Audi Q7 engine failure problems

Filed Oct 25, 2026 · Electrical · VA

COMPONENT: 48V mild-hybrid electrical system — engine ground connections, Belt Starter Generator circuit, and 48V lithium battery. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request; the 48V battery dealer now call failed has not yet been replaced. SAFETY RISK: On 8/1/2026, the vehicle suffered sudden, complete electrical failure while in motion immediately after exiting I-75 in Bradenton, FL, with my family aboard, including a child. The cluster displayed “Electrical system: malfunction! Safely stop vehicle” (red), then total power loss. I coasted into a parking lot; had this occurred minutes earlier at 70 mph in interstate traffic, a stall with degraded accessories would have been unavoidable. The vehicle would not restart until the system cooled. Risk is ongoing: faults now recur almost daily. CONFIRMED BY DEALER: Yes. Audi Sarasota (RO AUCS126809) diagnosed both main engine ground connections left loose after a 2/2026 engine replacement by an authorized Audi dealer — DTC U350100, Control Module Input Power “A” Circuit Low. A prior dealer had misdiagnosed it as a faulty 12V battery and returned the car unrepaired; it failed on the interstate 16 days later. In 10/2026 another dealer confirmed continuing failure (DTC P0A9400, DC/DC Converter Performance) and states the 48V battery is now failed, quoting $3,700 — probable consequential damage from the prolonged ground fault. OTHER INSPECTIONS: Three authorized Audi dealers; events also logged in Audi’s connected-vehicle telematics (manufacturer-accessible). Audi of America case 07647729 is open. PRIOR WARNINGS: Yes. Intermittent “Electrical system: malfunction” warnings began ~7/2026, escalating over weeks to persistent warnings and A/C loss (48V-powered) on 7/30/2026, two days before the failure. The same failure mode matches the BSG defect in the Steinhardt v. Volkswagen settlement

Filed Oct 7, 2026 · Engine · VA

Our 2015 Audi Q7 start using a lot of oil under 100,000 miles. Dealership replace turbocharger oil seals but that didn't fix the issue. The engine failed oil consumption test and was told the vehicle is safe to drive but will need to add oil every 1,000 miles. Engine failed three months later. Contact Audi of North American about the problem and ask about replacement engine because a vehicle of that type quality should not be having those type of issuea with low mileage.

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 31, 2026 · Engine, Steering · CA

On XXX, I was driving northbound on US-101 from [XXX] to [XXX] to pick up a family member for an appointment. The vehicle had been operating normally at freeway speed. As traffic slowed for a construction zone near Summerland, I intentionally reduced speed to approximately 20 mph. At that point, I heard a sudden abnormal rotational mechanical noise from the engine compartment, best described as a flapping or rubbing sound. The noise had not been present earlier during the drive. Within moments, the engine lost power and shut down. The vehicle lost propulsion while in traffic, and power steering assist was lost after the engine stopped. I was able to safely maneuver the vehicle off the roadway. The engine would not restart. Before this incident, I did not observe any meaningful warning of an impending catastrophic engine failure. I did not observe an engine overheating warning, an oil-pressure warning, or any other dashboard warning indicating an imminent engine seizure. Before purchasing the vehicle, and during my ownership, I used Ross-Tech VCDS (Audi/VW-specific diagnostic software) as part of proactive maintenance and monitoring. Nothing identified an impending catastrophic engine failure. The vehicle was transported to an independent European repair facility for inspection. The shop determined that the engine is mechanically seized and advised that the precise initiating cause cannot be determined without engine disassembly. An Audi dealership likewise indicated that additional manufacturer-level diagnostic procedures would be required. A case was created, and Audi declined assistance. I am submitting this complaint because the engine failed suddenly during normal operation without a meaningful advance warning, resulting in an immediate loss of propulsion in traffic. I believe this type of unexpected catastrophic engine failure presents a potential safety concern if it occurs while the vehicle is being operated on a public roadway. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5

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 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 Feb 9, 2026 · Engine · CA

The car has always (including during warranty period) required addition of engine oil in between scheduled maintenance interval, and problem got worse as function of age/miles. Audi has diagnosed this issue and it has been determined that the engine consumes excessive oil and requires new piston skirt. The cost of the labor is not something Audi is willing to pay for and there is a class action lawsuit. Audi has sent an email/letter to certain owners of the vehicle. My VIN for some reason wasn't included but now Audi has verified, but not willing to pay for the cost to replace the engine or fix it.

Filed Jan 22, 2026 · Engine · OH

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.

Filed Jan 5, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · CA

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 was the Engine has failed completely and needs new engine.

Filed Nov 19, 2025 · Engine · NJ

Catastrophic engine failure, this occurred 2 weeks after a service appointment where nothing was detected. The car only had 86,000 miles and it is unrepairable. We have now found that this could be due to a design flaw in this model which we were unaware of.