2017 Audi Q7
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2017 models.

- Class
- Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV 3.0 Tfsi Quattro
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl
- Horsepower
- 252–333 hp
- Transmission
- automatic
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 7
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 22 combined · 20 city / 25 hwy
- Length
- 198.8 in
- Curb weight
- 4,938 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 7 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 22 MPG combined — 19% better than the average 2017 standard SUV (18.5 MPG).
- Seats up to 73 rows of seating.
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
- Many owner complaints322 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 52 for similar models — most often about the exterior lighting.
- 7 recallsMore than similar models (about 3). Confirm repairs with the VIN.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 20 similar 2017 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2017 Audi Q7 is a standard SUV offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 3.0L 6-cyl) and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 199 inches long and 78 inches wide on a 118-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,938 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 22 MPG combined (20 city / 25 highway), 19% better than the 2017 standard SUV average of 18.5 MPG, for an estimated $3,750 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 7 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 322 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the exterior lighting.
What changed for 2017
- No diesel version any more
- Engine added: 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Engine dropped: 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
- Lightest version 254 lb lighter
Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 Q7 →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Bratislava, Slovakia
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2017 Q7 configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV 3.0 Tfsi Quattro | 198.8 in | 77.6 in | 68.5 in | 117.7 in | 66.1 / 66.5 in | 4,938 lb | 50/50 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q7 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 25 / 22 | +19% | $3,750 | 406 |
| Q7 | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 25 / 21 | +14% | $3,900 | 419 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2017 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2017 Audi Q7.
Similar 2017 standard SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Audi Q7 (this car) | 22 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2017 Porsche Cayenne | 22 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2017 BMW X5 | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2017 Cadillac Escalade | 17 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2017 Lexus RX | 30 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2017 Volvo XC90 | 25 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2017 Tesla Model X | 295 mi | Not rated | 10 |
Recalls (7)
Steering · Mar 16, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V149000 · 229 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Audi Q8 and 2017-2019 Audi Q7 vehicles. The bolt connecting the steering shaft to the steering gear may loosen, possibly resulting in a loss of steering control.
- Risk
- A sudden loss of loss of steering control may increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and Audi dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the steering shaft bolt, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2020. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 36A1.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System › Fuel Rail · Jan 16, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V035000 · 74,881 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Q7, A6 and A7 vehicles, and 2015-2018 Audi A8 vehicles. The left and right fuel rails may leak fuel.
- Risk
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Audi has notified owners, and dealers will replace the left and right fuel rail, free of charge. The recall began February 28, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 24DP.
Seat Belts › Pretensioner · Dec 29, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V955000 · 5,947 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2017 Audi A7, A4, A6, Volkswagen Golf and Tiguan vehicles and 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf vehicles for driver frontal air bags, passenger frontal air bags or head air bags that may not deploy properly. Additionally, certain 2017 Audi Q7, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad, and 2018 Audi Q5 vehicles are being recalled because the seat belt pretensioners may not activate properly.
- Risk
- In the event of a crash, if the air bags and/or the seat belt pretensioners do not inflate or function properly, the vehicle occupants have an increased risk of injury.
- Fix
- Volkswagen and Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected air bags and seat belt pretensioners, free of charge. The recall began April 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
Steering › Electric Power Assist System · Sep 8, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V648000 · 8 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2017 Audi Q7 vehicles manufactured November 11, 2015, to November 23, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the electric power steering assist control unit may short circuit resulting in a loss of power steering assist.
- Risk
- With a loss of power steering assist, extra steering effort will be required, especially at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering rack, free of charge. The recall began November 2016. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-822-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 48M5.
Exterior Lighting · Sep 6, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V642000 · 79,895 vehicles
- 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.
Seats › Mid/Rear Assembly · Sep 6, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V641000 · 19,205 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2017 Audi Q7 vehicles manufactured August 30, 2015, to July 10, 2016. In the affected vehicles, the third row seat back may move forward under load, such as in a frontal collision. As such, the vehicles do not conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 207, "Seating Systems."
- Risk
- If the third row seat does not remain in its adjusted position, there may be an increased risk of injury to an occupant in the event of a crash.
- Fix
- Audi will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional support bracket to the seat, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in November 2016. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 72F8.
Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module-Inactive · Jul 8, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V519000 · 14,535 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Audi Q7 vehicles manufactured August 30, 2015, to May 8, 2016. Due to a software issue within the air bag control module, the frontal air bags may deploy with more force than required in certain crashes. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
- Risk
- Air bags that deploy with excessive force may increase the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will update the air bag control module software, free of charge. The recall began September 2016. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69O3.
Not every 2017 Audi Q7 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2017 Audi Q7 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 7 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Exterior Lighting — 133 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Engine — 61 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 53 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 34,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2017 Audi Q7. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Q7 years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Q7 | 22 | 199.2 in | Not rated | 1 | 2 |
| 2025 Q7 | 22 | 199.2 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 17 |
| 2024 Q7 | 21 | 199.2 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 2 |
| 2023 Q7 | 21 | 199.2 in | Not rated | 3 | 16 |
| 2022 Q7 | 22 | 199.2 in | Not rated | 3 | 20 |
| 2021 Q7 | 21 | 199.2 in | Not rated | 9 | 75 |
| 2020 Q7 | 21 | 199.2 in | Not rated | 5 | 29 |
| 2019 Q7 | 21 | 198.8 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 63 |
| 2018 Q7 | 21 | 198.8 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 144 |
| 2015 Q7 | 22 | 200.4 in | Not rated | 2 | 46 |
| 2014 Q7 | 22 | 200.4 in | Not rated | 2 | 42 |
| 2013 Q7 | 22 | 200.4 in | Not rated | 3 | 42 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Audi. How we calculate this →