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Audi · Full-Size SUV · 2015–2026

Audi Q7 4M

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

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

507 PS

4.0L TFSI V8 BiTurbo Benzin

V8 diesel with e-supercharger — technically unique, emotionally divisive

Legendary!
Problem Engine

211–218 PS

3.0L TDI V6 Diesel

6 weaknesses

Stay Away!

Generations


Engine Overview

The Audi Q7 4M is available with 9 engine variants — from 211 to 507 hp. 2 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.

3.0L TDI V6 · Diesel· 211–245 PS Engine Change
2015 2019
Stay Away! 5 weaknesses
2015 2018
Stay Away! 6 weaknesses
45 TDI · Diesel· 245 PS
2015 2019
Stay Away! 5 weaknesses
SQ7 · Diesel· 435 PS
2016 2024
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
3.0L TFSI V6 · Benziner· 333–340 PS
2015 2019
Be Careful 7 weaknesses
SQ7 · Benziner Mild-Hybrid· 507 PS
2020 2024
Be Careful 10 weaknesses
55 TFSI e · Benziner Plug-in-Hybrid· 381 PS
2020 2024
Be Careful 9 weaknesses
60 TFSI e · Benziner Plug-in-Hybrid· 462–490 PS Engine Change
2019 2024
Be Careful 9 weaknesses
2024 2026
Be Careful 9 weaknesses
3.0L TDI V6 · Diesel Mild-Hybrid· 286 PS
2020 2024
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
50 TDI · Diesel Mild-Hybrid· 286 PS
2018 2019
Be Careful 5 weaknesses

The Audi 3.0L TDI V6 (Diesel, 211–245 PS) comes with 2 different engines: CREC (2015–2019, Stay Away!) und CZZA (2015–2018, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the 3.0L TDI V6!

The Audi 45 TDI (Diesel, 245 PS) has the CVMD (3.0L TDI V6) — rated: "Stay Away!", 5 known weaknesses.

The Audi SQ7 (Diesel, 435 PS) has the CZAC (4.0L TDI V8 BiTurbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.

The Audi 3.0L TFSI V6 (Benziner, 333–340 PS) has the CREA (3.0L TFSI V6) — rated: "Be Careful", 7 known weaknesses.

The Audi SQ7 (Benziner Mild-Hybrid, 507 PS) has the DCU (4.0L TFSI V8 BiTurbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 10 known weaknesses.

The Audi 55 TFSI e (Benziner Plug-in-Hybrid, 381 PS) has the DCBE (3.0L TFSI e V6) — rated: "Be Careful", 9 known weaknesses.

The Audi 60 TFSI e (Benziner Plug-in-Hybrid, 462–490 PS) comes with 2 different engines: DCBE (2019–2024, Be Careful) und DCBE (2024–2026, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 60 TFSI e!

The Audi 3.0L TDI V6 (Diesel Mild-Hybrid, 286 PS) has the DTHA (3.0L TDI V6) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.

The Audi 50 TDI (Diesel Mild-Hybrid, 286 PS) has the DHXA (3.0L TDI V6) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
Air Suspension Compressor and Air Bags Failed

Standard air suspension shows frequent compressor and air bag failures from 80,000–120,000 km. Leaking bags make the compressor run continuously until it burns out.

Symptoms: Vehicle sitting low on one side, audible hissing during level adjustment, air suspension warning, compressor runs continuously
from 90,000 km
High
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below Average
646 complaints · 2015–2026
Lighting
154
Electrical
129 ⚠ 4
Engine
127 ⚠ 1
Other
74 ⚠ 4
Suspension
58

Top Reported Issues

Lighting (154 complaints)
Electrical (129 complaints)
Engine (127 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 62 weaknesses have been documented for the Audi Q7 4M (2015–2026) — 57 engine-related and 5 vehicle-related. 3 problem engines: CREC (3.0L TDI V6), CZZA (3.0L TDI V6), CVMD (3.0L TDI V6). Typical issues affect Suspension, Other, Brakes, Electronics.

Q7 (CREC, 2015–2019) — Stay Away!: Low Oil Pressure from Variable Pump and Fuel Ingress, Camshaft Fracture (Material Defect EA897), DPF Problems from Frequent Regeneration and Fuel Ingress. Power: 245 PS.

Q7 (CZZA, 2015–2018) — Stay Away!: Timing chain wear, Injector needle seat wear and oil dilution, Low oil pressure from variable oil pump. Power: 211–218 PS.

Q7 (CVMD, 2015–2019) — Stay Away!: Camshaft material defect (recall risk), Timing chain tensioner and chain wear, Intake tract and EGR heavily coked. Power: 245 PS.

Q7 (CZAC, 2016–2024) — Be Careful: Fuel dilution of engine oil, Electric compressor (EAV) failure, Intake manifold coking. Power: 435 PS.

Q7 (CREA, 2015–2019) — Be Careful: Water Pump Internal Failure with Coolant Migration, Rocker Arm Roller Failure — Early Production, Coolant Leaks from Seals. Power: 333–340 PS.

Q7 (DCU, 2020–2024) — Be Careful: Cylinder Bore Cracks (Recall), Turbocharger Lubrication Problems, 48V Belt Starter Generator Failure. Power: 507 PS.

Q7 (DCBE, 2019–2024) — Be Careful: Water Pump Failure EA839 (Critical), Recall 93QQ — High-Voltage Battery Fire Risk, Hybrid Gearbox Failure V6 PHEV. Power: 333–340 PS.

Q7 (DHXA, 2018–2019) — Be Careful: Chain Tensioner and Timing Chain Wear, Injector Wear with Oil Dilution, Oil Mist Damages Brake Booster. Power: 286 PS.

Q7 (DTHA, 2020–2024) — Be Careful: Timing chain rattles on cold start, Camshaft fracture — material defect, AdBlue system: pump and injector failure. Power: 286 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 4M have? +
The Audi Q7 4M has 57 known engine weaknesses and 5 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Audi Q7 4M? +
faq.watch_a_avoid
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: DTHA (3.0L TDI V6), CREA (3.0L TFSI V6), CZAC (4.0L TDI V8 BiTurbo), DHXA (3.0L TDI V6), DCU (4.0L TFSI V8 BiTurbo), DCBE (3.0L TFSI e V6). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the DCU (4.0L TFSI V8 BiTurbo). Problem engine: CZZA (3.0L TDI V6) — stay away!
Which Audi Q7 4M engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Audi Q7 4M — rated: "Legendary!". {description} 435 hp V8 TDI with an electric supercharger that fills the turbo lag gap — this tech exists nowhere else. Acceleration feels surreal for 2.3 tons. But the sound remains diesel, running costs are brutal, and the electric supercharger is an expensive wear item. A technology showcase that polarizes.
Is the Audi Q7 4M worth buying used? +
Caution is advised with the Audi Q7 4M — 3 of 9 engine variants are rated 'Stay Away!'. The engine choice is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Audi Q7 4M? +
The Audi Q7 4M is available with engine variants from 211 to 507 hp. Petrol: CREA (3.0L TFSI V6), DCU (4.0L TFSI V8 BiTurbo), DCBE (3.0L TFSI e V6). Diesel: DTHA (3.0L TDI V6), CREC (3.0L TDI V6), CZZA (3.0L TDI V6), CVMD (3.0L TDI V6), CZAC (4.0L TDI V8 BiTurbo), DHXA (3.0L TDI V6).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee