Audi Q7: best & worst years

Based on CarVitals reliability verdicts, the Audi Q7 years to approach with the most caution are 2007 and 2017. The strongest years in our data are 2020, 2022, 2023, and 2024. Below is every model year we cover (2007–2024), ranked, with the owner-reported problems behind each call.

Every Audi Q7 year, ranked

YearVerdictScoreTop owner-reported problems
2024 Recommended 6 Infotainment (MMI) and electrical glitches reported on post-facelift cars, including screen/connectivity faults and spurious warning messages; complaints concentrate on the 2021 model year.; Cars with the optional adaptive air suspension face costly age-related wear, air struts and the compressor are expensive to replace (a single strut runs well over two thousand dollars). Check ride height and listen for compressor noise. Full report ↗
2023 Recommended 6 Infotainment (MMI) and electrical glitches reported on post-facelift cars, including screen/connectivity faults and spurious warning messages; complaints concentrate on the 2021 model year.; Cars with the optional adaptive air suspension face costly age-related wear, air struts and the compressor are expensive to replace (a single strut runs well over two thousand dollars). Check ride height and listen for compressor noise. Full report ↗
2022 Recommended 6 Infotainment (MMI) and electrical glitches reported on post-facelift cars, including screen/connectivity faults and spurious warning messages; complaints concentrate on the 2021 model year.; Cars with the optional adaptive air suspension face costly age-related wear, air struts and the compressor are expensive to replace (a single strut runs well over two thousand dollars). Check ride height and listen for compressor noise. Full report ↗
2020 Recommended 6 Infotainment (MMI) and electrical glitches reported on post-facelift cars, including screen/connectivity faults and spurious warning messages; complaints concentrate on the 2021 model year.; Cars with the optional adaptive air suspension face costly age-related wear, air struts and the compressor are expensive to replace (a single strut runs well over two thousand dollars). Check ride height and listen for compressor noise. Full report ↗
2021 Caution 5 Infotainment (MMI) and electrical glitches reported on post-facelift cars, including screen/connectivity faults and spurious warning messages; complaints concentrate on the 2021 model year.; Cars with the optional adaptive air suspension face costly age-related wear, air struts and the compressor are expensive to replace (a single strut runs well over two thousand dollars). Check ride height and listen for compressor noise. Full report ↗
2019 Caution 5 The 3.0T V6 can consume excessive oil from worn piston rings, leading to fouled cylinders and, in severe cases, engine failure; the defect prompted a class action and a warranty extension and is worst on 2017-2018 build years. Confirm oil-consumption history.; LED side-marker lights inside the sealed headlight assembly trigger a persistent "side marker light defective" warning even when the light works; the headlight unit is expensive to replace (NHTSA recall 16V642000 / campaign 97CB, heavily on 2017).; Rear coil springs can fracture, sometimes with little warning, with owners reporting breakage around the 60,000-mile mark; dealers describe it as a common failure. Full report ↗
2014 Caution 5 The plastic fuel-sender/pump flange can crack and leak fuel, a fire risk that prompted NHTSA recall 16V660000; leaks have recurred even after the recall fix. Inspect for fuel odor underneath.; As these cars age, the adaptive air suspension (uneven ride height, strut and compressor failure) becomes an expensive, recurring repair.; Timing-chain tensioner wear on the 4.2 V8 and 3.0/4.2 TDI engines produces a cold-start rattle and is a costly repair if left unaddressed. Full report ↗
2013 Caution 5 The plastic fuel-sender/pump flange can crack and leak fuel, a fire risk that prompted NHTSA recall 16V660000; leaks have recurred even after the recall fix. Inspect for fuel odor underneath.; As these cars age, the adaptive air suspension (uneven ride height, strut and compressor failure) becomes an expensive, recurring repair.; Timing-chain tensioner wear on the 4.2 V8 and 3.0/4.2 TDI engines produces a cold-start rattle and is a costly repair if left unaddressed. Full report ↗
2012 Caution 5 The plastic fuel-sender/pump flange can crack and leak fuel, a fire risk that prompted NHTSA recall 16V660000; leaks have recurred even after the recall fix. Inspect for fuel odor underneath.; As these cars age, the adaptive air suspension (uneven ride height, strut and compressor failure) becomes an expensive, recurring repair.; Timing-chain tensioner wear on the 4.2 V8 and 3.0/4.2 TDI engines produces a cold-start rattle and is a costly repair if left unaddressed. Full report ↗
