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Audi Q7 4M problems (2015–today)

All 2 engines of the Audi Q7 4M that we have documented have high or critical severity faults: the 3.0 TDI V6 and the Audi 3.0 TFSI V6. The safest option is the Audi 3.0 TFSI V6 in its 3.0 TFSI turbo (EA839: CZSE, DR, CWGD; 2016 onwards) version, with a «Buy» verdict.[1]

Outside the engine: Outside the engine, the open sources we have been able to read on the Audi Q7 4M are mostly recalls (rear axle, steering, seats, side airbag, and gearbox and battery of the plug-in hybrids); we have found no in-use faults with a sufficient basis. Fiches-auto.fr gathers only 11 owner reports for this generation.[2][3][4][5]

Audi Q7 4M (2015–today)
Photo: Ethan Llamas · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Reference image for this generation.
02468105.7out of 10

Audi Q7 4M rating: acceptable reliability

Calculated using only 16 documented faults and their sources: the most serious and frequent faults weigh more. How it is calculated

  • Engine5.6From 4.8 to 6.4 depending on the engine
  • Gearbox7.91 fault
  • Suspension7.22 faults and ITV (technical inspection)
  • Brakes8.3Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.7 times the defects normal for its age
  • Tyres and wheels10.0No documented faults
  • Steering7.81 fault and ITV (technical inspection)
  • Electrical system7.11 fault
  • Headlights and lights8.1Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.8 times the defects normal for its age
  • Electronics and infotainment10.0No documented faults
  • Climate control10.0No documented faults
  • Bodywork and interior7.9Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.8 times the defects normal for its age
  • Airbags and safety6.82 faults

Ranked 47 of 64 among the Mid-size SUVs with solid evidence. See the ranking

The weak points of the Audi Q7 4M

  1. 1High severity: Failing water pump and cooling system leaks3.0 TDI V6 engine
  2. 2Critical severity: Camshaft breakage on the EA897 evo (CRT and CZV)3.0 TDI V6 engine
  3. 3Critical severity: Corrosion of the rear axle arm eccentric bolt nutsSuspension
  4. 4Critical severity: Bolt joining the steering shaft to the rack tightened to insufficient torqueSteering
  5. 5Critical severity: Overheating of the high-voltage battery cell modules when charging (plug-in hybrids)Electrical system

Documented engines, from highest to lowest risk

The first label is the most serious fault affecting that engine in this car; the second, our verdict for the versions it is fitted to. Each engine's risk index is calculated only from the faults that affect this car (how we calculate it). We only show engines we have documented with sources: if yours does not appear, we have not analysed it yet. View all engines

See what to check before buying

Outside the engine

7 recalls and campaigns documented, the latest: Campaign 93QQ: high-voltage battery cell modules. See the campaigns for the Audi Q7 4M

25 sourcesHow we work

3.0 TDI V6

VW/Audi 3.0 TDI V6 (EA896 and EA897) · Diesel

In the Q7 4M
since 2015[6]
Names
3.0 TDI quattro · 45 TDI · 50 TDI
Faults that affect it
5 · 4 of high or critical severity
Risk index on this car
52
High risk

Verdict for the versions it uses

Faults that affect the Q7 4M

Only those that affect the versions and years that this car used. The 3.0 TDI V6 has 7 documented faults in total.

