Structure: roof and pillars
Free remedy
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.
Research · Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
2018 Audi Q7Recalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls and 144 owner complaints for the 2018 Audi Q7. Most complaints involve engine (39) and exterior lighting (23). The EPA rates it 21 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
Combined MPG
21mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
3campaigns
Latest Oct 2020
Owner complaints
144
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$3,800est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
3 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN
Steering
Free remedy
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.
Fuel system
Free remedy
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.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 30, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
144 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jan 2018 – Oct 2026
- Engine39
- Exterior lighting23
- Suspension17
- Electrical system16
- Service brakes12
- Steering7
- Power train7
- Fuel/propulsion system6
- Wheels6
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 30, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Engine
39 reports1 crash
“Vehicle began displaying low engine oil level warnings between scheduled oil changes beginning in 2021, at approximately 50,000 miles. Condition was reported to the authorized Audi dealer on multiple occasions. Dealer added oil each time and stated there was no visible oil leak. No oil consumption test was performed and no repair order documenting the concern was provided. Oil loss worsened progressively through 2024. Engine failed in January 2026 at approximately 101,000 miles. Estimated repair cost 18,000–22,000.”
Exterior lighting
23 reports
“I AM GETTING FRONT LEFT SIDE MARKER LIGHT FAULTY PROBLEM. I WAS TOLD THIS IS VERY COMMON FOR 2018 AUDI Q7. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS ISSUE AND SEE IF I AM QUALIFIED TO GET THIS REPLACED BY AUDI. APPARENTLY, THE REPLACING THE LAMP ISN'T EASY BUT WOUDL REQUIRE TO REPLACE THE WHOLE LIGHTING FIXTURE WHICH COULD COST OVER $2K. THANK YOU.”
Suspension
17 reports
“I have a 2018 Audi Q7 3.0L with 86K miles on it. I discovered 1 of the rear coil springs was broke and both rear perches were very rusted. I had a local mechanic, who specializes in AUDIs, replace both rear springs and perches with OEM parts. After replacing everything, the mechanic went to take the car on a test drive. He said one of the new springs broke right away. The spring that broke was in the exact same location as the one that originally broke and it broke in the EXACT same way.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 30, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
2 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo · 3.0L 6-cyl supercharged
- Transmissions
- Automatic (S8)
- Drive
- All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 30, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q7 Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 19 | 25 | 21 | $3,800 | 415 |
| Q7 Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Sup Charg · All-Wheel Drive | 19 | 25 | 21 | $3,800 | 419 |
- 21mpg comb.
- 21mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 30, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5Audi Q7 SUV AWD
- Frontal crash
- 4 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 4 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 15.7%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 30, 2026Vehicle 12389
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2018 Q7 questions
How many recalls does the 2018 Audi Q7 have?
3 safety recalls as of Oct 30, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
What are the most common 2018 Audi Q7 problems?
Owners filed 144 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (39), exterior lighting (23), suspension (17). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2018 Audi Q7 get?
The EPA rates the 2018 Audi Q7 at 21 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
How safe is the 2018 Audi Q7?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2018 Audi Q7 5 out of 5 stars overall.
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 30, 2026