, are common.

Fuel System 8% of complaints

Fuel injection system issues have been reported.

Steering System 13% of complaints

Recall for steering system issues has affected some vehicles.

Recall Details for the 2017 Audi Q7

The following 7 recalls have been issued for the 2017 Audi Q7 by NHTSA:

Steering
Campaign #20V149000 16/03/2020

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.

Consequence: 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.

Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Fuel System, Gasoline:Fuel Injection System:Fuel Rail
Campaign #19V035000 16/01/2019

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.

Consequence: 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.

Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Seat Belts:Pretensioner
Campaign #16V955000 29/12/2016

Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2017 Audi A7, A4, A6, Volkswagen Golf and Tiguan vehicles and 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf vehicles for driver frontal air bags, passenger frontal air bags or head air bags that may not deploy properly. Additionally, certain 2017 Audi Q7, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad, and 2018 Audi Q5 vehicles are being recalled because the seat belt pretensioners may not activate properly.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: Volkswagen and Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected air bags and seat belt pretensioners, free of charge. The recall began April 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.

Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Steering:Electric Power Assist System
Campaign #16V648000 08/09/2016

Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2017 Audi Q7 vehicles manufactured November 11, 2015, to November 23, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the electric power steering assist control unit may short circuit resulting in a loss of power steering assist.

Consequence: With a loss of power steering assist, extra steering effort will be required, especially at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering rack, free of charge. The recall began November 2016. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-822-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 48M5.

Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Electrical System:Software
Campaign #16V642000 06/09/2016

Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2016 TT roadster, A3 cabriolet, A3 sedan and A3 e-tron, 2016-2017 TT coupe, 2017 A4 sedan and Q7 and 2015-2017 Q3 vehicles. The affected vehicles may have been programmed with new software that inadvertently makes the side marker lights inoperative in conjunction with the parking lights or the headlights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) num...

Consequence: If the side marker lights do not illuminate, the vehicle may be less visible at night, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will upload revised software to correct the issue, free of charge. This recall began November 2016. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 97CB.

Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Seats:Mid/Rear Assembly
Campaign #16V641000 06/09/2016

Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2017 Audi Q7 vehicles manufactured August 30, 2015, to July 10, 2016. In the affected vehicles, the third row seat back may move forward under load, such as in a frontal collision. As such, the vehicles do not conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 207, "Seating Systems."

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional support bracket to the seat, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in November 2016. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 72F8.

Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Air Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control Module-Inactive
Campaign #16V519000 08/07/2016

Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Audi Q7 vehicles manufactured August 30, 2015, to May 8, 2016. Due to a software issue within the air bag control module, the frontal air bags may deploy with more force than required in certain crashes. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Consequence: Air bags that deploy with excessive force may increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will update the air bag control module software, free of charge. The recall began September 2016. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69O3.

Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2017 Audi Q7

Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2017 Audi Q7 with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 1 complaint involved crashes. 2 involved fires. 2 reported injuries or fatalities.

Crash Reports: 1 Fire Reports: 2 Injury/Fatality Reports: 2
Exterior Lighting
03/14/2026

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 rep...

ODI #11724327
Electrical System,Exterior Lighting
03/09/2026

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 ...

ODI #11722959
Suspension
03/01/2026

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.

ODI #11721313
Exterior Lighting
02/25/2026

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.

ODI #11720501
Electrical System,Exterior Lighting
02/23/2026

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. ...

ODI #11719946
Power Train
02/11/2026

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 ...

ODI #11717230
Exterior Lighting
01/22/2026

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.

ODI #11712720
Engine
01/22/2026

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.

ODI #11712628
Exterior Lighting
01/11/2026

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.

ODI #11710168
Power Train,Unknown Or Other,Engine
01/05/2026

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...

ODI #11708802
Exterior Lighting
12/28/2025

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.

ODI #11707347
Exterior Lighting
12/26/2025

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.

ODI #11707149
Exterior Lighting
12/09/2025

I have a 2017 Q7 with the "front right side marker light defective" warning THAT POP OUT ONLY WHEN THE LIGHT AUTOMATICALLY TURN ON but the lights are actually functional. Yet the local Audi still wants to charge me 5.3k to fix it. The warning only happens at night. I've asked the shop for clarification on how it was deemed inop. since it looks like it's working to me. I see a lot of posts in for...

