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Audi · Full-Size SUV · 2016–2024

Audi SQ7 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!

Engine Overview

The Audi SQ7 4M is available with 2 engine variants — from 211 to 507 hp.

SQ7 · Diesel· 435 PS
2016 2024
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
SQ7 · Benziner Mild-Hybrid· 507 PS
2020 2024
Be Careful 10 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →

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

The Audi SQ7 (Benziner Mild-Hybrid, 507 PS) has the DCU (4.0L TFSI V8 BiTurbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 10 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
Ad air suspension supercharger Q7 4M4M0 616 005 FWABCO Q7 4Mair spring Q7 4M rear
 High
!Air suspension: ride height sensor fault

The SQ7 4M with its standard air suspension suffers from ride height sensor faults that generate system fault messages. Compressor failures are possible at high mileages.

Symptoms: 'Air suspension system fault' warning, car does not regulate ride height correctly, level warning on start-up
from 80,000 km
Ad Höhensensor Audi SQ7 4Mlevel sensor Q7 4M rearair spring SQ7 4M
 High
!Ball joints and steering stressed by vehicle weight

The SQ7's vehicle weight of over 2.2 tonnes places above-average stress on ball joints and steering. Wear occurs earlier than on smaller vehicles, especially with frequent towing.

Symptoms: Knocking over speed humps, vague steering, unsettled handling
from 80,000 km
Ad Kugelgelenk Audi SQ7 4M front axlecontrol arm Q7 4M completesteering rack Q7 4M
 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
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Above Average
6 complaints · 2016–2024
Electrical
3
Engine
2
Collision Avoidance
2
Backup Camera/Sensors
1

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Electrical (3 complaints)
⚠ Engine (2 complaints)
⚠ Collision Avoidance (2 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 67 weaknesses have been documented for the Audi SQ7 4M (2016–2024) — 57 engine-related and 10 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.

What to watch out for with the Audi SQ7? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Audi SQ7 4M have? +
The Audi SQ7 4M has 57 known engine weaknesses and 10 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Audi SQ7 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 SQ7 4M engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Audi SQ7 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 SQ7 4M worth buying used? +
Caution is advised with the Audi SQ7 4M — 3 of 9 engine variants are rated 'Stay Away!'. The engine choice is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Audi SQ7 4M? +
The Audi SQ7 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