Recall 16V641 affects 19,205 2017 Audi Q7 vehicles for a third-row seat-back defect. Repair is free at any franchised Audi dealer.
Audi is recalling 19,205 2017 Q7 SUVs because the third-row seat back can move forward under load, including in a frontal collision. If the seat does not stay adjusted, an occupant faces increased injury risk in a crash, and Audi dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The third-row seat back in the 2017 Audi Q7 is part of the rear seating structure. Its lower transverse pipe is a cross tube that helps tie the seat frame together, so the seat back stays locked in position when force is applied. In normal use, that structure helps keep the seating system stable for passengers in the rear row.
On affected Q7 vehicles, the lower transverse pipe in the third-row seat was improperly manufactured. That defect weakens the seat structure. Under load, such as in a frontal collision, the third-row seat back can move forward instead of holding its intended position. Audi's repair adds support to the seat structure.
There is no warning sign before failure. The seat can look and feel normal until a collision load exposes the weak structure.
Who's affected?
| 2017 Audi Q7 | seat assembly |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 19,205 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2017 Audi Q7 is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the third row seat does not stay locked in its adjusted position, an occupant has a higher injury risk during a crash. Have passengers avoid that seat position until the dealer installs the added support bracket. Repair is free at any franchised Audi dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017 Audi Q7 is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Audi dealer to schedule the free third-row seat support bracket installation that helps keep the seat back from moving forward under load.
- Bring the recall notice if Audi mailed one. If not, reference recall number 16V641 and Audi recall 72F8 when you call.
- Avoid using the third row for passengers until the seat bracket repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Audi technician installs an additional support bracket to the third row seat so the seat back is supported under load. The recall repair is free, including parts and labor. Audi's general reimbursement plan is on file for owners who already paid from pocket for a related seat repair before recall service. Bring repair paperwork to the service desk, and ask Audi customer service how to submit documented expenses under that plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| September 6, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 26, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
| September 26, 2016 | Dealer notification ended |
| November 1, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
| November 1, 2016 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| November 1, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V641?
Recall 16V641 covers 19,205 2017 Audi Q7 vehicles with a third-row seat back that can move forward under load during a frontal collision. Audi dealers will install an additional support bracket to the seat 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 16V641. If it is, contact a franchised Audi dealer and ask for the seat support bracket repair. Reference recall number 16V641 or Audi recall 72F8 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to perform the recall repair at no cost. Audi dealers will install the additional third-row seat support bracket free of charge, including parts and labor.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is increased injury risk for a third-row occupant in a crash. If the seat back does not stay in its adjusted position under load, the occupant has less protection during the crash. The fix is the free dealer-installed support bracket.
What if I bought my Audi Q7 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2017 Audi Q7 is included, then contact an Audi dealer and reference recall 16V641.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V641000 |
|---|---|
| Audi customer service | 1-800-253-2834 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V641 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V641000 |
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 →