Recall 20V658 affects 94,144 2018-2020 Audi Q7 SUVs for C-pillar padding with inadequate crash-impact absorption. Repair is free at any franchised Audi dealer.
Audi is recalling 94,144 2018-2020 Q7 SUVs because the C-pillar padding has insufficient impact absorption in a crash. If an unbelted occupant's head hits that area, injury risk increases; Audi dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The C-pillar is the rear roof pillar beside the cargo area of a 2018-2020 Audi Q7. It helps support the roof structure, and its interior trim includes padding called a deformation element. In a side or upper-interior head impact, that element is supposed to compress and absorb energy so the occupant's head does not take the full force against the pillar.
On affected Q7 SUVs, the deformation element at the C-pillar was built outside Audi's weight tolerance. That difference changes how the padding crushes in a crash. Audi's testing found that the part did not meet the head injury limit required by FMVSS 201u, which means the pillar padding does not absorb impact energy as designed.
There is no warning sign before failure. The part sits behind interior trim, so an owner will not hear, feel, or see a symptom during normal driving.
Who's affected?
All listed Q7 model years point to the same area of the vehicle: body structure at the roof and pillars.
| 2020 Audi Q7 | body structure |
|---|---|
| 2018 Audi Q7 | body structure |
| 2019 Audi Q7 | body structure |
| Units affected | 94,144 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
This recall is about crash protection, not a drivability problem. In a crash, an unbelted occupant's head can hit the vehicle's C-pillar padding, increasing injury risk. If your VIN is included, make sure every occupant is belted and schedule the repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Audi dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018-2020 Audi Q7 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Audi dealer to schedule the free C-pillar deformation-element replacement that addresses padding with insufficient crash-impact absorption.
- Bring the recall notice if Audi mailed one. Reference recall number 20V658 and Audi recall 70H8 when you call.
- Keep all occupants buckled until the repair is complete, because the recall identifies an injury risk for an unbelted occupant in a crash.
- Call Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834 with questions about the repair or dealer scheduling.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Audi technician replaces the deformation element on the C-pillars. That part is padding near the rear roof support, and the recall repair is free. Parts and labor are covered under campaign 20V658. Audi has a general reimbursement plan on file for this recall. If you already paid out of pocket for a related C-pillar padding repair, bring repair paperwork and payment documentation to the service desk or contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| October 27, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 17, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
| December 23, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| December 23, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| December 23, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V658?
Recall 20V658 covers 94,144 2018-2020 Audi Q7 SUVs with C-pillar padding that does not absorb enough impact in a crash. An unbelted occupant's head can strike that area, increasing injury risk. Audi dealers replace the deformation element on the C-pillars for free.
What should I do if my 2018-2020 Audi Q7 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Q7 is included in recall 20V658. If it is, contact a franchised Audi dealer and ask for recall 70H8. The dealer will replace the C-pillar deformation element at no charge.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Audi dealers replace the deformation element on the C-pillars free of charge, regardless of where you bought the vehicle.
What is the safety risk in recall 20V658?
The risk is head injury during a crash. Audi reported that the C-pillar padding does not absorb enough impact, so an unbelted occupant's head can hit the C-pillar area. The repair replaces the C-pillar deformation element to restore the intended crash protection.
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 Q7 is included, then call a franchised Audi dealer and reference recall 70H8.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V658000 |
|---|---|
| Audi customer service | 1-800-253-2834 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V658 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V658000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →