2021 Audi Q7 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.
Complaint Timeline
Chronological view of owner reports
During commute dash lit-up with "central indicator light", "Vehicle starting system; malfunction! Please contact Service" warning notice, "Audi pre sense" yellow-lit dash warning light, yellow-lit battery warning light that alternated to red-lit battery warning light. AC automatically shut off, radio shut off, was able to limp vehicle home. Restarting the vehicle gave a "Battery low voltage" reading then a vehicle failure "immediately turn vehicle off when safe" message followed by the "Vehicle starting system; malfunction! Please contact Service" warning notice. Towed Audi to local Audi shop in Charlottesville, VA, where it was diagnosed with starter generator failure, part was reportedly ordered on 27 July 2024; no indication as to whether the part has arrive at Audi shop. No details on the battery as of 01 August 2024.
Electrical failure indicator lit up. I was on my way to the dealership service center. Within 10 minutes of driving, the car completely shutdown right at a busy intersection and before an active railroad crossing. Tow truck was called by the police as the car was not starting and therefore undriveable.
I pulled out of the gym after using my key FOB to unlock and start vehicle. Got a warning asking if Key was in the car, it was, and warning went away. A 1/4 mile later, while the car was in drive and idle at a red light, the car completely shut/locked down and alarm started blaring saying there was no key. The key was in the car (it had just unlocked and started the car less than 4 minutes earlier). The car defaults to ON of an auto/on function (gas saving feature?), and I believe that becuase the car was waiting at the light, prompted the computer to misfire functions. I was stuck in traffic and could not get the car to start for over 3 lights length of time. I also found I had no control of the hazard lights. I was able to eventually get it to turn on, alarm persisted. I then drove it home with alarm still blaring and got my spare key, the alarm shut of briefly and then turned back on. I then drove it to Audi servicing while alarm blaring. They assessed the vehicle over the past 10 days and simply told me it was due to the key FOB battery dying. Meaning: they are telling me that this is normal and will continue to happen every time my battery dies. This is very dangerous. I don't know how/if they actually confirmed the battery was dead or simply changed it out. The key FOB battery dying should NOT cause a car, while in drive, to completely shut/lock down. This is a huge safety issue. Someone could have not seen me and rear ended me. Or if I was in traffic on the freeway and my FOB battery dies, then I would really be in trouble. I have other Audis and a FOB key dying has never caused a lock down. Once the car is in motion, the ability of the key fob to affect the ignition or engine should be zero. I believe this issue needs to be looked into and am not getting good response or action from AUDI. I do not feel safe driving a car that will lock down while in drive, and my concern extends to other people who may find themselves in this situation.
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Quick Summary
The 2021 Audi Q7 has 3 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE complaints on file. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.