92 complaints reported

2017 Audi Q7 Exterior Lighting

Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.

Reports
92
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0

Complaint Timeline

Chronological view of owner reports

Feb 2025

My car giving me a "Front right side marker light defective" fault on the cluster. I searched and there is a recall for that issue. Safety Recall Code: 97CB. I called dealer about it and they are saying that there is no Recall for my VIN number. So they want to charge me for fixing that issue. I search it and it's common problem for 2017 Q7. And also it says there is a software issue on the recall notice. So the problem is not my fault and I need you to add my VIN Number to that Recall Notice.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 AUDI Q7, Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Incident: Oct 2025
Feb 2025

Front left side marker light defective. See owner's manual

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 AUDI Q7, Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Incident: Feb 2025
Feb 2025

Notifications come on indicating that “Front Left side marker light defective.” Identical error message for the right side marker.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 AUDI Q7, Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Incident: Feb 2025
Feb 2025

I drive a 2017 Audi Q7 and recently I got a warning light and message on my dash telling me my front right marker was defective and to check my owners manual and contact Audi but when I reached out to Audi they said my car was not one of the cars affect by the recall but I know a lot of people who are not under the recall status who also have had this issue and it is very expensive to fix even if nothing is wrong. My light appears to be working but my service center I take my car too told me to reach out to NHTSA to let it be known that others aside from those under the recall status are having the same issue and we are having to pay out of pocket to get it fixed. Audi recall campaign 97CB (NHTSA campaign ID 16V642000).

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 AUDI Q7, Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Incident: May 2025
Jan 2025

I keep on getting a message that states that my right side marker light is defective even though it is working just fine. I looked online and see that it is a common issue with 2017 Q7 in particular but not exclusively. The cost from the dealer is more than $7,000.00.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 AUDI Q7, Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Incident: Dec 2024
Jan 2025

"Front left side marker light failure" notification. Appears to be a common issue with 2017 Audi Q7's as there was a recall with limited vin support. Audi Recall Campaign Number 97CB NHTSA Campaign ID 16V642000

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 AUDI Q7, Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Incident: Nov 2024
Dec 2024

There is an issue with this vehicle that seems to have been addressed by Audi recall campaign 97CB (NHTSA campaign ID 16V642000), however it does not apply to all affected vehicles. I bought the car used in 2020 with approx 35k miles on it. At about 55k miles, I began getting a warning on the dash that says “front (left/right) side marker light defective. see owners manual.” It began with the left light only. I had the car inspected at an independent repair shop and there were no issues with the light. They thought maybe there was a wiring or sensor issue and suggested I check with Audi for any open recalls. I called the Audi dealer and explained the issue, they said there were no recalls and suggested replacing the headlight assembly for about $4k. I refused, and dealt with the warning. At about 75k miles, the right side has started coming on as well. I had it checked with the repair shop, and confirmed the light is working. My research has shown many others experience this issue, and Audi is aware of it, but the recall only covered a small number of VIN’s. The others have opted to get a re-programming device (OBD-11) and disable the marker lights altogether. This will result in the side marker lights not being lit, meaning the car is less safe than intended. Please see if something can be done to add all affected vehicles to the Audi recall so I can have this issue repaired and not compromise the safety of the vehicle. Thank you.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 AUDI Q7, Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2022
Dec 2024

2017 Audi Q7 , issue is Left marker light not working according to the dash computer, called Audi , inspected and they said it works but is dimmer than the other side, so needs replaced. $6000.... not doing that, called Audi customer service and they would do a good will for less but still $4000.. I chose to just put up with it since it works and the dash light stays on all the time. Then months go by and now the Right marker light not working, same thing. works but the computer says it doesnt. This is a issue with Audi and needs to be a recall. The warning light states left light out, then flashes and says the right light is out. BOTH lights work, but computer says it doesnt.. the dash light and the dinging noise needs to be a recall.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 AUDI Q7, Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2024
Dec 2024

Light comes on dash when you cut in lights only that says Front side marker light defective All lights work can’t sell or trade with out repairs that dealer wonts $8000 for a car that’s not worth that was a old recall for this problem still exist Please help

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 AUDI Q7, Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2024
Nov 2024

Front right side marker light defective message. Audi/VW recall campaign 97CB (NHTSA campaign ID 16V642000) addresses this exact issue and applies to some affected VIN numbers but NOT ALL. This issue is happening to MANY more owners outside of the VIN numbers that qualify for the recall. However, my vehicle does not qualify.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 AUDI Q7, Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Incident: Nov 2024
Nov 2024

Car indicated "Front left side marker light defective" Upon further research, some VIN's were included in a recall for this problem, but some were left off. My vehicle was left off, despite the warning coming on while driving. The marker light being defective increases likelihood of a crash or other incident.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 AUDI Q7, Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Incident: Oct 2024
Nov 2024

The vehicle intermittently but repeatedly reports a "Front Side Marker Light Defective" error despite there being no visible issue with any of the front lights. Sometimes the error will not appear for days, while other times it repeatedly comes on and turns off, each time making a loud chime and displaying the warning message, again despite no change in the lighting. The quoted rate to repair this issue is around $5,000, which is an enormous amount to fix an issue that is not actually affecting the lighting in any way. The error itself is very distracting, but the only reasonable workarounds seem to be ways to disable those lights entirely, which would create its own safety issues.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 AUDI Q7, Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Incident: Feb 2024
Oct 2024

There is an existing recall for certain Audi Q7 front side marker lights (Audi recall campaign 97CB, NHTSA campaign ID 16V642000) but this recall is too narrow. It does not include my vehicle but I have the same problem. Many other Q7 owners do as well. The Audi dealership will not honor repair or replacement, not even under warranty. The only way to fix this problem according to Audi is to purchase a new light assembly for over $6,000. Please expand the existing recall to cover all impacted owners.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 AUDI Q7, Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Incident: Feb 2024
Oct 2024

The front left side marker lighting is defective. This was a recall but only on certain VIN numbers, although it appears the recall should’ve covered more VINs.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 AUDI Q7, Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Incident: Aug 2024
Sep 2024

"front left" or "front right" "side marker light defective" message

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 AUDI Q7, Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Incident: Sep 2024
Aug 2024

The front side marker lights are defective see manual warning. Called dealer and they said the headlight needs replacement at a cost of over 6 thousand dollars. There is a recall for this but my vin number is not included.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 AUDI Q7, Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Incident: Aug 2024
Aug 2024

My car side marker light defective code is on. These cars had a recall “ Audi recall campaign 97CB (NHTSA campaign ID 16V642000” dealer says I need to replace the headlight assembly. But I believe dealers should fix the issue as it’ was a safety recall. Please assist me with this issue. Thank you

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 AUDI Q7, Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Incident: Aug 2024
Aug 2024

The front left side market light defective message is coming up. I read a recall had been done for this for some VINS but not all. How do I get it on the recall list?

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 AUDI Q7, Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Incident: Aug 2024
Aug 2024

Received “left front side marker deficient” warning. Warning appears when lights are turned on. Have been made aware that this issue may have been addressed for some, but not all, 2017 Q7s in a previous recall. This is a safety issue as the car could be less visible at night. Audi charging several thousand dollars for a new headlight assembly; should fix problem for free as it is a well known issue for this year of Q7 at this point.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 AUDI Q7, Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Incident: Aug 2024
Aug 2024

The "front right-side marker light is defective" message illuminated in my dash February 2024 when my car is in the garage or gets dark. It does not impact the functions of the car and there is an amber reflector beneath it. According to Federal Law, these are necessary to be visible to others, and without these my car will not pass inspection. However, due to the engineering of the vehicle it requires $5000 to fix. It requires replacing the entire headlight assembly, which is a poor design for the consumer but benefit to the manufacturer. The Audi recall campaign 97CB (NHTSA campaign ID 16 V 642000) addresses this exact issue and applies to some affected VIN numbers but not all. It appears that this issue is happening to MANY more owners outside of the VIN numbers that qualify for the recall. If this is an issue with 2017 Audi Q7s , all 2017 Q7s should be included in the recall.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 AUDI Q7, Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Incident: Feb 2024
Aug 2024

Error message: Front Right Side Marker Light Defective. Recall was made for 2017 Q7's : 16V-642 but did not include my VIN. Dealer wants to charge $3500 to fix. Error appears everyone time lights are put on.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 AUDI Q7, Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2024
Aug 2024

Side marker light defective message appears erroneously. Side marker light is intact and functional. Error message is a distraction and will fail to accurately notify of real issues with side marker light.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 AUDI Q7, Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Incident: Aug 2024
Aug 2024

I never received an recall for this issue below and my vehicle is having this problem. My safety is being put at risk due to this. Please help. I'm requesting this recall to reimburse for costs of repair which is $5100.00. Recall no. 16V642000 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." Recall consequence If the side marker lights do not illuminate, the vehicle may be less visible at night, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall action 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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 AUDI Q7, Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Incident: Aug 2024
Jul 2024

The contact owns a 2017 Audi Q7. The contact stated that a message indicating that the side markers were inoperable was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who confirmed that the side markers were inoperable. The dealer confirmed that the failure was related to the NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V642000 (Exterior Lighting); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 100,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 AUDI Q7, Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Incident: Jul 2024
Jun 2024

Error code showing left front marker light defective. Dealer asking $5500 to repair. Many other complaints about this issue in online chats.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 AUDI Q7, Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2024

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Quick Summary

The 2017 Audi Q7 has 92 Exterior Lighting complaints on file. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.