2018 AUDI Q7 Engine Problems

2018 Audi Q7 piston melting diagnosed by a certified mechanic due to excessive oil consumption due to defective pistons. A class action suit was filed. And a warranty extension extension issued. There is no record of a warranty extension and should be. Please advise

This vehicle developed low oil alerts within 6 weeks of me receiving it with normal city driving. Multiple testing visits and comprehensive consumption testing later, it continued to have the low oil alerts very frequently and various random malfunction alerts like parking brake alert etc. For each complaint I took it to the dealership and did whatever they recommended but no eventual resolution was found. Early October this year, in the middle of traffic multiple alerts came on including drive system malfunction, parking brake malfunction and start stop malfunction. So many that the whole console just lit up and the car started rocking in the middle of traffic and I had to slow down to keep the vehicle in control. The car was rocking visibly and I had difficulty in maneuvering it to a safe location . I contacted the dealership and they gave me an appointment 4 weeks out saying that since the lights were solid and not flashing I could choose to drive the car. However it didn’t look safe to drive so I didn’t use it thereafter. They later told me after a diagnostic evaluation that the engine needed to be replaced as the slapping piston rings had scraped the cylinder walls.

Catastrophic engine failure, this occurred 2 weeks after a service appointment where nothing was detected. The car only had 86,000 miles and it is unrepairable. We have now found that this could be due to a design flaw in this model which we were unaware of.

I am reporting a progressive oil consumption defect that led to a catastrophic engine failure in my 2018 Audi Q7. The vehicle was purchased Certified Pre-Owned (CPO). I reported the excessive oil use to an Audi dealer. The dealer attempted to address the issue by performing an engine cleaning/flush, but the engine failed shortly afterwards. Over time, the vehicle required frequent top-offs between service intervals. Eventually, the engine suffered a mechanical failure, resulting in a broken exhaust valve and internal engine damage while driving on the highway. The Audi dealer provided a repair estimate of approximately $12,000. Audi of America offered 40% assistance to make the repair, but does not recognize the underlying excessive oil consumption issue. Furthermore, the proposed repair only replaces the damaged valve and related components, but does not address the underlying excessive oil consumption that caused the failure. This means the vehicle may still: •unexpectedly run low on oil, •lose power while driving, •suffer additional internal damage, or •again experience sudden engine failure while driving. These conditions can cause dangerous drivability issues, including loss of acceleration and potential stalling at highway speeds. This appears to be a serious safety-related defect involving lubrication failure, component breakage, and potential loss of power. I am requesting that NHTSA review this issue to determine whether similar failures are occurring in other Audi Q7 vehicles with the 3.0T engine.

#1 CYLINDER LOST COMPRESSION CAUSING CAR TO ALMOST IMMEDIATELY STOP WHILE DRIVING 78MPH ON THE INTERSTATE. CAR WAS TOWED BACK TO MANUFACTURER WHERE I BOUGHT THE CAR. THE CAR 2018 AUDI Q7 HAS 68,000 MILES, ALL SERVICING OF VEHICLE WAS DONE AT DEALERSHIP WHERE I BOUGHT THE CAR. NEVER ANY PROBLEMS WITH ENGINE EXCEPT THE OCCASIONAL NEED FOR ENGINE OIL REQUIRING BEING TOPPED OFF.

This is a well known issue and multiple People have reported on this issue to Audi. It’s is very common in Audi Q7 models from the year 2017 - 2023 where the PCV valve have a defect and the marker on the front passenger and driver side lights as well are out. These are both very costly repairs that are thousands of dollars that truly hurt the consumer. They know that the 3.0 L engine had a severe problem with the PCV valve and crack case and they have not warned customers and it’s truly hurting the consumer in this economy. Please file this petition and I bet customers flock as I saw a Reddit thread with thousands of people complaining about the same common issue and problem with their Audi Q7. CRANK CASE VALVE/OIL SEPARATOR. LOUD WHISTLE NOISE COMING FROM ENGINE Parts: BOLT, Qty 14.00, CA TRIM, Qty 1.00, CA REPAIR KIT, Qty 6.00, CA GASKET, Qty 6.00, CA GASKET, Qty 6.00, CA TUBE, Qty 1.00, CA TUBE, Qty 1.00, CA WASHER, Qty 1.00, CA

