Audi Q7 2nd generation (2015–2026)
Generation-specific owner insights from 219+ substantive owner discussions, with US complaint and recall records.
Should I buy a 2015–today Q7?
730
US owner complaints (NHTSA), 2015–2026
43
recall campaigns
exterior lighting
most-complained area
What owners say about this generation
Our take, from owner reports
Owners of the 2015-2026 Q7 broadly love how it drives, praising its handling for its size, its comfort and quietness on the highway, its real-world safety systems, and its overall blend of old-school solidity with modern tech.
18 problems reported (1 very frequent, 6 recurrent, 11 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentBrake noise and squealing, often described as inherent to the aggressive factory brake setup
- RecurrentOil consumption requiring top-offs between changes, particularly on the 3.0T/CREC engine
- RecurrentPCV valve / oil separator failure, sometimes recurring after replacement
+ 15 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentWater pump failure, including coolant intrusion into the vacuum system
- RecurrentMMI / infotainment glitches including CarPlay connection failures and reboots, often improved by software updates
- RecurrentDriver assistance and Pre-Sense warning errors
Sometimes triggered by obstructed cameras or requiring a software update.
- RecurrentControl arm bushing and engine mount wear reported at relatively low mileage
- IsolatedAdaptive cruise control behavior described as aggressive, adjustable through driver assist settings
- IsolatedDoor closing difficulty requiring extra force
- IsolatedPre-Sense braking abruptly in reverse when sensors detect objects
With sensitivity not adjustable on later cars.
- IsolatedLane keeping assist described as overly aggressive
- IsolatedDRL failure requiring full headlight assembly replacement
- IsolatedRear camera or camera system failure
- IsolatedSunroof leaks causing footwell water and TCM issues
- IsolatedTiming chain rattle on startup
- IsolatedOil leaks from valve covers, oil filter housing, and timing covers
- IsolatedTPMS light requiring pressure storage reset
- IsolatedADAS recalibration needed after windshield replacement
The version owners recommend
The 3.0T V6 is the consensus choice over the 2.0 four-cylinder, with owners describing a night-and-day difference in motivation and recommending the 55 over the 45. Within the 3.0T, owners call the 2019-2020 supercharged 3.0T the golden age of the motor, while the later CREC version of the 3.0T draws specific criticism for oil consumption. The SQ7 is repeatedly recommended for buyers who want the power to match the size.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Volvo XC90, Lexus RX350, Acura MDX, Mazda CX-9 and BMW X5.
Is a 2015–2026 Q7 right for you?
Get an answer for your year, mileage and budget.
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Overall sentiment
Owners of the 2015-2026 Q7 broadly love how it drives, praising its handling for its size, its comfort and quietness on the highway, its real-world safety systems, and its overall blend of old-school solidity with modern tech. Criticism centers on running costs and reliability: expensive dealer service, aggressive brake noise, oil consumption on the 3.0T, water pump and PCV failures, and a long list of "needed" suspension and mount work quoted around the 55-80k mile mark. Sentiment splits by model year: early cars (2017-2019) draw the most reliability complaints, while later cars (2023-2025) draw complaints about the 2.0 four-cylinder being underpowered for the vehicle's weight and about MMI/CarPlay and driver-assist software glitches. A minority of owners report trouble-free ownership, and several describe the Q7 as a great all-rounder they intend to keep.
Positioning vs competitors
Owners position the Q7 as the sharper-driving, tighter-feeling choice versus the Volvo XC90, whose drivetrain they describe as disconnected, and as more engaging than the Lexus RX, which they call comfortable and reliable but dull. Against the GLE 350 and Lincoln Nautilus, owners question the value and reliability of the alternatives while still criticizing the Q7's own cost of ownership. Several owners cross-shop the MDX and GV80 and conclude those are the smarter long-term financial choices even when they prefer the Audi's driving experience. The Q7 is repeatedly described as feeling smaller than it is to drive, which owners cite as its main dynamic advantage over rivals.
Recommended configurations
Owners consistently recommend the 3.0T V6 (55) over the 2.0T (45), especially for anyone regularly carrying seven people or loading the vehicle, arguing the four-cylinder has to work too hard in a vehicle this heavy. Owners advise 5,000-mile oil change intervals rather than the longer factory schedule, and recommend having the vehicle inspected by an independent VAG specialist rather than relying on dealer quotes. For early cars, owners advise confirming timing chain and tensioner service, checking the water pump and PCV system, and verifying service records before purchase.
General recommendations
This generation suits buyers who want a large, comfortable, sporty-feeling three-row SUV and are prepared for above-average maintenance and repair costs; owners repeatedly warn that it is not a car for anyone unwilling to pay premium service prices. Owners suggest preferring later model years for software maturity but note the 2.0T is the wrong engine for this size of vehicle. Buyers are advised to get a pre-purchase inspection, pull a vehicle history report, obtain service records, check for open recalls and software updates, and budget for suspension bushings, engine mounts, and brakes as mileage climbs. Owners also warn strongly against examples with smoke odor, rebuilt titles, or repeated water pump replacements.
