Large SUV · 2001–2021 cars

Audi Q7 reliability

The Audi Q7 fails 16.8% of first MOT tests, 41% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, based on 180,060 DVSA MOT tests from 2022 to 2024.

Better than averageReliability score 87/100#8 of 30 large suvs

Checking a Audi Q7 before you buy?

first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%): 16.8%; first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
fails than cars of the same age and mileage: 41% fewer; fails than cars of the same age and mileage
MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024: 180,060; MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
typical miles a year, from MOT readings: 10,200; typical miles a year, from MOT readings

What this means for buyers

The Audi Q7 is a strong performer. Based on 180,060 MOT tests from 2022 to 2024, it has a first-time MOT fail rate of 16.8%, against 28.4% for all cars. It has 41% fewer MOT fails than cars of the same age and mileage, and ranks 8 of 30 large SUV models. The 2011 models were the best year, with 54% fewer MOT fails than cars of the same age and mileage. The 2018 models were the weakest, with 24% fewer.

That's a good result overall, but buy with care. Three of the four most common failures are tyres. Look for tread below 1.6mm (1.83% of tests), cuts reaching ply or cords (1.33%) and exposed ply or cords (1.12%). Coil springs matter too: 1.44% of tests failed on a fractured or broken one. Check all four tyres and ask for a lift inspection of the springs.

MOT fail rate by age

How the Audi Q7 ages

Each point is the share of Audi Q7s of that age that failed their MOT first time, against all cars of the same age.

Audi Q7All cars

Audi Q7 first-time MOT fail rate by age
Age at MOT (years)	Audi Q7	All cars
3	10%	12.3%
4	11.9%	14.1%
5	13.6%	16.4%
6	16%	19.1%
7	16.1%	22.1%
8	15.4%	25.5%
9	15%	28.8%
10	15.6%	31.8%
11	16.9%	34.6%
12	19.7%	37.3%
13	22.2%	39.5%
14	25%	41.1%
15	26.5%	42.3%
16	25.8%	42.9%
17	25.3%	43.4%
18	25.1%	43.5%

By year

The best and worst Audi Q7 years

2011 cars come out best and 2018 cars worst, once age and mileage are taken into account.

Audi Q7 MOT results by year of first registration
First registered	Tests	Fail rate	Against same-age cars	Typical mileage
2021 Q7	1,766	9.6%	27% fewer fails	32,592
2020 Q7	7,952	8.9%	37% fewer fails	36,976
2019 Q7	14,610	10.4%	31% fewer fails	41,586
2018 Q7	19,220	13.3%	24% fewer fails	50,467
2017 Q7	21,485	15.2%	25% fewer fails	60,848
2016 Q7	19,375	16.8%	29% fewer fails	69,624
2015 Q7	12,867	15.2%	43% fewer fails	77,450
2014 Q7	13,422	14.1%	53% fewer fails	86,295
2013 Q7	13,306	16%	53% fewer fails	94,560
2012 Q7	9,410	17.2%	53% fewer fails	101,707
2011 Q7	7,323	18.1%	54% fewer fails	107,290
2010 Q7	6,334	21.4%	48% fewer fails	115,350
2009 Q7	5,247	23.6%	46% fewer fails	127,168
2008 Q7	9,143	26.9%	40% fewer fails	131,520
2007 Q7	13,067	26.4%	42% fewer fails	138,058
2006 Q7	5,532	25.6%	44% fewer fails	139,737

Common problems

What fails most on a Audi Q7

Failures by area, against cars of the same age and mileage.

Fail rate by area

Tyres6%14% below avg
Lights and electrics4.1%64% below avg
Suspension3.6%60% below avg
Brakes3.3%52% below avg
Windscreen, wipers and mirrors2.3%49% below avg
Exhaust, emissions and leaks1.6%49% below avg
Body, chassis and structure0.8%76% below avg
Number plates and VIN0.6%63% above avg
Steering0.6%69% below avg

Average for cars of the same age and mileage

Top MOT failures

1
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 1.83% of tests
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
2
Coil spring fractured or broken 1.44% of tests
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
3
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 1.33% of tests
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
4
Tyre ply or cords exposed 1.12% of tests
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
5
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 0.8% of tests
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
6
Diesel engine warning light faulty 0.73% of tests
A lit or non-working engine warning light can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
7
Suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn 0.65% of tests
Worn suspension arm bushes allow the wheel to move unpredictably, affecting steering, handling and tyre wear.
8
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 0.61% of tests
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.

Most common advisories

Not a fail yet, but worth pricing in: these show up on a Audi Q7's MOT certificate most often.

Tyre worn close to legal limit12.32%
Brake pads wearing thin6.1%
Brake disc pitted or scored4.94%
Engine oil leak, not excessive4.49%
Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear3.68%
Child seat limits belt inspection3.57%

Before you buy

What to check on a used Audi Q7

1
Tyre tread below 1.6mm
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
2
Coil spring fractured or broken
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
3
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
4
Tyre ply or cords exposed
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
5
Every MOT since new
Look for the faults above coming back year after year: it shows how the car has been looked after.
6
The mileage record
A typical Audi Q7 covers about 10,200 miles a year. A big gap or a drop between MOTs is a warning sign.
7
Finance, stolen and write-off
The records the MOT can't show. A Full Check (£9.99) covers all three before you hand over any money.

Fuel types tested

Diesel97.5%
Petrol1.5%
Hybrid1%
Electric0%
Other0%

Most common colours

Black, Grey, White, Blue, Silver

Average engine size: 3.1 litres.

Compare

How the Audi Q7 compares with its rivals

Audi Q7 against similar models
Model	Fail rate	Against same-age cars
Porsche Cayenne	13.8%	52% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age
Lexus RX	19.2%	43% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age
Audi Q7	16.8%	41% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age
Mercedes-Benz M-Class	27%	29% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age
Volkswagen Touareg	22.5%	26% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age
Land Rover Range Rover Velar	13.7%	13% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age
Volvo XC90	27.3%	12% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age

Every large suv ranked in the large suv reliability index, or all Audi models.

Questions

Audi Q7 questions, answered

Is the Audi Q7 reliable?

On MOT results, the Audi Q7 is better than average: it fails 16.8% of first MOT tests, 41% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage. It ranks 8 of 30 large suv models in our index.

What fails most on a Audi Q7 MOT?

The most common MOT failures on the Audi Q7 are tyre tread below 1.6mm (1.83% of tests), coil spring fractured or broken (1.44% of tests), tyre cut reaching ply or cords (1.33% of tests). By area, tyres fails 6% of its tests.

Which Audi Q7 year is the most reliable?

Among years with 1,000+ tests, 2011 cars do best (54% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age) and 2018 cars do worst (24% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age).

How many miles does a Audi Q7 do a year?

A typical Audi Q7 covers about 10,200 miles a year, from the mileage recorded at its MOTs. Check the car you're looking at against that with a free mileage check.

How do I check a Audi Q7 before I buy it?

Enter its registration for a free check of its MOT history, mileage, ULEZ status and tax. Before you pay, a Full Check (£9.99) shows outstanding finance, stolen and write-off records.

Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 vehicles aged 3 to 25, normal tests only. How we compare like with like: our methodology.

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