Water pump failure

To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally report a serious and recurring safety issue involving my 2018 Audi Q7. The vehicle has experienced repeated drive system malfunctions that result in sudden loss of power, reduced acceleration, and warning messages on the dashboard such as “Drive System: Malfunction” and “Electrical System Failure.” These incidents have occurred while the vehicle was in motion, creating a hazardous situation for both the occupants and surrounding drivers. In my case, the vehicle unexpectedly lost power while driving at highway speeds, forcing me to maneuver to the shoulder with diminished control. This sudden malfunction is unpredictable and could easily result in a collision or serious injury, especially in high-speed or high-traffic conditions. Upon researching this issue, I found that numerous other 2018 Audi Q7 owners have reported similar problems. These complaints consistently cite the same symptoms, including sudden deceleration, electrical system errors, and power steering failure. It appears to be a widespread defect that may warrant a recall or further investigation by the NHTSA. I urge your office to investigate this matter promptly to prevent potential injuries or fatalities. I am willing to provide service records, diagnostic codes, photos, or any other documentation that may support this complaint. Thank you for your attention to this serious safety concern. I hope the NHTSA will take appropriate action to ensure the safety of all drivers affected by this defect.

The engine burns oil. At about 60k miles started to burn about a liter every 10k miles. Once the engine got to about 80K engines it started burning a leter about every 1K miles. The high amount of oil consumption fouled the spark plugs, coils, injectors and sensors. This resulted in a drive system malfunction, caused loss of power in the engine that ultimately ruined the engine with less than 100K miles.

Engine Rebuild/Replace: Cylinder 1 intake valve has broken causing misfire/ oil consumption. Due to piece of valve falling into combustion chamber, damage/scoring on cylinder wall. Recommend replacement of engine

For over 24+ months now, the engine has been showing signs of excessive oil consumption. I've had the engine light come on requesting for me to add a quart of oil...on average, every 2,000 miles. I'm concerned with this excessive oil consumption as it is a major safety issue, as the piston rings may fail due to a possible faulty engine design (most likely since this excessive oil consumption is a frequent occurrence with other drivers of this vehicle). When discussed with the dealership, they are aware of the situation (2017-2019 Audi Q7 excessive oil consumption) and they request that I pay for an engine compression test. This amount of oil consumption shouldn't happen.

First time on highway since getting it back from the car repair vendor two days prior. Drive system malfunction occurred on the highway drive approx.13 miles from my house. Car lost power and would stall and would barely idle. Stopped in the middle of highway traffic 3 times. Got the car towed to vendor that had serviced my car 2 days prior which involved changing rear brake pads and rotors, 6 supercharged spark plugs and air filter. Estimate of issue was damaged exhaust valves on cylinder 2 & 4. Recommended service was remove the cylinder heads, replace all exhaust valves, clean pistons and combustion chambers $8,032.99.

The vehicle developed a misfire on cylinder 1. The dealership ran a 3 hour diagnostic that included using a borescope on all cylinders. One of the valves on cylinder 1 was identified as bad. The dealership indicated the only solution was to replace the engine and suggested trading the vehicle in for a new car.

Valve three burnt causing engine failure and replacement

At my 100k mile inspection it was noted that an engine mount is leaking. With a repair cost in the multiple thousands I checked online and have found this to be an extremely common occurrence with possible disastrous implications.

We were driving down the expressway when the car began to vibrate. We pulled over and had lights on the dash. We had it towed to a dealership where it was diagnosed as a burnt valve and ruined motor. I believe a new Audi engine quote was around $26,000. We took very good care of this car. This is a common issue and will become more common as these engines fail.

I have received two "cylinder misfire" notifications. The first occured in December 2023 on a remote stretch of freeway. The second occured in June 2024 on a remote stretch of highway. In both cases, I immediately lost power and put myself and cars around me at risk because I had to pull over onto the side of the road to re-start the car. After the second incident, I now have no confidence in taking my car, only 6 years old and with 74K miles on it, out of the city and into the countryside. The symptoms of this issue include frequent oil burn / oil top-offs. My car requires a quart of oil every 200-300 miles. There are no leaks in my driveway. The leaking all seems to be coming from the cylinders. I am taking my Q7 into a mechanic, again, next week and I am concerns the solution will be "new engine" which costs more than the car is worth.

