How Long Do Audi Q7 Last? (Solved & Explained)

Launched in 2006, the Q7 is the largest SUV in the Audi lineup.

Characterized by a handsome design and variable spaciousness, the Q7 offers seating for up to 7 people.

In this article we’ll take a closer look at its average lifespan.

Read on to find out more…

Here is the short answer to how long Audi Q7 last:

The Audi Q7 can last between 150,000 – 200,000 miles on average when properly maintained and driven conservatively. If you were to drive 15,000 miles per year, the Q7 should provide 10 – 13 years of service before requiring uneconomical repairs or breaking down.

How Many Miles Can You Expect from an Audi Q7?

The Q7 might not last as long as some of its Japanese rivals, however you can still expect to get a lot of life out of it.

As many Audi owners will tell you – if you look after your Audi, it’ll look after you.

Across owner forums you’ll find many accounts of owners who have cruised past the 100k mark with very few issues and still running good as new.

We even came across a handful of owners who have over 250,000 miles on their Q7 although it’s typically in the 150k-200k region when problems become more prevalent and increasingly expensive to fix.

When this happens, the cost of repairs may outweigh the cost of the vehicle.

Hitting high numbers will ultimately depend on the owner and how they look after their Q7 as design and quality of materials will only get you so far.

Your result will be heavily impacted by usage, personal care, and to some extent, luck.

However, we’ve made a general assessment based upon trusted industry data, giving you a better idea of what you can expect.

The life of your Q7 will be cut short if you avoid:

Service appointments
Routine oil changes
Tire rotations
Using quality parts
Driving smoothly

As a general rule, the newer Q7 models are expected to last longer due to an increase in reliability in recent years.

Do Audi Q7s Rust Easily?

Audi Q7s do not rust easily and are generally considered to be very rust resilient. During the manufacturing process the Q7 is subject to rustproofing this includes an electrocoating of all sheet metals and underbody parts. E-coats are known for their superior corrosion resistance.

In our research, we came across only a handful of disgruntled customers, most of whom reside in colder climates, who have experienced surface rust on their Q7 in the following places:

Above the windshield
Driver side rear wheel
Passenger side rear wheel
Door handles

Rust on a new Q7 is uncommon and the few complaints we did uncover were generally on older vehicles.

Rust can be much more of an issue depending on your location, especially in regions where salt is used on the roads during the winter and coastal areas due to salt air. However, additional rustproofing isn’t generally recommended on a new Audi unless you plan on keeping it well past its warranty.

Tips to keep your Q7 rust-free:

Regularly wash and dry your car: This includes its underside (especially during the winter) to remove the salt, dirt and grime that causes rust. We recommend having a detail shop wash everything underneath at the end of each winter.
Repair paint damage and scratches: Exposed metal will oxidize. If it’s beyond a DIY fix speak to your local body repair shop.
Garage: Store your Q7 in a garage to protect it from harsh weather and bird droppings.
Waxing: Wax your car twice a year. Not only will this make your Q7 look amazing, it also gives a protective coating against rust.

Audi offers a 12-year limited warranty against corrosion perforation with all Q7 models – this will not include surface rust, although you should always speak to your dealer if you have any issues. Rust caused by a defect in parts or manufacturing should be covered.

What is High Mileage for an Audi Q7?

An Audi Q7 with over 100,000 miles is considered high mileage and a riskier investment due to the increased chance of encountering problems, whether electronic or mechanical. However, you should fully assess the vehicle first before making a decision and shouldn’t look solely at mileage.

Purchasing a Q7 with more than 100,000 miles won’t necessarily equate to a sour outcome.

A well-maintained Q7 with 100,000 miles might be a better investment than one with 60,000 miles that had lots of owners and led a rough life or was a prior rental car.

When buying a second-hand Q7, consider the following:

How long you are planning on keeping the car. If you’re planning on keeping the car for a long time, you should evaluate whether the short-term savings outweigh spending a bit extra into something more reliable.
Get a second opinion: Take it to an independent auto diagnostic clinic or have it inspected by a mechanic.
Check the CarFax. This doesn’t guarantee anything but it will help provide a clearer picture of wear-and-tear. Ensure it has minimal damage if any. Review the information to make sure if something happened, it wasn’t engine related or mechanical.
Maintenance history. Check that the car was properly serviced and the owner can provide evidence of this.
Number of previous owners. As a general rule, less is better. More owners usually mean more wear and tear. If one family owned it and drove the full mileage and serviced the car, then you can almost guarantee they took good care of it throughout their ownership.

