Audi Q7 Common Problems and Solutions
Brake Pedal Pulsing
Problem:
The brake pedal pulses when you push down on it.
Solution:
It's not only the Q7 that experiences this problem, but it's one of the more commonly reported faults. It’s being caused by worn or damaged front brake discs, and you’ll need to find new ones on our parts page. Most experts do suggest replacing all four of your brake discs at the same time. Don't forget to check your brake pads, too, as these may be excessively worn as a result of the discs.
Difficulty level
Brake Disc
Vehicle Tilt
Problem:
The car is sitting unevenly and may have a lower ride height.
Solution:
Have a look at your residual pressure holding valves, which may have become stuck in the closed position. Audi has released a service bulletin that takes you through the process of testing these. If any or all of the valves fail the test, then you can order replacements directly from our parts list.
Difficulty level
Clicking Noise When Turning
Problem:
You can hear a clicking sound whenever you take a corner, and you feel a heavy vibration through the car.
Solution:
Your CV joint has likely been damaged, usually caused by the CV boots cracking and leaking. Install new CV boots as soon as you notice the problem. However, if the noise that you can hear is coming from the CV joint itself, then you may need to order a new axle from BreakerYard.
Difficulty level
CV Boots
Handling Issues
Problem:
The overall handling of the car feels off, and there is a general drop in performance. Overall, the car just seems lumpy and noisy whenever you're driving.
Solution:
The steering system, suspension, and subframe bushings and mountings are known to deteriorate fairly quickly on the Q7. You’ll need to check all of the listed parts and replace them as needed. We have all of the major parts needed for the Q7, although the installation of some parts can be quite labour-intensive.
Difficulty level
Excessive Tyre Wear
Problem:
Your tyres are wearing out extremely quickly and need to be replaced far too often.
Solution:
The Audi Q7 simply eats through tyres. If the problem is causing you a major headache, then you can try downsizing your wheel size to the 18-inch version, which will also have the added bonus of improving ride comfort. This is an easy job to do yourself, and we have both tyres and smaller wheels available to order for quick delivery.
Difficulty level
Tyres
Water Stains In Car
Problem:
Your seats are damp, and there is a musty smell. You will also see signs of water damage on your seats.
Solution:
The sunroof drain is leaking, which is a common fault with the Q7. Try cleaning out the drains, but you may have to reseal the sunroof. You can find a new sunroof seal in our online store.
Difficulty level
Keyless Entry Problem
Problem:
Your keyless entry is no longer working.
Solution:
If you're lucky, this is nothing more than a dead battery in your key fob. If replacing the battery doesn’t work, then the issue is the door handles themselves. Try replacing one of the door handles and see if this rectifies the issue. If so, then replace the other door handles as needed, all of which can be found on our parts list.
Difficulty level
Popping Noise From Boot
Problem:
When you're driving, you can hear a popping noise coming from the boot. After filling up your fuel, the engine may take a long time to start. The check engine light may also come on.
Solution:
You have a pressurisation problem, which is causing that popping sound. It’s going to be a faulty intake manifold valve, which is letting air into the fuel tank and the engine. There is a modified version of the valve available, and you can order the new version directly from BreakerYard.
Difficulty level
Heavy tyre and brake wear
Problem:
Due to the sheer size and weight of the vehicle, they are particularly heavy on tyre and brake wear.
Solution:
Unfortunately, the only thing you can do is replace either the tyres, or brakes, when they get too worn down
Difficulty level
Leather worn away on seats
Problem:
It is known for the leather to wear down around the bottom of the side bolster, on the front seats. It can sometimes wear down rather early on the back of the seats, and the bases as well.
Solution:
You have three choices: You can either live with the problem; get the seats recovered; or buy a replacement seat. If you are after a replacement seat, check out the link below:
Difficulty level
Seat
Suspension problems
Problem:
If, when you are driving along, can hear a knocking noise coming from the front suspension, the usual cause of this problem is the failure of the lower control arms.
Solution:
Fitting replacement lower control arms will rectify the situation.
Difficulty level
Front seat problem
Problem:
If you have found that the front seat bases are not able to move as they should, when you press the controls, this is caused by a fault with the motor.
Solution:
You will need to fit a replacement motor, in order to resolve this issue.
Difficulty level
Leaking sunroof
Problem:
On some Q7s, it has been known for the sunroof drains to become blocked, which could lead to water leaking into the cabin and potentially damaging the MMI (Multi Media Control Unit), or the stereo amplifier.
Solution:
You will need to have the sunroof repaired, in order to unblock the drain holes. You can watch the video below to see how this is done. You may also need to have the electronic devices (MMI) repaired, if they have water damage.
Difficulty level
Grinding Gears
Problem:
You can hear a loud grinding noise when changing gears.
Solution:
If your Q7 was built between September and December 2019, then you have likely got a faulty welded joint on the gearbox oil line. This is leading to escaping gear oil. The gear oil line will need to be replaced if you're affected by this fault. We always have the improved gear lines with the correct welding available to order, and they are an easy installation job.
Difficulty level
Loose Front Head Restraints
Problem:
The front head restraints feel very loose and may not lock into place.
Solution:
This caused an Audi recall, and you’ll have little choice but to replace the entire front head restraints. If you have a friendly Audi dealer, then they may offer to do this for free. If not, then you can order new head restraints from our parts page for the Q7.
Difficulty level
Headrest
