2011 Audi Q7: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2011 Audi Q7?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2011 Audi Q7 than on all cars registered in 2011.

• Engine oil leaks2.7× usual
  Audi Q7

  23.8% All 2011 cars

  8.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.4%, against 0.2% of all 2011 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.

• Rear fog light2.6× usual
  Audi Q7

  2.3% All 2011 cars

  0.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.1%, against 0.8% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

• Steering rack2.3× usual
  Audi Q7

  2.1% All 2011 cars

  0.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.5%, against 0.4% of all 2011 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.

Common 2011 Audi Q7 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2011 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
  24% 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
  21% 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
  18% 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
  16% 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.

Known faults on the 2011 Audi Q7

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

• Fast front tyre wear

  All engines

  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.

  Source: What Car?: Audi Q7 (2006-2015) reliability

• Powered tailgate recall

  All engines

  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.

  Source: What Car?: Audi Q7 (2006-2015) reliability

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2011 Audi Q7

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 2.7× as often on the 2011 Audi Q7 as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the rear fog light? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the 2011 Audi Q7 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the steering rack? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2011 Audi Q7 as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?