The Audi Q7 leads the pack when it comes to featuring cutting-edge technology.
This all-wheel-drive monster has been around since 2006, and it has managed to stump users and reviewers alike every year.
The Q7 has also proven to be one of the more reliable SUVs on the market. With little to no complaints about each model, it certainly can be recommended to anyone.
This article will be focusing on the best and worst years for Audi Q7. By worst, I mean those models with more complaints than the others.
Before we get into the details, let’s list all of these models down.
Best Years for Audi Q7:
- 2021
- 2020
- 2016
- 2006
- 2010
- 2019
Worst Years for Audi Q7:
- 2007
- 2017
- 2015
- 2008
- 2018
- 2009
Now that all of these models have been listed, I will be getting into all of their details.
Whether features or reliability, everything has been considered before awarding the models their respective positions on this list.
Although you can buy anyone, regardless of which list they belong to, you will certainly benefit from the details.
So, without any further ado, let’s get straight into it!
Table of Contents
List Of The Best Years For The Audi Q7: What Years To Buy
These models of the Q7 have been chosen because they have proven themselves to be extremely reliable.
These years are those which can be bought without any second thought.
#1 Best Year: 2021 Audi Q7
The 2021 Audi Q7 is hands down the best model of the luxury SUV you can get. Although it is similar to the 2020 model, it has ironed out minor issues, which has made it perfect.
Although the Q7 has not been designed as a performance SUV, it sure acts like it. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph within a mere 5.6 seconds, which is pretty impressive for an SUV.
The fuel economy of the SUV is decent, around 20 mpg. When talking about the interior, the Q7 cannot be challenged at all. The manufacturer has used the highest quality materials.
That is not all. Audi has made the infotainment system so good that it can seem distracting.
#2 Best Year: 2020 Audi Q7
The new redesign was started with the 2020 Audi Q7. So, it makes complete sense that it has earned the top spot on this list.
The 2020 Q7 model brought many improvements, including an updated V6 engine, which was considerably more powerful than its predecessor.
It can produce up to 335 HP, which is a lot for an SUV. The manufacturer has included its LED matrix headlights, which are great for improved visibility.
Although the 2020 model included a powerful engine, it did sacrifice fuel efficiency by a bit, dropping down to 20 mpg instead of 23.
The infotainment system is as good as it gets, similar to the 2021 model.
#3 Best Year: 2016 Audi Q7
Coming up next is an older model of the Q7, 2016 one. This one has been on the market for a while and has proven to be one of the most reliable years for the SUV yet.
It has many features, which hide the fact that it is six years old. From seats that give you a message to an interior on Bentley’s standards, you are getting true luxury with the Audi Q7.
The drive quality is as expected. It is outstanding. The high-quality suspension is so good that it absorbs most bumps on the road.
The 3.0 TFSI version can reach up to 240 HP, which will perform amazingly on the road.
#4 Best Year: 2006 Audi Q7
One of the earliest models of the SUV has made it onto this list. I can guarantee you did not expect that.
The 2006 Q7 is perfect for people looking for a premium Audi experience but don’t have a large budget. Well, this first-generation SUV will provide them with that.
Although this model is showing its age, its drive performance is still excellent when it comes to technology. The manufacturer offered this model two engine options, a V6 and a V8 one.
Both are extremely powerful and will allow for a memorable driving experience.
The interior feels extremely luxurious, even for modern standards. This makes the 2006 Q7 a great budget-friendly option.
#5 Best Year: 2010 Audi Q7
Another fantastic option for consumers is the 2010 model of the Audi Q7. This one has been designed for people on a budget but are looking to get something that is a little more modern.
Although it is more than a decade old at this point, it still holds up pretty well.
The 2010 Q7 speaks luxury from the inside out. It has fantastic cargo space and even has an entire third row, which is not found in most luxury SUVs on the market.
The V6 TDI engine runs on diesel and provides amazing performance.
The acceleration is not that impressive, reaching 0 to 60 mph within 8 seconds. Regardless, it is a great vehicle overall.
#6 Best Year: 2019 Audi Q7
The final SUV on this list is the 2019 Audi Q7. Although it is one of the more recent models, it has last place.
The reason for this is that this model’s cargo space is less compared to what is offered by competitors. Other than that, it is the same great SUV that people know and loves.