2011 Caution 5 The plastic fuel-sender/pump flange can crack and leak fuel, a fire risk that prompted NHTSA recall 16V660000; leaks have recurred even after the recall fix. Inspect for fuel odor underneath.; As these cars age, the adaptive air suspension (uneven ride height, strut and compressor failure) becomes an expensive, recurring repair.; Timing-chain tensioner wear on the 4.2 V8 and 3.0/4.2 TDI engines produces a cold-start rattle and is a costly repair if left unaddressed. Full report ↗
2018 Caution 4 The 3.0T V6 can consume excessive oil from worn piston rings, leading to fouled cylinders and, in severe cases, engine failure; the defect prompted a class action and a warranty extension and is worst on 2017-2018 build years. Confirm oil-consumption history.; LED side-marker lights inside the sealed headlight assembly trigger a persistent "side marker light defective" warning even when the light works; the headlight unit is expensive to replace (NHTSA recall 16V642000 / campaign 97CB, heavily on 2017).; Rear coil springs can fracture, sometimes with little warning, with owners reporting breakage around the 60,000-mile mark; dealers describe it as a common failure. Full report ↗
2015 Caution 4 The plastic fuel-sender/pump flange can crack and leak fuel, a fire risk that prompted NHTSA recall 16V660000; leaks have recurred even after the recall fix. Inspect for fuel odor underneath.; As these cars age, the adaptive air suspension (uneven ride height, strut and compressor failure) becomes an expensive, recurring repair.; Timing-chain tensioner wear on the 4.2 V8 and 3.0/4.2 TDI engines produces a cold-start rattle and is a costly repair if left unaddressed. Full report ↗
2010 Caution 4 Clogged panoramic-sunroof drains let water leak onto the amplifier and battery under the seat, causing MMI failures, electrical faults and no-start conditions; worst on early build years. Check carpets and the drain channels.; The fuel-sender/pump flange can crack and leak fuel, a fire hazard addressed by NHTSA recall 16V660000; inspect for fuel smell under the rear seat.; The optional adaptive air suspension is a known weak point with age, showing uneven ride height and compressor/strut failures that are expensive to fix. Full report ↗
2009 Caution 4 Clogged panoramic-sunroof drains let water leak onto the amplifier and battery under the seat, causing MMI failures, electrical faults and no-start conditions; worst on early build years. Check carpets and the drain channels.; The fuel-sender/pump flange can crack and leak fuel, a fire hazard addressed by NHTSA recall 16V660000; inspect for fuel smell under the rear seat.; The optional adaptive air suspension is a known weak point with age, showing uneven ride height and compressor/strut failures that are expensive to fix. Full report ↗
2008 Caution 4 Clogged panoramic-sunroof drains let water leak onto the amplifier and battery under the seat, causing MMI failures, electrical faults and no-start conditions; worst on early build years. Check carpets and the drain channels.; The fuel-sender/pump flange can crack and leak fuel, a fire hazard addressed by NHTSA recall 16V660000; inspect for fuel smell under the rear seat.; The optional adaptive air suspension is a known weak point with age, showing uneven ride height and compressor/strut failures that are expensive to fix. Full report ↗
2017 Avoid 3 The 3.0T V6 can consume excessive oil from worn piston rings, leading to fouled cylinders and, in severe cases, engine failure; the defect prompted a class action and a warranty extension and is worst on 2017-2018 build years. Confirm oil-consumption history.; LED side-marker lights inside the sealed headlight assembly trigger a persistent "side marker light defective" warning even when the light works; the headlight unit is expensive to replace (NHTSA recall 16V642000 / campaign 97CB, heavily on 2017).; Rear coil springs can fracture, sometimes with little warning, with owners reporting breakage around the 60,000-mile mark; dealers describe it as a common failure. Full report ↗
2007 Avoid 3 Clogged panoramic-sunroof drains let water leak onto the amplifier and battery under the seat, causing MMI failures, electrical faults and no-start conditions; worst on early build years. Check carpets and the drain channels.; The fuel-sender/pump flange can crack and leak fuel, a fire hazard addressed by NHTSA recall 16V660000; inspect for fuel smell under the rear seat.; The optional adaptive air suspension is a known weak point with age, showing uneven ride height and compressor/strut failures that are expensive to fix. Full report ↗