If the car has averaged a lot more or a lot less than 10,000-15,000 miles per year, you might want to further investigate why e.g. a 4-Year-old car with 100,000 miles.

How Long Do Audi Q7 Last Compared to Similar Car Models?

In this section we’ll compare the Q7 to other SUVs.

Audi Q7 vs. BMW X5

Available with two or three rows of seating, BMW’s X5 is a luxurious, comfortable midsize SUV.

The BMW X5 can last between 150,000 to 200,000 miles or 10 – 13 years, which is on par with the Q7.

According to RepairPal’s website:

The BMW X5 scores a below average rating of 2.0 / 5.0, which ranks its 13^th out of 19 luxury SUVs.
The Q7 scores a below average reliability rating of 2.5 / 5.0, which places it 8^th out of 19 luxury SUVs.
The X5 has an annual average repair and maintenance cost of $1,166 vs. $1,185 for the Q7.

Buyers looking for a roomier SUV will likely opt for the Q7, which has slightly more interior space and is also marginally more reliable.

Audi Q7 vs. Volvo XC90

The XC90 is highly regarded for its advanced safety and technologically advanced features.

The Volvo XC90 can last between 200,000 to 250,000 miles or 13 to 16 years, which is slightly more than the Q7’s projection of 150,000 to 200,000 miles or 10 – 13 years.

According to RepairPal’s website:

The XC90 scores an average rating of 3.5 / 5.0, which ranks its 8^th out of 14 luxury midsize SUVs.
The Q7 scores a below average reliability rating of 2.5 / 5.0, which places it 8^th out of 19 luxury SUVs.
The XC90 has an annual average repair and maintenance cost of $851 vs. $1,185 for the Q7.

The XC90 offers much more cargo space than the Q7 however if you’re after performance and don’t mind a higher price tag the Q7 was meant for you.

In terms of expected lifespan and reliability, the XC90 is the overall winner.

You may also be interested in our article: How Long Do Volvo XC90 Last?

Audi Q7 vs. Acura MDX

Launched in 2001, the MDX is Acura’s three-row midsize luxury SUV.

Acura is Japanese automaker Honda’s luxury division, and the MDX model is the second-best selling luxury midsize SUV in the United States.

The Acura MDX can usually last between 250,000 to 300,000 miles or 16 to 20 years, which is significantly more than the predicted lifespan of the Q7’s 150,000 to 200,000 miles or 10 to 13 years.

According to RepairPal’s website:

The MDX scores an average rating of 4.0 / 5.0, which ranks its 2^nd out of 14 luxury midsize SUVs.
The Q7 scores a below average reliability rating of 2.5 / 5.0, which places it 8^th out of 19 luxury SUVs.
The MDX has an annual average repair and maintenance cost of $571 vs. $1,185 for the Q7.

The Audi Q7 and Acura MDX are both impressive performance SUVs but the MDX is clearly superior.

You may also be interested in our article: How Long Do Acura MDX Last?

Is the Audi Q7 Reliable?

The Q7 has fairly average reliability, it’s not on the same level as some of its Japanese rivals however it shouldn’t cause owners too many problems and will offer a dependable ride for the most part.

Earlier Q7 models generally received lower scores than the more recent models, and in recent years the reliability of the Q7 has gradually been on the increase.

RepairPal scored the Q7 a reliability rating of 2.5 out of 5.0.
J.D. Power rated the Q7 with a consumer reliability rating of 75 out of 100.
Consumer Reports gives the Q7 an average reliability rating of 3 out of 5.
The Kelley Blue Book consumer rating index gives the Q7 a reliability rating of 4.7 out of 5.