Although this model has not received many upgrades since 2017, it has fixed most of its issues. The 3.0 V6 engine can reach from 0 to 60 in 5.9 seconds, which is remarkable.
The comfort level of the seats is one of the best in its class. The suspension has been designed to absorb shocks from most bumps on the road. This means a smooth experience.
List Of The Worst Years For The Audi Q7: What Years To Avoid
These models have also proven themselves to be extremely reliable.
But they did have more issues than the ones on the previous list. That is why they have ended up on this one.
Even if you consider this list, it is recommended to start from the bottom because the reliability increases as you go down.
#1 Worst Year: 2007 Audi Q7
The 2007 Audi Q7 is the worst model you can buy.
Although there were no engine or transmission issues, which are extremely common in the worst model years of vehicles, there were problems with the brakes and the electrical system, which frustrated owners.
The ESP, or the electronic stability program, would malfunction, which suddenly activates the ABS braking system. This is dangerous when on the roads and can lead to an accident.
The next problem is the engine, where it would not start. These issues are due to electrical malfunctions and are hard and expensive to repair.
#2 Worst Year: 2017 Audi Q7
This model came out exactly a decade later and brought with it many problems, which caused a lot of frustration.
Owners complained that the brakes would produce a squealing sound whenever applied, making the driving experience extremely unpleasant.
There were complaints about the electronic safety control system not working as intended, but they were pretty less.
The radio on the 2017 Audi Q7 would also glitch out. So, if you can listen to the radio to get news or listen to songs, well, it will not work on this model.
One issue reported once was that the engine would shut down in traffic. This could have caused a serious accident.
#3 Worst Year: 2015 Audi Q7
The 2015 Audi Q7 model came out two years earlier and had many issues. But it was still better and more reliable than the 2017 Q7.
The electrical system would malfunction, which would result in the vehicle locking itself without any user interaction.
The Advanced Key Feature is the one that causes the issue. If you have kids, this is something to be aware of.
One user also complained about the brakes on his Q7 failing. This is serious because there is no way for a vehicle to stop safely.
This can result in a serious accident which can cause someone to die.
#4 Worst Year: 2008 Audi Q7
Next up is the 2008 Audi Q7. This model of the SUV did not have any engine or brake issues, but some problems made owners very unhappy.
Some common complaints were that the gas cap door would not open, preventing users from refilling their vehicle. Power mirrors would also malfunction.
The Q7 has a drain at the top. It gets clogged up very easily, which results in a leakage. As the drain passes through the electronic system, it can get fried.
Audis are already notorious for their high repair costs. So, this must be kept in mind when purchasing this model.
#5 Worst Year: 2018 Audi Q7
The 2018 model is a fairly recent one, and it also had issues. Although there were no engine issues, there were complaints about the brakes and, yet again, the electrical system.
The preinstalled tires were of poor quality, and their outer edge would start peeling. The issue of brakes squealing, which was present in the previous model, was present in this one too.
Audi has included a particularly useful pre-sense system on its Q7.
The 2018 model starts to glitch and applies the brakes without any reason. It suddenly brakes if there is an obstacle up ahead.
#6 Worst Year: 2009 Audi Q7
The model of the SUV that has beaten all of the ones on this list is more than a decade old.
The 2009 Audi Q7 was the last model of the first generation of the SUV, and it was amazing. It did have its fair share of issues, but it is a model worth considering.
What Are The Most Common Problems With The Audi Q7?
This section of the article will focus on all of the problems that users have repeatedly faced over the years.
They have caused frustration, and some can get expensive to fix. It is recommended to read this section in its entirety.
1. Misfiring Problem
The first issue that has made its way onto this list has frustrated many users. They complained about the Q7 misfiring, which resulted in an extremely poor drive experience.
They reported that the issue was noticed when the vehicle was cold. It would shudder when on the road.
A common fix for this problem is to let your SUV warm up properly. You can drive it when the RPM gets stable. But the thing is, this solution did not work for everyone.
Then the problem is due to carbon build-up or the use of low-quality fuel. This can be fixed by getting all of the valves cleaned.
You should also switch to premium gas, as Audis have been designed to work on them.
