The Audi Q7 is a luxury SUV known for excellence. Unfortunately, even the best vehicles can have problems that make them subject to recalls. Some dangerous issues aren’t identified for months or years after the manufacture of the car. Recalls help keep consumers safe and allow well-intentioned companies to fix their mistakes.
Several safety recalls were issued for the 2017-2020 Audi Q7. A few of the most common causes include:
- Fuel system leaks, causing a fire risk
- Loosening of a bolt in the steering column, causing loss of steering control
- Mid/rear seats moving during an accident
- Seat belt pre-tensioner failure
- Frontal airbags not deploying properly
You should not only be aware of past recalls, but you should watch for future recalls as well. Why? One reason is that faulty parts can pose a danger to you and your family.
We’ll now cover each of the above Audi Q7 recalls. We’ll also review what to do if your vehicle has a recall, and how to go about resolving it.
Loss of Steering Control
NHTSA Recall ID: 20V149000
The bolt connecting the steering shaft to the steering gear can loosen, potentially causing a loss of steering control, which increases the risk of an accident.
2017-2019 Audi Q7 models are subject to this recall, as well as the 2019 Q8. It began on March 31, 2020, and affected some 229 vehicles.
If your vehicle is included in this recall, your local Audi dealership will perform an inspection. If the bolt needs to be replaced, the dealership will replace it free of charge.
Side-Curtain Airbag Failing to Inflate Properly
NHTSA Recall ID: 20V093000
Side-curtain airbags provide protection during a crash, especially if it is a side-impact crash or rollover. Studies suggest that side curtain airbags may reduce rollover fatalities by 40% and side-impact crash fatalities by 30%. If the airbag fails to properly inflate, it increases the risk of injury in an accident.
This recall applies to Audi Q7 2019 models. It was issued on March 19, 2020, with the potential to affect 383 vehicles.
If your vehicle is included in this recall, your local Audi dealer will replace the side-curtain airbags for free.
Cracks in Shock Absorber Forks
NHTSA Recall ID: 19V114000
Cracks in the front shock absorber forks can cause the shock absorber to become loose, causing the tire to hit the wheel housing, which causes steering difficulties.
This recall began on March 18, 2019, affecting the 2019 Q7, as well as Q8, S5, and S5 Cabriolet. Thankfully, only 34 units are believed to be included.
If your vehicle is under this recall, your Audi dealership will replace the shock absorber forks for free.
Improperly Welded Fuel Rails May Leak
NHTSA Recall ID: 19V035000
Both the left and right fuel rails may not have been welded correctly, putting them at risk of leaking fuel. The biggest concern about a fuel leak is that it is a fire hazard. Fuel can catch fire in the presence of an ignition source, like a combustion engine.
The recall began on February 28, 2019, affecting a total of 74,881 vehicles. It applies to 2016 through 2018 Audi Q7, A6, and A7 modes and 2015 to 2018 Audi A8 models.
If your vehicle is involved in this recall, your Audi dealership will replace your fuel rails for free.
Airbag and Seat Belt Pretensioner Failure
NHTSA Recall ID: 16V955000
Airbags and seat pretensioners are designed to keep you safe in an accident. When they do not work correctly, it can result in your body not being properly restrained or hitting the interior of the car and sustaining injuries.
Seat belts are designed to tighten the moment an impact occurs so that you don’t hit the dash or get thrown out of the vehicle.
They are also load limiting, meaning that when a certain amount of force is applied, the seat belt will release some tension. This helps reduce the amount of force put on your body by the belt, reducing the chance of an injury.
Several different Audi and VW models were affected by this recall, including the A7, A4, A6, Golf, and Tiguan.
Almost 6,000 2017 Audi Q7, A4 Sedan, A4 All-Road, and 2018 Audi Q5 vehicles are models due to faulty seat belt pretensioners.
Airbags or seat belt pretensioners can be replaced by your local dealership if your vehicle is subject to recall.
Third Row Seat Moving During Crash
NHTSA Recall ID: 16V641000
The third-row seat may move during a crash due to a defective seat track. Seats are designed to adjust when needed. However, if their design is flawed, the force of an accident can cause them to move.
This is actually very dangerous, and can cause head, neck and spinal injuries. It can also move passengers into the next seat, or an inflating airbag can cause serious injury. In rare cases, it can cause death.
This recall applies to some 2017 Audi Q7 models that were manufactured between August 2015 and July 2016. 19,205 vehicles have been affected since the recall began in November 2016.
Vehicles subject to this recall need an additional seat bracket installed by the dealership to prevent movement during a crash.
Is Your Q7 Subject to a Recall?
The best way to find out if your vehicle has an open recall, is to use the National Highway and Traffic Association (NHTSA) search page. Entering the VIN will yield the most accurate results, but if you don’t have it available you can also enter the make and model of your vehicle.
If your vehicle is under a recall, NHTSA will provide you with the number to call to confirm the recall and take action.
