Audi Q7 grinding brakes problems

Filed Sep 19, 2026 · Acceleration, Engine · CO

During summer 2026 the check-engine light on our 2019 Audi Q7 came on BEFORE its first August service/oil-change visit. The light remained on when the dealer returned the vehicle. Within days, the driver found cruise control no longer worked; it had worked before that visit. She called the dealer in mid-August to arrange a return. At the second visit, the dealer reported intake-manifold runner controls for banks 1 and 2 stuck closed and recorded: "water pump has failed internally, causing a vacuum leak". The water pump was replaced. After the second visit, around August 28, 2026, a high-pitched whining/squealing noise began. It occurred while coasting or going downhill and generally when the accelerator was not pressed, not only while braking. The driver initially suspected a brake noise. She recalls the dealer advising measures to remove excess brake material and saying it should not pose a safety risk. The noise persisted after those measures. At a third visit the dealer diagnosed a PCV/crankcase-breather issue. That repair remains outstanding. The earlier reassurance concerned a suspected brake noise before the PCV diagnosis. We request investigation of the persistent warning, cruise-control malfunction, diagnosed vacuum/intake-manifold issues and later PCV/noise complaint, including any safety implications for vehicle operation. Whether these faults are related is UNKNOWN; their timing alone does not establish that service caused them. Our specific concern is abnormal crankcase pressure from the PCV fault, including possible overpressure, oil leakage or seal damage and impaired engine operation in traffic. Actual pressure/vacuum measurements and any resulting damage are UNKNOWN; these are concerns for investigation, not confirmed events. Receipts are available. Actual fault codes, diagnostic tests, and repair records should be reviewed. Availability of removed parts for inspection is UNKNOWN.

Filed Jan 18, 2026 · Brakes, Steering · KS

On or December 5th, 2025 (4 days after taking possession of the vehicle, I experienced a sudden and severe steering system failure while driving. When turning the steering wheel (even slightly), the vehicle produced a loud buzzing/grinding noise and the steering effort increased significantly, creating an immediate safety hazard. Because the steering issue worsened quickly and made the vehicle difficult to control, I stopped driving and brought the vehicle to an authorized Audi dealership for inspection. The Audi dealership confirmed the steering failure was caused by a major power steering system defect, including active power steering fluid leakage from the steering rack area consistent with internal seal failure, and the power steering pump being faulty due to fluid loss. The dealership advised replacement of the power steering rack and pump and stated the vehicle was unsafe to test drive due to its condition. During the same inspection, the Audi dealership also identified additional serious safety-related defects, including a brake system condition where the brake pedal slowly sinks toward the floor when pressure is applied (indicating a braking system performance failure requiring brake fluid exchange and further diagnosis if unresolved). The inspection also documented multiple additional mechanical and safety concerns requiring extensive repairs, including suspension and drivetrain defects and other conditions indicating the vehicle was not roadworthy as sold. The vehicle remains available for inspection. This incident involved a sudden loss of steering assist and braking abnormalities that could lead to loss of control, crash risk, and injury to the driver, passengers, and other motorists.

Filed May 21, 2025 · Brakes, Lights · CA

"front left" or "front right" "side marker light defective" message Rear brakes loud squeal when reversing.

Filed Dec 11, 2024 · Brakes, Lights · WA

Error code for right front side marker light faulty. Light seems to be working. I've had two mechanics look at the car. They can't figure out what's wrong. Error message appears randomly. Brakes are very squeaky. I took the car to Audi and they said it was normal and I should brake more aggressively.

Filed Dec 6, 2024 · Driver assistance · FL

I leased a brand new 2025 Q7 at the beginning of June 2024. Two weeks into the lease i was attempting to back my car out of a parking spot at work, during a rainstorm, and the vehicle applied the brakes, grinding me to a sudden halt. It thought the rain was an obstacle. I tried several times to back out of the parking space and each time the car, without any other warning, slammed on the brakes. I called my salesperson who requested I contact the service center, who requested that I bring the vehicle in to be looked at. I was told that the vehicle should not be acting that way. After having the vehicle for 24 hours they called me to say there were no malfunctions or errors recorded in the system and I could come get the car. They told me that they were not able to "simulate rain" to test the issue adequately. A couple of weeks later it happened again. This time I was attempting to leave my garage, again in the rain, and I could not do so. The vehicle continued to halt each time I tried to back up. The car went back to the service center who had it for a full week, from 7/23/24 - 7/30/24, just to tell me that the issue I am referring to is actually "normal behavior and is a feature of the car" and they said that it could be turned off. This issue continued to occur and so I was provided a loaner vehicle while they were investigating what was occurring with mine. This report is related to that loaner vehicle as it has the same issue as my leased vehicle. Neither 2025 Q7 will backup in the rain and will slam on the brakes if you attempt to do so. The dealer continues to claim this is normal and I was told the issue was mine and there was nothing the dealer can or will do. I am reporting this vehicle as having an issue due to the severe safety concerns surrounding this issue with these vehicles. It is not being taken seriously by Audi and this is very concerning.

Filed Nov 25, 2024 · Driver assistance · FL

I leased a brand new 2025 Q7 at the beginning of June 2024. Two weeks into the lease i was attempting to back my car out of a parking spot at work, during a rainstorm, and the vehicle applied the brakes, grinding me to a sudden halt. It thought the rain was an obstacle. I tried several times to back out of the parking space and each time the car, without any other warning, slammed on the brakes. I called my salesperson who requested I contact the service center, who requested that I bring the vehicle in to be looked at. I was told that the vehicle should not be acting that way. After having the vehicle for 24 hours they called me to say there were no malfunctions or errors recorded in the system and I could come get the car. They told me that they were not able to "simulate rain" to test the issue adequately. A couple of weeks later it happened again. This time I was attempting to leave my garage, again in the rain, and I could not do so. The vehicle continued to halt each time I tried to back up. The car went back to the service center who had it for a full week, from 7/23/24 - 7/30/24, just to tell me that the issue I am referring to is actually "normal behavior and is a feature of the car" and they said that it could be turned off. When I picked up the car, the feature they turned off was the Rear Cross Traffic Assist (RCTA). However, that is a feature that I want to be able to use and nowhere in the owner's manual or anywhere I can find does it say that rain will stop the vehicle. I do understand how the RCTA is meant to work and I do want to have an audible and visual warning of objects or people impeding my path. However, I do not want the vehicle thinking that rain is an obstacle. I do have videos of this occurring.

Filed Sep 13, 2024 · Steering · KY

There is rapid pecking noise / vibration when traveling during all right directional curves in the road. When I head in to a slight curve where the steering wheel only needs to be moved a few degrees to the right, the noise is such that I can feel it around the firewall and footwell of both driver and passenger side not to mention it is very loud and annoying. I notified Bill Jacobs BMW along with the brakes squealing while backing up) where I bought the vehicle and they said to take it to an Audi dealer. I went to Audi of Lexington KY and they were wanting to charge me over 8K to replace the exhaust. I did have the exhaust replaced and new front brakes completely replaced and the issue for both are still present. Very disappointed since I found TWO TSB's relating to my vehicle after paying so much for the work. There is a TSB for the Exhaust downpipe and mounts as well as a TSB for squealing brakes. Being told, all German cars have squeaky brakes is BS.

Filed Jan 26, 2022 · Brakes · TX

I recently purchased a CPO 2018 Audi Q7, and shortly after purchase, I encountered the problem indicated in this TSB about break squeal I contacted the dealer (Audi North Austin, located at 12971 Pond Springs Road, Austin, TX 78729) to fix this problem, but was refused because my car does not meet the criteria specified in the TSB, namely 24 Months / 24,000 Miles (my car has 27,700 Miles). In doing so, I found another TSB with the same problem as in my car. And it has different criteria, namely 48 Months/50,000 Mile. In this regard, I would like to ask why there are different criteria for the same problem? Why are 2017 Audi Q7 models has 48 Months/50,000 Miles to fix this problem, but 2018 Audi Q7 only 24 Months/24,000 Miles ?

Filed Jun 9, 2021 · Airbags · GA

Clockspring in the steering wheel premature failure. 2017 Audi Q7, 60k miles. The steering wheel has been making grinding noises when turning. Took the car into the dealership for the scheduled 60k service and reported the issue. They diagnosed and said that the Clockspring is going bad. It will fail, just a matter of time. Talking to other Audi owners, they are having the same issue at low mileage points. Some dealers cannot diagnose the problem, some can. It appears that when the clockspring goes, the steering wheel features fail, and that may include airbag failure.

Filed Jan 17, 2021 · Brakes · 105,000 miles · OH

I was driving and the car grinder to a halt. The brake light came on after the grinding. I called a tow truck and he found a bolt on the ground that was holding the caliper/hub together. My speed was around 30 MPH but if I would have been on the highway or at a higher rate of speed I would have been in trouble because the car wold not move. My brakes were just replaced 3 months before. According to my mechanic the housing for the bolt threads were stripped. The bolt holds the caliper and hub. A machinist is now trying to rethread it. It will be a week tomorrow without as he fixes another bolt housing in the hub the says is stripped also. My mechanic said that this is something that should not have happened on a car like this. This is my 2nd q7-- same car almost exactly except it was a 2009 and it had 110000 miles on it when I sold it and had no o problems with it.