  1. High severityFrequency: CommonCoolingFailing water pump and cooling system leaksOn the 3.0 TDI the water pump can fail and, from 2010, overheat to the point of damaging the engine (the A6 C6 guide cites a service action). Owners also cite coolant leaks from hoses, the regulating valve and the cooler.
  2. Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalTimingCamshaft breakage on the EA897 evo (CRT and CZV)On the EA897 evo engines from 2014 to early 2017 (mainly CRT, also CZV) the camshafts can break because of a material or design defect, according to the guides. Audi lists it in bulletin TPI 2043172 and the problem was considered under control from February 2017.
  3. High severityFrequency: OccasionalTimingTiming chain stretch and tensioner wearOn the 3.0 TDI V6 the timing chain is at the gearbox end and its tensioner can lose tension: it rattles on a cold start and, if the chain stretches, the timing goes out and the engine is at risk. Replacing it means opening the engine and costs several thousand euros.
  4. High severityFrequency: OccasionalInjectionInjector wear (needle seat) and injection faultsGerman guides point to wear of the needle seat of the 3.0 TDI injectors: they stop closing properly, diesel drips into the cylinder and dilutes the oil. Smoke from the exhaust can be the warning, and reports on the 313 hp twin-turbo repeat injection faults.
  5. Medium severityFrequency: CommonEmissions controlControl unit software with a prohibited emissions strategy (NOx and AdBlue)Germany's KBA ordered a software update for the Euro 5 and 6 3.0 TDI V6 engines from Audi, VW and Porsche: a warm-up strategy that reduced NOx only on the test bench and, on the 200 kW A6 and A7, limited AdBlue dosing. The update is free.Repair: €0

Q7 4M 3.0 TDI V6 pageAll versions and faults of the 3.0 TDI V6

Audi 3.0 TFSI V6

Safest option

Audi 3.0 TFSI V6 con compresor (EA837) and turbo (EA839, 3.0 and 2.9 TFSI) · Petrol

In the Q7 4M
since 2016[11][12]
Names
3.0 TFSI 333 CV · 55 TFSI 340 CV
Faults that affect it
4 · 2 of high or critical severity
Risk index on this car
36
Moderate risk

Verdict for the versions it uses

Faults that affect the Q7 4M

Only those that affect the versions and years that this car used. The Audi 3.0 TFSI V6 has 5 documented faults in total.

  1. High severityFrequency: OccasionalTimingTiming chain stretch and tensioner wearA German workshop describes chain stretch and marginal tensioners in the first supercharged 3.0 TFSI engines (2011-2014), with noise on cold starts and codes P0016-P0018; other guides consider it rare in this V6. There are no reliable statistics.
  2. High severityFrequency: OccasionalFuelFuel leak at the injection rails (2015 and 2019 campaigns)Audi recalled cars with the 3.0 TFSI over possible leaks from the fuel rails: one campaign in 2015 (built between April 2011 and April 2012) and another in 2019 (low-pressure rails, built between 2014 and 2016). You notice it by a smell of petrol; the fix is to replace the rails.
  3. Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalCoolingLeak at the thermostat housing and water pumpTechnical guides cite coolant leaks from the plastic thermostat housing and from the water pump of the supercharged 3.0 TFSI, and Audi also replaced the thermostat in a 2015 campaign. You notice it by falling coolant and, if ignored, by overheating.
  4. Low severityFrequency: OccasionalLubricationPCV valve failure (crankcase ventilation)The PCV valve in the 3.0 TFSI's crankcase ventilation can fail with age and mileage: parts supplier and workshop guides cite rough idle, vacuum leaks and higher oil consumption. It is a minor fault, with no campaign or published statistics.

Q7 4M Audi 3.0 TFSI V6 pageAll versions and faults of the Audi 3.0 TFSI V6

Faults of the Audi Q7 4M outside the engine

Suspension, brakes, tyres, electronics and the rest of the car. They occur with any engine.

What the MOT inspection finds on the Audi Q7 4M

Official Dutch MOT (APK) inspection data: 1,915 inspections of 985 cars registered between 2016 and 2022, compared with cars of the same age.

  • Suspension and axles· counts in the score

    Defects in 1% of inspections; in cars of its age, 1.8%.

    Fewer defects than average

  • Brakes· counts in the score

    Defects in 1.5% of inspections; in cars of its age, 2.4%.

    Fewer defects than average

  • Steering· counts in the score

    Defects in 0.2% of inspections; in cars of its age, 0.7%.

    Fewer defects than average

  • Headlights and lights· counts in the score

    Defects in 7.5% of inspections; in cars of its age, 10.2%.

    Fewer defects than average

  • Rust and bodywork· counts in the score

    Defects in 0% of inspections; in cars of its age, 0.1%.

