This technical service bulletin informs the reader that damage to the appearance of the leather steering wheel caused by outside influence is not covered under warranty. 2008-2020 A3, 2015-2020 A3 Cabrio, 2005-2016 A3 Sportback, 2005-2020 A4, 2010-2020 A4 allroad, 2005-2012 A4 Avant, 2005-2009 A4 Cabrio, 2010-2020 A5 Cabrio, 2008-2020 A5 Coupe, 2018-2020 A5 Sportback, 2005-2020 A6, 2005-2011 A6 Avant, 2008-2020 A7, 2005-2020 A8, 2008-2019 e-tron, 2019-2020 e-tron quattro, 2015-2020 Q3, 2009-2020 Q5, 2007-2020 Q7, 2019-2020 Q8, 2008-2020 R8 Coupe, 2011-2020 R8 Spyder, 2017-2019 RS3, 2007-2008 RS4, 2008 RS4 Cabrio, 2010-2020 RS5, 2010-2020 RS5 Cabrio, 2016-2018 RS6, 2016-2018 RS7, 2004-2012 S4
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2007 Audi Q7 steering problems
moderate 5 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Complaints
5
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
What stands out
No new NHTSA steering complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 18 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering steering on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 46 number 14-86 dated July 14, 2014. DO NOT use this TSB if there is another TSB for same concern applicable to the VIN. This TSB is only intended for diagnostic purposes and does not serve as a guideline for determining warrantable conditions. Customer may report that the steering wheel vibrates or pulsates when the brakes are applied. driving style, environmental conditions, and service history of the vehicle. Additionally, as brake pads and discs wear, their dampening ability is reduced. Disc thickness variation (DTV) is a common condition that contributes to brake pulsation. DTV occurs when the two braking surfaces of the brake disc are no long
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Customer reports that the ignition sporadically cannot be switched on. DTC 00456 (Access/start control module -J518- no communication) is found in several control modules or the access/start authorization control module, J518 (address word 05), identifies itself with implausible data can be found through guided fault finding (GFF). If no communication is possible, activate the bus by switching on the hazard warning lights. It should now be possible to carry out a diagnosis. If DTC 00288 (Steering column lock actuator-N360, faulty) is logged in the access/start authorization control module, J518 (address word 05), this bulletin does not apply. Proceed according to GFF. Incorrect software.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 48 number 13-54 dated September 13, 2013. Steering wheel appearance damaged due to external impact (e.g., contact with finger nails, zippers, watches, rings, etc.). External impact (e.g., contact with finger nails, zippers, watches, rings etc.) can cause damage to the appearance of the steering wheel. This type of damage is not warrantable, as numerous investigations have shown that there is no fault in material or workmanship.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Steering wheel leather damage, all vehicles
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Vehicle has severe steering wheel shaking/vibration during normal highway driving which also leads to bad wheel alignment. Road noise is very noticeable and loud. *tr
Had steering trouble with your 2007 Audi Q7?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the steering problem on the 2007 Audi Q7?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 5 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $700 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Based on the 5 complaints filed, steering issues most often appear around 139,000 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $700 for steering repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2007/Audi/Q7.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.