The Audi Q7 is a popular choice for a full-size luxury SUV. Many lean towards this vehicle because of its sporty look and lower price than its competitors. If you’re considering this vehicle, you’re likely wondering what common problems it has and how much they’ll add to the already expensive upkeep.
The most common problems of the Audi Q7 include fuel tank leaks, engine misfires, marker lights, and failed knock sensors. It’s also common for these vehicles to have squeaky brakes, even when purchased new. In addition, you may run into issues with the sunroof, including it, leaking and, in rare cases, shattering unexpectedly.
This article will give you a good look at what these issues consist of and approximately how much they cost to fix. In addition, we’ve researched all the essential things you could consider when looking for a reliable car and included everything you need to know before deciding.
Is Your Audi Q7 Having Issues?
If you already own an Audi Q7 and are having issues, there’s a good chance it’s related to one of the common problems other owners have already experienced with the Q7.
Luckily, some of these problems have a simple solution.
How Reliable is the Audi Q7
Repair Pal rates the Audi Q7 at 2.5 out of 5 in terms of reliability, meaning that it’s average compared to other cars. This rating places the Audi at number 8 out of 19 other similar vehicles.
They base this rating on the estimated yearly cost of repairs for the vehicle.
The Q7 also has an average life expectancy as long as you keep the maintenance up to date.
However, the downside to the Q7 is the high cost of ownership, with this car’s ownership cost being significantly higher than other luxury SUVs for essential servicing.
In addition, they’ve proven to require repairs for severe issues much more often than others.
Overall, the reliability will vary based on a number of things. The most important of these things is whether the model you choose has common problems that may require complex and expensive repairs.
Most Common Issues with the Audi Q7
1. Marker Light Issues
One common problem with the Audi Q7 is with the marker lights. This issue is most common in the 2017 Q7.
Several Q7 owners have listed complaints that their marker lights would not work when the parking lights or headlights were turned on. These marker lights are in place to make others on the road more aware of your vehicle.
For safety reasons, it’s important that these lights work, especially at night when the vehicle is less visible.
Solutions
This error is caused by an issue with the software that causes the lights to be disabled when the headlight or parking lights are switched on.
Specific 2017 Q7s were recalled because of this issue. The cars included in this recall can have the software updated at the dealership for free.
However, many who have experienced the problem have mentioned that their VIN was not included in the recall. Many of these owners have been quoted between $5000 and $6000 to repair this.
2. Fuel Tank Issues
You may also run into problems with the fuel tank with the Audi Q7.
For example, several owners have experienced issues with leaky gas tanks and not being able to fill their tanks with gas. In some cases, when trying to fill the car with gas, it only filled halfway and wouldn’t hold more. Others mention that the level it stops at will vary each time.
In addition, some have had issues with their gas tanks leaking. Specific 2016-2018 Q7 models have been recalled because of this issue, which results from bad welds on the fuel rails.
Solutions
In most cases, the pump shutting off before the tank is full is related to problems with the car’s EVAP system. Most owners who experience this problem have found that the solution is to replace either the purge valve or the charcoal canister.
A new purge valve cost around $90 for the part and between $30 and $50 for labor.
The charcoal canister replacement is not as cheap to fix. For this replacement, you can expect to spend between $370 and $480 for the part and around $100 for labor.
If your Audi Q7 gas tank leaks and you have a 2016-2018 model, you should contact your dealership to verify that your car is a part of this recall and make a plan to have the issue repaired.
3. Engine Misfire
Some owners have also noticed misfires. This can be because the fuel tank issues throw off the air-fuel ratio. However, the Q7 has a few other issues that can cause this problem.
If your engine misfires, you’ll usually notice that the car jerks or shutters briefly before returning to normal. In addition, it will generally trigger the check engine light.
You may also notice the following:
- The engine stalls when idling
- A popping sound
- The engine momentarily loses power
This is a common problem for the 2007-2009 and 2011 Q7 model years. In most cases, the misfire results from faulty ignition coils.