Audi Q7 problems by year

2024 Audi Q7 Recommended

The post-facelift 2024 Q7 has the strongest reliability record of the line and a refined, well-built cabin, though insurance and upkeep stay high.

  • Infotainment (MMI) and electrical glitches reported on post-facelift cars, including screen/connectivity faults and spurious warning messages; complaints concentrate on the 2021 model year.
  • Cars with the optional adaptive air suspension face costly age-related wear, air struts and the compressor are expensive to replace (a single strut runs well over two thousand dollars). Check ride height and listen for compressor noise.

2023 Audi Q7 Recommended

A late post-facelift 2023 Q7 offers upscale comfort with few reported problems; expect premium-grade maintenance and fuel costs.

  • Infotainment (MMI) and electrical glitches reported on post-facelift cars, including screen/connectivity faults and spurious warning messages; complaints concentrate on the 2021 model year.
  • Cars with the optional adaptive air suspension face costly age-related wear, air struts and the compressor are expensive to replace (a single strut runs well over two thousand dollars). Check ride height and listen for compressor noise.

2022 Audi Q7 Recommended

One of the cleanest Q7 years for reliability, refined and capable, but it remains an expensive luxury SUV to run.

  • Infotainment (MMI) and electrical glitches reported on post-facelift cars, including screen/connectivity faults and spurious warning messages; complaints concentrate on the 2021 model year.
  • Cars with the optional adaptive air suspension face costly age-related wear, air struts and the compressor are expensive to replace (a single strut runs well over two thousand dollars). Check ride height and listen for compressor noise.

2021 Audi Q7 Caution

The 2021 Q7 is comfortable and capable, but infotainment and electrical complaints plus high upkeep temper its value.

  • Infotainment (MMI) and electrical glitches reported on post-facelift cars, including screen/connectivity faults and spurious warning messages; complaints concentrate on the 2021 model year.
  • Cars with the optional adaptive air suspension face costly age-related wear, air struts and the compressor are expensive to replace (a single strut runs well over two thousand dollars). Check ride height and listen for compressor noise.

2020 Audi Q7 Recommended

The 2020 facelift is among the better Q7 years, pairing a plush cabin with fewer reported faults, though ownership costs are high.

  • Infotainment (MMI) and electrical glitches reported on post-facelift cars, including screen/connectivity faults and spurious warning messages; complaints concentrate on the 2021 model year.
  • Cars with the optional adaptive air suspension face costly age-related wear, air struts and the compressor are expensive to replace (a single strut runs well over two thousand dollars). Check ride height and listen for compressor noise.

2019 Audi Q7 Caution

The 2019 Q7 drives beautifully but is prone to rear coil-spring breakage and pricey upkeep; budget for repairs.

