Audi
Q7

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). - After nearly two months in service, I was informed that the AC compressor is now deemed "bad" due to debris from the harness, an issue not mentioned in previous inspections. Safety Concerns: 1. Inconsistent Diagnosis: There was no mention of compressor damage during initial assessments. This late-stage discovery indicates negligence or potential additional damage during servicing. 2. Risky AC Activation: A technician attempted to clean the compromised AC compressor and activated the system, a procedure that is dangerous given the debris. This could lead to refrigerant leaks and electrical shorts. 3. Conflicting Statements: Audi Central Houston claims the compressor was previously damaged but also attempted to restore it. Such contradictions raise serious concerns about service integrity. 4. Certified Pre-Owned Credibility: The emergence of these costly issues questions the reliability guarantees of vehicles sold under Audi's Certified Pre-Owned program. Given that the vehicle began smoking shortly after being parked and had not undergone prior electrical work, I underscore the severe safety risks posed by potential electrical fires and undisclosed damage. These issues could endanger lives and property if not properly addressed. I strongly urge Audi USA and the NHTSA to investigate this matter for potential technical service bulletins or recalls, especially fo INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

I’m having to replace my REPLACE WATER PUMP AND VACUUM LINES WITH RESERVOIR at 41k miles or it risk overheating the engine. It is a significant repair at a premature time. After researching, it has been reported there are historical issues with this and faulty parts.

I urgently request a NHTSA investigation into systemic coolant leaks, a dangerous safety defect in Audi vehicles with the 3.0L turbocharged V6 (EA839) engine. Affected models include the Q7 (my 2020 Q7 55 TFSI, VIN: [XXX] ), S4, S5, SQ5, A6/A7, Q8. These defects risk engine damage, sudden power loss, and catastrophic engine failure, endangering all road users. Many owners report premature failures of cooling components (water pump, thermostat, PCV system). Failures often occur post-warranty, costing owners over $3,000 for repairs. Online forums (AudiWorld, Audizine, Reddit) document these widespread defects. The class action [XXX] et al. v. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. alleges water pump defects in EA839-equipped Audis (incl. Q7 up to 2022). Critical Safety Concerns: The primary safety risk from these coolant leaks involves: Coolant Ingestion: Coolant enters vacuum lines, mixes with oil (faulty PCV), or enters intake (failing intercoolers). Engine Malfunction: Ingestion causes misfires, drivability issues, and sudden power loss during operation. Catastrophic Engine Failure: Severe coolant ingestion can cause catastrophic engine failure, risking loss of control and collisions if the engine seizes/fails at speed. Sudden engine malfunction/failure while driving due to this systemic defect warrants immediate NHTSA investigation. Audi of America is aware. My contact (Mike, Ext. 43252) confirmed Audi is not addressing this widespread failure. Audi's inaction necessitates NHTSA intervention for consumer and road safety. Affected owners urge NHTSA to: Initiate a formal investigation into systemic coolant leak issues and component failures in EA839-equipped Audi vehicles. Assess the safety risks, including potential engine failure and loss of vehicle control. If warranted, issue a safety recall for affected vehicles to prevent accidents and injuries. Public safety is paramount. Evidence indicates a defect compromising vehicle safety and reliability. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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 ignored diagnostic warnings and failed to address my complaints, putting my safety at risk. Audi consistently dismissed my concerns, attributing engine noise and oil consumption to normal wear. The failures posed safety risks, including sudden loss of power while driving. Despite documented defects, Audi refused to take responsibility or perform proper diagnostics, resulting in continued safety hazards. I am formally requesting NHTSA to investigate the widespread issues affecting the 2020 Audi Q7, including the BSG system and excessive oil consumption leading to engine failure.” Additional Details: •Component/System Failure: The 48V Belt Starter Generator (BSG) and the engine failed. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. •Safety Risks: The electrical failure at highway speeds caused a sudden loss of power. The engine failure posed a risk of the vehicle shutting down unexpectedly while driving. •Problem Confirmation: The Audi dealership confirmed the engine failure and acknowledged the presence of metal shavings in the oil, indicating severe internal damage. •Inspections: The vehicle has been inspected by the Audi dealership, and Audi representatives acknowledged the issue. •Warning Signs: The check engine light illuminated in January 2025. Additional symptoms included loud engine noise (‘tractor-like’) and increased oil consumption, which Audi dismissed.

Panoramic sunroof imploded while traveling at freeway speeds (70mph) during normal conditions (no rain, hail, snow, etc. and 60* temp) causing a large amount of glass to be blown into the cab of vehicle, striking the driver and passenger. With this loud implosion and visibility obstructed by flying glass debris it put the driver in a unsafe environment. This also put the passenger and other drivers on the road at a huge risk of an accident. Throughout the automotive industry, this has been a known issue over the past several years and even at the local Audi dealership in Bellingham, WA. After conversation with dealership there was no known contributing factors to the implosion and was suspected to be a manufacturing defect.

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.

The Audi 2020 q7 experiences an SOS Emergency contact communication failure when it goes of cell service range and in certain circumstances, it does not reset itself Or allow reconnection to the communication module after it goes back in range within cell service. This is a know issue, similar to Audi service Bulletin 90T2 in which the NHTSA issued a recall (The Q7 model is not covered under That recall, but several other models within the same year are covered). As a result of this software bug, in certain circumstances, it the communication module may not be able to contact emergency services. Audi America dealerships require payment and charge consumers $276 for drivers to update the MMI system To correct the software “bug.” Due to the fact that it is a Software issue, which requires updating by the dealership, Extended warranties do not cover fees associated.

Turbo charger failure at approximately 30,000 miles