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Audi · Full-Size SUV · 2006–2015

Audi Q7 4L

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

2.3 / 5.0 · Based on 9 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

500 PS

6.0L TDI V12 Diesel

Sports SUV with real bite

Fun to Drive!
Problem Engine

280 PS

3.6L FSI V6 Benzin

6 weaknesses

Stay Away!

Generations


Engine Overview

The Audi Q7 4L is available with 6 engine variants — from 204 to 500 hp. 2 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.

3.0L TDI V6 · Diesel· 232–245 PS Engine Change
2006 2010
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
2010 2015
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
2011 2015
Stay Away! 6 weaknesses
4.2L TDI V8 · Diesel· 326–340 PS Engine Change
2007 2009
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
2012 2015
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
6.0L TDI V12 · Diesel· 500 PS
2007 2014
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
3.6L FSI V6 · Benziner· 280 PS
2006 2010
Stay Away! 6 weaknesses
4.2L FSI V8 · Benziner· 349 PS
2006 2015
Stay Away! 8 weaknesses
3.0L TDI V6 Hybrid · Diesel Hybrid· 258 PS
2007 2015
Be Careful 5 weaknesses

The Audi 3.0L TDI V6 (Diesel, 232–245 PS) comes with 3 different engines: BUG (2006–2010, Be Careful) und CASA (2010–2015, Be Careful) und CASB (2011–2015, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the 3.0L TDI V6!

The Audi 4.2L TDI V8 (Diesel, 326–340 PS) comes with 2 different engines: BTR (2007–2009, Be Careful) und CCFA (2012–2015, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 4.2L TDI V8!

The Audi 6.0L TDI V12 (Diesel, 500 PS) has the CCGA (6.0L TDI V12) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.

The Audi 3.6L FSI V6 (Benziner, 280 PS) has the BHK (3.6L FSI V6) — rated: "Stay Away!", 6 known weaknesses.

The Audi 4.2L FSI V8 (Benziner, 349 PS) has the BAR (4.2L FSI V8) — rated: "Stay Away!", 8 known weaknesses.

The Audi 3.0L TDI V6 Hybrid (Diesel Hybrid, 258 PS) has the CASA-ETR (3.0L TDI V6 Hybrid) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
Air Suspension: Compressor and Air Bag Failures

Air bags become porous, the WABCO compressor overheats and fails. The rear axle typically drops first. Full repairs regularly cost 2,000–3,500 €.

Symptoms: Vehicle drops on one side or overall, loud compressor noise, ride height control fault message, vehicle at minimum height
from 100,000 km
High
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below Average
353 complaints · 2006–2015
Fuel System
98
Engine
65
Electrical
60 ⚠ 1
Other
32 ⚠ 2
Wipers & Visibility
31

Top Reported Issues

Fuel System (98 complaints)
Engine (65 complaints)
Electrical (60 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 56 weaknesses have been documented for the Audi Q7 4L (2006–2015) — 51 engine-related and 5 vehicle-related. 3 problem engines: BHK (3.6L FSI V6), BAR (4.2L FSI V8), CASB (3.0L TDI V6). Typical issues affect Suspension, Other, Brakes, Body.

Q7 (BUG, 2006–2010) — Be Careful: Timing chain and guide rail wear, Brake servo membrane damaged by oil vapour, Defective piezo injectors. Power: 232–239 PS.

Q7 (BTR, 2007–2009) — Be Careful: Dual turbocharger failure, Timing chain wear — V8, MAF sensor failure (dual). Power: 326 PS.

Q7 (CCGA, 2007–2014) — Be Careful: Twin turbocharger failure, Injector wear (12 injectors), Head gasket failure from heat. Power: 500 PS.

Q7 (CASA, 2010–2015) — Be Careful: Timing Chain Wear and Guide Rail Breakage, Injectors and Fuel Pressure Loss, Dual-Mass Flywheel Wear. Power: 232–245 PS.

Q7 (CASB, 2011–2015) — Stay Away!: Complex Four-Chain Drive Stretched, Ring Land Fracture — High-Pressure Piston Failure, Swirl Flap Screw Comes Loose — Engine Damage. Power: 239–245 PS.

Q7 (CCFA, 2012–2015) — Be Careful: Bi-Turbocharger Failure, Timing Chain Wear V8 (Revised Engine), MAF Sensor Fault (Dual Sensors). Power: 340 PS.

Q7 (BHK, 2006–2010) — Stay Away!: Timing chain tensioner failure, Piston slap — known mass problem 3.2 FSI, Severe intake valve carbon build-up (FSI direct injection). Power: 280 PS.

Q7 (BAR, 2006–2015) — Stay Away!: Timing chain jumps — high weight accelerates wear, High oil consumption — typical for FSI V8 in SUV use, Intake valve coking from direct injection. Power: 349 PS.

Q7 (CASA-ETR, 2007–2015) — Be Careful: Timing chain and chain tensioner wear, Recall: HV battery fire risk, EGR valve coking. Power: 204–211 PS.

What to watch out for with the Audi Q7? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Audi Q7 4L have? +
The Audi Q7 4L has 51 known engine weaknesses and 5 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Audi Q7 4L? +
faq.watch_a_avoid
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: BUG (3.0L TDI V6), CASA (3.0L TDI V6), BTR (4.2L TDI V8), CCFA (4.2L TDI V8), CASA-ETR (3.0L TDI V6 Hybrid), CCGA (6.0L TDI V12). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the CCGA (6.0L TDI V12). Problem engine: BHK (3.6L FSI V6) — stay away!
Which Audi Q7 4L engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Audi Q7 4L — rated: "Fun to Drive!". {description} 500 hp in an SUV body — a sporting chassis and immediate throttle response lift it well above the everyday SUV.
Is the Audi Q7 4L worth buying used? +
Caution is advised with the Audi Q7 4L — 3 of 9 engine variants are rated 'Stay Away!'. The engine choice is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Audi Q7 4L? +
The Audi Q7 4L is available with engine variants from 204 to 500 hp. Petrol: BHK (3.6L FSI V6), BAR (4.2L FSI V8). Diesel: BUG (3.0L TDI V6), CASA (3.0L TDI V6), CASB (3.0L TDI V6), BTR (4.2L TDI V8), CCFA (4.2L TDI V8), CASA-ETR (3.0L TDI V6 Hybrid), CCGA (6.0L TDI V12).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee