2008 Audi Q7 Reliability Report
NHTSA data as of Oct 15, 2026Published Oct 19, 2026
Ranks 3rd of 16 Q7 years we score.
- Owner complaints
- 33
- 2 are recall notices
- Per 10,000 cars
- 20.0
- 15,525 made for the U.S.
- Vs the average car
- 0.47×
- same age, 1× is average
- Serious outcomes
- 6
- crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
- Recalls
- 3
- NHTSA crash rating
- Not rated
- no overall rating before 2011
Should You Buy the 2008 Audi Q7?
Yes, with the usual checks. Our reliability score for the 2008 Audi Q7 is 79 out of 100, which rates Good. Owners reported about half as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 3rd of the 16 Q7 years we score.
The most reported problem is fuel tank or fuel lines (8 of 33 complaints). Owners also complain about fumes in the cabin and water leaks. 6 of the 33 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.
It has 3 recalls. For comparison, the 2007 scores 70 and the 2009 scores 76.
Before you buy, check that the recalls were done and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.
Pros
- Good reliability score of 79
- About half the problems of the average car its age
- No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls
Cons
- Fuel leak8 complaints
- Fumes in cabin (cause not stated)3 complaints
- Body seals (water leak): water leaking in2 complaints
How the 2008 Q7 Earned Its Score
Every model year starts at 100. Each part takes points away when this year has more problems than the average car of the same age. How we score
| Item | Vs average | Points lost |
|---|---|---|
| Starting score | 100 | |
| Serious problems | 0.33× | −8 |
| Everyday problems | 0.79× | −7 |
| Problems in the last two years | Not counted | – |
| Recalls | 0.87× | −6 |
| Score | 79 |
Problems in the last two years are not counted for the 2008 Q7. If it were exactly average, its 15,525 cars would draw about 0.9 complaints in two years at this age, too few to compare. Their 30% moves to serious and everyday problems, which count for 80% of this score instead of 50%.
What Owners Report
We read all 33 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2008 Audi Q7, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first. A complaint that describes more than one problem is counted under each, so the counts add up to more than 33.
Fuel leak
8 complaints (24%)
A leak. 1 of these 8 complaints describes a serious outcome: an injury. Median mileage when it started: about 84,000 miles.
Fumes in cabin (cause not stated)
3 complaints (9%)
A bad smell. All 3 describe a serious outcome, most often an injury.
Body seals (water leak): water leaking in
2 complaints (6%)
Water leaking in.
Exterior lights: stopped working
2 complaints (6%)
A feature that stopped working and warning lights.
Fuel injector: a bad smell
2 complaints (6%)
A bad smell and damage.
Intake manifold or runner flaps: sticking or stiffness
2 complaints (6%)
Sticking or stiffness and parts breaking or coming apart.
Car not starting (cause not stated)
2 complaints (6%)
The car not starting.
Windshield wipers: parts breaking or coming apart
2 complaints (6%)
Parts breaking or coming apart.
Reported Once (18)
Show the 18 problems reported once
- ABS: stopped working
- Uneven tire wear: early wear
- Brakes
- Check engine light (cause not stated)
- Engine: surging
- Engine oil leak
- Fuel pump: a leak
- Fuel system: a bad smell
- Headlights: stopped working
- Ignition or push-button start: stopped working
- Power liftgate: unusual noises
- Stability control (ESC): warning lights
- Steering: the car not starting
- Taillights or brake lights: stopped working
- Tire pressure monitoring: the system not working when needed
- Tires: parts breaking or coming apart
- Valve train: damage
- Wiring, fuses or body control module: works on and off
How the 2008 Audi Q7 Compares With Other Years
The other Q7 years of the 1st generation, 2007 to 2015, and the years just before and after it.
| Year | Rating | Score | Vs average | Per 10k cars | Recalls | Most reported problem |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Excellent | 81 | 0.44× | 14.8 | 2 | Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil |
| 2014 | Good | 72 | 0.73× | 25.8 | 2 | Fuel leak |
| 2013 | Good | 73 | 0.81× | 30.3 | 3 | Windshield wipers: parts breaking or coming apart |
| 2012 | Good | 75 | 0.66× | 31.5 | 4 | Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil |
| 2011 | Good | 73 | 0.82× | 25.8 | 4 | Windshield wipers: parts breaking or coming apart |
| 2010 | Caution | 68 | 1.2× | 47.5 | 3 | High-pressure fuel pump: parts breaking or coming apart |
| 2009 | Good | 76 | 0.64× | 24.1 | 3 | Engine: stalling |
| 2008 This year | Good | 79 | 0.47× | 20.0 | 3 | Fuel leak |
| 2007 | Good | 70 | 1.0× | 37.7 | 3 | Screen and audio: stopped working |
2008 Audi Q7 Recalls
Three recalls cover the 2008 Audi Q7. The most recent was issued in November 2018: “Interim Butyl Tape Repair May Allow Fuel to Leak.” A VIN check at NHTSA shows which are still open on a given car.
Interim Butyl Tape Repair May Allow Fuel to Leak
The butyl tape may not prevent fuel from leaking. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
NHTSA 18V818000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Nov 19, 2018. By the first quarter of 2020, 70% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Fuel Pump Flange May Crack Causing Fuel Leak
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
NHTSA 16V660000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Sep 13, 2016. By the first quarter of 2018, 65% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Automatic Rear Lid Software
If one of the struts has a total loss of pressure, the resultant slow movement of the rear lid is interpreted by the software as an intended manual close and the motor clutch releases to close the rear lid immediately. This can result in an unintended rapid closing of the rear lid with a risk of personal injury.
NHTSA 07V334000Owner letter (PDF)Issued Aug 1, 2007.
NHTSA Crash Test Ratings
NHTSA gave the 2008 Q7 no overall, frontal or side rating. It did rate each seat in those tests and lists the seat ratings under Rating Breakdown on its page. We show them the same way below. These tests are from before 2011, so the stars are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and newer models. See the 2008 Q7 ratings on NHTSA.gov.
4-door with side airbags
Check Before You Buy
A checklist for the 2008 Q7, from its three recalls and the problems owners report most.
Confirm the Recalls Were Done
Ask the seller for proof that each of these recalls was repaired.
- Interim Butyl Tape Repair May Allow Fuel to Leak NHTSA 18V818000
- Fuel Pump Flange May Crack Causing Fuel Leak NHTSA 16V660000
- Automatic Rear Lid Software NHTSA 07V334000
On the Test Drive
- Look for water stains or damp carpet, and test the sunroof.
Ask the Seller
Ask whether any of these were ever repaired, and ask to see the receipts.
- Fuel tank or fuel lines
- Fumes in the cabin
- Water leaks
- Also ask for the service records, especially oil changes.
Before You Pay
- Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic you choose.
- Decode the VIN to confirm the model year, engine and trim.
- Check the title for salvage, flood or rebuilt branding.
What to do next