2016 Audi Q7: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2016 Audi Q7?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2016 Audi Q7 than on all cars registered in 2016.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints2.6× usual
  Audi Q7

  15.6% All 2016 cars

  6.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.4%, against 1.1% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Engine warning light1.8× usual
  Audi Q7

  2.7% All 2016 cars

  1.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.7%, against 1.5% of all 2016 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.

Common 2016 Audi Q7 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2016 Audi Q7 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  24% 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.

• Suspension
  22% 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.

• Brakes
  16% 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.

• Seats and seatbelts
  5% of testsRough price £80–£250

  At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  5% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Lights and electrics
  4% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

Known faults on the 2016 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.

• Below-par reliability

  All engines

  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.

  Source: What Car?: used Audi Q7 (2015 on) review

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2016 Audi Q7

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

1. What has gone wrong and been fixed, and is there a full history?
2. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the 2016 Audi Q7 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the engine warning light? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2016 Audi Q7 as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?