Recall 23V212 affects 19 2020 Audi Q7 vehicles for an overheating front camera heater. Repair is free at any franchised Audi dealer.
Audi is recalling 19 2020 Q7 vehicles because front camera control software is incompatible with the windshield camera heating element, which can overheat. An overheated element can increase the risk of a fire, and Audi dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The heating film near the 2020 Audi Q7's front camera warms the windshield area around the camera lens. That helps the forward camera keep a clear view for driver-assistance functions that use the camera. The camera control software decides when that heater turns on and how it runs.
On affected Q7 SUVs, the camera control software and heating film do not work together correctly. The software can activate the heater in a way that overheats the film. Audi traced the issue to old front camera control software, then changed the target data container so the camera uses updated heater control parameters. The heater element is also replaced to protect against poor bonding or prior heat damage.
There is no warning sign before failure. Because the problem is inside the camera heater control, the owner has no clear sound, light, or change in driving feel that signals the heater is overheating.
Who's affected?
| 2020 Audi Q7 | Camera |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 19 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 1 field incident to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
An overheated front camera heater element can increase the risk of a fire. The recall lists no warning sign before overheating, so confirm your VIN and schedule the repair soon if included. Repair is free at any franchised Audi dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020 Audi Q7 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Audi dealer to schedule the free front-camera software update and heater-element replacement that fixes the overheating fire risk.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. Reference recall number 23V212 and Audi recall 90N7 when you call.
- Call Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834 with questions about the repair or dealer appointment.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Audi technician updates the front camera control software and replaces the heater element for the windshield camera. The recall repair is free, including parts and labor. Audi says it will offer a reimbursement plan under this recall. If you paid out of pocket for a related front camera heater repair before the recall work, ask Audi customer service or the dealer service desk how to submit documentation for review.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| March 29, 2023 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 10, 2023 | Owner notification mailed |
| May 26, 2023 | Dealer notification began |
| May 26, 2023 | Dealer notification ended |
| May 26, 2023 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| May 26, 2023 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 23V212?
Recall 23V212 covers 19 2020 Audi Q7 vehicles with front camera control software that is incompatible with the windshield camera heater element. The heater element can overheat and increase fire risk. Audi dealers will update the control software and replace the heater element for free.
What should I do if my 2020 Audi Q7 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Q7 is included in recall 23V212. If it is, contact a franchised Audi dealer to schedule the software update and front camera heater element replacement. Reference recall 23V212 or Audi recall 90N7 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Audi will update the front camera control software and replace the heater element free of charge at any franchised Audi dealer.
What is the safety risk for this Audi Q7 recall?
The safety risk is fire. Audi reported that incompatible front camera control software and windshield camera heater hardware can cause the heater element to overheat. The free dealer repair replaces the heater element and updates the control software to correct the defect.
What if I bought this 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 23V212 or Audi recall 90N7.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/23V212000 |
|---|---|
| Audi customer service | 1-800-253-2834 |
| NHTSA recall # | 23V212 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 23V212000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →