Exterior Lighting. Review the 133 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Engine. Review the 60 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Electrical System. Review the 53 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

7 crash reports3 fire reports7 injury reports

Exterior Lighting complaints

133 reports

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55,000 miles · Jun 6, 2023

Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

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The contact owns a 2017 Audi Q7. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH at night, she was informed by another driver that the turn signals and the running lights were inoperable. The contact stated the "Auto Adaptive Light” malfunction warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the headlight module needed to be replaced due to corrosion. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V642000 (Electrical System, Exterior Lighting) however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.

NHTSA ODI #11525653

Mileage unknown · Mar 2, 2023

Exterior Lighting

Dash display is showing "Right Front Marker light malfunction" message even though the marker light is fully functional and operational. Message only appears when headlights are ON. Vehicle will NOT pass Massachusetts inspection with warning light ON, EVEN though light is fully functional. Audi service code is C11A615. Audi se…

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NHTSA ODI #11509916

74,000 miles · Jan 27, 2023

Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

The contact owns a 2017 Audi Q7. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH, the side marker light malfunction message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V642000 (Electrical System, Exterior Lighting) however…

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NHTSA ODI #11504066

Mileage unknown · Jan 17, 2023

Exterior Lighting

Drivers front side marker LED light warning.

NHTSA ODI #11502088

Mileage unknown · Jan 6, 2023

Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

Front left side marker defective

NHTSA ODI #11500413

Mileage unknown · Jan 3, 2023

Exterior Lighting

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The headlights in the vehicle are malfunctioning. The daytime running lights are dimming and failing. The vehicle was inspected by the dealership and they state that both headlights need to be replaced at a cost to me of $8,500, and they further claim that the issues indicates the entire headlight assembly is failing and has to be replaced. After looking at this issue online, it appears to be an extensive issue with Audi of failing LED headlights. Audi has issued recalls for some models over the same issue, but not all, and the 2017 Q7 is not part of the headlight recall. It seems clear to me that LED headlights should not fail after a few years of routine use, and it is concerning that the failure of the headlights will get worse and will likely impact the safety of the vehicle. Further, it is concerning that Audi is not willing to remedy what is a product defect in a vital car component.

NHTSA ODI #11499989

Mileage unknown · Nov 23, 2022

Exterior Lighting

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This issue appears to fall under recall 97CB for a Side Marker Light Violation on select Audi vehicles. I own a 2017 Audi Q7 and have been receiving an error that the "front right side marker light is defective". Audi service has stated that the issue is with an individual LED diode so the entire headlight unit must be replaced to the tune of $4,400.00. Since my VIN is not included in recall 97CB, they will not replace it. My vehicle was purchased as a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle and had approximately 63,000 miles when the defect occurred. I am respectfully requesting to expand the pool of VIN numbers included in this recall as it appears to not be localized to the VINs previously identified.

NHTSA ODI #11494695

Mileage unknown · Nov 4, 2022

Exterior Lighting

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My vin was not included in. The Fix Side Marker Light Software Glitch. Safety Recall Code: 97CB. There’s a lot of vehicles same model and year like mine with This safety issue. Audi refuses to fix it because my vin it’s not included in this fix. They will replace my whole lights for $9,500.00 this is insane. I will like to drive a safe car without having to pay for something that it’s actually a defect. We yo too much for this cars and for them to be not held responsible. I don’t feel safe driving my car but I can’t afford $9,500 in repairs. We can’t even fix it ourselves if we wanted to because it’s not repairable it needs a new unit. I would like my vin to be included in this safety recall.

NHTSA ODI #11492332

Mileage unknown · Nov 2, 2022

Exterior Lighting

The front marker LED light bulbs in the headlight housing is gradually turning yellow. The LED light bulbs can't be replaced. They were originally white and now they are turning yellow. It is my understanding that only the side markers should be yellow. The front markers being yellow may be mistaken for the side markers and …

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NHTSA ODI #11492025

Mileage unknown · Oct 28, 2022

Exterior Lighting

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Side Marker lights stopped working. Audi had a recall on the A4 and a few other models. Not the Q7. Dealer said it would cost between $4,000 to $5,000 to fix. The Audi forum has around 28 pages of owners complaining about this same issue. The warning light comes on with a chime about every 10 minutes and can drive you crazy. The warning states that the light is defective but Audi does not care. Invoice 287221 04/13/2022 estimate to fix $5111.75. side marker will light up with diagnostic tool attached. quits when tool removed.

NHTSA ODI #11491395

Official recalls

20V149000 · Steering

Mar 16, 2020

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

19V035000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System:fuel Rail

Jan 16, 2019

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

16V955000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module; Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module; Air Bags:side/window; Seat Belts:pretensioner

Dec 29, 2016

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2017 Audi A7, A4, A6, Volkswagen Golf and Tiguan vehicles and 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf vehicles for driver frontal air bags, passenger frontal air bags or head air bags that may not deploy properly. Additionally, certain 2017 Audi Q7, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad, and 2018 Audi Q5 vehicles are being recalled because the seat belt pretensioners may not activate properly.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: In the event of a crash, if the air bags and/or the seat belt pretensioners do not inflate or function properly, the vehicle occupants have an increased risk of injury.

Remedy: Volkswagen and Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected air bags and seat belt pretensioners, free of charge. The recall began April 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.

Additional source detail variants (4)

Seat Belts:pretensioner

Consequence: In the event of a crash, if the air bags and/or the seat belt pretensioners do not inflate or function properly, the vehicle occupants have an increased risk of injury.

Remedy: Volkswagen and Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected air bags and seat belt pretensioners, free of charge. The recall began April 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.

Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Consequence: In the event of a crash, if the air bags and/or the seat belt pretensioners do not inflate or function properly, the vehicle occupants have an increased risk of injury.

Air Bags:side/window

Consequence: In the event of a crash, if the air bags and/or the seat belt pretensioners do not inflate or function properly, the vehicle occupants have an increased risk of injury.

Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

Consequence: In the event of a crash, if the air bags and/or the seat belt pretensioners do not inflate or function properly, the vehicle occupants have an increased risk of injury.

16V648000 · Steering:electric Power Assist System

Sep 8, 2016

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2017 Audi Q7 vehicles manufactured November 11, 2015, to November 23, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the electric power steering assist control unit may short circuit resulting in a loss of power steering assist.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: With a loss of power steering assist, extra steering effort will be required, especially at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering rack, free of charge. The recall began November 2016. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-822-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 48M5.

16V641000 · Seats:mid/rear Assembly

Sep 6, 2016

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2017 Audi Q7 vehicles manufactured August 30, 2015, to July 10, 2016. In the affected vehicles, the third row seat back may move forward under load, such as in a frontal collision. As such, the vehicles do not conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 207, "Seating Systems."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the third row seat does not remain in its adjusted position, there may be an increased risk of injury to an occupant in the event of a crash.

Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional support bracket to the seat, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in November 2016. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 72F8.

16V642000 · Electrical System:software; Exterior Lighting

Sep 6, 2016

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2016 TT roadster, A3 cabriolet, A3 sedan and A3 e-tron, 2016-2017 TT coupe, 2017 A4 sedan and Q7 and 2015-2017 Q3 vehicles. The affected vehicles may have been programmed with new software that inadvertently makes the side marker lights inoperative in conjunction with the parking lights or the headlights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the side marker lights do not illuminate, the vehicle may be less visible at night, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will upload revised software to correct the issue, free of charge. This recall began November 2016. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 97CB.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Exterior Lighting

Consequence: If the side marker lights do not illuminate, the vehicle may be less visible at night, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will upload revised software to correct the issue, free of charge. This recall began November 2016. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 97CB.

Electrical System:software

Consequence: If the side marker lights do not illuminate, the vehicle may be less visible at night, increasing the risk of a crash.

16V519000 · Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control MODULE-INACTIVE

Jul 8, 2016

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Audi Q7 vehicles manufactured August 30, 2015, to May 8, 2016. Due to a software issue within the air bag control module, the frontal air bags may deploy with more force than required in certain crashes. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Air bags that deploy with excessive force may increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will update the air bag control module software, free of charge. The recall began September 2016. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69O3.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.