CarBrief

The 2017 Q7 has 320 owner complaints on file with NHTSA[1] and 7 recalls[2]. The largest group of complaints is exterior lighting[3], so check the recall history and the lights before you buy.

320owner complaints[1]
7recalls[2]
21–22MPG combined (EPA)[4]

Most reported problems

NHTSA has 320 owner complaints on file for the 2017 Q7[1]. Seven mention a crash, 3 a fire and 10 injuries, and no deaths are reported[1]. These are unverified reports, and one complaint can name more than one component.

The biggest groups are:

Exterior lighting. In the sample of 12 lighting complaints we read, every one describes a side marker light problem or a related dashboard warning[3]. Four of the 12 say a dealer or a recall lookup told them their car was not covered by the marker light recall[3]. Some owners say the fix offered was a whole headlight unit[3]. See the recalls section for the official software fix.

Engine. In a sample of 12 engine complaints, 6 describe a leaking or failed water pump, with owners paying for the repair[5]. Two describe oil use and low oil warnings, and 2 describe stalling or loss of power[5]. The sample is small, so treat this as a pattern to ask about, not a count of all cars.

Suspension. In a sample of 12 suspension complaints, 9 describe broken rear coil springs found at a dealer or inspection[7]. Some say both springs broke at once without warning[7]. Three describe tire wear or noise from the brakes or front suspension[7]. With only 33 complaints in the group[7], this is worth a look during a pre-purchase inspection, not a verdict.

Electrical system. In a sample of 12 electrical complaints, 4 describe windows, locks, doors or the rear liftgate misbehaving[6]. Three describe stalling, power loss or a wrong fuel gauge reading, and 3 describe warnings or screens that malfunction[6]. Two describe marker light warnings[6].

Power train has only 10 complaints[11]. That is too few to call a pattern.

Recalls

NHTSA lists 7 recalls for this model year[2]. Several also cover other models or years. All seven list a free remedy through Audi dealers. Ask any seller for proof that each one was done.

Some owners in the lighting sample say their car was not included in the marker light recall[3]. If your car shows warnings, ask a dealer to run the VIN.

Fuel economy

The EPA lists two engines, both with Automatic (S8), premium fuel and all-wheel drive[19][4].

Engine City / Highway / Combined MPG Est. annual fuel cost
3.0L 6-cyl[19] 19 / 25 / 21 $3,900
2.0L 4-cyl turbo[4] 20 / 25 / 22 $3,750

The EPA bases fuel cost on its current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the car was new[19]. The 4-cylinder is 1 MPG better combined[19][4].

Safety ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for this SUV AWD are listed as not rated[20]. That means there is no star score to compare. The recalls above are the main safety information on file.

Engine and size

The EPA test car list rates the 2.0L 4-cylinder at 252 hp[21] and the 3.0L 6-cylinder at 333 hp[22].

Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications for the Q7 4DR SUV 3.0 TFSI QUATTRO, converted to US units[23]. They can differ slightly from US models[23].

Measure Value
Length[23] 199 in
Width[23] 78 in
Height[23] 69 in
Wheelbase[23] 118 in
Curb weight[23] 4,938 lb

How 2017 compares with other years

2007: 95 complaints, 3 recalls20072008: 33 complaints, 3 recalls2009: 21 complaints, 3 recalls20092010: 29 complaints, 3 recalls2011: 23 complaints, 4 recalls20112012: 29 complaints, 4 recalls2013: 43 complaints, 3 recalls20132014: 46 complaints, 2 recalls2015: 45 complaints, 2 recalls20152017: 320 complaints, 7 recalls32020172018: 144 complaints, 3 recalls20182019: 63 complaints, 4 recalls2020: 28 complaints, 5 recalls20202021: 75 complaints, 9 recalls2022: 20 complaints, 3 recalls20222023: 16 complaints, 3 recalls2024: 2 complaints, 3 recalls20242025: 17 complaints, 2 recalls2026: 2 complaints, 1 recalls2026
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Q7 model year. The 2017 is highlighted[2].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
2007953
2008333
2009213
2010293
2011234
2012294
2013433
2014462
2015452
20173207
20181443
2019634
2020285
2021759
2022203
2023163
202423
2025172
202621

Among the Q7 model years listed by NHTSA, 2017 has the most complaints at 320[2]. The next highest are 2018 with 144 and 2007 with 95[2]. For recalls, 2017 has 7, which is second to 2021 with 9[2]. The list has no 2016 entry[2].

Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales, so a high count can partly reflect how many cars were sold. Still, 2017 stands out against its own neighbors, since 2015 has 45 complaints and 2018 has 144[2].

Should you buy a used 2017 Q7?

The 2017 Q7 has a heavy record of complaints and recalls compared with other Q7 years, though no deaths are reported[1][2]. Before buying, get proof that all 7 recalls were completed[2]. Ask about the marker light warnings, the water pump and the rear springs, since owners in the samples we read describe them[3][5][7]. A pre-purchase inspection that covers these items is reasonable. The complaint data cannot tell you how any single car will behave, so use it as a checklist and not as a ruling.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2017 Audi Q7?
Exterior lighting has the most complaints at 133 of 320[3][1]. Engine has 61[5] and electrical system has 53[6]. In the samples we read, owners describe side marker light warnings, water pump leaks and broken rear coil springs[3][5][7].
Does the 2017 Audi Q7 have any recalls?
Yes, 7 recalls are on file[2]. They cover the steering shaft bolt[12], fuel rails[13], seat belt pretensioners and air bags[14], power steering control unit[15], third row seat[16], side marker lights[17] and air bag software[18]. Each lists a free dealer remedy.
What is the gas mileage of the 2017 Audi Q7?
The 3.0L 6-cylinder gets 19 city, 25 highway and 21 combined MPG[19]. The 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo gets 20 city, 25 highway and 22 combined MPG[4].
How much horsepower does the 2017 Audi Q7 have?
The EPA test car list rates the 2.0L 4-cylinder at 252 hp[21] and the 3.0L 6-cylinder at 333 hp[22].
Is the 2017 Audi Q7 the worst year for complaints?
Among listed Q7 model years, 2017 has the most complaints with 320, ahead of 2018 with 144[2]. Counts are not adjusted for sales.

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 320 owner complaints on file for the 2017 Audi Q7 (7 mention a crash, 3 a fire, 10 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. Owner complaints and recalls for every Audi Q7 model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  3. 133 complaints name the exterior lighting component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 67,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  4. EPA rating for Q7, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Premium, All-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 25 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,750. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  5. 61 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 57,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  6. 53 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 2 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 63,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  7. 33 complaints name the suspension component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 30 complaints name the unknown or other component group (2 crashes, 2 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 16,800). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 19 complaints name the steering component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 32,300). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 17 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 5,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 10 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. Recall 20V149, filed March 16, 2020: Steering. NHTSA recall database
  13. Recall 19V035, filed January 16, 2019: Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System › Fuel Rail. NHTSA recall database
  14. Recall 16V955, filed December 29, 2016: Seat Belts › Pretensioner. NHTSA recall database
  15. Recall 16V648, filed September 8, 2016: Steering › Electric Power Assist System. NHTSA recall database
  16. Recall 16V641, filed September 6, 2016: Seats › Mid / Rear Assembly. NHTSA recall database
  17. Recall 16V642, filed September 6, 2016: Exterior Lighting. NHTSA recall database
  18. Recall 16V519, filed July 8, 2016: Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor / Control Module-Inactive . NHTSA recall database
  19. EPA rating for Q7, 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic (S8), Premium, All-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 25 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  20. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV AWD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
  21. EPA Test Car List, 2017 Audi Q7 with 2.0L 4-cylinder: rated 252 hp. www.epa.gov
  22. EPA Test Car List, 2017 Audi Q7 with 3.0L 6-cylinder: rated 333 hp. www.epa.gov
  23. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, Q7 4DR SUV 3.0 TFSI QUATTRO: length 199 in, width 78 in, height 69 in, wheelbase 118 in, curb weight 4,938 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.