Used Audi Q7 2015-present reliability

When viewing a used car, always follow our used car buying checklist.

Although it's not aimed solely at the off-road brigade, it’s worth checking the underside of any Q7 for damage that might have been incurred on the rough stuff. Check the bodywork carefully, because this is a large car that will have been used in tight urban spaces. Also check the alloy wheels for damage.

So far, reported problems are few. Most centre around the non-engine electrics, so make sure all the electrical goodies work as they should.

On top of that, spare parts are expensive, although there are a number of independent specialists who will look after your Q7 for prices that are generally cheaper than an Audi main dealer's.

Gearbox oil leak

Oil might escape from a faulty joint in the gearbox oil line of Q7s manufactured from 1 September to 31 December 2019. Speak to an Audi dealer to find out if your car is affected, because the line will need to be replaced to solve the problem.

Front shock absorbers

There have been issues reported regarding the front shock absorber forks on Q7s built from 27 November and 18 December 2018. Check with an Audi dealer if your Q7 is among those affected, because the forks will need to be replaced if it is.

Third-row seats

In the event of a collision, the third-row seats of some Q7s constructed between 1 May 2015 and 30 September 2016 could deform. An additional support bracket can be installed at an Audi dealer to prevent this from occurring.

Front headrests

The locking mechanism in the front headrests might not function correctly in examples made from 1 July to 30 September 2019, and will need to be replaced. Speak to an Audi dealer for further information.

Connection between steering shaft and steering rack can work loose

A small number of Q7 models built between 1 June 2015 and 28 February 2019 could have a problem where the bolts connecting the steering rack and steering shaft can work loose. Speak to an Audi dealer to find out if your vehicle is affected by this, because it'll need to be inspected by a technician if it is.

Overheating

A heating element in front of the forward-facing camera in the windscreen can overheat on some examples manufactured from 1 August to 14 November 2019. If yours is affected, it'll need to have modifications carried out by a technician at an Audi dealer and also have updated software installed.

Faulty crash sensors airbag/restraint systems in both front doors

Certain Q7s, though very few, might have faulty crash sensors fitted in both of the car's front doors. These are connected to its side airbags. Only 31 examples are said to have been affected by this recall, which was issued in 2020. The sensors can be checked by an Audi dealer and, if faulty, be replaced at no cost to you.

Rear axle suspension link nuts might not meet specification

One or more nuts that do not meet the specifications might have been fitted on the rear axle suspension links. This recall, issued in 2021, is said to have affected 10,089 vehicles and can be resolved by contacting your local Audi dealer and having the problem fixed at no cost to owners.

Click here for more information. Contact your nearest Audi dealer if you believe your vehicle is involved in a recall.

Our latest reliability data shows the Q7 to be quite unreliable; it received a rating of 80.8% and finished in last place in the seven-seater class out of a field of 12 cars.

Reliability rating 80.8%

Although the Audi Q7's fault rate of 33% isn't sky high, the fact that many repairs were eye-wateringly expensive dented the ownership experience for some. Audi only covered the cost of 50% of repair work, leaving some owners with bills of up to £750 and a quarter had to pay more than £1500 to get their cars fixed.

Most cars could still be driven, but only 13% of issues were resolved in a day or less; 63% took up to a week and the rest took longer than a week. A range of electrical issues were the most common complaints, and there were some reports of problems with engines, too.

Audi as a brand didn't do much better, finishing in 24th place out of 31 manufacturers in the same survey. Its score was 89.0%, which put it below all its main rivals, including BMW and Mercedes, but above Land Rover and Alfa Romeo.

Used Audi Q7 reliability: the owners' view

In our latest Reliability Survey, What Car? readers said the Audi Q7 (2015-present) has a mixed record when it comes to reliability and dealer support.

Several owners reported electronic faults, including issues with warning lights and infotainment systems, which often required trips to the dealer for resets or replacements. Diesel models were more likely to suffer from emissions-related problems and noisy engine operation, particularly on cold starts. One owner mentioned a persistent fault with the AdBlue system, which wasn’t resolved even after multiple visits to the dealership.

While some readers praised the professionalism of Audi’s dealer network, others were less impressed. Complaints ranged from slow diagnostics to long waits for parts, especially for more complex repairs. Costs for out-of-warranty work were also noted as high. Overall, while some Q7s ran fault-free, others proved expensive and time-consuming to maintain.