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2018 Audi Q7
Buyable, but go in with open eyes: this car has specific known issues to check before money changes hands.
139 owner complaints · 3 recalls · data verified July 10, 2026 · source: NHTSA
Why caution?
3 recall campaigns (3 safety-critical) — confirm every one shows "remedy completed" on the seller's VIN.
Engine problems dominate (26% of complaints, typically reported near 57k miles).
The math, shown
Full methodology →Complaints filed per year
Fading = early teething worked out. Climbing = problems aging in.
The road ahead
What breaks on a 2018 Audi Q7, plotted where owners report it happening.
Also reported (mileage varies): Lights (23) · Electrical system (16) · Brakes (12) · Fuel system (7)
Mileage medians come from owners who mentioned an odometer reading in their NHTSA complaint — a rough guide, not a schedule.
Engine
26%36 complaints · typically near 57k mi · 20 in the last 2 years
“The car has always (including during warranty period) required addition of engine oil in between scheduled maintenance interval, and problem got worse as function of a…”
Lights
17%23 complaints · 20 in the last 2 years
“ALERT " Left Front side marker light defective" see owner manual. That is the message”
Suspension
12%16 complaints · typically near 60k mi · 6 in the last 2 years
“Both rear coil springs broke which the Audi shop has said is very rare to have happened”
Electrical system
12%16 complaints · 7 in the last 2 years
“Left Front side marker light faulty. is the warning on the dashboard - I have noticed there is a recall I believe 2017 2018 for the same part and this is on a 2019 so …”
Recalls (3)
Safety recall repairs are free at the brand’s franchised dealers. Before buying, run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and make the seller show the work was done.
Structure · 20V658000
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.
Risk: In the event of a crash, an unbelted occupant's head may impact the vehicle's C-pillar padding, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the deformation element on the C-pillars, free of charge. The recall began November 17, 2020. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 70H8.
Steering · 20V149000
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.
Risk: A sudden loss of loss of steering control may increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Fuel System, Gasoline · 19V035000
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.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase risk of a fire.
Fix: 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.
Before you hand over money
Verify the recall work was done
NHTSA’s free lookup shows whether this exact car had its recall remedies completed.
Free NHTSA VIN check ↗Get a pre-purchase inspection
A $150–$250 independent inspection of this exact 2018 Audi Q7 beats every score on the internet, including ours.
What to ask forNot set on the 2018? See how every Q7 model year scores →
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What owners say
Real owners of this exact model-year, shown separately from the NHTSA score — if they disagree, that’s worth knowing.