2019 Audi Q7 Safety Report

The 2019 Audi Q7 presents a mixed safety picture. While it achieved excellent NHTSA crash test ratings, including a 5-star overall rating, 5-star side impact, and 4-star frontal and rollover ratings, the vehicle has been subject to four safety recalls and has accumulated 59 owner complaints. A significant concern is the recall for the steering shaft bolt, which could loosen and lead to a sudden loss of steering control, directly increasing crash risk. Another critical recall addresses side curtain airbags that may not properly inflate, compromising occupant protection in a crash. Furthermore, a recall related to C-pillar padding not absorbing enough impact in a crash highlights potential injury risks for unbelted occupants. The fourth recall involves front shock absorber forks that may crack, impairing steering. These recalls indicate several fundamental safety components had manufacturing or design flaws requiring correction. Owner complaints, totaling 59, reveal patterns that align with some recall issues and introduce new concerns. The SUSPENSION component leads with 9 complaints, with multiple reports of rear coil springs breaking at relatively low mileages (e.g., 60,000-79,000 miles), which can affect vehicle stability. STEERING has 8 complaints, directly correlating with the steering shaft recall, with owners reporting sudden loss of steering control and 'Steering Malfunction' warnings. The FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM has 7 complaints, including issues like fuel pump failures, fuel rail leaks, and faulty fuel sensors, some of which mirror issues in related recalls for other model years. FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE has 3 complaints, with reports of the system unexpectedly braking or jerking the car, raising concerns about its reliability. Despite the high crash test scores, the number and nature of recalls, coupled with owner complaints, suggest that while the vehicle performs well in controlled crash scenarios, there are notable reliability and safety issues with critical components. The 5 crashes reported in the complaint data, though not directly linked to injuries or deaths in this dataset, underscore the potential real-world impact of these malfunctions. The recurring themes of steering loss, suspension failures, and fuel system problems indicate areas where the vehicle's long-term safety and reliability may be compromised.

Our recommendation: Given the excellent crash test ratings but notable recalls and owner complaints for critical components like steering and suspension, potential buyers should ensure all recall repairs have been completed and consider a thorough pre-purchase inspection focusing on these known issues.