Last updated: 2026-04-20

2019 Audi Q7 Reliability Report
The 2019 Audi Q7 scores 62/100 ("Good"). With 4 recalls and 58 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
4
Complaints
58
Complaint Rate
17per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$1185
Annual Fuel Cost
$3,300
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues to Watch
- SUSPENSION (10)
- STEERING (10)
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (7)
Should You Buy the 2019 Audi Q7?
At 62/100, the 2019 Audi Q7 lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading.
Owners log 58 complaints on this model year — enough to suggest attention is needed, but no single failure mode dominates yet.
Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to steering (10). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.
Compared to the 2020 Audi Q7, which scored 3 points higher. See also the 2018 Audi Q7 for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +Low major repair risk (13%)
- +Below-average complaint rate for SUV
Cons
- −Frequent unscheduled repairs
- −Moderate recall count
- −SUSPENSION: Frequent issues with broken coil springs on the 2019 Audi Q7, particularly... (10 complaints)
Compare 2019 Audi Q7 With
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 4 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- SUSPENSION (10)
- STEERING (10)
Recall Overview
4
recalls on record
A moderate 4 recalls are on file for the 2019 Audi Q7. Each one points to a specific safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA — check the list below before buying.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
17
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 22
Safety Incidents
5
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2019 Audi Q7 Recall Details
4 recalls have been issued for the 2019 Audi Q7. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
STRUCTURE
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.
Consequence
In the event of a crash, an unbelted occupant's head may impact the vehicle's C-pillar padding, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
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
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
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.
AIR BAGS
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.
Consequence
An air bag that does not properly inflate in the event of a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the side curtain air bags, free of charge. The recall began March 19, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69AJ.
Buying a used 2019 Audi Q7? Check its history first
Every 2019 Audi Q7 has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2019 Audi Q7 NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 15.7%
Safety Technologies
Audi Q7Repair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
2.5Maintenance rating: 2.5 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$1185
vs $1127 avg for luxury fullsize SUVs
vs $652 avg for all vehicles
Repair Frequency
0.9
unscheduled repair visits per year
Severe Repair Probability
13%
chance of a major repair
Annual Cost Comparison
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
MPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
21 MPG
Running cost: $4,500/yr
Fuel + repair
19 city / 25 hwy MPG
Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2019 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q7 3.0L 6-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 19 | 25 | 21 | $3,300 |
| Q7 2.0L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 19 | 25 | 21 | $3,300 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2019 Audi Q7.
Inspect rear coil springs for breaks or corrosion
Test steering system for warning messages or stiffness
Check for fuel pump and sensor issues, ensure no leaks
Verify infotainment system functionality, check for freezing
Examine tire wear patterns, especially front tires
Test forward collision system for false alarms
Check coolant pump for leaks or failures
2019 Audi Q7 Common Problems by Component
58 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
SUSPENSION
10 complaintsOwners report frequent issues with broken coil springs on the 2019 Audi Q7, particularly affecting the rear suspension. Complaints frequently mention loud banging noises and broken springs found during routine inspections or after hearing unusual sounds while driving. Most incidents occur between 28,000 and 79,000 miles, with some owners indicating that the springs broke without heavy use or towing. Multiple owners describe safety concerns, noting potential risks to vehicle stability and control, though no crashes are reported. Buyers considering a used 2019 Audi Q7 should be aware of these suspension issues, as repairs can exceed several thousand dollars and may not be covered by warranty.
STEERING
10 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report frequent issues with the electronic steering system in the 2019 Audi Q7, often involving sudden steering malfunctions. Complaints commonly mention a warning message displaying "Steering: malfunction! Please stop vehicle," which is sometimes accompanied by a complete loss of steering control. These incidents occur at various speeds, including low speeds and highway driving, with some reports indicating the problem begins as early as 1,700 miles. Three complaints involve crashes, with drivers unable to steer, resulting in collisions with guard rails. The reports suggest significant safety implications, particularly due to the unpredictability and suddenness of the steering failures.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
7 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Audi Q7 frequently report issues related to the fuel pump and fuel system. Common symptoms include the "Drive System Malfunction" warning, leading to engine shutdowns, and fuel leaks due to fuel line disconnections, particularly in high temperatures. Several complaints involve fuel sensor malfunctions, such as incorrect fuel level readings, with some incidents occurring around 26,600 miles. Safety implications are noted, with potential risks of engine fires and loss of vehicle control due to sudden engine shutdowns. These issues highlight potential safety risks and maintenance concerns for prospective buyers of this model year.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (6 complaints)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
6 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Audi Q7 report several electrical system issues, with complaints frequently mentioning sudden system failures while driving. These include the infotainment system freezing, multiple electronic malfunctions such as traction control and parking brake failures, and complete engine shutdowns, sometimes at highway speeds. One incident involved a crash due to faulty radar sensors and automatic emergency braking system issues. Additionally, multiple owners describe difficulties with starting the vehicle, often requiring manual intervention to move the car. These problems appear to occur without warning and can pose significant safety risks, particularly when they lead to loss of power or control while the vehicle is in motion.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (5 complaints)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
5 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Audi Q7 report several issues under the unknown or other category. A common problem involves the vehicle's connectivity with Apple CarPlay, where the screen frequently freezes during navigation, leading to potential distractions as drivers attempt to fix the issue while driving. Another issue involves the vehicle's locking system, where the car can lock with keys inside, posing a risk if passengers are trapped. Additionally, multiple owners describe incidents where the sunroof or moonroof explodes unexpectedly while driving, with no indication of external impact. These issues, particularly the locking and glass explosion incidents, may have safety implications.
POWER TRAIN (4 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
4 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Audi Q7 frequently report issues with throttle delay, describing a lag of 3 to 4 seconds before the vehicle responds after pressing the accelerator, which can result in sudden surges forward. This problem is noted to occur intermittently, especially at low speeds or from a dead stop, and has been associated with near accidents during maneuvers such as merging into traffic or turning at intersections. Additionally, one owner reports a gear shifting issue where the vehicle could not be shifted into park, leading to an incident where the car doors locked unexpectedly. These issues are reported at varying mileages, with some occurring as early as 5,765 miles, and have implications for safety, particularly in traffic situations. Used car buyers should be aware of these potential power train concerns, as they may affect vehicle operation and safety.
WHEELS (3 complaints)
WHEELS
3 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Audi Q7 frequently report issues with tire wear, particularly on the front tires. Complaints describe uneven wear patterns, with some owners noting tread peeling and damage that appears as if the tires have been cut or bits removed. These issues are reported at varying mileages, including as early as 11,900 miles and up to 49,520 miles. The symptoms include tread sloughing off and damage across the entire tire surface, raising potential safety concerns such as the risk of tire blowouts. Owners also mention that Audi does not include tire rotations in routine maintenance, which may contribute to these wear patterns.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (3 complaints)
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
3 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Audi Q7 report issues with the forward collision avoidance system engaging unexpectedly. Complaints frequently mention the system triggering false alarms, resulting in sudden and hard braking without any apparent obstacles or vehicles ahead. Two owners detail incidents occurring at highway speeds, while another reports the problem during left-hand turns, occasionally causing the vehicle to stall in the oncoming lane. These incidents are described as startling and potentially hazardous, with one owner noting the risk of being rear-ended or involved in a head-on collision. The timing of these issues varies, with one owner experiencing the problem multiple times, while another notes an occurrence as early as late 2019. Potential buyers should be aware of these reports, as they highlight a pattern of unexpected braking that may pose safety risks.
ENGINE (2 complaints)
ENGINE
2 complaintsOwners report issues with the coolant pump in the 2019 Audi Q7, often occurring under 60,000 miles. Complaints frequently mention coolant pump leaks or failures, with symptoms including a low coolant warning on startup and the need for coolant refills. One owner describes a failure at 49,520 miles, resulting in a water pump replacement covered under warranty but noting a potential $1,500 repair cost otherwise. These reports suggest that water pump failures can occur earlier than expected in this model, with no safety implications such as crashes or loss of control noted. This information could be useful for used car buyers considering maintenance costs and warranty coverage.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING (2 complaints)
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
2 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Audi Q7 report recurring issues with the vehicle's exterior lighting, specifically involving error messages for the "Right front parking light defective" and "Right front side marker light faulty." These problems typically appear around 60,000 miles, with complaints indicating that the warning messages persist once they begin. Some owners note that similar issues have been reported in earlier model years, suggesting a potential pattern. The primary safety concern mentioned is reduced visibility at night due to these lighting defects. Repair costs are reported to be high, with some owners resorting to disabling the lights, potentially compromising safety standards.
When Do 2019 Audi Q7 Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Audi Q7 Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Audi Q7 Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe best Audi Q7 year is 2024 with a reliability score of 70/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2025 (68/100) and 2022 (67/100).
Audi Q7 Years to Avoid
The worst Audi Q7 year is 2018 with a score of 58/100, primarily due to engine (28) issues. Also avoid 2021 (59/100).
Audi Q7 Reliability Score Trend
Audi Q7 reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 68/100 compared to 61/100 for older years.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 58/100 | Mixed |
| 2019 | 62/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 65/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 59/100 | Mixed |
| 2022 | 67/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 66/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 70/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 68/100 | Good |
Audi Q7 Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2019 Audi Q7 reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Audi Q7?
How many recalls does the 2019 Audi Q7 have?
Is the 2019 Audi Q7 expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2019 Audi Q7 without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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