2018 Audi Q7: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2018 Audi Q7?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2018 Audi Q7 than on all cars registered in 2018.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints3.1× usual
  Audi Q7

  7.1% All 2018 cars

  2.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.8%, against 0.4% of all 2018 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.

• Coil springs3.2× usual
  Audi Q7

  3.5% All 2018 cars

  1.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.4%, against 0.9% of all 2018 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.

• Number plates2.1× usual
  Audi Q7

  2.9% All 2018 cars

  1.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.8%, against 0.2% of all 2018 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

• Windscreen1.7× usual
  Audi Q7

  3.3% All 2018 cars

  1.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.1%, against 0.1% of all 2018 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£300 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check for chips or cracks in the driver's view.

Common 2018 Audi Q7 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2018 Audi Q7 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  27% 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.

• Brakes
  17% 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.

• 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.

• Seats and seatbelts
  6% 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
  3% 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 2018 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 2018 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 3.1× as often on the 2018 Audi Q7 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 3.2× as often on the 2018 Audi Q7 as on other cars the same age.)
4. Any recent work on the number plates? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2018 Audi Q7 as on other cars the same age.)
5. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?