Used car guide

2012 Audi Q7: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2012 Audi Q7s, from 2,217 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

2,217MOT tests in 2025
80%pass first time (all 2012 cars: 63%)
8,800typical miles a year
3×the usual rate for engine oil leaks

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2012 Audi Q7s than on all cars registered in 2012.

  • Engine oil leaks3× usual
    Audi Q7
    21.6% All 2012 cars
    7.3%

    Failed outright at MOT: 0.2%, against 0.2% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

  • Steering rack4.2× usual
    Audi Q7
    2.5% All 2012 cars
    0.6%

    Failed outright at MOT: 1.6%, against 0.3% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

Better than most

Exhaust system: 0.9% here, against 5.5% of all 2012 cars. Sub-frame: 0.9% here, against 5% of all 2012 cars.

By area

The share of 2012 Audi Q7 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Tyres
    30% of testsRough price £70–£150

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    23% of testsRough price £80–£600

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

  • Brakes
    20% of testsRough price £150–£350

    At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

  • Lights and electrics
    16% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Suspension
    12% of testsRough price £120–£400

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    7% of testsRough price £15–£250

    At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Looking at a Audi Q7?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
20223,209Tyres 26%
20213,146Tyres 24%
20203,591Tyres 25%
20194,443Tyres 26%
20184,695Tyres 26%
20175,195Tyres 25%
20164,755Tyres 24%
20153,159Tyres 26%
20143,121Tyres 30%
20133,083Tyres 30%
20111,681Tyres 30%
20101,346Tyres 34%
20091,131Tyres 31%
20081,847Tyres 34%
20072,484Tyres 35%
2006953Suspension 34%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2012 Audi Q7s registered in 2012. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score