  • The 3.0T V6 can consume excessive oil from worn piston rings, leading to fouled cylinders and, in severe cases, engine failure; the defect prompted a class action and a warranty extension and is worst on 2017-2018 build years. Confirm oil-consumption history.
  • LED side-marker lights inside the sealed headlight assembly trigger a persistent "side marker light defective" warning even when the light works; the headlight unit is expensive to replace (NHTSA recall 16V642000 / campaign 97CB, heavily on 2017).
  • Rear coil springs can fracture, sometimes with little warning, with owners reporting breakage around the 60,000-mile mark; dealers describe it as a common failure.

2018 Audi Q7 Caution

The 2018 Q7 carries the 3.0T excessive-oil-consumption engine risk that prompted a class action; verify oil usage and service records.

  • The 3.0T V6 can consume excessive oil from worn piston rings, leading to fouled cylinders and, in severe cases, engine failure; the defect prompted a class action and a warranty extension and is worst on 2017-2018 build years. Confirm oil-consumption history.
  • LED side-marker lights inside the sealed headlight assembly trigger a persistent "side marker light defective" warning even when the light works; the headlight unit is expensive to replace (NHTSA recall 16V642000 / campaign 97CB, heavily on 2017).
  • Rear coil springs can fracture, sometimes with little warning, with owners reporting breakage around the 60,000-mile mark; dealers describe it as a common failure.

2017 Audi Q7 Avoid

The redesigned 2017 Q7 is the weakest year, widespread LED side-marker faults plus 3.0T oil-consumption and engine-failure complaints make it one to avoid.

  • The 3.0T V6 can consume excessive oil from worn piston rings, leading to fouled cylinders and, in severe cases, engine failure; the defect prompted a class action and a warranty extension and is worst on 2017-2018 build years. Confirm oil-consumption history.
  • LED side-marker lights inside the sealed headlight assembly trigger a persistent "side marker light defective" warning even when the light works; the headlight unit is expensive to replace (NHTSA recall 16V642000 / campaign 97CB, heavily on 2017).
  • Rear coil springs can fracture, sometimes with little warning, with owners reporting breakage around the 60,000-mile mark; dealers describe it as a common failure.

2015 Audi Q7 Caution

The final first-gen 2015 Q7 is comfortable but ages into expensive air-suspension, electronics and fuel-system repairs.

  • The plastic fuel-sender/pump flange can crack and leak fuel, a fire risk that prompted NHTSA recall 16V660000; leaks have recurred even after the recall fix. Inspect for fuel odor underneath.
  • As these cars age, the adaptive air suspension (uneven ride height, strut and compressor failure) becomes an expensive, recurring repair.
  • Timing-chain tensioner wear on the 4.2 V8 and 3.0/4.2 TDI engines produces a cold-start rattle and is a costly repair if left unaddressed.

2014 Audi Q7 Caution

The 2014 Q7 is among the steadier first-gen years, but high running costs and aging components warrant a careful inspection.

  • The plastic fuel-sender/pump flange can crack and leak fuel, a fire risk that prompted NHTSA recall 16V660000; leaks have recurred even after the recall fix. Inspect for fuel odor underneath.
  • As these cars age, the adaptive air suspension (uneven ride height, strut and compressor failure) becomes an expensive, recurring repair.
  • Timing-chain tensioner wear on the 4.2 V8 and 3.0/4.2 TDI engines produces a cold-start rattle and is a costly repair if left unaddressed.

2013 Audi Q7 Caution

The 2013 Q7 offers quiet three-row luxury; budget for premium upkeep and check the fuel-flange recall and suspension.

  • The plastic fuel-sender/pump flange can crack and leak fuel, a fire risk that prompted NHTSA recall 16V660000; leaks have recurred even after the recall fix. Inspect for fuel odor underneath.
  • As these cars age, the adaptive air suspension (uneven ride height, strut and compressor failure) becomes an expensive, recurring repair.
  • Timing-chain tensioner wear on the 4.2 V8 and 3.0/4.2 TDI engines produces a cold-start rattle and is a costly repair if left unaddressed.

2012 Audi Q7 Caution

The 2012 Q7 is a refined cruiser whose value rests on a clean service history given costly age-related repairs.