    Average

  • Exhaust and emissions

    Defects in 0.8% of inspections; in cars of its age, 0.8%.

    Average

  • Fluid leaks

    Defects in 0.8% of inspections; in cars of its age, 0.6%.

    Average

  • Glass, wipers and mirrors

    Defects in 1.8% of inspections; in cars of its age, 3.4%.

    Fewer defects than average

  • Tyres and wheels· depends mostly on maintenance

    Defects in 11.5% of inspections; in cars of its age, 14.3%.

    Average

The inspection measures wear and the defects visible at a periodic check, not engine or electronics failures. Source: RDW Open Data (public domain). How we calculate it · opendata.rdw.nl

Checklist for buying a used Audi Q7 4M

Check the advert or the paperwork to see which engine the car has and go through its section. Each point comes from a documented fault; you can tick them off as you inspect.

If it has the 3.0 TDI V6 (since 2015)

Failing water pump and cooling system leaks

High severity

Camshaft breakage on the EA897 evo (CRT and CZV)

Critical severity

Timing chain stretch and tensioner wear

High severity

Injector wear (needle seat) and injection faults

High severity

Control unit software with a prohibited emissions strategy (NOx and AdBlue)

Medium severity

If it has the Audi 3.0 TFSI V6 (since 2016)

Timing chain stretch and tensioner wear

High severity

Fuel leak at the injection rails (2015 and 2019 campaigns)

High severity

Leak at the thermostat housing and water pump

Medium severity

PCV valve failure (crankcase ventilation)

Low severity

Wear parts for the Audi Q7 4M

Brakes, wiper blades, pollen filter and battery, searched for this model. The exact part number depends on the engine and year: confirm it with the registration plate or VIN.

Affiliate links: if you buy from these shops, MotorFiable may receive a commission at no cost to you. Check compatibility against the registration plate or VIN before ordering. Affiliate links

Buying a Audi Q7 4M?

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Own a Audi Q7 4M? Tell us what faults you have had, at what mileage and how much you paid. Report your fault.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Audi Q7 4M reliable?

All 2 engines of the Audi Q7 4M that we have documented have high or critical severity faults: the 3.0 TDI V6 and the Audi 3.0 TFSI V6. The safest option is the Audi 3.0 TFSI V6 in its 3.0 TFSI turbo (EA839: CZSE, DR, CWGD; 2016 onwards) version, with a «Buy» verdict. Outside the engine, the open sources we have been able to read on the Audi Q7 4M are mostly recalls (rear axle, steering, seats, side airbag, and gearbox and battery of the plug-in hybrids); we have found no in-use faults with a sufficient basis. Fiches-auto.fr gathers only 11 owner reports for this generation.

Which Audi Q7 4M engine is the most reliable?

Among the 2 engines we have documented, the safest option is the Audi 3.0 TFSI V6 in its 3.0 TFSI turbo (EA839: CZSE, DR, CWGD; 2016 onwards) version, with a «Buy» verdict. We have not found any documented faults of its own in open sources; the German A6 C8 guide says this V6 has not given problems so far, although with few years of use and no high-mileage data.[1]

What problems does the Audi Q7 4M have apart from the engine?

Outside the engine, the open sources we have been able to read on the Audi Q7 4M are mostly recalls (rear axle, steering, seats, side airbag, and gearbox and battery of the plug-in hybrids); we have found no in-use faults with a sufficient basis. Fiches-auto.fr gathers only 11 owner reports for this generation. The most important documented faults are: corrosion of the rear axle arm eccentric bolt nuts (suspension, critical severity), bolt joining the steering shaft to the rack tightened to insufficient torque (steering, critical severity), overheating of the high-voltage battery cell modules when charging (plug-in hybrids) (electrical system, critical severity) and uneven rear tyre wear due to changes in rear axle toe and camber (suspension, high severity).[2][3][4][5]

What faults does the Audi Q7 4M have?

