With the launch of the Q7 back in 2007, Audi rewrote the luxury crossover segment, offering style and sophistication with plenty of practicality. However, over the years, the Q7 has aged quite a bit and not a lot has changed even with the 2014 model. Offered with a range of powertrain options, the Q7 is also surprisingly quick and athletic for its size.
On the reliability front, Audi has addressed almost all the issues with the first generation Q7 over the years and the 2014 model has only been through 1 recall so far. The registered complaints are also low at 30. Let’s take a closer look at how reliable Audi’s practical three-row crossover is.
Mechanical Complaints
Engine - Several owners reported oil leaks through gaskets. The vehicle speed control system was also problematic for some owners, causing unintended acceleration. Owners of TDI models also experienced sudden engine stalls because of fueling issues.
Steering - Some owners reported steering failures that were traced back to the crankshaft damper pulley breaking off and loosening the serpentine belt.
Electrical Problems
Accelerator - In some cases, the car has been known to accelerate on its own, causing collisions in some cases.
Air Conditioning - Some owners have reported water ingress into the cabin and flooding due to valve blockage. Water damage has caused several electrical issues in some rare cases. The fan blower also failed for some owners, disabling the windscreen defroster.
Safety Complaints
Airbags - In some rare cases, the airbags have failed to deploy even after frontal collisions.
Exterior Problems
Sunroof - Water leaks have been reported through the sunroof, resulting in damage to the amplifier and electrical systems. Complete electrical failures were reported because of this. Some cases of sunroof shattering without cause were also reported.
Recalls of 2014 Audi Q7
S. No
Date
NHTSA ID
Issues Noticed
Additional Remarks
Remedy
1
3rd May 2017
17V298000
Fuel Pump Flange May Crack Causing Fuel Leak
These vehicles have a fuel pump flange that may crack, allowing fuel to leak. And a leak can increase the risk of a fire in case of ignition.
Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump flange if cracks are present. Flanges that do not have cracks will have a protective film applied. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began July 3, 2017. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20Z8. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 16V-660.
Should you buy the 2014 Audi Q7?
Although Audi has fixed most of the reliability issues over the 7 years since its launch, some of the common issues like oil leaks and electrical failures are still being reported by owners. The Q7 also feels dated inside and out when compared to modern competitors. While it has improved on the reliability front, it is hard to recommend the 2014 Audi Q7 if you’re in the market for a luxury SUV with all the latest features. On the used market, the Q7 remains a great buy as long as the recall is resolved.
Complaints
Recalls
Investigations
Manufacturer Communications
August 29, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11683873
Components: 063130 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
NHTSA ID Number: 11683873
Incident Date: August 29, 2025
Vehicle Identification Number: WA1WMAFE0ED
Consumer Location: SANTA CLARITA, CA
Summary The contact owns a 2014 Audi Q7. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, there was an abnormal beep...
June 13, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11666829
Components: 070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
NHTSA ID Number: 11666829
Incident Date: June 13, 2025
Vehicle Identification Number: WA1DGBFE5ED
Consumer Location: PETOSKEY, MI
Summary The contact owns a 2014 Audi Q7. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, there was an abnor...
May 31, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11664062
Components: 140000 AIR BAGS
NHTSA ID Number: 11664062
Incident Date: May 31, 2025
Vehicle Identification Number: WA1LGAFE8ED
Consumer Location: FRESNO, CA
Summary Component/System That Failed: The airbag system failed to deploy during a frontal collision. The vehicle'...
November 7, 2024, NHTSA ID Number: 11624021
Components: 070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
NHTSA ID Number: 11624021
Incident Date: November 7, 2024
Vehicle Identification Number: WA1LGAFE8ED
Consumer Location: UNION CITY, CA
Summary The contact owns a 2014 Audi Q7. The contact stated that while inside or outside the vehicle, there was a...
August 13, 2024, NHTSA ID Number: 11608227
Components: 074000 FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (PWS)
NHTSA ID Number: 11608227
Incident Date: August 13, 2024
Vehicle Identification Number: WA1LGAFE9ED
Consumer Location: GULFPORT, MS
Summary Over a period of a week started to smell fuel in the cabin area. I took the vehicle to my mechanics as th...