Audi Q7 SUV (2006-2015) - Reliability & safety

The Audi Q7 has proven to offer variable reliability, although it’s been around for long enough to have tackled many of the niggles people have had. It’s a safe car, only let down by a couple of issues.

Audi Q7 reliability

The Audi brand dropped from 10th to 12th position out of 33 manufacturers in the 2014 Driver Power survey – behind Mercedes and BMW but ahead of Land Rover. The manufacturer scored well for build quality and performance, but did poorly for ride quality and worryingly only finished 20th for reliability.

But there have been few reported issues with the 3.0-litre TDI engine and any early production faults with the Audi Q7 should have been ironed out by now.

Carbuyer readers who have rated the Q7 have had mixed reviews of its reliability, with instances of loose trim, poor tyre wear and various problems with the electrics.

A number of readers commented on the high running costs, saying that the Q7 is thirsty and that replacement parts are expensive. One reader said that “road tax and fuel are both killers. Insurance is pricey too”.

Praise for the Q7 includes comments that it is “unbeatable in the snow”, “very comfortable” and a “perfect family car”.

Audi Q7 safety

Surprisingly, given its size, the Q7 was only awarded four stars by Euro NCAP, even though it was crash-tested before the procedure was made tougher in 2009. Points were lost because the dashboard presented a potential risk to the driver's knees in a front impact. The latest versions of the BMW X5 and Land Rover Discovery haven't been tested yet, but the Mercedes M-Class scored very highly, so is currently the safest choice in this class.

The Q7 is fitted with front and side airbags running the length of the side windows, as well as electronic stability control to help prevent skids and a tyre-pressure monitoring system that warns you of slow punctures.