Failed water pump (4 bolt design), a known issue by Auidi. Lead to coolant migration into the vacuum system. Cost of parts and labor $2,000. Problem found by code after rough idling and delayed acceleration
Audi Q7 misfire problems
24 of the 1,061 owner complaints about the Audi Q7 describe misfire or rough idle, most of them for the 2017 model year.
- owner complaints
- 24
- worst model year
- 2017
By model year
- 20261
- 20251
- 20213
- 20202
- 20183
- 201711
- 20121
- 20072
Often reported together
Oil consumption 12Loss of power 8Check engine light 6Engine failure 5Stalling 4Overheating 3Warning lights 2Jerking 2
What owners say
In XXX, my 2017 Audi Q7 3.0T unexpectedly lost engine power while traveling approximately 70 mph on a highway in [XXX]. A "Drive System Malfunction" warning appeared. The driver pulled over, shut off the engine, and restarted it; the vehicle then drove normally. The sudden reduction in power at highway speed created a risk of collision with surrounding traffic. The precise cause is UNKNOWN. I reported the highway-speed loss of power and warning to Audi Wilmington. At its XXX visit (102,255 miles), the dealership documented the warning and multiple engine misfire codes. It identified a vacuum leak at a broken oil-fill pipe neck, replaced the pipe, cleared codes, and reported no issue during its test drive. The intermittent power loss did not recur during that visit. The vehicle also had recurring excessive oil consumption. In XXX (104,261 miles), Audi Wilmington found it approximately 1.5 quarts low and documented possible piston-and-ring replacement if proposed treatments failed. Those proposed repairs were not performed. In XXX (approximately 109,320 miles), the vehicle again showed a Drive System Malfunction warning and check engine light. Maguire Audi documented multiple misfires and a persistent cylinder #2 misfire after service, and suspected internal engine damage. The vehicle has been out of service since then. Independent testing in XXX confirmed cylinder #2 had 35 PSI compression and 100% leak-down, with part of an exhaust valve missing and oil on the piston. The connection, if any, between the XXX power loss and later engine damage is UNKNOWN. Authorized Audi dealers and an independent shop have inspected the vehicle; I am unaware of any inspection by police, insurers, or the manufacturer. The vehicle remains in my possession and is available for inspection. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The 2017 Audi Q7 Prestige was purchased on November 7,2016. Since the purchase, all service was provided by one or the other of two Audi dealerships. During this period, the Audi recommended 10K, 20K,30K, 40K, 50K, 60K, 70K, and 80K mile services had all been performed. In the almost ten years that I owned the car, the oil and oil filter were changed 11 times at one or the other of the two dealerships. The mileage interval between oil changes was 6,383 miles on average with a maximum interval on 8,177 miles; the time interval between oil changes was 320 days on average with a maximum of 399 days. The engine oil cooler valve had shorted out internally and was replaced in April 2025 at 58,225 miles. By the end of August 2026, the car had travelled 71,375 miles. From 60,000 miles on, oil consumption has gradually increased to alarming levels:1-quart every 700 miles. On August 22, while driving at highway speed on the Pennsylvania turnpike near Pittsburgh, I experienced a sudden loss of power, rapid deceleration, rough running of the engine, and a “Drive System Malfunction “indicator. Fortunately, I was able to slow the vehicle and safely move off the highway. The car was towed ($396) to an Audi dealership. The technician reported that the diagnostic scan showed a misfire code for cylinder #2; and, upon inspection, the #2 spark plug was found to be excessively oil-fouled. When the technician swapped the coils and spark plugs from cylinders #2 and #3, the misfire remained on cylinder #2. A compression test on cylinder #2 showed 120 psi – below normal, but not low enough by itself to definitively condemn the engine. The cost for this analysis was $500. I declined to invest in further teardown of the engine. Audi purchased the vehicle for $4,000. My experience appears similar to others with the 2017 Audi Q7 with the 3.0 engine. Exceptionally poor engineering and total lack of customer care!