The contact owns a 2018 Audi Q7. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the low oil warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the oil level was topped off every 700 miles. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed piston and excessive oil consumption. The contact was informed that the piston needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

Mileage: 75,000

Engine Malfunction Piston Rings Oil Consumption Loud brakes

Noticed a lower level of coolant (below the MIN mark) at the coolant reservoir - checked with mechanic and was told there is a slow coolant leak at the one of the water pump seals (which has corroded). Need a water pump replacement. Was told it is a very common occurence with these cars - but was surprised to experience this issue on a car with less than 20K miles driven.

We have had major problems with our 2018 Audi Q7 that are consistent with allegations made in various lawsuits against Audi and Volkswagen Group of America for alleged defects with Audi piston rings and piston ring assemblies. The defects have purportedly caused excessive oil consumption, engine damage, and engine failure. As noted in one such lawsuit (that apparently settled), the engine failure caused by the defective Audi piston ring and piston assemblies could result in sudden loss of power to the engine. “It goes without saying that a sudden loss of power poses a clear-cut safety risk—it can prevent the driver from accelerating, maintaining speed, and even adequately controlling the steering wheel, engaging the brakes, all of which drastically increase the risk of collisions …” [XXX] v. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. {XXX]) The problem with our Audi is consistent with the reports by plaintiffs in these lawsuits, as well as other Audi owners—including Q7s—who have shared their experiences online. Starting at around 60,000 miles, our vehicle increasingly consumed oil until eventually, we needed to add a quart of oil less than every 600 miles. And that’s despite our: 1) having followed all of the required oil change and other related maintenance standards published by Audi; and 2) having replaced the car’s CCV valve and PCV breather, which we were told sometimes corrects the problem. Most recently, in December 2023, I was driving with my children in the vehicle, and the engine started sputtering and laboring. Then the check engine light appeared. I was able to drive the car home but have been advised that, in order to make the car drivable, we’d have to replace the engine. Obviously, even if we have the engine replaced, the rebuilt Audi engine could have the same problems. Given the risk that the affected Audi engines will fail in vehicles traveling at high speeds on U.S. highways, the NHTSA should investigate this matter immediately. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (

coolant leaking @ 50K miles and also their warning system is not as effective. I got into a fender bender 2 months in owning the car as brand new.

While driving, car stops and message " Drive System:Malfunction! Please Contact Service" comes on along with check engine light and message indicator.

Water pump failure. This can lead to catstrophic engine failure if not addressed. Dealer has confirmed the failure. No fault codes appeared in any scans. Only warning signs were rapid coolant loss & the smell of burning coolant.

Engine coolant leak reported only at around 30K miles. Leak detected and fixed at owners cost.

At approx 56,600 miles I received a low engine coolant error on my vehicle. Upon inspection, all engine coolant was gone from the tank. Engine coolant was refilled by me at home. The next day, I received a low oil error on my vehicle. Upon inspection, the oil was below the minimum level. 1 quart of oil was added to my vehicle and we promptly took the vehicle in for inspection as this did not seem like a coincidence. Upon inspection at Motor City Euro Repair, it was noted that the water pump was leaking causing the engine coolant and oil levels to decrease. Water pump replacement required, which should typically not be a required repair until 100,000 miles. Audi is aware of this issue, but no recall has been made. There is also a class action lawsuit for this issue, but the 2018 Q7 Prestige 3.0 is not part of the vehicles in the suit. Total cost of repair was $1,375 as the vehicle is 6,600 miles out of warranty. Again, this is a know Volkswagen/Audi issue and Audi US is not recalling.

1.Interior color light bars: These light bars developed inconsistency. Audi repaired the inconsistency however now the light bars only display pink (not white) during start up. The dealership tried telling me it’s not pink, then claims to be color blind. I have artiest friends who maintain the color is pink. 2.Engine start-stop: Dealership confirms the Q7 will shut down as part of the start-stop feature before the vehicle has stopped. I explained to the dealership that the Q7 speedo claims moving 1 to 2 mph faster than it is moving. Therefore, during slow speed braking, stop sign, the Q7 will shut down before it stops moving. Without the engine on, the Q7 will lurch to a stop or and forcing the transmission to turn. 3. Low oil light comes on between oil changes sometimes.