The most important by severity and frequency, on the engines we have documented, are: failing water pump and cooling system leaks (3.0 TDI V6, high severity), camshaft breakage on the EA897 evo (CRT and CZV) (3.0 TDI V6, critical severity), timing chain stretch and tensioner wear (3.0 TDI V6, high severity), injector wear (needle seat) and injection faults (3.0 TDI V6, high severity) and timing chain stretch and tensioner wear (Audi 3.0 TFSI V6, high severity).

What is the best year to buy a Audi Q7 4M?

According to our rating by year, the best are 2026 and 2025 (7.4/10); the worst rated is 2019 (5.5/10). Each year's rating counts only the engines sold that year and the faults that affect those units: open each year to see what changes.

Does the Audi Q7 4M have recalls?

Yes: we have documented 7 campaigns for the Audi Q7 4M, such as campaign 93QQ: high-voltage battery cell modules (2025). Check with your VIN at the official service centre whether yours has been done.[4]

Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

  1. Audi A6 C8: Probleme und SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
  2. Audi Q7 (2019-2021): recall por el brazo del eje trasero (tuercas del perno excéntrico)car-recalls.eu (datos Safety Gate) · Other source · published 11 July 2021 · consulted 9 October 2026
  3. Audi Q7 (2015-2019): recall de la dirección (tornillo del eje de dirección)car-recalls.eu (datos Safety Gate) · Other source · published 11 April 2020 · consulted 9 October 2026
  4. DVSA – base de llamadas a revisiónDVSA (Reino Unido) · Other source · consulted 9 October 2026
  5. Tous les problèmes sur Audi Q7 II (11 témoignages)fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 9 October 2026 · in French
  6. VW EA897Wikipedia (de) · Other source · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
  7. 3.0 TDI: Viele Probleme, teure WartungGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · published 28 January 2023 · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
  8. Audi A6 C7 (4G): Probleme, Rückrufe und KaufberatungGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · published 1 August 2026 · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
  9. Informationen zu den Audi Nockenwellen Problemen am 3.0 TDI (CRT & CZV) Motor im A4, A5, A6, A7 sowie dem Q5 & Q7CarWiki.de · Other source · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
  10. Verdacht auf Abschalteinrichtung bei Audi A6 und A7heise autos · Motoring press · published 8 May 2018 · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
  11. Audi Q7Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 9 October 2026
  12. Audi: Ersatz des KraftstoffverteilersÖAMTC · Consumer association · published 19 February 2019 · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
  13. Audi A6 berlina 3.0 TFSI 333 CV quattro S tronic 7 vel. (2014-2017)km77.com · Motoring press · consulted 9 October 2026 · in Spanish
  14. Audi A6 C7: typische Probleme und Diagnose mit ODISKfz-Meisterbetrieb Dietrich (blog de taller) · Other source · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
  15. Fiabilité Audi A6 (2011-2018) (106 témoignages)Fiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 9 October 2026 · in French
  16. Tous les problèmes sur Audi Q5 2008-2017 (322 témoignages)Fiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 9 October 2026 · in French
  17. Audi A6 C6 (4F): Typische Probleme & SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · published 9 September 2022 · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
  18. VW Touareg 3.0 TDI – typische Probleme und ODIS-DiagnoseKFZ Dietrich (taller, Hardegsen) · Other source · published 22 April 2026 · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
  19. VW EA896Wikipedia (de) · Other source · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
  20. Audi A5 8T (B8): Probleme, Schwachstellen & KaufberatungGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · published 20 January 2022 · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
  21. Common Problems of Audi A6 C7 3.0 TFSI: A Comprehensive GuideEuro Auto Pro (blog de taller, Australia) · Other source · published 6 October 2024 · consulted 9 October 2026
  22. Fuel rail fault prompts Audi recallGoAuto · Motoring press · published 30 January 2015 · consulted 9 October 2026
  23. Gebrauchter Audi A6 und S6 C7 ZuverlässigkeitsleitfadenEuro Premium Parts (blog de recambista) · Other source · published 29 November 2025 · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
  24. Undichtigkeit im Einspritzsystem: Audi-Rückruf läuft bereitsÖAMTC · Consumer association · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
  25. Audi Q5: Probleme und SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German