Premium / Premium Plus / Prestige (2nd gen 4M, 2017–present)
Monitor
The 2nd-gen Q7 is a well-proportioned 3-row luxury SUV — lighter than the 1st gen, more refined interior, and standard quattro AWD. The 2.0T is adequate but the 3.0T supercharged V6 is the preferred choice for this large vehicle. Timing chain (EA888) and oil consumption apply to the 2.0T. The 3.0T supercharger belt should be inspected at high mileage. Air suspension compressor failure is the most common repair. Audi service records are mandatory.
Items to check
12
Open recalls
3
NHTSA complaints
280
Top concern
Engine / Air Suspension / Electrical
Air Suspension
Air ride compressor failure
High Risk at 60k+
Q7 air suspension compressor is the most common repair — same pattern as Range Rover/GLE.
Overnight level test — park on level ground and check all four corners next morning.
Est. cost: $1,500–$2,800 compressorSource: Audi Q7 air suspension pattern
Engine
2.0T EA888 timing chain + oil consumption
High Risk
Same EA888 issues as other VAG vehicles. Cold-start rattle = chain worn. Oil consumption check.
Cold-start rattle check and dipstick check.
Est. cost: $800–$1,500 chain; $0–$2,500 consumptionSource: VAG EA888 pattern
3.0T supercharged V6 (preferred) — supercharger belt
Monitor
The 3.0T TFSI has a Roots-type supercharger belt that should be replaced every 60k–80k miles. No widespread engine failures.
Ask if supercharger belt has been replaced. Request service records for 3.0T supercharger service.
Est. cost: $800–$1,200 supercharger belt serviceSource: Audi 3.0T TFSI service schedule
Maintenance Cost
Audi service records essential
High Risk without
Audi Q7 services run $900–$1,800 per interval.
Request all VAG-authorized records. No records = $3,000+ deferred maintenance backlog.
Est. cost: $900–$1,800 per serviceSource: AutoVetting editorial
Documentation
CPO status + recall check
High Risk without
Audi CPO with extended warranty recommended on any Q7.
Verify CPO at Audi dealer. Run VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Est. cost: n/aSource: AutoVetting editorial
NHTSA Recalls (verify completion via VIN)
19V-035
Fuel Rails May Leak Fuel - fire risk
2016-2018 Q7 among 74,881 Audis spanning the Q7, A6, A7 and A8 lines: the left and right fuel rails can leak fuel, and a leak near an ignition source is a fire risk. Dealer replaces both rails free of charge; the recall opened 2019-02-28 under Audi's own number 24DP. A fuel smell under the hood after a hot shutdown is the symptom worth asking about. At this age the repair has usually been done - confirm it by VIN rather than on the seller's word.
20V-149
Steering Shaft Bolt Can Loosen - loss of steering control
2017-2019 Q7 and 2019 Q8: the bolt joining the steering shaft to the steering gear can loosen, which can cause a sudden loss of steering control. Only 229 vehicles across the entire campaign, so the odds any given Q7 is in it are small - but this is the most severe consequence on the page, the remedy is an inspection and a bolt, and nothing about it is detectable on a test drive. Dealer inspects and replaces the bolt as needed; the recall opened 2020-03-31.
20V-658
C-Pillar Padding May Not Absorb Head Impact
2018-2020 Q7 only, 94,144 vehicles - the one campaign here specific to this SUV rather than shared across the Audi range: the C-pillar deformation element may not absorb enough energy, so an unbelted occupant's head can strike the pillar harder than the standard allows. Dealer replaces the deformation element in both C-pillars. Nothing about it is visible or audible from the driver's seat, which is exactly why it has to be read off the VIN.
Independent pre-purchase inspection — we arrange it and walk you through the findings.
Send us the listing and we reply within 1 business day. Nothing due until we confirm a mechanic and a time. Piloting in Phoenix; other US metros by arrangement.
The Vetting Report: this VIN’s full recall status, known-failure cost ranges, negotiation talking points, and inspection priorities — delivered within 24 hours.