Took my Aui Q7 in to AUDI of [XXX], on XXX for a very rough idle and surging at lights from the automatic oof/on system and the 10,000 initial service ( 8000 Mile) I was surprized when the service rep mentioned that it could be a broken motor mount as i thought it was more of a idle adjustment. They did find the driver side mount was broken and replaced it under warranty. Received the car back on the 9th, but the car was again idling very roughly, took it back immediatley. they replaced the second motor mount, under warranty. I asked why they didt replace both at the initial repoair they said it was a policy to only replace one at a time under warranty!! After receiving the car back, there is still a rough idle, transmission is out of sync, no diagnosis or adjustment for the auto/on off system at lights. Took the car back and has been at the dealer while they discuss/diagnosis with Audi technical. Several discussion with the service manager Chris Calhoun regarding these problems and resolution. Received an email 7/28/29 that the dealership wants to return the car after adjusting the transsmission, no determination of the root cause or adjustments to the auto on/off system,but i have escalated with Audi Customer Care Case#XXX.The vehichle has been in their shop for 3 weeks- 7-7 to 7/29. I am awaiting a response form their care team looking for them to repurchase the vehichle or provide a replacement as i dont feel safe or confident that the repairs were done correctly or completely. It seem that they know the issue with the motor mounts are a problem that havent been disclosed , and to have a double failure at 8000 miles seems more than bad luck. The repairs have compounded other problems, rendering a new car to a used worn car, with unresolved issues that will only require future services visits in the future , totally negating my reasons for purchasing a new car. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
the first indication of an issue was oil consumption. It was using more oil than usual around the 70K mile mark. Then it started misfiring, and soon after a knocking noise coming from the engine. There are no check engine light on, after bringing it in for diagnostics, it read that it was a spark plug, once they got into the engine they discovered the cylinder had been stripped from the piston. Yes the diagnostics came from our foreign car mechanic. no, it has not been inspected by the manufacturer or police. Just the symptoms. sometimes the light would come on, and then it would go off. At this point it is off. All of this started in the fall of 2025.
The contact owns a 2017 Audi Q7. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the contact became aware of an abnormal odor. The vehicle started shaking, and the drive train malfunction indicator was displayed. The contact pulled over to the side of the road, and the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the exhaust valve had burned a hole through cylinder #1 due to a misfire. The contact notified the dealer, but assistance was declined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.
My 2017 Audi Q7 Prestige 3.0T 6Cyl GAS CREC Supercharged has experienced repeated, serious failures involving the engine, powertrain, and fuel system. - At 72,000 miles, the vehicle developed coolant leaks under the supercharger, a failed water pump, and soaked drive belts. Repairs included multiple hoses, gaskets, and thermostat replacement. -Shortly after, repeated PCV/Oil system failures caused oil leaks, warning lights, and engine shaking. Repairs included PCV system, oil separator, valve cover gasket, breather pipes, and new spark plugs. - at 111,000 miles, the low-pressure fuel pump and relay failed, causing the vehicle to stall and lose all power while driving- a major safety risk. -Most recently, the engine developed a severe misfire in cylinder #4. Compression testing confirmed abnormally low compression (15 psi) due to a suspected cracked valve seat. The vehicle cannot be repaired without a complete engine replacement, quoted at ~$20,000. Safety Impact: - Vehicle has stalled suddenly in traffic due to fuel and engine failures, risking crash or injury. - Coolant and oil leaks present a potential fire hazard. - Loss of power and shaking while driving put my family and others at risk. Inspection/Confirmation: -All problems have been repeatedly confirmed and repaired by an independent Audi specialty service center (S&S Auto Repair). - Numerous invoices document coolant, oil, fuel, and engine failures. Warning Signs: - Multiple dashboard warning lights appeared either right before or during failure, including engine malfunction, coolant loss, and auto start/stop malfunction. These repeated failures at relatively low mileage suggest a design/manufacturing defect with the Audi 3.0T engine platform that compromises both safety and reliability. The issue seems to be widespread amongst other Audi owners with the same 3.0T engine- Per AudiWorld Forums.
I am filing a formal complaint regarding serious safety-related defects in a newly purchased Audi vehicle. Immediately upon delivery, the car presented: • A faulty solenoid, a critical engine component, creating risks of engine misfires, sudden stalling, loss of acceleration, and transmission malfunctions while driving. Such failures pose imminent hazards during the cross-country travel that military families like mine regularly undertake. • Defective windshield wipers from the outset, jeopardizing visibility and safety during inclement weather. These defects demonstrate systemic quality control failures by Audi, undermining the safety expectations owed to U.S. consumers. Requested Action I urge the federal safety agency to: 1. Investigate Audi for potential violations of federal motor vehicle safety standards. 2. Evaluate whether a recall is warranted, as this appears not to be an isolated case. 3. Hold Audi accountable for delivering vehicles with concealed or unaddressed safety defects. As a U.S. military officer, I cannot risk the safety of my family in a vehicle plagued by such defects. American families deserve full confidence that new vehicles meet uncompromising safety standards.
The issue is related to Audi TSB 2048402/3. 2017 Audi Q7 3.0T. First the an engine light appears, then get Drive System Malfunction Warning appears, then car misfires, then car goes into limp mode causing the car to rapidly slow down (while driving on a highway!!!!!). This is is common issue on the 2017 Audi Q7, code is P05A000 Active Grill Shutter "A" Stuck on. Which then triggers the Drive System Malfunction, misfire, and limp mode. Audi will not repair due to mileage on vehicle. Concern is this is a know issue and a safety concern.
I am reporting a severe defect in my 2020 Audi Q7 involving “coolant migration” due to a faulty water pump, a known issue in Audi models (Q7, S4, A6, 2013–2022). This poses critical safety risks due to sudden failure with minimal warning. My out-of-warranty Q7 showed minor coolant fouling near a solenoid, with normal coolant levels and no fluid added. The dealer quoted ~$6,000 to replace the water pump and vacuum system. This defect is highly dangerous due to: Sudden Power Loss: Coolant in the vacuum system impairs solenoids and lines, disrupting engine/turbo function. This can cause abrupt power loss, risking loss of control in traffic or at high speeds, potentially leading to collisions. Catastrophic Overheating: A failing water pump may halt coolant circulation, causing rapid engine overheating without warning, risking sudden engine shutdown and stranding drivers in hazardous conditions like highways. Brake Assist Failure: The vacuum system powers the brake booster. Contamination can reduce braking effectiveness, increasing pedal effort and stopping distances, heightening collision risks in emergencies. Emissions Control Issues: Coolant fouling affects PCV and EVAP systems, causing misfires, stalling, or increased emissions, potentially triggering check engine lights and compromising engine stability. Undetectable Progression: The defect often shows no clear symptoms or warnings until severe damage occurs. My vehicle had only minor fouling that could only be detected by visual inspection, yet extensive repairs were needed, indicating the issue’s stealthy nature, which prevents timely driver intervention. Systemic Issue: Forums and a class-action lawsuit confirm this defect across Audi models, yet owners face high repair costs post-warranty. This defect endangers drivers and others by risking vehicle failure, impaired braking, and unstable performance. I urge the federal safety agency to investigate and mandate a recall or extended warranty.
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling
- What is wrong
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2013 Audi Q7 vehicles manufactured June 5, 2012, to November 29, 2012 and equipped with a 3.0L TDI engine. In the affected vehicles, a check valve in the engine may become contaminated with plastic debris and allow engine oil to leak into the brake booster.
- Risk
- If oil leaks into the brake booster, the brake booster diaphragm may rupture causing a loss of power braking assist, and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace a vacuum line, free of charge. Dealers will also inspect the brake booster system for oil contamination and, if oil contamination is present, additional components will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on September 24, 2014. Owners may contact Audi at 1‑800‑253‑2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 47L8.
Recall number 14V516000 · Recall details
Questions about the Audi Q7 misfire
Which Audi Q7 years have misfire or rough idle problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2017 (11 complaints), 2018 (3 complaints) and 2021 (3 complaints).
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