Audi Q7 common problems and MOT failures
What goes wrong on a used Audi Q7, year by year: known faults from UK buying guides, the parts flagged at MOT more than on other cars (from 145,576 MOTs done during 2023–2025), and what to check before you buy one.
The 2026 Audi Q7
Cars registered in 2026 haven’t had their first MOT yet (it’s due at 3 years old), so there are no MOT results to show. There are no known faults on record for this year in the UK buying guides we use, so the rest of this page covers the Audi Q7 as a whole.
What to check on a 2026 car
- Warranty left
Ask for the date it was first registered and check how much of the maker’s warranty is left, and that it transfers to you. Electric and hybrid batteries usually have a longer, separate warranty.
- Servicing
Servicing on time with the maker’s schedule keeps the warranty valid. Ask for the service book or the dealer’s digital record.
- Finance
Nearly new cars are often still on finance. A history check shows outstanding finance, and whether it has been written off or stolen.
- Recalls
Ask whether any recall work has been done, and check the reg on GOV.UK’s free recall checker.
- Logbook (V5C)
The name and address should match the seller, and the VIN on the V5C should match the car.
Other years
Most years have their own guide. The year is when the car was first registered (it’s on the logbook, or check the reg below).
202620252024202320222021202020192018201720162015201420132012201120102009200820072006
What usually goes wrong with an Audi Q7?
Known faults reported by owners, mechanics and UK buying guides, in our own words. Most apply to certain years or engines only, so check which the car has.
- Cars registered 2006–2015 · All engines
Fast front tyre wear
Owners report front tyres lasting under 7,000 miles, with the outer edges wearing fastest.
At the viewing: Check the front tyres, especially the outer edges, and ask how often they've been replaced.
- Cars registered 2016–2025 · All engines
Below-par reliability
The Q7 scored just 74% in What Car?'s reliability survey, and parts are expensive.
At the viewing: Get a full inspection, test every electrical item and check the VIN for outstanding recalls.
- Cars registered 2006–2015 · All engines
Powered tailgate recall
A 2007 recall covered a fault with the electric tailgate.
At the viewing: Open and close the tailgate several times, and run the free DVSA recall check.
Common Audi Q7 MOT failures to check
Parts flagged at MOT well above the usual rate for cars the same age, for each fuel on its own. From the DVSA’s results for every MOT done in Great Britain during 2023–2025.
Petrol
Nail or damage in a tyre
up to 2.1× usualStands out on cars registered in 2021 and 2022.
Rough price £70–£150 our estimateAt the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges. Uneven wear can point to tracking or suspension problems.
Diesel
Number plates
up to 2.6× usualStands out on cars registered in 2020 and 2021.
Rough price £5–£40 our estimateAt the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.
Windscreen
up to 1.9× usualStands out on cars registered in 2020 and 2021.
Rough price £60–£300 our estimateAt the viewing: Check for chips or cracks in the driver's view.
Audi Q7 MOT pass rate by year
Of the years since 2005 with plenty of MOT tests, the 2012 Audi Q7 did best (81% passed first time, 17 points above all 2012 cars) and the 2022 did worst (90%, 1 point above all 2022 cars). Older cars fail more, so compare each year with all cars registered the same year.
| Year | Pass first time | All cars that year | MOT tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 94% | 92% +2 | 112 (small sample) |
| 2022 | 90% | 89% +1 | 3,359 |
| 2021 | 89% | 87% +2 | 6,316 |
| 2020 | 89% | 87% +2 | 11,030 |
| 2019 | 88% | 85% +3 | 13,370 |
| 2018 | 85% | 83% +2 | 14,131 |
| 2017 | 82% | 80% +2 | 15,665 |
| 2016 | 81% | 77% +4 | 14,354 |
| 2015 | 83% | 74% +9 | 9,528 |
| 2014 | 83% | 70% +13 | 9,529 |
| 2013 | 82% | 67% +15 | 9,452 |
| 2012 | 81% | 64% +17 | 6,892 |
| 2011 | 79% | 62% +17 | 5,278 |
| 2010 | 77% | 60% +17 | 4,385 |
| 2009 | 74% | 59% +15 | 3,638 |
| 2008 | 71% | 57% +14 | 6,308 |
| 2007 | 72% | 57% +15 | 8,767 |
| 2006 | 72% | 56% +16 | 3,462 |
Questions to ask the seller before buying an Audi Q7
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- What has gone wrong and been fixed, and is there a full history?
- Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.2× as often on the Audi Q7 as on other cars the same age.)
- Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 3.2× as often on the Audi Q7 as on other cars the same age.)
- Any recent work on the sub-frame bushes? (Flagged at MOT 6.4× as often on the Audi Q7 as on other cars the same age.)
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at an Audi Q7?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, whether it already shows these weak spots and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Where this comes from: MOT figures are the DVSA’s anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, grouped by the year each car was first registered. How many are on the road is from the Department for Transport’s vehicle licensing statistics. Known faults are from UK buying guides, in our own words, with links. How we score