2020 Audi Q7 Problems and Top Complaints – Is Your Car A Lemon?

Build quality and powertrain issues among the top complaints received by the NHTSA from vehicle owners

Updated on Author: Brian Jones

Updated on Author: Brian Jones

Large luxury SUVs continue to grow in popularity, with the 2020 Audi Q7 topping the charts. The automaker claims that it is a “big idea,” but it appears the company never put these ideas into practice. This luxury model suffers from a defective powertrain and shoddy structure.

Click on other model year to view more problems: 2018   2019   2021   2022

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NHTSA Complaints for the 2020 Audi Q7

Complaint CategoryNumber of Complaints
Electrical System
3
Fuel System, Gasoline
1
Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control
1
Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking
1
Service Brakes
1
Power Train
1

Problems with the Transmission

The main part of any potent powertrain is a well-functioning transmission. If this component doesn’t live up to expectations, the ride is anything but enjoyable.

Here’s another powertrain issue addressed in an NHTSA complaint. “The contact owns a 2020 Audi Q7. The contact stated while driving at 20 mph, the vehicle started making an abnormal noise from the passenger side rear of the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to exceed 20 mph. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to [dealership] where it was diagnosed with the rear differential needing to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired as of yet. The manufacturer had been informed of failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 6,200.”

It turns out that Audi is struggling to get the entire drivetrain right. Even Service Bulletin #A3920342060169_1 talks about the DTC U101300 along with differential warning messages that require owners to have a new four-wheel-drive control module installed. If Audi wants to continue charging top dollar for SUVs, it might be time to take the “big idea” and turn it into something that actually functions correctly.

Problems with the Build Quality

For the premium price paid for a Q7, it only makes sense that the structure would be soundly built and ready to roll. Yet, customers are struggling with numerous structure-related issues.

Here’s one discussed in an Edmunds review. “The driver door rattles. I have taken the car five times to get fixed, two different dealers. The money spent in the car should not rattle.”

If this were the only concern, people might be able to deal with it, but it’s not. Service Bulletin #A6620662060333_1 also discusses how the SUV’s black optic trim becomes easily discolored. Imagine driving down the road and noticing that the sleek SUV that was recently purchased is changing colors. Maybe the Audi Q7 believes it is a chameleon and is simply trying to blend into its environment.

Your Lemon Law Legal Rights

Think you have a lemon? Sit back and let the experts work out your lemon case at no cost to you. The law makes Audi pay legal fees. You may be able to get your lemon out of your life. Every year, auto manufacturers buy back, replace or pay cash settlements to thousands of ‘lemon’ owners like you.

Complaint Data

CategoryElectrical System
DateFeb 06, 2023
StateNC
Description
Received a yellow "electrical failure" warning while driving, instructing me to call audi for service. Audi indicated that the car remained safe to drive, and offered a service appointment greater than one month later. Driving the car the next day, the electrical failure icon converted to red and a message said to pull over immediately. The car was able to make it to a local repair shop, with electrical systems failing one-by-one (starting with heating and progressing from there). On reaching the shop, the car was no longer driveable and had to be pushed into the garage to be assessed. The problem could not be identified at the local shop, so the car was towed to audi dealer. Problem was found to be the generator. Have been waiting on replacement part for greater than 30 days, with no eta as of today. Primary safety concern is that the car became undriveable within minutes of the red warning. Had I been on a highway or in heavy traffic, my car could have stalled in the middle of a busy roadway. Even if I had pulled off onto the shoulder, the risk to my family would have been quite high.
CategoryFuel System, Gasoline
DateJan 04, 2023
StateWA
Description
The contact owns a 2020 audi q7. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 22v516000 (fuel system, gasoline); however, the contact was informed by local dealers that parts were on backorder. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
CategoryElectrical System
DateDec 13, 2022
StateCA
Description
While driving at high speeds on the freeway with my wife and 2 children (ages 4 & 5), an alert on the dashboard said - electric system malfunction. Drove straight to the near by dealership and was told not to turn off the vehicle as it might not start. Service advisor said we were lucky it didn't stop on the freeway as it has for others. He asked us to collect our belongings as the car was not drivable due to a known electrical system malfunction. He said this was a known issue as there were many others impacted with this same issue and have been waiting months for the parts. He also said audi of america is well aware of the issue but don't want to publicize it as they don't have the parts available to repair all the impacted vehicles. He provided me with the audi tsb 27 22 41 showing they knew about it since at least march 2021 (attached).
CategoryForward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking
DateMar 10, 2021
StateOK
Description
When driving with the cruise control on, the vehicle automatically adjusts the speed to the speed limit. On occasion, when driving at freeway speeds, it will pick up the speed limit from a cross street (over or under pass). This happened on a recent trip with the vehicle set at the speed limit of 75, then suddenly and automatically braking because it detected a 45 mph cross street. With most traffic moving at 75 mph, this was extremely dangerous to suddenly brake for no apparent reason with people right behind us. We can no longer us our cruise control because of this. The audi dealership could not replicate this issue. It only happened to us in a small number of circumstances, but was dangerous and frightening when it did. The automatic speed adjust also apparently cannot be turned off. The dealership did mentioned they were aware of another audi vehicle they had seen with the same issue.
CategoryElectrical System, Service Brakes
DateDec 19, 2020
StateCA
Description
Two issues: the small portable air pump that came with the car would blow the fuse to the 12v cigarette lighter. After a new fuse is put in, this would happen on about every third or fourth time of using of the pump. I have replaced about 5 fuses already. The second issue is the squeaking of the rear brakes when backing up during cold or hot. However, it does happen more when cold/in the morning. A factory dealership had look at the issue but found nothing.
CategoryPower Train
DateMay 29, 2020
StateIN
Description
Tl* the contact owns a 2020 audi q7. The contact stated while driving at 20 mph, the vehicle started making an abnormal noise from the passenger's side rear of the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to exceed 20 mph. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to audi indianapolis located at 4610-b e 96th st, indianapolis, in 46240, where it was diagnosed with the rear differential needing to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired as of yet. The manufacturer had been informed of failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 6,200. *ln*jb

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Brian Jones

About the Author:

Brian Jones spent more than 20 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.

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