100% Free

No Scanner Needed

Carly logo

eberhard_drache1

Audi Q7 Height Control Failure Causes Uneven Ride

Fault stored

|

Warning light in the speedometer of the vehicle

|

Headlamp leveller malfunction

|

Bumpy ride

|

Uneven Ride Height

My 2018 Audi Q7 is having trouble with its height control system. The automotive suspension warning light stays on, and the car sits noticeably uneven between front and rear. The ride height seems incorrect, making the low beams point incorrectly and causing an uncomfortable, bumpy ride. The system shows a fault code for restricted height control. Has anyone experienced similar symptoms with their leveling system? I am particularly interested in hearing about successful fixes and what parts needed replacement. The height sensor seems suspect, but I would appreciate input before heading to a workshop. Any insights about repair costs and typical repair time would also be helpful. Looking forward to your experiences and suggestions for troubleshooting this height adjustment issue.

4 comment(s)


mikafischer5

I had a similar issue with my 2016 Audi Q8. As someone with moderate experience working on cars, I first thought it was just a routine height sensor calibration problem. The automotive suspension warning kept coming on, and the leveling system was acting up just like yours. After some basic troubleshooting, my workshop found that the control rod connecting to the leveling sensor was defective. The whole repair, including parts and labor, cost 110 Euro and took about 2 hours to complete. The control module was reading incorrect height values because of this faulty connection, causing the suspension to behave erratically. Once replaced, the system returned to normal operation, and the warning lights cleared up. Before suggesting specific fixes, it would help to know: Have you noticed any unusual noises from the suspension? Did this start suddenly or develop gradually? Have you had any recent suspension work done? Does the height vary depending on temperature or weather? This kind of issue with the leveling system can sometimes be related to other components, so these details would help narrow down the exact cause in your case.

eberhard_drache1 (Author)

Thanks for sharing your experience. I am at 175011 KM and just had my regular service last month. The suspension issue started gradually over about 2 weeks. No unusual noises from the suspension components, but the load sensor seems to be acting up more during cold mornings. The leveling system warning comes on after driving for about 10 minutes. My local workshop checked the height adjustment and found the rear leveling sensor is showing inconsistent readings. They suggested replacing both rear sensors as a set. Before I commit to this repair, I wanted to verify if this matches what others experienced with similar symptoms. Looking to avoid unnecessary parts replacement if the issue might be elsewhere in the system.

mikafischer5

Based on your mileage and symptoms, this definitely sounds similar to what I experienced. After my initial repair of the control rod, I actually had the same issue return about 6 months later, and it turned out the sensors themselves were the real culprit. The inconsistent readings during cold weather are particularly telling, this matches exactly what happened with my Q8. The leveling sensors become more erratic in cold conditions when they start failing. In my case, replacing just one sensor didnt fully resolve the air suspension issues, so your workshops suggestion to replace the pair makes sense. The repair for both sensors cost 380 Euro and took about 3 hours. The height adjustment system worked flawlessly afterward, and the automotive suspension warning light hasnt returned. The bumpy ride quality improved significantly, and the headlight alignment corrected itself once the leveling system was working properly again. Waiting to repair this could lead to additional stress on other suspension components, so while its not an emergency, I wouldnt delay too long. The symptoms you describe are very typical for failing level sensors, especially at your mileage point.

eberhard_drache1 (Author)

Thank you all for the helpful responses. After reviewing your feedback and comparing it to my situation, I feel more confident about proceeding with the sensor replacement. The symptoms you described with the air suspension system, especially the cold weather behavior, match my experience exactly. I have scheduled the repair for next week to replace both rear leveling sensors. The quoted price of 425 Euro seems reasonable based on what others paid. The workshop estimates 3-4 hours for the complete height adjustment system repair, including calibration of the new sensors. I will update this thread after the repair to confirm if replacing the height sensors resolves the control module warnings and uneven suspension issues. This information might help others facing similar problems with their leveling system. Thanks again for helping me understand the root cause. Having real-world experiences to compare against made me feel much better about committing to this repair.

Let our mechanics help you!

Car Brands
carly-logo

© 2025 Carly Solutions GmbH & Co. KG. All rights reserved