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Audi · Known Issues

2018 Audi Q7 Problems: 5 Known Issues

2018 model year · 850+ owner reports · Updated September 2026

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Issue summary

According to Au7o's analysis of 850+ owner reports, the 2018 Audi Q7 has 5 documented known issues, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is 2017-2018 Q7 4M Fuel Rail Weld Porosity Leak - Safety Recall 24DP / NHTSA 19V035 ($0-$0 repair). The most commonly reported issue is Transfer Case Fluid Leak and Failure with 850 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $300 to $3,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • Q7 Fuel System1
  • Q7 Transmission1
  • Q7 Engine1
  • Q7 Suspension1
  • Q7 Electrical1
  • Recalls12
  • FAQ
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In This Article

  • Fuel System1
  • Transmission1
  • Engine1
  • Suspension1
  • Electrical1
  • Recalls12
  • FAQ

All 5 Known Issues

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ALL YEARS2019201820172016201520142013201220112010200920082007

On the 2017-2018 Audi Q7 3.0 TFSI V6 (EA839, CREC/DCBA), a separate, later fuel rail defect affects the second-generation Q7. Variation in the supplier's welding process left porous or incomplete welds in the left and right fuel rails of the 3.0 TFSI EA839, which can seep or leak fuel under high rail pressure. Audi recalled roughly 74,881 US vehicles - 2016-2018 Q7, A6 and A7 and 2015-2018 A8 - under Safety Recall 24DP (NHTSA 19V035), with owner notification beginning February 2019.

This issue also affects: Audi A3, Audi A4, Audi A5

Common Symptoms

  • Fuel odor in the engine bay or cabin
  • Damp fuel residue at the fuel rail welds
  • Hard start or rough running after sitting
  • Check engine light for lean/fuel pressure faults

How to Fix

Free dealer replacement of both left and right fuel rails under recall 24DP. Check the VIN on the NHTSA recall lookup or with an Audi dealer, because this campaign is easy to miss on a second-owner car; a fuel odor or a fuel-trim/misfire code on an otherwise healthy 4M Q7 should prompt an immediate rail inspection.

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Typical repair cost:$0 - $0

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Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026
Community reported
850 owners

On the 2007-2019 Audi Q7, the Q7 Torsen-based quattro transfer case develops seal leaks and internal wear, particularly at higher mileages. The transfer case output shaft seals are the most common leak point. If fluid level drops too low, the transfer case bearings and gears can be damaged, leading to grinding noises and eventual failure. The 4L Q7 is more susceptible due to its heavier curb weight.

This issue also affects: Audi A5, Audi S5, Audi SQ5

Common Symptoms

  • Fluid leak from center of vehicle under transfer case
  • Grinding or whining noise from undercarriage
  • Vibration at highway speeds that changes with speed
  • Clunking when shifting from reverse to drive
  • AWD malfunction warning
  • Differential fluid on garage floor
  • Difficulty engaging low range (if equipped)

How to Fix

Replace leaking seals and refill with correct fluid (75W-90 GL-5 or Audi specification). If grinding is present, the transfer case may need rebuild or replacement. Regular fluid changes every 60,000 miles can prevent internal damage. Check for leaks at every oil change.

Typical repair cost:$300 - $3,500

Research This Issue

Based on 850 owner reports

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Community Reported
High Confidence850 owner reportsLast reported by owners Jun 2023Reviewed Mar 2026

On the 2011-2019 Audi Q7, both the supercharged 3.0 TFSI (4L) and the EA839 3.0 TFSI (4M) are direct-injected, so no fuel ever washes the back of the intake valves. Oil vapor drawn in through the PCV system plus EGR soot bake onto the valve stems and seats, restricting airflow and preventing the valves from sealing. Deposits become noticeable around 60,000-80,000 miles - sooner on cars used for short trips - and show up as a rough cold idle, hesitation, reduced power under load, and eventually random or cylinder-specific misfires and lean codes. It is a maintenance item on these engines, not a defect, but it is the single most common driveability complaint owners bring to independent shops.

This issue also affects: Audi S8, Audi A4, Audi A1

Common Symptoms

  • Rough or shaky idle when cold
  • Hesitation and reduced power under acceleration
  • Misfire codes, often on one or two cylinders
  • Poor fuel economy
  • Lean fuel trim faults

How to Fix

Confirm with a borescope through the intake ports before spending money. The accepted fix is mechanical cleaning - manual scraping of heavy deposits followed by walnut-shell media blasting of each intake port, which requires removing the supercharger (4L) or intake manifold and opening the coolant and fuel systems; budget a full day of labor. Replace intake manifold gaskets and check the PCV/crankcase breather valve at the same time, since a torn PCV diaphragm accelerates deposits and causes its own lean condition. Plan on repeating the cleaning every 50,000-60,000 miles, and use short oil-change intervals with a low-volatility oil to slow buildup.

Typical repair cost:$800 - $1,500

Research This Issue

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Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the 2017-2019 Audi Q7, the second-generation Q7 (4M, MLB Evo) uses a large fluid-filled hydraulic bushing on the front lower control arms to isolate road noise. The rubber splits and the fluid escapes, leaving a loose bushing that lets the arm move against its bracket. Owners hear a hollow clunk, pop or creak from the front end over expansion joints, speed bumps and parking-lot dips - loudest at low speed and in cold weather. It shows up well before 60,000 miles on many cars, and Audi acknowledged it in TSB 40 20 03 / 2058489.

Common Symptoms

  • Clunk or pop from the front end over bumps at low speed
  • Creaking from the front suspension when turning into a driveway
  • Noise worse when cold, quieter once warmed up
  • Visible torn rubber or fluid weeping from the lower arm bushing

How to Fix

Confirm with a pry-bar inspection of the front lower arm bushings looking for a torn, weeping hydro-bushing (a mechanic's stethoscope over the bushing while a helper rocks the car helps). The fix is replacement of the affected front lower control arms as an assembly. Critical details: many of the arm bolts are torque-to-yield single-use and must be replaced, and the bushing bolts must be final-torqued at ride height with the vehicle's full weight on the suspension or the new bushings will tear immediately. A four-wheel alignment is mandatory afterward.

Typical repair cost:$700 - $2,200

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Community Reported
Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the 2017-2019 Audi Q7, the 4M Q7's dual-screen MMI Touch Response infotainment head unit reboots on its own while driving - screens go black, the system restarts, and radio/navigation/phone drop out, sometimes several times on a long trip. A related and better-documented fault covered by Audi service bulletins: with the Audi Smartphone Interface, the MMI screen goes blank after a phone is plugged into the USB port, or freezes while Apple CarPlay or Android Auto is running. Owners also report the system degrading progressively when navigation is active with several devices on the WiFi hotspot until it hangs and resets.

Common Symptoms

  • Both MMI screens go black and the system restarts while driving
  • Screen blank after connecting a phone to the USB port
  • Apple CarPlay or Android Auto freezes mid-use
  • Radio, navigation and phone drop out momentarily
  • MMI becomes progressively unresponsive on long drives

How to Fix

First have the dealer flash the MMI/MIB2 head unit and the Audi Smartphone Interface to the latest software level per the applicable service bulletin - most reboot and blank-screen complaints resolve with the updated firmware. Also update the phone, remove non-essential apps, and use a genuine data-capable USB cable, since a hung phone app can hang the interface. A 'reset all settings to factory' from the MMI system menu clears sporadic reboots for many owners. If the fault persists after software, the MMI head unit / MIB module itself is replaced.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $1,500

Research This Issue

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Community Reported
Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026
NHTSA Recalls12 recalls

SUSPENSION:FRONT:SHOCK ABSORBER

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019 Q7, Q8, S5 Cabriolet, and S5 Sportback vehicles. The front shock absorber forks may develop cracks allowing the shock absorbers to loosen.

