NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Steering complaints
19 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Nov 3, 2025
SteeringCrashInjury
On Thursday, October 30, 2025, when I got seated in my car, put my seat belts on, and put the car in reverse gear to slowly get out of my parking space, it kept on going in reverse and won’t stop with break I tried to change the parking mode or drive mode but the steering column would not take any command. After 350 feet driven …
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On Thursday, October 30, 2025, when I got seated in my car, put my seat belts on, and put the car in reverse gear to slowly get out of my parking space, it kept on going in reverse and won’t stop with break I tried to change the parking mode or drive mode but the steering column would not take any command. After 350 feet driven in reverse, it went into a ditch where it tried to turn it and the car was still in reverse, climbing out of the ditch, damaging another section of the fence, till I could turn off the engine with the ignition switch. It looks that the gear was stuck in reverse and after engine cut off it went back in drive mode. In the meantime, all four sides of the car were damaged and scratched all over, and there was damage on the bottom. Apparently it is electronic malfunction when the gear got stuck in reverse. Thank God that I was not in a busy parking lot, otherwise would have damaged dozens of cars and hurt many innocent bystanders. Will keep you posted till the Audi repair shop gives me a diagnosis
NHTSA ODI #11697302
Mileage unknown · Aug 11, 2025
Steering
Complete loss of steering control while driving at low speeds. Dashboard indicator illuminated for "Severe Steering Malfunction - Do Not Drive." Had the car towed to the dealership. Dealership indicated that the car needed a new steering rack and pinion. Cost estimate was $4000. The car had 72,000 miles with mostly highway …
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Complete loss of steering control while driving at low speeds. Dashboard indicator illuminated for "Severe Steering Malfunction - Do Not Drive." Had the car towed to the dealership. Dealership indicated that the car needed a new steering rack and pinion. Cost estimate was $4000. The car had 72,000 miles with mostly highway mileage.
NHTSA ODI #11679747
Mileage unknown · Jul 24, 2025
Steering
Was driving on small town road, pulling into gas station, and 'steering malfunction, stop car immediately' notice popped up, with red steering wheel icon above message with line across wheel and exclamation mark. I lost power steering at the same time, immediately. Very difficult to drive, and thankful it was not on busy, inter…
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Was driving on small town road, pulling into gas station, and 'steering malfunction, stop car immediately' notice popped up, with red steering wheel icon above message with line across wheel and exclamation mark. I lost power steering at the same time, immediately. Very difficult to drive, and thankful it was not on busy, interstate road, and that nothing more happened. Very tough to drive, and so far, need to tow to Audi dealership to check and repair. I have been in touch with Audi, nothing they can do over phone, they suspect electronic issue. Very dangerous and disappointing. Just happy it did not cause death or injury.
NHTSA ODI #11675991
70,000 miles · Feb 15, 2024
Steering
The contact owns a 2017 Audi Q7. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds the steering wheel became difficult to turn in either direction. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the steering shaft bolt was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired and the failure was remedied…
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The contact owns a 2017 Audi Q7. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds the steering wheel became difficult to turn in either direction. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the steering shaft bolt was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired and the failure was remedied. The contact was informed the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V149000(Steering). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced that same failure listed in the recall. The manufacturer was not yet contacted regarding the failure. The failure mileage was 70,000.
NHTSA ODI #11572048
Mileage unknown · Dec 5, 2023
Steering
Power steering assistance unit stoped working suddenly while driving. Then car was very difficult to steer. Fault could not be reseted, unit was not accessible with service computer in Audi shop. The steering unit was replaced. Just by luck that did not happen while driving at high speed. This could have been resulting in cra…
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Power steering assistance unit stoped working suddenly while driving. Then car was very difficult to steer. Fault could not be reseted, unit was not accessible with service computer in Audi shop. The steering unit was replaced. Just by luck that did not happen while driving at high speed. This could have been resulting in crash with casualties. While browsing the internet for advice it shows multiple incidents with the Audi electric powered steering unit. In the attached pic’s it shows a wet rubber seal and a corroded drive shaft of the replaced part (note the part numbers). Water and oil can find its way into the resolver unit and render it useless, cause lost of feedback signal hence kill the unit. Additional observation: Month before this incident happen, while driving at low speed in warmer/hot environment, a stepper motor feeling was noticeable on the steering wheel. Also a sound can be heared similar to rubber scratches over a dry surface. The disturbance went away when the car cooled down for some hours. It would be advisable to investigate the issue further as the consequences of loss if steering power could be very serious. Wishing everyone a safe travel.