Water pump stopped working properly, creating hazardous situation with my car. Had the car overheated and stopped working while driving, this could have been catastrophic. The only symptom was loss of coolant and resulting warning message from the car. I took it to an independent service center, who diagnosed the problem and replaced at my own expense of $961.07.

AT TIMES, THE "STOP-START" SYSTEM SEEMS TO FALTER WHEN THE VEHICLE HAS SLOWED TO ALMOST A FULL STOP, BUT NOT QUITE. IF I TRY TO ACCELERATE I GET A FEW SECONDS WHEN NOTHING HAPPENS. I FEEL THAT IT IS EITHER A TRANSMISSION CAUGHT BETWEEN SHIFTS OR AN ENGINE FALTER. I HAVE MENTIONED THIS TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS TOLD THAT "THAT'S HOW IT IS".

Mileage: 20,000

KEPT LIGHT APPEARS ON DASH THAT ADD 1 QT OF OIL FOR 6 TIMES. BEFORE THIS LIGHT APPEARS, CAR ALWAYS SUDDENLY STOPPED WHILE IM DRIVING OR PARKED. LAST SATURADAY 1/11, MY CAR WAS SUDDENLY STOPPED ON HIGHWAY AND ENGINE WAS RUNNING AND SO LOUD AFTER CAR STOPPED BUT CANNOT CHANGE ANY GEARS FOR FEW SECONDS. I'M SO FRUSTRATED AND SCARED TO OPERATE THIS VEHICLE. I WENT TO AUDI SERVICE BUT THEY DON'T FOUND ANY PROBLEMS AND REFILLED OIL AGAIN. IN MY 6 TIMES OF THIS EXPERIENCE, LIGHT WILL BE APPEARED AND CAR WILL BE STOPPED WHILE OPERATING AGAIN. MUST BE FIXED THIS MATTER BY AUDI

OUR Q7 3.0T PRESTIGE ENGINE BLEW WHILE DRIVING AND LEFT US STRANDED ON A COUNTRY ROAD AT 12:45 IN THE MORNING. THEN TO ADD INSULT TO INJURY, AFTER FIGHTING WITH AUDI CARE FOR THE LAST MONTH THEY ONLY AGREED TO REIMBURSE US $200 OUT OF A $525 TOW BILL BECAUSE WE DIDN'T CALL THEM TO SCHEDULE THE TOW. WE DIDN'T EVEN KNOW THAT SERVICE EXISTED AND AT 12:45 AM WITH A CAR THAT JUST DIED AND WAS IN THE ROAD, WE JUST WANTED TO CONTACT THE CLOSEST PLACE AND GET OUR CAR OFF THE ROAD AS WE WERE WORRIED ABOUT OUR SAFETY AND GETTING HIT BY ANOTHER VEHICLE.

Mileage: 14,000

WHEN ATTEMPTING TO CROSSOVER A BUSY INTERSECTION, AND TRYING TO DETERMINE THE DISTANCE BETWEEN THE ONCOMING TRAFFIC AND MYSELF, THE 2018 AUDI Q7, HAS A HESITATION BEFORE THE VEHICLE STARTS IT ACCELERATION. I HAVE HAD TWO OCCASIONS WHERE THE VEHICLE JUST WOULD START A SLOW ACCELERATION BUT WOULD HESITATE BEFORE ENGAGING AT ITS HIGHER ACCELERATION. THIS CAUSING THE ONCOMING VEHICLES NEARLY HITTING MY VEHICLE. I HAVE TAKEN THIS TO THE LOCAL AUDI DEALERSHIP AND SAID THAT IS NORMAL. I VALIDATED THE OPERATION, WHEN THEY LET ME TEST A NEW AUDI Q7, AND HAD SIMILAR OR WORSE SYMPTOMS. THEIR ONLY WORK AROUND IS TO ENGAGE THE VEHICLE INTO "SPORT" MODE. THAT MODE HELPS WITH THE RESPONSE. BASICALLY IF, I STEP ON THE GAS PEDDLE, I SHOULD EXPECT IT TO DRIVE AND BE RESPONSIVE AND NOT HESITATE. HAVING THAT HESITATION, MAKE IT VERY DIFFICULT TO DETERMINE WHEN ACCELERATE.

Mileage: 11,000