2017 Audi Q7: headlights failing or too dim

Filed Oct 21, 2026 · Lights · 54,921 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2017 Audi Q7. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, an inoperable passenger’s side front headlight assembly warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the headlight was functioning properly even though the warning light was displayed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure by telephone. The contact expressed concerns that the warning failure posed a safety risk because the contact might not be alerted if the headlight failed. The approximate failure mileage was 54,921.

Filed Jul 2, 2026 · Lights · CA

On my 2017 Audi Q7 with 93169 miles, I am getting the error message along with a warning lamp that states: "Front right side marker light defective." The light actually works however I am getting this message. If the light were to actually go out it would affect the safety of my vehicle. I hear this is a common issue with the 2017 Audi Q7s and is very costly to fix at the dealer because the entire headlight assembly is usually replaced by the dealer. My vehicle is available for inspection if needed.

Filed Jun 8, 2026 · Lights · WA

Defective side‑marker LED inside sealed headlight assembly Component: Exterior Lighting / Headlights Make/Model/Year: 2017 Audi Q7 prestige Issue: Defective side‑marker LED inside sealed headlight assembly Complaint: The side‑marker LED inside the headlight assembly on my 2017 Audi Q7 has failed due to an internal LED driver defect. The LED module is sealed and non‑serviceable, so the entire headlight assembly must be replaced at a cost of $2,000–$5,000. The vehicle displays a “Side Marker Light Defective” warning even though the LED is still illuminated, indicating reduced output that triggers the fault. This failure reduces nighttime visibility and creates a safety hazard. This is a widespread issue reported by many Audi Q7 owners. Audi designed the LED module as a non‑replaceable component, leaving full headlight replacement as the only repair option. This is a design flaw that forces an extremely expensive repair for a basic safety function. I am requesting that the federal safety agency investigate this lighting defect.

Filed Mar 14, 2026 · Lights · CA

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 repair, at my expense, to replace the entire right headlamp assembly is the sole remedy. It appears the failed component may fall under the scope of safety recall, Audi 97CB (found on your website at: the federal safety agency ID 16V642-5761.pdf) but my VIN number is not specifically included within the recall. As this appears to be the same or directly related issue, perhaps the recall affects a greater amount of vehicles beyond the initially declared VIN number. My safety concern is that any problem with nighttime lighting is a deadly serious matter.

Filed Oct 8, 2025 · Lights · OR

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 the recall is aimed at. Thank you for your consideration. [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed May 19, 2025 · Lights · OR

Side markers lights are failing at an abnormally high rate. The pop up error and chime is incredibly distracting as it pops up every 20 to 30 seconds blocking most of the information on the instrument cluster. The side marker lights still function even when the error pops up. Audi will only replace the entire headlight housing to fix the problem, but that seems extreme to fix what appears to be a software issue, as the side marker lights still is fully functioning.

Filed Apr 21, 2025 · Lights · WA

CAMPAIGN 97cb (the federal safety agency campaign ID 16v642000 Side Marker Lights Do Not Illuminate With Parking Lights Or Headlights On This poses a risk for my safety and others during night driving making the vehicle less visible at night. I paid Audi of Portland $285.00 to diagnose this issue, due to receiving the message on my car "front left" or "front right" "side marker light defective" and they said it would cost almost $12,000.00 to replace both left and right-side headlight housing. Marker lights are LED and cannot be replaced without replacing entire housing. I checked for a recall and my 2017 Audi Q7 does not have any open recalls. However other models made the same year are being recalled. the side marker lights do not illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Filed Mar 24, 2025 · Lights · WI

Error front left side marker light defective error message but no issue with the actual marker light. To be clear the marker light is operating perfectly as noted by my dealer. It is a known system error code malfunction and exact issue for my vehicle year and make - recall code 97cb. I contacted Audi and they claim my VIN was not impacted by the production line issue but obviously that is not true. Audi is not standing by their product and dealer charge is $6,889 to replace left headlight. VIN [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Mar 23, 2025 · Lights · PA

This issue closely resembles Audi recall campaign 97cb (the federal safety agency campaign id 16v642000), with details available at [xxx] . In my case, the marker light itself is functioning properly, but the vehicle is displaying a false error message: "front right side marker light defective. " this poses safety risks because the erroneous warning distracts drivers from the road and could lead to the system failing to alert the driver of an actual side marker light issue in the future. Many owners of the same model and year are disabling their side marker lights entirely to avoid the error, as evidenced in discussions such as those on [xxx] . Repairing this issue typically requires replacing the entire headlight assembly, with costs ranging from $2,400 to $5,300, making it prohibitively expensive for many. Although Audi initiated a recall (97cb) for a similar issue, it was limited to a specific subset of vehicles, and the widespread nature of this problem in other vehicles outside the recall’s VIN range suggests a broader defect. Given these safety risks, high repair costs, and the frequency of the issue, I urge the federal safety agency to investigate whether this problem warrants a broader recall or corrective actions by the manufacturer. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Filed Feb 10, 2025 · Lights · GA

•Component/System Failed: Front left marker light; available for inspection upon request. •Safety Risk: Reduced visibility to other drivers, especially at night or in low-light conditions, increasing the risk of a collision. •Reproduction/Confirmation: Confirmed by Audi, but not covered under an existing recall. •Warning Signs/Symptoms: Dash light reads "Front left marker light defective" ; first noticed on during a routine exterior light check. MANY VEHICLES NOT INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL: the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 16V642000 Manufacturer Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. Components ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING Potential Number of Units Affected 79,895 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) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment." 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.

Filed Jan 15, 2025 · Electrical, Lights · NV

This issue closely resembles Audi recall campaign 97CB (the federal safety agency campaign ID 16V642000), with details available at [XXX] . In my case, the marker light itself is functioning properly, but the vehicle is displaying a false error message: "Front Right Side Marker Light Defective." This poses safety risks because the erroneous warning distracts drivers from the road and could lead to the system failing to alert the driver of an actual side marker light issue in the future. Many owners of the same model and year are disabling their side marker lights entirely to avoid the error, as evidenced in discussions such as those on [XXX] . Repairing this issue typically requires replacing the entire headlight assembly, with costs ranging from $2,400 to $5,300, making it prohibitively expensive for many. Although Audi initiated a recall (97CB) for a similar issue, it was limited to a specific subset of vehicles, and the widespread nature of this problem in other vehicles outside the recall’s VIN range suggests a broader defect. Given these safety risks, high repair costs, and the frequency of the issue, I urge the federal safety agency to investigate whether this problem warrants a broader recall or corrective actions by the manufacturer. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jan 8, 2025 · Lights · FL

Front left side marker defective fault code. Same issue was part of an existing recall but did not include this VIN. Fault first occurred on January 3rd, 2025. Was taken to Audi dealer who assessed there was in fact an error code in effect. The result is a $6,200 replacement of the entire left headlight. Related recall: Manufacturer's Report Date: September 06, 2016 the federal safety agency Campaign ID Number: 16V‑642 16V642000 Manufacturer Campaign Number: 97CB Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE Potential Number of Units Affected: 79,895