NHTSA ODI #11558563
Mileage unknown · Nov 1, 2023
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemSteering
Start/Stop system malfunction. The vehicle gave me this warning and the vehicle almost stopped completely in the interstate while doing 65mph. The warning disappeared after couple of times of turning the car back on, but it appeared once again. It looks that their are many complaints and a class act lawsuit on Audi about this pr…
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Start/Stop system malfunction. The vehicle gave me this warning and the vehicle almost stopped completely in the interstate while doing 65mph. The warning disappeared after couple of times of turning the car back on, but it appeared once again. It looks that their are many complaints and a class act lawsuit on Audi about this problem but no recalls. It's dangerous and really mind blowing that nothing has been done on this issue.
NHTSA ODI #11552980
Mileage unknown · Sep 12, 2023
Steering
SUMMARY 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. CONSEQUENCES A sudden loss of loss of steering control may increase the risk of a cras…
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SUMMARY 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. CONSEQUENCES 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. Apparently my vin is not covered but others are. My car is telling me that this is the issue. Why are others covered and mine is not?
NHTSA ODI #11544122
Mileage unknown · Dec 10, 2021
Steering
On intermittent and at unpredictable times while the car is in motion, the vehicle will show a series of two warnings while it appears to turn the steering wheel in the absence of any input from the driver. The first warning light indicates an electromechanical steering failure (indicator light flashes red for approximately one…
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On intermittent and at unpredictable times while the car is in motion, the vehicle will show a series of two warnings while it appears to turn the steering wheel in the absence of any input from the driver. The first warning light indicates an electromechanical steering failure (indicator light flashes red for approximately one second) and the second states, "Distance warning: currently unavailable. See owner's manual." Unfortunately, there is not a description of a "distance warning" in the owner's manual to refer to for guidance. This has been a long-time issue and I have taken it to the dealership several times over the last two years to have it evaluated; however, since it is an intermittent issue they have not been able to replicate it and have not been able to offer any insight on fixing the problem. These occurrences are also sometimes coincident with with a separate warning that states, "Audi pre-sense: currently restricted. See owner's manual." These warnings also sometimes occur when the vehicle is stopped.
NHTSA ODI #11443320
Mileage unknown · Jul 26, 2021
Steering
While driving my audi Q7 2017 SUV on highway with my family (spouse and two kids), i got alert on audi dashboard that steering wheel is malfunction and was not able to use power steering, it immediately feels like manual steering. I also lost adaptive cruise control, lane assistance and object identification assistance. I took c…
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While driving my audi Q7 2017 SUV on highway with my family (spouse and two kids), i got alert on audi dashboard that steering wheel is malfunction and was not able to use power steering, it immediately feels like manual steering. I also lost adaptive cruise control, lane assistance and object identification assistance. I took car to audi dealer and they refused to admit that there was a recall regarding this issue.
NHTSA ODI #11426418
47,000 miles · Jul 8, 2021
Steering
The contact owns a 2017 Audi Q7. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 mph, the power steer malfunction warning light illuminated, and the steering wheel became extremely difficult to turn in either direction. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the steering control module and steering g…
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The contact owns a 2017 Audi Q7. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 mph, the power steer malfunction warning light illuminated, and the steering wheel became extremely difficult to turn in either direction. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the steering control module and steering gear were faulty and needed to be replaced. The steering module and steering gear were replaced, and the failure was remedied. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 20V149000 (Steering). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 47,000.
NHTSA ODI #11423894
Official recalls
7Mar 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.
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.
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
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: 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
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: 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:side/window
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: 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:driver Side:inflator Module
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: 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.
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.
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.
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
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: 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
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: 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.
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 ↗