Reliability ratings show how well vehicles have held up and the odds that an owner might be inconvenienced by problems and repairs

Reliability Compared to Other Luxury SUVs

Model	Reliability
Infiniti QX80	3.5 / 5.0
Infiniti QX60	3.5 / 5.0
Lincoln MKS	3.0 / 5.0
Infiniti JX35	3.0 / 5.0
Lincoln Navigator	2.5 / 5.0
Cadillac Escalade	2.5 / 5.0
Lincoln MKT	2.5 / 5.0
Audi Q7	2.5 / 5.0
Cadillac Escalade EXT	2.5 / 5.0
Land Rover Range Rover Sport	2.5 / 5.0
Mercedez-Benz R350	2.5 / 5.0
Infiniti QX56	2.5 / 5.0
BMW X5	2.0 / 5.0
Cadillac Escalade ESV	2.0 / 5.0
Land Rover Range Rover	2.0 / 5.0
BMW X6	2.0 / 5.0
Mercedes-Benz GL450	1.5 / 5.0
Mercedes-Benz GL350	1.0 / 5.0
Mercedes-Benz GL550	1.0 / 5.0
Avg. Luxury Fullsize SUV	2.5

The Best and Worst Years for Audi Q7

As with any vehicle on our roads, the Q7 has had its good and bad years.

Worst Model Year

There’s not a huge amount of complaints on file for the Q7, it’s either not very popular… or it’s very very good.

The 2007 Audi Q7 seems to have collected the most complaints throughout its life and according to Car Complaints it’s the worst model, this is based on several factors such as repair cost and average mileage when problems occur.

Brake problems and engine starting problems were apparently some of its worst and most common issues.

The 2013 Q7 suffered from premature tire wear, this saw some models requiring new tires after only 12,000 miles.

Owners of 2015 Q7 models reported problems with the Advanced Key specifications feature.

Best Model Year

The best model years for the Q7 are the most recent ones – in particular 2020 onwards.

For 2020, Audi kept the old 248-hp turbocharged four-cylinder but added a new turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 that uses a 48-volt hybrid system to make 335 horsepower, and these powertrains carry over unchanged into 2022.

We’ve noticed reliability scores pick up in recent years as well as a drop in overall complaints which shows Audi is fine-tuning their approach to the Q7 and are getting it right.

Our top pick would be the 2022 model due to its extra standard features, including:

Rear side airbags
Ambient interior lighting
Heated exterior mirrors
Upgraded tire-pressure monitoring system.

Model Year and Number of Complaints

Here are the number of complaints for each Q7 model year from the Car Complaints database.

Model Year	No. of Complaints
2022	0
2021	0
2020	0
2019	2
2018	2
2017	5
2016	0
2015	6
2014	3
2013	3
2012	2
2011	3
2010	1
2009	4
2008	5
2007	9
2006	0

What About Recalls For These Models?

The Q7 has 41 recalls across all model years.

You can check if your Q7 has been subject to a recall campaign by entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) into the Audi Recall / Service Campaign Lookup tool on their website.

It is important to note that recalls are manufacturing faults repaired at no charge to the consumer.

Here are the total number of recall campaigns per year for the Audi Q7:

2021: 4
2020: 2
2019: 4
2018: 3
2017: 7
2016: 1
2015: 1
2014: 1
2013: 2
2012: 3
2011: 3
2010: 2
2009: 2
2008: 3
2007: 3
2006: 0

Audi Q7 Model Year List

First Generation:

2006 Audi Q7
2007 Audi Q7
2008 Audi Q7
2009 Audi Q7
2010 Audi Q7
2011 Audi Q7
2012 Audi Q7
2013 Audi Q7
2014 Audi Q7
2015 Audi Q7

Second Generation:

2016 Audi Q7
2017 Audi Q7
2018 Audi Q7
2019 Audi Q7
2020 Audi Q7
2021 Audi Q7

Are Audi Q7 Expensive to Maintain?

German cars in general are more costly to maintain compared to Japanese and American ones and this holds true for the Audi Q7.

According to RepairPal, the average annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Q7 is $1,185, while the average annual cost for luxury SUVs is $1,127.

The average total annual cost for repairs across all car model years is $652.

Model	Avg. Annual Repair Cost	Frequency of Unscheduled Repairs (per year)	Probability of Severe Repairs
Infiniti QX80	$718	0.7	8%
Infiniti QX60	$639	0.9	10%
Lincoln MKS	$886	0.6	15%
Infiniti JX35	$837	1.2	11%
Lincoln Navigator	$1,089	0.4	18%
Cadillac Escalade	$1,007	0.3	20%
Lincoln MKT	$996	0.6	19%
Audi Q7	$1,185	0.9	13%
Cadillac Escalade EXT	$940	0.6	21%
Land Rover Range Rover Sport	$1,179	0.7	16%
Mercedez-Benz R350	$1,153	0.6	18%
Infiniti QX56	$807	0.8	24%
BMW X5	$1,166	0.8	17%
Cadillac Escalade ESV	$1,127	0.5	22%
Land Rover Range Rover	$1,258	0.6	19%
BMW X6	$1,206	1.0	21%
Mercedes-Benz GL450	$1,293	1.2	20%
Mercedes-Benz GL350	$1,308	1.3	22%
Mercedes-Benz GL550	$1,295	1.5	23%
Avg. Luxury Fullsize SUV	$1,127	0.7	19%

How Long Do the Brakes Last?

The Q7’s brakes usually last between 30,000 – 70,000 miles depending on driving habits.

You can expect your brakes to wear out sooner if you frequently stop and accelerate in rush-hour traffic.
Brake pad replacement, which includes parts and labor, can cost anywhere between $150 – $300 per axle.
Full and complete stops from a high speed are the #1 cause of premature brake pad wear.
Front brakes will typically wear out faster.

You may also be interested in our article: How Long Do Audi Q5 Last?

How Long Do the Tires Last?

Audi Q7 tires may last up to 50,000 – 60,000 miles, while others may last as little as 10,000 miles. This is dependent on various factors such as driving habits, climate, and road conditions.

Rotate tires every 5,000 miles to ensure even wear.
Check tire pressures every few weeks to make sure they’re at the correct tire pressure.
Have a mechanic check your wheel alignment every 6 months.

How Long Do Audi Q7 Engines Last?

The engine of the Q7 has been engineered to typically last 150,000 – 200,000 miles or 10 – 13 years. This can vary drastically depending on maintenance and the overall care of the vehicle.

If you take good care of your Audi there’s no reason why these mileages can’t be exceeded.

How Long Do Audi Q7 Batteries Last?

An Audi Q7 battery usually lasts an average of 3 – 5 years before requiring replacement. A vehicle’s battery life varies depending on factors such as climate, driving habits, the type of battery, and more.

Keep your battery tightly fastened: The vibrations of your car can loosen the connections, potentially resulting in short circuits and internal damage.
Limit short rides: Quick car rides prevent the battery from fully charging.
Storage: Keep your Q7 stored indoors away from extreme changes in temperature.
Control Corrosion: Clean the terminals (toothbrush dipped in baking soda and water mixture) and keep them free from build-up.

How Long Do the Spark Plugs Last?

According to Audi, Q7 spark plugs should be replaced at 35,000 miles or 6 years, whichever occurs first. Thereafter, every 40,000 miles or 6 years, whichever occurs first.

Spark plugs are usually inspected, and if needed, replaced when you take your Q7 for routine servicing.

Signs of a fouled spark plug include:

Reduced gas mileage
Lack of acceleration
Rough idling
Hardt starts
Engine misfires

What About Insurance Cost?

Full comprehensive insurance coverage for a Q7 averages at $1,696 per year, or $141 per month. In comparison, its segment competitors cost an average of $1,709 per year to insure.

Maintaining a safe driving record is key to getting lower car insurance rates.

While some things that affect car insurance rates (such as your driving history) are within your control, other costs may also be affected by things like state accident rates and state regulations.

Tips to Prolong the Life of Your Audi Q7

Adopt smooth driving habits.
Keep your car clean, inside and out.
Keep up to date with factory-recommended maintenance.
Use quality parts and fluids.
Don’t ignore gauges, lights or alerts.
Keep on top of repairs to prevent them from developing into larger problems.
Check your Q7’s engine oil, coolant, brake, and transmission fluid levels and top them up when required.
Keep your Q7 in a garage or under a carport.
Keep an eye on filters.
Read the owner’s manual to learn the location of important components, what your Q7 needs and what quantity and to understand the symbols and dashboard warning lights.

You may also be interested in our article: How Long Do Audi Q8 Last?

Resources

Author:

Ian Sawyer

Growing up with a father who was a mechanic I had an appreciation for cars and motorcycles from an early age. I shared my first bike with my brother that had little more than a 40cc engine but it opened up a world of excitement for me, I was hooked. As I grew older I progressed onto bigger bikes and...

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