ODI #11703992
Exterior Lighting
12/02/2025

Notifications come on indicating that “Front Left side marker light defective.” Identical error message for the right side marker.

ODI #11702618
Exterior Lighting
11/15/2025

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 ...

ODI #11699511
Exterior Lighting
11/09/2025

Front right & left side marker light defective. See owner's manual However my lights are not blown or out.

ODI #11698438
Steering
Crash 1 Injured 11/03/2025

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...

ODI #11697302
Electrical System,Exterior Lighting
10/21/2025

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 nigh...

ODI #11694827
Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System
10/13/2025

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 comp...

ODI #11693004
Exterior Lighting
10/08/2025

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...

ODI #11692062

Showing 20 of 309 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2017 Audi Q7

Has the 2017 AUDI Q7 been recalled?

Yes, the 2017 AUDI Q7 has 7 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.

How many complaints does the 2017 AUDI Q7 have?

The 2017 AUDI Q7 has 309 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 7 involved crashes. 10 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.

What is the safety rating for the 2017 AUDI Q7?

The 2017 AUDI Q7 does not have an NHTSA safety rating on file. This can happen for newer model years, specialty vehicles, or models that have not been crash-tested.

What are the most common problems with the 2017 AUDI Q7?

The most commonly reported problems with the 2017 AUDI Q7 involve exterior lighting (93 complaints), engine (38 complaints), electrical system,exterior lighting (29 complaints). Other affected components include suspension, unknown or other, steering.

How many crash reports does the 2017 AUDI Q7 have?

There are 7 crash reports associated with the 2017 AUDI Q7 out of 309 total complaints (2.3% of complaints involved crashes).

How many fire reports does the 2017 AUDI Q7 have?

There are 3 fire reports for the 2017 AUDI Q7 out of 309 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.

Are there any deaths reported for the 2017 AUDI Q7?

No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2017 AUDI Q7.

How many injuries are reported for the 2017 AUDI Q7?

10 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2017 AUDI Q7. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.

Should I buy a 2017 AUDI Q7?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2017 AUDI Q7 is research thoroughly before purchasing. It has 309 complaints, 7 recalls. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.

What components fail most on the 2017 AUDI Q7?

The components with the most failures on the 2017 AUDI Q7 are: 1. EXTERIOR LIGHTING (93 complaints), 2. ENGINE (38 complaints), 3. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING (29 complaints), 4. SUSPENSION (26 complaints), 5. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (19 complaints). EXTERIOR LIGHTING is the single most-reported problem area with 93 complaints.

What should I know before buying a 2017 AUDI Q7?

Be aware of potential issues with exterior lighting and suspension. Check for recalls and address any warning messages promptly. The 2017 AUDI Q7 has 309 NHTSA complaints and 7 recalls on record.

How reliable is the 2017 AUDI Q7?

The 2017 AUDI Q7 receives a reliability score of 85/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 309 owner complaints, 7 recalls, and 10 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Side Marker Light Software Issue and Suspension Failure.

What are the known issues with the 2017 AUDI Q7?

Known issues with the 2017 AUDI Q7 include: Side Marker Light Software Issue, Suspension Failure, Fuel System Recall, Steering System Recall. These are based on patterns found across 309 NHTSA complaints. 7 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.

What are the common issues with the 2017 Audi Q7?

Common issues include exterior lighting problems and suspension failures.

Are there any recalls for the 2017 Audi Q7?

Yes, recalls have been issued for fuel injection system and steering system issues.

What should I do if I receive a warning about my side marker lights?

Check the lights to ensure they are functioning properly and consult a professional if the issue persists.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Be aware of potential issues with exterior lighting and suspension. Check for recalls and address any warning messages promptly.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2017 Audi Q7

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2017 Audi Q7. The data includes 309 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 7 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 7 reported crashes, 3 fire incidents, 10 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.

Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.

Analysis last updated: 2026-05-13