2. Knock Sensor Issue
Many Audi Q7 owners report about the check engine light illuminating without any reason.
There were no performance or electrical issues, yet the light would stay on. It would turn off after a while. The same is the case with the knock sensor. It is labeled using the words NOX.
After a lot of research, I found out that the issue is related to the knock sensor being faulty.
Although the problem may not be too serious, the replacement will cost around $500! That is pretty expensive for a new sensor.
The issue is that the problem returns every 1000 miles, which has frustrated many users.
The sensor’s life can be extended by using a heat shield around it, as the high temperature is the only plausible explanation for its failure.
3. Problems With Tank Pressurization
The final problem on this list is the most annoying. Owners of the Audi Q7 complained about an unexpected popping noise coming from the fuel tank.
They reported that as soon as they heard the sound, their vehicle would not start, and the check engine light also came on.
The problem could be quite serious because fuel can be ignited easily.
Connecting a diagnostic sensor will give an error or P2404 or P0441, which means the engine has a pressurization problem.
This occurs due to a faulty valve, commonly known as the N80 valve. It does not close and prevents pressure from building up.
There is no other way other than to get the valve replaced. It is preferred to get a newer version, which quickly wears down.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What Year Did The Audi Q7 Change Body Style?
There have been many style changes in the Audi Q7. The most recent and the biggest one has been the one that was introduced in 2020.
The previous redesign was in production from 2015 to 2019. The first generation, the one that started it all, was in the market from 2006 to 2009.
The second generation was in production from 2009 to 2015. Audi does frequent changes to its SUV, keeping the design refreshed.
Q2. How Long Will An Audi Q7 TDI Last?
Although it may not seem like the luxury vehicle can go for a long time, the Q7 TDI can easily cross the 150000-mile barrier.
So, if you drive 15000 miles a year, which is a normal average for most people, you can expect it to last for at least a decade.
You can also go past 200000 miles, but that is only possible with constant maintenance and excellent driving.
Related: How Long Do Audi Q7 Last?
Q3. Why Are Audi Q7 So Cheap?
Now, this is an excellent question. With the number of features that Audi includes in its premium SUV, one would expect that the price of the Q7 would be much higher.
So, why is it cheap?
The main reason is that the repair and maintenance costs are high. The Q7 can only accept parts of the highest quality, and they tend to get expensive.
This is the reason you can get used to Q7’s at a cheaper rate.
Q4. Which Is Better BMW X7 Or Audi Q7?
Both of them are superior SUVs. They have top-of-the-line features, with beautiful interiors.
When it comes to fuel economy, the Q7 beats BMW’s offering by 4mpg. However, the cargo space is bigger on the X7, and the difference is quite massive.
The final comparison is the price. The Q7 trumps the BMW X7 in terms of price. The Q7 can be bought brand new for under $60000, while the X7 costs more than $130000.
So, it is a clear win for the Audi.
Q5. Is Audi Q7 Expensive To Maintain?
Yes, it is! The maintenance costs of a Q7 are considerably higher than other SUVs in the same class.
The average annual cost, including repairs, comes to around $1200, which is almost double compared to the industry average, which is $650.
This is why you can find the Q7 so cheap. The costs can add up, which may not be viable for some people. This must be kept in mind before purchasing this SUV.
Conclusion
I hope this information was helpful, and I hope you know better about the best and worst years for Audi Q7.
The Audi Q7 has had a long and varied history, with some years being better than others.
It can be concluded that the best years for the luxury SUV are the more recent ones, such as the 2020 and 2021 ones.
Both of them are fantastic options and have little to no differences. The 2021 model is recommended because it ironed out minor issues from its predecessor.
You can choose any model you like, as long as it is from this article, and you will have a fantastic experience.
I am Tahir Azam, and I have been writing amazing articles for TaxiHack for as long as I can remember. I know everything that is to know when it comes to automobiles and is always on top of industry news and developments. While I am not an expert by any means, I pride myself on knowing the ins and outs of many different problems and, of course, their solutions. The articles on our website are some of the best and well-researched content that you will find, and I spend countless hours making sure this remains to be true. This is why I ask you to take your time out and read some of my articles, especially if you find a topic that resonates with you or is something you are looking into. This way, you will find the perfect mix of information and tips on your desired topic. Learn more about Tahir.