Recall 16V519 affects 14,535 2017 Audi Q7 vehicles for excessive air bag deployment force. Repair will be free at any franchised Audi dealer once available.
Audi is recalling 14,535 2017 Q7 SUVs because a software issue in the air bag control module can make the frontal air bags deploy with more force than required in certain crashes. Excessive air bag force can raise injury risk, and the dealer repair will be free once Audi makes it available.
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What's wrong?
The air bag control module in the 2017 Audi Q7 is the computer that reads crash sensor signals and decides when the frontal air bags deploy. In a crash, that module is supposed to match deployment timing and force to the impact scenario so the air bags protect occupants as designed.
On affected Q7 vehicles, the problem is in the module software. A parameterizing error in the triggering algorithm means the software uses the wrong deployment instructions for certain crashes. In that situation, the frontal air bags deploy with more force than required, which is why the vehicle does not meet the occupant crash protection standard. The dealer fix is updated software with corrected parameters.
There is no warning sign before failure. The issue is inside the control module software, so an owner should not expect a dashboard light, sound, or change in how the Q7 drives before the air bag system is needed.
Who's affected?
| 2017 Audi Q7 | front air bag |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 14,535 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2017 Audi Q7 SUV is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
Excessive air bag deployment force increases injury risk during a crash. There is no warning sign before deployment, so confirm your VIN and ask the Audi dealer how to handle the vehicle until the software update is available. Repair will be free at any franchised Audi dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017 Audi Q7 is included in this recall.
- Confirm Audi's owner notice for recall number 16V519 before scheduling service.
- Contact a franchised Audi dealer and ask whether the free air bag control module software update is ready for your VIN.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it, and reference recall number 16V519 when you call.
- Drive with extra care until the software update is complete, because the frontal air bags can deploy with excessive force in certain crashes.
What happens at the repair
The September 2016 remedy notice described the dealer fix as an air bag control module software update. Because the final remedy status is still under development here, treat the software update as the repair Audi will provide once it is available. At that point, an Audi technician will update the air bag control module software, and the dealer repair will be free under recall 16V519. Audi states that it will not offer a customer reimbursement program for this campaign, so prior out of pocket repairs are not reimbursed through a recall reimbursement plan.
| Reimbursement | No separate reimbursement |
|---|
Timeline
| July 8, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 6, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V519?
Recall 16V519 covers 14,535 2017 Audi Q7 vehicles with air bag control module software that can make the frontal air bags deploy with more force than required in certain crashes. That excessive force increases injury risk. Audi dealers update the air bag control module software for free.
What should I do if my 2017 Audi Q7 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Q7 is included in recall 16V519. If it is, contact a franchised Audi dealer to schedule the air bag control module software update. Reference recall number 16V519 and Audi recall number 69O3 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Audi dealers update the air bag control module software free of charge. The remedy notice says the recall began in September 2016.
What is the safety risk?
The frontal air bags can deploy with more force than required in certain crashes. Excessive deployment force increases the risk of injury, which is why the software update matters even if the air bag system appears normal during daily driving.
What if I bought my Audi Q7 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN, then call a franchised Audi dealer with recall number 16V519 and Audi recall number 69O3 to confirm the repair path for your vehicle.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V519000 |
|---|---|
| Audi customer service | 1-800-253-2834 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V519 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V519000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →