Audi Q7 Exterior Lighting Problems
Owners have filed 167 complaints with NHTSA about exterior lighting problems on the Audi Q7 across 10 model years. The 2017 model year has the most (133). The words owners use most often: “side marker” (76% of reports).
- 167exterior lighting complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 1mention a crash
- 0mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- $5,550typical repair cost reported by owners
- 36%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Side marker: mentioned in 127 of 167 complaints (76%)
- Defective see manual: mentioned in 15 of 167 complaints (9%)
- Electrical exterior: mentioned in 14 of 167 complaints (8%)
- Addresses exact: mentioned in 10 of 167 complaints (6%)
How much does it cost to fix?
Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical exterior lighting repair on the Audi Q7 at $5,550, and half of them between $5,000 and $6,400.
Based on 31 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2022–2026), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.
At what mileage do exterior lighting problems happen?
Based on 22 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 167 complaints, 1 mention a crash.
Audi Q7 exterior lighting complaints by model year
When owners reported it
Related recalls (1)
Exterior lighting; electrical system:software
Model years: 2017
Problem: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2016 TT roadster, A3 cabriolet, A3 sedan and A3 e-tron, 2016-2017 TT coupe, 2017 A4 sedan and Q7 and 2015-2017 Q3 vehicles. The affected vehicles may have been programmed with new software that inadvertently makes the side marker lights inoperative in conjunction with the parking lights or the headlights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk: If the side marker lights do not illuminate, the vehicle may be less visible at night, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will upload revised software to correct the issue, free of charge. This recall began November 2016. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 97CB.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
On my 2017 Audi Q7 with 93169 miles, I am getting the error message along with a warning lamp that states: "Front right side marker light defective." The light actually works however I am getting this message. If the light were to actually go out it would affect the safety of my vehicle. I hear…
Defective sideâmarker LED inside sealed headlight assembly Component: Exterior Lighting / Headlights Make/Model/Year: 2017 Audi Q7 prestige Issue: Defective sideâmarker LED inside sealed headlight assembly Complaint: The sideâmarker LED inside the headlight assembly on my 2017 Audi Q7 has…
I am getting front left side marker light faulty problem. I was told this is very common for 2018 audi q7. Please investigate this issue and see if i am qualified to get this replaced by audi. Apparently, the replacing the lamp isn't easy but woudl require to replace the whole lighting fixture…
Parking light defective message on dash board. Looked at the light and all lights present. Talked to a dealer and the headlight assembly to replace is 6K plus. For a small yellow side light inside of headlight that is still on, but the message on dashboard says otherwise. Was told that it isn't…
Front right Marker light defect alert keeps pooping up and sounding an audible alarm while I am driving even through the marker light is working perfectly. Drive train alert comes on after I add oil and the vehicle starts hesitating while I accelerate.I just got a tune up which included new spark…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Audi Q7s have exterior lighting problems?
No. NHTSA has 167 owner complaints about exterior lighting for the Audi Q7. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Audi Q7 exterior lighting?
Yes: 1 safety recall list exterior lighting. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
How much does it cost to fix exterior lighting problems on the Audi Q7?
Owners report a typical cost of $5,550 (half paid between $5,000 and $6,400), from 31 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.
What do owners say about exterior lighting problems on the Audi Q7?
The most frequent phrase is “side marker”, in 127 of 167 complaints, followed by “defective see manual” (15).
Other Audi Q7 problems
- Engine problems (209)
- Electrical System problems (205)
- Fuel/propulsion System problems (140)
See all Audi Q7 problems.