Remarks
A recurring theme in owner discussions is skepticism toward dealer service recommendations, with multiple owners noting that the same list of suspension, mount, and bushing work appears at similar mileages and recommending independent shops for substantial savings. Owners also frequently note that Carfax and similar reports can be inaccurate and should not replace an in-person inspection. Several owners describe the Q7 as a vehicle they enjoy so much they have no interest in replacing it, while others report enough accumulated faults to plan an exit at warranty expiration. Analysis based on approximately 219 substantive owner discussions about this generation.
Complaints and recalls by model year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 1 | power train |
| 2025 | 16 | 2 | unknown or other |
| 2024 | 2 | 3 | unknown or other |
| 2023 | 16 | 3 | electrical system |
| 2022 | 20 | 3 | engine |
| 2021 | 75 | 9 | electrical system |
| 2020 | 28 | 5 | electrical system |
| 2019 | 62 | 4 | steering |
| 2018 | 143 | 3 | engine |
| 2017 | 320 | 7 | exterior lighting |
| 2016 | 2 | 1 | seat belts |
| 2015 | 45 | 2 | engine |
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices for this generation
2026 · back over prevention: sensing system: cameracampaign 25V900000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2026 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
2025 · seat belts:front:anchoragecampaign 25V777000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2025 Audi RS Q8, Audi Q8, Audi Q7, and Audi SQ8 vehicles. The driver and front passenger seat belt buckles may be missing a rivet that secures the buckle to the seat belt stalk.
2025 · back over prevention: sensing system: cameracampaign 25V900000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2026 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
2024 · air bags:side/windowcampaign 23V868000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2023-2024 SQ8, RSQ8, Q8, Q7, and 2024 SQ7 vehicles. The driver's seat side air bag may have been improperly mounted to the seatback frame. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 214, "Side Impact Protection."
2024 · air bags:sensor:occupant classification:front passengercampaign 24V251000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2023 Audi S5 Cabriolet, A4 Allroad, Q5 Sportback, A3 Sedan, S5 Sportback, SQ7, TT Coupe, TT Roadster, RS5 Sportback, 2024 A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, Q8, RSQ8, 2023-2024 Q3, Q5, and Q7 vehicles. An electrical connection in the front passenger seat for the occupant detection system (ODS) control module may loosen and deactivate the front passenger air bag.
2024 · back over prevention: sensing system: cameracampaign 25V900000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2026 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
2023 · air bags:side/windowcampaign 23V868000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2023-2024 SQ8, RSQ8, Q8, Q7, and 2024 SQ7 vehicles. The driver's seat side air bag may have been improperly mounted to the seatback frame. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 214, "Side Impact Protection."
2023 · air bags:sensor:occupant classification:front passengercampaign 24V251000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2023 Audi S5 Cabriolet, A4 Allroad, Q5 Sportback, A3 Sedan, S5 Sportback, SQ7, TT Coupe, TT Roadster, RS5 Sportback, 2024 A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, Q8, RSQ8, 2023-2024 Q3, Q5, and Q7 vehicles. An electrical connection in the front passenger seat for the occupant detection system (ODS) control module may loosen and deactivate the front passenger air bag.
2023 · back over prevention: sensing system: cameracampaign 25V900000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2026 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
2022 · back over prevention: sensing system: cameracampaign 21V825000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi A8 and S8, 2022 Audi A5 Sportback, A4 Sedan, E-Tron GT, Q3, Q5, RS6 Avant, A3 Sedan, S5 Sportback, Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RSQ8, SQ7, SQ8, and S3 Sedan vehicles. A software error may prevent the rear-view image from initially displaying when the vehicle begins to reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
2022 · equipment:electrical:infotainment:video (touch)screen/monitor/unitcampaign 22V806000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021-2022 AUDI A8, A6 Allroad, E-TRON Quattro, 2022 S3, RSQ8, RS7, RS6 Avant, Q8, Q7, Q3, E-TRON Sportback Quattro, S5 Cabriolet, E-TRON GT, S5 Sportback, A7, A6, A5 Sportback, A5 Cabriolet, A4, A4 Allroad, A3, S8, SQ7, SQ8, S6, and S4 vehicles. The infotainment main unit may become damaged internally when the vehicle is shut off, resulting in an inoperative rearview camera display the next time the vehicle is started. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
2022 · back over prevention: sensing system: cameracampaign 25V900000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2026 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
21 more recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Owner insights summarize real ownership discussions for this generation only. Complaint and recall data is public NHTSA (US) information. Always verify recalls against your VIN at nhtsa.gov.