Campaign #19V11400020/02/2019

STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Audi Q7 vehicles. The padding on the vehicle's C-pillar may not absorb enough impact in the event of a crash.

Campaign #20V65800027/10/2020

STEERING

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.

Campaign #20V14900016/03/2020

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW

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Other Audi Models

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Audi Q7 problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 850+ owner reports, the 2018 Audi Q7 has 5 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: 2017-2018 Q7 4M Fuel Rail Weld Porosity Leak - Safety Recall 24DP / NHTSA 19V035, Transfer Case Fluid Leak and Failure, 3.0 TFSI Intake Valve Carbon Buildup - Direct Injection Deposits Causing Misfire and Power Loss. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Audi Q7 reliable?

The 2018 Audi Q7 has 5 known issues documented across 850+ owner reports. 1 issue is rated critical: 2017-2018 Q7 4M Fuel Rail Weld Porosity Leak - Safety Recall 24DP / NHTSA 19V035. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Audi Q7 problems?

Repair costs for known Audi Q7 issues range from $0 to $3,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, 2017-2018 Q7 4M Fuel Rail Weld Porosity Leak - Safety Recall 24DP / NHTSA 19V035, typically costs $0-$0 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2017-2018 Audi Q7 2017-2018 Q7 4M Fuel Rail Weld Porosity Leak - Safety Recall 24DP / NHTSA 19V035?

A separate, later fuel rail defect affects the second-generation Q7. Variation in the supplier's welding process left porous or incomplete welds in the left and right fuel rails of the 3.0 TFSI EA839, which can seep or leak fuel under high rail pressure. Audi recalled roughly 74,… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.

What is the 2007-2019 Audi Q7 Transfer Case Fluid Leak and Failure?

The Q7 Torsen-based quattro transfer case develops seal leaks and internal wear, particularly at higher mileages. The transfer case output shaft seals are the most common leak point. If fluid level drops too low, the transfer case bearings and gears can be damaged, leading to gri… Repairs typically run $300-$3,500. Severity: medium.

Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.

Data sourced from 850+ owner reports, NHTSA recalls, TSBs, and automotive forums.

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Audi Q7 vehicles. In the event of a crash, the side curtain air bags may not properly inflate.

Campaign #20V09300019/02/2020

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:FUEL RAIL

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.

Campaign #19V03500016/01/2019

+ 7 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.

What is the 2011-2019 Audi Q7 3.0 TFSI Intake Valve Carbon Buildup - Direct Injection Deposits Causing Misfire and Power Loss?

Both the supercharged 3.0 TFSI (4L) and the EA839 3.0 TFSI (4M) are direct-injected, so no fuel ever washes the back of the intake valves. Oil vapor drawn in through the PCV system plus EGR soot bake onto the valve stems and seats, restricting airflow and preventing the valves fr… Repairs typically run $800-$1,500. Severity: medium.

What is the 2017-2019 Audi Q7 2017-2019 Q7 4M Front Lower Control Arm Hydro-Bushing Leak - Low-Speed Clunk?

The second-generation Q7 (4M, MLB Evo) uses a large fluid-filled hydraulic bushing on the front lower control arms to isolate road noise. The rubber splits and the fluid escapes, leaving a loose bushing that lets the arm move against its bracket. Owners hear a hollow clunk, pop o… Repairs typically run $700-$2,200. Severity: medium.

What is the 2017-2019 Audi Q7 2017-2019 Q7 4M MMI Touch Response Spontaneous Reboot and Blank Screen with CarPlay/Android Auto?

The 4M Q7's dual-screen MMI Touch Response infotainment head unit reboots on its own while driving - screens go black, the system restarts, and radio/navigation/phone drop out, sometimes several times on a long trip. A related and better-documented fault covered by Audi service b… Repairs typically run $0-$1,500. Severity: medium.