Solutions
You can determine whether the ignition coils are bad by scanning for the code if your check engine light is on.
If you determine this is the issue, you’ll need to replace the coils. You can expect to pay between $50 and $65 for parts. Labor costs could be up to $130.
Aside from the ignition coils, your car could also be misfiring because of dirty cylinder valves, as these cars are known to have excess carbon build-up in this area. Having this repaired could cost up to $1400.
4. Knock Sensor Failure
If the knock sensor is bad, it can cause similar symptoms as a misfire, such as decreased acceleration and the check engine light coming on.
The knock sensor prevents engine failure by sending a signal to the ECM if it senses unusual vibrations in the engine. In turn, the ECM will adjust the timing in an effort to stop the extra vibration.
Solutions
If you experience symptoms that could be a bad knock sensor along with a flashing check engine light, you can use an OBD2 tool to check for a code.
Codes that could indicate a problem with the knock sensor range from P0325 to P0328.
If you determine that the knock sensor is bad, you’ll need to replace it. This repair is relatively inexpensive if you can do it yourself. A new knock sensor will cost between $100 and $120. However, after adding labor costs, you could pay up to $650.
5. Sunroof Issues
The Audi Q7 (and even the Audi Q5) also have a couple of different problems with the sunroof. The most common problem with the sunroof that many owners have complained about is that the sunroof leaks.
These leaks generally occur because the drain hoses become blocked or are easily damaged because they are installed incorrectly. When they leak, they can damage electrical components inside the car, like the infotainment system.
In addition to the leaks, owners of various models have stated that their sunroof shatters without any cause. Many owners have heard a loud boom, like an explosion, when it happens.
This problem isn’t only seen in Audi but in many other vehicles with panoramic sunroofs.
Solutions
While there are differing theories as to why these sunroofs shatter, many believe it’s because the glass used to make them is too thin to be used for the wider panoramic sunroofs. Others feel that it could be because of heat expansion on summer days.
The leaks, however, can be fixed. Some may be fixed under a service bulletin issued because of this problem. Unfortunately, those not included will have to pay to replace the drains.
6. Squeaking Brakes
Some Q7 owners have also experienced squeaking brakes. This issue is common in almost all models, even new vehicles. In new Q7 vehicles, it is generally due to the small metallic pieces in the high-performance brake pads used on these vehicles.
When those pieces of metal come in contact with the rotors, it causes the squeaking sound that some owners have compared to the sound of mice.
However, especially after some time, several things could cause the problem.
Solutions
If your brakes are squeaking a new Q7, you can take it to the dealership. If there’s an issue with the brakes, it will likely be covered under warranty.
Even if you don’t believe it should be time to replace the brake pads, it’s still a good idea to check them. This is because some models are known to have an issue with the calipers that cause the pads to wear out prematurely.
If you notice that you’re changing the pads more often than you should need to do so, you may need to replace the rotors and/or calipers.
What Years Did the Audi Q7 Have Problems
It can be overwhelming to look at all of the problems and figure out which year models were the best and worst. This is especially true when comparing newer and older models.
This index comes from carproblemzoo.com’s analysis which can make this easier since their analysis is equal among all year models, regardless of the car’s age.
When looking at this index, a higher PPMY means the car is more problematic, while a lower PPMY means fewer problems.
As you can see, there are several year models that have a much higher PPMY than others.
The most problematic years are:
- 2010
- 2012
- 2017
- 2014
- 2021
And the least problematic years are:
- 2008
- 2020
Recent Recall Numbers
Recent recalls are another thing you should consider. You should know what things have been recalled and ensure that they have been addressed before you purchase the vehicle.
Knowing which recent recall numbers are relevant to your car or the car you’re planning to purchase will help you avoid having a safety concern that could be prevented.
The table below names a few recent recalls for the Audi Q7.
| 22V742000 | Back over prevention: Display function |
| 22V516000 | Fuel system, gasoline: Delivery: Fuel pump |
| 22V034000 | Suspension: Rear: Axle: Non-powered axle assembly |
| 21V825000 | Back over prevention: sensing system: camera |
| 21V606000 | Seat belts |
| 21V295000 | Suspension: Rear: Axle: Non-powered axle assembly |
| 21V078000 | Airbags: Frontal |
| 20V749000 | Electrical system |
| 20V658000 | Structure: Body: Roof and pillars |
These are only to name a few of the most recent. To find more information, you can use the search tool on the NHTSA website.
Check to See Whether Your Vehicle Has an Open Recall
To find specific information for your Q7, you can go to https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls, enter your VIN, and click search.
You can also choose to enter the make, model, and year of your car if you don’t have the VIN on hand.
This will show you a list of open recalls that are relevant to your car.
How is it Compared to Similar Cars?
To ensure you choose a car that meets your needs and is the most reliable option, the Q7 should be compared to other full-size luxury SUVs.
RepairPal rates the Audi Q7 a 2.5 out of 5 based on reliability. This rating ranks the Q7 number 8 out of 19 similar SUVs.
The Audi also has a higher ownership cost than the average cost of owning a luxury SUV. In comparison to its competitors. For example, the Q7 has an average annual ownership cost of $1185, while the Infiniti QX80’s ownership cost is only around $718 a year.
In addition, the Q7 proves to need repairs more frequently than some of the other choices. Not to mention, these repairs are more likely to be severe.
Overall, the QX80 is more reliable, cheaper to maintain, and requires less frequent repairs.
The Range Rover, on the other hand, is very similar to the Q7 when looking at reliability. They have about the same tendency to need repairs. In addition, there’s very little difference in their annual ownership cost.
What is the Life Expectancy and Mileage?
The Audi Q7 will last 10 to 13 years or 150,000 to 200,000 miles. However, ensuring you keep the car serviced is the best way to ensure you get the most life out of the vehicle.
Those that are well maintained could exceed this estimate, while those who are not may not make it as long.
Is it Worth Buying Used?
You should also consider whether it’s worth it to buy this vehicle. The answer to this will vary based on a few factors.
On average, the Q7’s value will depreciate 37% within the first three years and will continue to decrease each year.
This is an important thing to keep in mind when determining a fair price to pay for the vehicle. However, the car’s condition and the number of miles it has on it will sway this estimate.
What is Good and Bad About the Car?
When considering all the things about the car, there are both good and bad things. Looking at a simplified breakdown of the pros and cons that come with the vehicle is one of the best ways to compare.
Pros of the Audi Q7:
- Newer models have a sporty exterior
- Plenty of room on the inside
- Rides smooth
Cons of the Audi Q7:
- Back seats may not be as comfortable as the front
- Not the best fuel economy
- Expensive to own after the warranty is over
If you still need to figure out if it’s right for you, hearing what other Q7 owners have to say could be helpful.
What Do Owners Say About the Car?
“Met my needs as to size, looks, bells, and whistles, and comfort. Great GPS. Plenty of ports for charging phones. 3 seats. Good leg room. Sleek design inside and out.” (2020 owner)
“Beautiful car as far as design but terrible once it’s just a few years old. The car deteriorates at a high rate. Which is ridiculous for such a high-end model” (2013 owner)
“While I would not consider the exterior styling of the car the best I have owned, everything else is great. Excellent handling and acceleration (with the 3.0L supercharged engine.). The technology and quality of the interior is superior for a luxury SUV. I have only owned it for a year, so reliability is yet to be determined, but so far it has been trouble free. However, basic maintenance at the Audi dealer is rather pricey.” (2017 owner)
Conclusion
When looking to buy an Audi Q7, there are several important things to keep in mind. One of the most important things is remembering which years are known to have the most problems.
If you’re looking to buy used, the 2020 model is a great option that doesn’t have as many problems.