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2020 Audi Q7 problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2020 Audi Q7 has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 5safety recalls
- 28owner complaints
- 1crash report
- 1fire report
- 12%fail the UK MOT
28 complaints, against an average of 63 for the other 13 Audi Q7 model years.
Every Audi Q7 model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2020 Audi Q7?
The components named most often in the 28 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2020 Audi Q7 owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 28 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
Has the 2020 Audi Q7 been recalled?
5 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2026 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2026. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90TV. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on December 23, 2025.
Forward Collision Avoidance: Sensing System: Camera Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2020 Q7 vehicles. Incompatibility between the front camera control software and the heating element used for the front camera on the windshield may cause the heating element to overheat.
Risk: An overheated heating element can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Dealers will update the control software and replace the heater element for the front camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 26, 2023. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90N7.
Fuel System, Gasoline: Delivery: Fuel Pump Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi Q8, and 2020-2021 Audi Q7 vehicles. A component inside the fuel pump may break, causing the fuel pump to fail.
Risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 22, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 20DR.
Air Bags: Air Bags/Restraint Control Module: Software Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Audi Q7 vehicles. The air bag control module may deploy the second stage of the front passenger air bag too quickly after the first stage when the seat is occupied by an unbelted child. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk: During a crash necessitating the deployment of the passenger air bag, the second stage may deploy too quickly when a child is in the front passenger seat, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will update the air bag control module, free of charge. The recall began March 5, 2021. Owners can contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 69BV.
Structure: Body: Roof And Pillars 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.
Is the 2020 Audi Q7 recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSASoftware update for battery control unit
Risk: On affected vehicles there may be defective battery modules which may result in a fire hazard when charging the high-voltage battery.
Fix: Update the software of the high-voltage battery to improve the self-diagnosis capabilities. Vehicle owners are advised to not charge the high-voltage battery using external charging sources and also not use the e-tron modes “Battery charge” and “Battery hold” until the update is applied.
UK DVSAFollowing a previous campaign the toe and/or camber values on the rear axle may in certain circumstances incorrectly be changed without…FOLLOWING A PREVIOUS CAMPAIGN THE TOE AND/OR CAMBER VALUES ON THE REAR AXLE MAY IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES INCORRECTLY BE CHANGED WITHOUT THIS BEING NOTICED
Risk: Following a previous campaign the toe and/or camber values on the rear axle may in certain circumstances incorrectly be changed without this being noticed.
Fix: The wheel alignment must be checked and if necessary the suspension must be serviced on the affected vehicles.
UK DVSARear axle suspension links nuts do not meet specifications
Risk: One or more nuts which do not meet the specifications may have been fitted on the rear axle suspension links.
Fix: The affected nuts on the rear axle will be replaced on affected vehicles.
UK DVSAFaulty crash sensors for airbag/restraint systems may have been fitted in both of the front doors
Risk: Faulty crash sensors for airbag / restraint systems may have been fitted in both of the front doors.
Fix: The crash sensors for the side airbags (front) must be checked on the vehicles affected and replaced if necessary.
UK DVSAGear oil may escape due to a faulty welded joint on the gearbox oil line
Risk: It is possible that gear oil may escape due to a faulty welded joint on the gearbox oil line.
Fix: The production date of the gear oil line must be checked first on the vehicles affected and the gear oil line must be replaced if necessary.
UK DVSAThe function of the locking mechanism on the front head restraints may be impaired
Risk: The function of the locking mechanism on the front head restraints may be impaired.
Fix: The front head restraints must be replaced on the affected vehicles
UK DVSAIn the event of an accident the air duct component in the curtain airbag could detach
Risk: The fastener securing an air duct component in the curtain airbag could detach in the event of an accident.
Fix: Replace the igniter on the affected vehicles curtain airbags.
UK DVSAOverheating can occur in the area of the interior mirror on the windscreen
Risk: Major overheating can occur in the area of the interior mirror on the windscreen due to the heating element of the front camera.
Fix: The backlight masking screen of the front camera must be replaced and a software update carried out.