  • The plastic fuel-sender/pump flange can crack and leak fuel, a fire risk that prompted NHTSA recall 16V660000; leaks have recurred even after the recall fix. Inspect for fuel odor underneath.
  • As these cars age, the adaptive air suspension (uneven ride height, strut and compressor failure) becomes an expensive, recurring repair.
  • Timing-chain tensioner wear on the 4.2 V8 and 3.0/4.2 TDI engines produces a cold-start rattle and is a costly repair if left unaddressed.

2011 Audi Q7 Caution

The 2011 Q7 is one of the better first-gen years, but expensive maintenance and aging air suspension keep it a cautious buy.

  • The plastic fuel-sender/pump flange can crack and leak fuel, a fire risk that prompted NHTSA recall 16V660000; leaks have recurred even after the recall fix. Inspect for fuel odor underneath.
  • As these cars age, the adaptive air suspension (uneven ride height, strut and compressor failure) becomes an expensive, recurring repair.
  • Timing-chain tensioner wear on the 4.2 V8 and 3.0/4.2 TDI engines produces a cold-start rattle and is a costly repair if left unaddressed.

2010 Audi Q7 Caution

The 2010 Q7 still shows sunroof-drain electrical and fuel-flange leak issues; only buy with documented repairs.

  • Clogged panoramic-sunroof drains let water leak onto the amplifier and battery under the seat, causing MMI failures, electrical faults and no-start conditions; worst on early build years. Check carpets and the drain channels.
  • The fuel-sender/pump flange can crack and leak fuel, a fire hazard addressed by NHTSA recall 16V660000; inspect for fuel smell under the rear seat.
  • The optional adaptive air suspension is a known weak point with age, showing uneven ride height and compressor/strut failures that are expensive to fix.

2009 Audi Q7 Caution

The 2009 Q7 is a capable luxury SUV burdened by costly upkeep and the era's sunroof-leak and fuel-system faults.

  • Clogged panoramic-sunroof drains let water leak onto the amplifier and battery under the seat, causing MMI failures, electrical faults and no-start conditions; worst on early build years. Check carpets and the drain channels.
  • The fuel-sender/pump flange can crack and leak fuel, a fire hazard addressed by NHTSA recall 16V660000; inspect for fuel smell under the rear seat.
  • The optional adaptive air suspension is a known weak point with age, showing uneven ride height and compressor/strut failures that are expensive to fix.

2008 Audi Q7 Caution

The 2008 Q7 carries fuel-flange leak recalls and sunroof-drain electrical problems; high running costs demand a thorough inspection.

  • Clogged panoramic-sunroof drains let water leak onto the amplifier and battery under the seat, causing MMI failures, electrical faults and no-start conditions; worst on early build years. Check carpets and the drain channels.
  • The fuel-sender/pump flange can crack and leak fuel, a fire hazard addressed by NHTSA recall 16V660000; inspect for fuel smell under the rear seat.
  • The optional adaptive air suspension is a known weak point with age, showing uneven ride height and compressor/strut failures that are expensive to fix.

2007 Audi Q7 Avoid

The first-year 2007 Q7 has the worst record of the line, panoramic-sunroof water leaks causing electrical and no-start failures plus high upkeep make it one to avoid.

  • Clogged panoramic-sunroof drains let water leak onto the amplifier and battery under the seat, causing MMI failures, electrical faults and no-start conditions; worst on early build years. Check carpets and the drain channels.
  • The fuel-sender/pump flange can crack and leak fuel, a fire hazard addressed by NHTSA recall 16V660000; inspect for fuel smell under the rear seat.
  • The optional adaptive air suspension is a known weak point with age, showing uneven ride height and compressor/strut failures that are expensive to fix.

Rankings come from CarVitals reliability verdicts, built on public NHTSA complaint and recall data. See how we build these reports, the most reliable used cars overall, browse all Audi models, or check any listing free with the CarVitals extension.