Audi Q7 C-Pillar Padding Doesn't Absorb Impact
medium How serious is it? About this label
In a crash, an unbelted occupant's head could hit the C-pillar padding, increasing the risk of injury. The notice does not tell owners to stop driving.
Key facts
| NHTSA campaign number | 20V658000 |
|---|---|
| Reported to NHTSA | Oct 27, 2020 |
| Manufacturer | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. |
| Part affected | Structure:body:roof And Pillars |
| Vehicles covered | 3 model/year combinations, model years 2018–2020 |
| Do-not-drive advisory | No |
| Park-outside advisory | No |
| Repair | Free at any franchised dealer |
What's wrong, in plain English
The padding on the vehicle's C-pillar may not absorb enough impact in the event of a crash.
What you should do
2. Contact an Audi dealer at 1-800-253-2834 to schedule the repair.
3. The repair is free.
Where do I find my VIN, and what do I tell the dealer?
Your VIN is the 17-character code on the lower left of the windshield, on your registration and usually on your insurance card. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether this recall is still open on your car. When you call the dealer, say you have an open safety recall and give them NHTSA campaign number 20V658000. More in how recalls work.
Affected vehicles (3)
Who to contact
Audi — official Audi recall lookup
Customer service: 1-800-253-2834
The bigger picture
- Audi Structure Recalls Cover Loose Trim and Occupant Protection · all 4 Audi recalls in this area
Other Audi Q7 recalls
- Dec 19, 2025Audi rearview camera may fail to show imagemedium
- Nov 12, 2025Audi Q7 and Q8 Seat Belt Buckle Missing Rivethigh
- Mar 31, 2025Audi Models: Instrument Panel Display May Failmedium
- Apr 3, 2024Audi SUVs and A4 Allroad Risk Passenger Airbag Shutoffhigh
- Dec 20, 2023Audi Q7 and Q8 Side Airbag Mountinghigh
- Mar 29, 2023Audi Q7 Windshield Camera Heater May Overheatcritical
Official notice
- Component
- STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
- Summary
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Audi Q7 vehicles. The padding on the vehicle's C-pillar may not absorb enough impact in the event of a crash.
- Safety risk
- In the event of a crash, an unbelted occupant's head may impact the vehicle's C-pillar padding, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the deformation element on the C-pillars, free of charge. The recall began November 17, 2020. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 70H8.
Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov. Recall repairs are free of charge by law.