EU Safety GateThe cell modules of the high-voltage battery could overheat during charging which can lead to a fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateAlteration of the rear axle’s toe and/or camber values lead to increased and uneven wear on the rear tyres, and if worn down to its…Alteration of the rear axle’s toe and/or camber values lead to increased and uneven wear on the rear tyres, and if worn down to its carcass may suffer a sudden loss of pressure. This can lead to loss of traction and may affect vehicle handling, increasing the risk of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe vehicles are equipped with control software regarded as unauthorised by the competent authorities.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Importer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 23/04/2021
EU Safety GateThe nuts on the eccentric bolt of the rear-axle spring-link control arm may break due to stress corrosion.As a result, the rear axle could move in the wrong direction, in an uncontrollable manner at high speeds.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateFaulty crash sensors for the airbag restraint systems may have been installed in both the front doors.This could impair the protective effect of the side airbags, head airbags and/or belt tensioners, increasing the risk of injury in the event of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateAn oil line in the automatic gearbox may have a manufacturing defect.Consequently, oil may leak out onto the road, posing a riskto the following traffic.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe joint on the discharge nozzle of the gas generator for the curtain airbag might have been inappropriately welded.In the event of an accident triggering the curtain air bag, the joint could fail impairing the proper inflation of the airbag, increasing the risk of injuries.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GatePossible defect in the locking mechanism on the front head restraints may cause them to unintentionally shift in height when placed under…Possible defect in the locking mechanism on the front head restraints may cause them to unintentionally shift in height when placed under pressure. This could impair the protective effect of head restraints in the event of an accident, increasing the risk of injuries.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateDue to the incompatibility of the control software with the heating film used for the front camera on the windscreen, significant…Due to the incompatibility of the control software with the heating film used for the front camera on the windscreen, significant overheating may occur when the heating element is controlled after the ignition is switched on or at low temperatures. This may lead to a smouldering and increase the risk of the vehicle catching fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
How often does the 2020 Audi Q7 fail its MOT?
Why they failed: the share of failed tests with at least one fault in each area (a test can fail on several). Cars first registered in 2020, tested in Great Britain in 2023; first registration is usually, but not always, the model year. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0.
What do 2020 Audi Q7 owners report?
12 of the 28 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
The contact owns a 2020 Audi Q7. The contact stated that while driving 15 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly lost motive power and the brakes engaged without warning, causing the vehicle to rear-end another vehicle in front. The vehicle was towed to a local tow yard. The contact sustained injuries to the lower back, neck, and head. Medical attention was provided. The contact received continued treatment for whiplash, migraine headaches, and chiropractic treatments. A Police report was filed, but the information was unavailable. The failure mileage was approximately 73,000.
the first indication of an issue was oil consumption. It was using more oil than usual around the 70K mile mark. Then it started misfiring, and soon after a knocking noise coming from the engine. There are no check engine light on, after bringing it in for diagnostics, it read that it was a spark plug, once they got into the engine they discovered the cylinder had been stripped from the piston. Yes the diagnostics came from our foreign car mechanic. no, it has not been inspected by the manufacturer or police. Just the symptoms. sometimes the light would come on, and then it would go off. At…
While my vehicle was in for the Audi piston issue, they stated my water pump needed to be replaced and isn’t covered by a recall (yet). My vehicle had less than 42,000 mile on it. I was lead to believe that this problem is coming up more often and they believe a class action lawsuit will come about. I needed to pay over $1,700 out of pocket and was told I was saving so much money because they already had the engine apart because of the piston recall. This is unacceptable.
The contact owns a 2020 Audi Q7. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where the water pump, coolant pump, vacuum line, and vacuum reservoir were replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
My 2020 Audi Q7 with 49,500 miles had a complete engine shut down while driving. Towed to Audi. Fuel Pump was recalled and replaced on 1/2023. Audi stated it was the jet suction pump inside the saddle fuel tank. Research discovered that this saddle tank has been problem for this model and year. Audi only covered a portion of the cost. The entire fuel tank had to be replaced. 16 days to complete.
I am filing a complaint concerning serious safety risks associated with my 2020 Audi Q7 (VIN: [XXX] ) purchased as a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle from Audi Dominion San Antonio. It is currently under service at Audi Central Houston, where multiple concerning events occurred. Timeline and Issues: - Initial diagnosis identified a fire-damaged electrical harness, estimated at $1,400 for replacement. - After repair attempts, the vehicle began smoking, and the diagnosis expanded to include additional compromised electrical lines. The revised quote skyrocketed to $4,700 (later reduced to $3,100)…
In July 2023, my 2020 Audi Q7 experienced a complete electrical failure at highway speeds due to a Belt Starter Generator (BSG) malfunction. Audi replaced the BSG with the same faulty part. Months later, I noticed increased oil consumption and loud engine noise. Despite multiple service visits and reporting these issues, Audi failed to properly diagnose the problem. In January 2025, despite a clear check engine light indicating a problem, Audi dismissed my concerns. Just weeks later, in February 2025, the engine catastrophically failed due to undiagnosed internal damage. Audi repeatedly…
Central control module failure. Item is under recall for various Q5 models. Q7 is essentially the same car with same water intrusion problem. Why isn’t it included in recall. Very dangerous stall.
Often gets warning about Parking Brake malfunction. Dealership already checked once and could not find the problem. Warning comes on speedometer as follows: "Parking brake: malfunction! Please contact Service."
while driving the vehicle, I received a warning that there was an electrical system failure. Then the entire care shut off in the middle of the highway. There was no way to get the vehicle into neutral to push it to a safer location out of traffic. I was in the vehicle with my two children. This left us stranded in the middle of the highway with a significant amount of traffic. There was no way to get the vehicle back on. This seems to be a known issue with Audi and they have notified the dealerships about it but have not issued a recall. Please expedite this as a recall. There could not have…
While driving, Forward Collision Warning appears without any reason. My understanding is that the car will brake itself if it senses frontal collosion and I am concerned that it might brake suddenly without my knowledge and cause an accident.
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.
2020 Audi Q7: questions owners ask
Is the 2020 Audi Q7 reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 28 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020 Audi Q7; the most common categories were electrical system (10, 35.7%), engine (7, 25%), power train (3, 10.7%). There are 5 safety recalls. 1 complaint mentions a crash, 1 mentions a fire, 2 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Audi Q7?
Across 28 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are electrical system (35.7% of complaints), engine (25% of complaints), power train (10.7% of complaints), service brakes (10.7% of complaints), engine and engine cooling (7.1% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2020 Audi Q7 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2020 Audi Q7; the most recent (campaign 25V900000, 2025-12-19) concerns Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2020 Audi Q7 stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
5 of the 28 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2020 Audi Q7 (17.9%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "My 2020 Audi Q7 with 49,500 miles had a complete engine shut down while driving. Towed to Audi. Fuel Pump was recalled and replaced on 1/2023. Audi stated it was the jet suction pump inside the saddle fuel tank." (NHTSA complaint 11720193, February 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why is the check engine light on in my 2020 Audi Q7?
3 of the 28 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2020 Audi Q7 (10.7%) describe the check engine light coming on. One owner wrote: "the first indication of an issue was oil consumption. It was using more oil than usual around the 70K mile mark. Then it started misfiring, and soon after a knocking noise coming from the engine." (NHTSA complaint 11737769, May 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2020 Audi Q7 overheat?
3 of the 28 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2020 Audi Q7 (10.7%) describe the engine overheating or coolant loss. A related recall exists: campaign 23V212000 (forward collision avoidance: sensing system: camera). The fix: Dealers will update the control software and replace the heater element for the front camera, free of charge. One owner wrote: "I discovered this item while researching another issue. There was a class action law suit against VW/Audi for the Water Pump and coolant leaking into the system. The class action covered the year and model for my Audi (2020 Q7) but my VIN was not included." (NHTSA complaint 11720200, February 2026). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2020 Audi Q7 idle rough, misfire or hesitate?
3 of the 28 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2020 Audi Q7 (10.7%) describe rough idling, misfires or hesitation when accelerating. One owner wrote: "the first indication of an issue was oil consumption. It was using more oil than usual around the 70K mile mark. Then it started misfiring, and soon after a knocking noise coming from the engine." (NHTSA complaint 11737769, May 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own Q7
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA anonymised MOT results (Open Government Licence v3.0), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2020 only.