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2018 Audi Q7 problems

The most common problem on the 2018 Audi Q7 is engine and cooling. It has 4.4 times the complaints of a typical Q7 model year.

Year to avoid4.4x the typical complaints
Year score
21/100
Owner complaints
144
Recalls
3
Service bulletins
1,1042 warranty
Worst area
Engine
Fuel economy
21mpg

The worst 2018 Audi Q7 problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Specific symptoms reported on the 2018 Audi Q7

Oil consumption 16Engine failure 13Coil spring 11Grinding brakes 7Overheating 7Loss of power 6Stalling 5

Recalls 3

Structure: body: roof and pillarsReported October 27, 2020 · 94,144 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.

Recall number 20V658000 · Recall details

SteeringReported March 16, 2020 · 229 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.

Recall number 20V149000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system: fuel railReported January 16, 2019 · 74,881 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.

Recall number 19V035000 · Recall details

See all 3 recalls for the 2018 Audi Q7

Technical service bulletins for the 2018 Audi Q7 1,104

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 1,104 bulletins for the 2018 Audi Q7

2018 Audi Q7 fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.0L 4‑cylAWD192521
3.0L 6‑cylAWD192521

What 2018 Audi Q7 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 18, 2026 · Engine · VT

Audi Q7 2018 3.0 engine. both valves in cylinder broke at 134,000 miles

Filed Sep 25, 2026 · Suspension · OH

I have a 2018 Audi Q7 3.0L with 86K miles on it. I discovered 1 of the rear coil springs was broke and both rear perches were very rusted. I had a local mechanic, who specializes in AUDIs, replace both rear springs and perches with OEM parts. After replacing everything, the mechanic went to take the car on a test drive. He said one of the new springs broke right away. The spring that broke was in the exact same location as the one that originally broke and it broke in the EXACT same way.

Filed Sep 12, 2026 · Engine · IL

Vehicle began displaying low engine oil level warnings between scheduled oil changes beginning in 2021, at approximately 50,000 miles. Condition was reported to the authorized Audi dealer on multiple occasions. Dealer added oil each time and stated there was no visible oil leak. No oil consumption test was performed and no repair order documenting the concern was provided. Oil loss worsened progressively through 2024. Engine failed in January 2026 at approximately 101,000 miles. Estimated repair cost $18,000–$22,000.

Filed Jul 22, 2026 · Engine · VT

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. Vehicle has not been inspected by insurance, manufacturer or police but by VW dealer, and two registered mechanics. No other warnings or symptoms.

Filed Jul 13, 2026 · Seats · CT

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. The failure occurred without warning and during normal use. This defect presents a serious safety risk and could have caused injury or fire. Request: Please investigate this issue in the 2018 Audi Q7 rear heated seats and determine whether a recall or repair campaign is necessary. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jul 1, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · TX

My 2018 Audi Q7 3.0T Quattro is experiencing extreme oil consumption — dropping from full to minimum level in approximately 230 miles. This is approximately 14x beyond Audi's own threshold for excessive oil consumption of 0.5 quarts per 1,000 miles. Documented timeline: May 2026 (88,692 miles): Oil change required 2.2 extra quarts beyond standard 7.2qt fill. Low oil light triggered during highway travel. June 27, 2026 (90,200 miles): Authorized Audi dealer formally documented "oil consumption is very high" in their service system and scheduled an official oil consumption test. June 28, 2026 (90,351 miles): Audi MMI system showed oil near minimum after only 151 miles. June 30, 2026 (90,397 miles): Audi MMI showed oil at Stage 2 warning after 197 miles. June 30, 2026 (90,430 miles): Audi MMI showed oil at minimum line after 230 miles total. All readings documented with timestamped photographs from Audi's own MMI system. The authorized Audi dealer has documented repeated oil top-offs in their service system. Audi USA Customer Care was contacted on June 30, 2026 and denied goodwill repair citing no active recall and vehicle out of warranty. An open case has been filed with Audi USA. The engine lubrication system appears defective. Oil dropping to minimum in under 230 miles without adequate warning poses serious safety risk of catastrophic engine failure while driving at highway speeds. The authorized Audi dealer has scheduled an official oil consumption test and inspection for July 2, 2026. Results will be available upon request. Vehicle is available for inspection upon request.

Filed May 23, 2026 · Lights · CA

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. Apparently, the replacing the lamp isn't easy but woudl require to replace the whole lighting fixture which could cost over $2k. Thank you.

Filed May 19, 2026 · Lights · ME

Parking light defective message on dash board. Looked at the light and all lights present. Talked to a dealer and the headlight assembly to replace is 6K plus. For a small yellow side light inside of headlight that is still on, but the message on dashboard says otherwise. Was told that it isn't outputting enough light power.

Filed Apr 13, 2026 · Engine · VA

I am reporting suspected odometer fraud on my 2018 Audi Q7 3.0T Prestige (VIN: [XXX] ). Between May 8 and June 13, 2025, while I was the sole driver of the vehicle, Audi dealership service records show an odometer increase of 5,282 miles (from 78,260 to 83,542). However, independently verified GPS trip data from the Audi Connect system confirms I drove only approximately 2,103 miles during this period — a discrepancy of approximately 3,178 miles. The vehicle was serviced at two Penske-owned dealerships: Audi of Arlington (3200 Columbia Pike, Arlington, VA 22204) and Audi of Chantilly (14839 Stonecroft Center Ct, Chantilly, VA 20151). Only authorized dealer diagnostic equipment can alter odometer values. This manipulation resulted in the wrongful denial of my extended warranty coverage and a $37,567.16 out-of-pocket engine replacement. I have a fully documented demand letter with ten supporting exhibits including service records, Audi Connect trip data, and a detailed timeline. The dealerships did not respond to my demand letter. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Apr 7, 2026 · Suspension · MN

I’m reporting a serious safety issue with my 2018 Audi Q7. Both rear suspension springs failed suddenly while I was driving at highway speeds 70 MPH, with no warning at all. This was extremely dangerous—I almost lost control of the vehicle when it happened. The rear of the car dropped and handling became unstable immediately. There were no prior signs, noises, or issues leading up to the failure. This kind of failure should not happen under normal driving conditions, especially on a vehicle like this. Having both springs fail at the same time creates a major safety risk not only for me but for others on the road. I had to replace both rear springs at my own expense. Based on what I’ve seen, this may be a known issue and not just a one-time occurrence. I’m asking the federal safety agency to look into this problem and determine if there’s a defect with the suspension system on the 2018 Audi Q7 that could require a recall or further action.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2018 Audi Q7 before you buy

Compare the 2018 Audi Q7

Q7 vs Acura MDXQ7 vs BMW X5Q7 vs Volvo XC90Q7 vs Lexus RXQ7 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE 350Q7 vs Cadillac XT5

Other model years

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Questions about the 2018 Audi Q7

Is the 2018 Audi Q7 reliable?

Owners have filed 144 complaints about the 2018 Audi Q7, 4.4 times a typical Q7 model year. It is one of the years we flag to avoid.

What is the 2018 Audi Q7 year score?

The 2018 Audi Q7 scores 21 out of 100 (poor). The score compares it with the other model years of the Audi Q7: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2018 Audi Q7?

Engine and cooling, with 40 complaints. Next is lights (23).

How many recalls does the 2018 Audi Q7 have?

3 recalls, covering structure, steering and fuel system, gasoline.

What gas mileage does the 2018 Audi Q7 get?

Official estimates for the 2018 Audi Q7 range from 21 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.0L 4-cyl, AWD) gets 19 city and 25 highway.

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