Last updated: 2026-03-04

Audi Q7

2 Audi Q7 Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the Audi Q7 average of 64/100

The Audi Q7 years to avoid are 2018, 2021 based on reliability scores, NHTSA recalls, and owner complaints. The worst year is 2018 with a reliability score of 58/100. The best Audi Q7 year to buy is 2024 70/100.

Verdict

The 2018, 2021 Audi Q7 score significantly below the model average of 64/100. The weakest year is 2018 with a score of 58/100 due to engine (28) issues. The best year to buy instead is 2020 65/100.

See years to avoid ↓See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

Audi Q7 Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the Audi Q7 average of 64/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1201858/100Mixed3134Engine (28)
2202159/100Mixed961Electrical System (33)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

58
MixedReliability score: 58 out of 100, rated Mixed

2018 Audi Q7

The 2018 Audi Q7 has mixed reliability. There are 3 recalls and 134 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Audi Q7. Severity signals include 3 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (28), Exterior Lighting (17), Suspension (15).

3 recalls134 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Engine (28), Exterior Lighting (17), Suspension (15), Unknown Or Other (15), Electrical System (13), Steering (7)

View full 2018 reliability report →
59
MixedReliability score: 59 out of 100, rated Mixed

2021 Audi Q7

The 2021 Audi Q7 has mixed reliability. There are 9 recalls and 61 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Audi Q7. Severity signals include 3 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (33), Unknown Or Other (7), Engine (5).

9 recalls61 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Electrical System (33), Unknown Or Other (7), Engine (5), Steering (4), Seat Belts (2), Tires (2)

View full 2021 reliability report →

What Are Common Audi Q7 Problems?

Top reported issues across all Audi Q7 model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

63 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

ENGINE

41 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

34 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

SUSPENSION

25 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019

STEERING

21 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2021

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

19 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019

Best Audi Q7 Year to Buy Instead

65
GoodReliability score: 65 out of 100, rated Good

2020 Audi Q7

The 2020 Audi Q7 has good reliability. There are 5 recalls and 22 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Audi Q7. Severity signals include 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (9), Engine (4), Power Train (3).

Score: 65/100 (Good)5 recalls22 complaints
View full 2020 reliability report →

All Audi Q7 Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

Audi Q7 Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Our data covers 2018–2025 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Audi Q7 years should you avoid?
Based on our data, you should avoid the following Audi Q7 years: 2018 (score: 58/100), 2021 (score: 59/100). These model years score significantly below the Audi Q7 average of 64/100.
What is the best year for the Audi Q7?
The best year for the Audi Q7 is 2024, with a reliability score of 70/100 ("Good"). It has 3 recalls and 0 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the Audi Q7 have?
Across all years in our database, the Audi Q7 has a total of 32 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used Audi Q7 worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2024 model year, which scores 70/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 64/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common Audi Q7 problems?
The most common Audi Q7 problems are electrical system (63 complaints), engine (41 complaints), unknown or other (34 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the Audi Q7 reliable long-term?
The Audi Q7 has an average reliability score of 64/100 across all model years in our database, rated "good". Overall, it is a reliable vehicle, though some model years perform better than others.
How much does it cost to maintain a Audi Q7?
The estimated annual maintenance cost for the Audi Q7 is $1,185 based on independent repair cost databases. This may vary depending on the model year and driving conditions.
Is the 2024 Audi Q7 a good used buy?
Yes, the 2024 Audi Q7 is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 70/100 ("Good"). It has 3 recalls and 0 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

1

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

4

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

  • 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
  • 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
  • 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
  • 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

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