2015 Audi Q7 Reliability Report
NHTSA data as of Oct 15, 2026Published Oct 19, 2026
Ranks 1st of 16 Q7 years we score.
- Owner complaints
- 45
- 2 are recall notices
- Per 10,000 cars
- 14.8
- 28,998 made for the U.S.
- Vs the average car
- 0.44×
- same age, 1× is average
- Serious outcomes
- 14
- crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
- Recalls
- 2
- NHTSA crash rating
- Not rated
- no overall rating
Should You Buy the 2015 Audi Q7?
Yes. Our reliability score for the 2015 Audi Q7 is 81 out of 100, which rates Excellent. Owners reported about half as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 1st of the 16 Q7 years we score.
The most reported problem is high oil consumption, mostly burning or using oil (5 of 45 complaints). Owners also complain about the brakes and shattered sunroof glass. 14 of the 45 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.
It has 2 recalls. Audi also offers four warranty extensions that may still apply, for problems with the engine and emissions system. For comparison, the 2014 scores 72.
Before you buy, check that the recalls were done, ask an Audi dealer about warranty extension AWA-17-12 and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.
Pros
- Excellent reliability score of 81
- About half the problems of the average car its age
- Recent complaints at or below average
- No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls
Cons
- Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil5 complaints
- Brakes: unusual noises3 complaints
- Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking3 complaints
How the 2015 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 | 0.40× | −6 |
| Everyday problems | 0.55× | −3 |
| Problems in the last two years | 0.48× | −6 |
| Recalls | 0.51× | −4 |
| Score | 81 |
What Owners Report
We read all 45 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2015 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 45.
Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil
5 complaints (11%)
Burning or using oil.
Brakes: unusual noises
3 complaints (7%)
Unusual noises and loss of braking. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: loss of braking.
Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking
3 complaints (7%)
Shattering or cracking.
Airbags: no deployment in a crash
2 complaints (4%)
No deployment in a crash and a failure.
Fuel leak
2 complaints (4%)
A leak.
Headlights: shattering or cracking
2 complaints (4%)
Shattering or cracking.
Poor acceleration (cause not stated)
2 complaints (4%)
Hesitation and a loss of power.
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
2 complaints (4%)
Sudden acceleration. Both describe a serious outcome, most often sudden acceleration or braking.
Windshield wipers: parts breaking or coming apart
2 complaints (4%)
Parts breaking or coming apart. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Reported Once (27)
Show the 27 problems reported once
- A/C: water leaking in
- ABS: locking up
- AWD or rear differential: failure or loss of drive
- PCV valve or crankcase breather failure
- Airbag warning light
- Blower motor: stopped working
- Check engine light (cause not stated)
- Cooling system: a leak
- Diesel emissions system: fault code
- Engine: unusual noises
- Engine air intake: parts breaking or coming apart
- Engine failure
- Engine oil leak
- Engine sensors or computer failure
- Fuel gauge or level sensor: wrong readings
- Fuel pump failure
- Ignition or power mode (won't shut off): not shutting off
- Key fob: works on and off
- Loss of power (cause not stated)
- Noise (cause not stated)
- Emissions component (not named)
- Secondary air ports: warning lights
- Wheel came off: parts breaking or coming apart
- Seat belts: locking up
- Stall (cause not stated)
- Steering: unusual noises
- Sunroof drains (water leak): water leaking in
How the 2015 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 This year | 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 | Good | 79 | 0.47× | 20.0 | 3 | Fuel leak |
| 2007 | Good | 70 | 1.0× | 37.7 | 3 | Screen and audio: stopped working |
2015 Audi Q7 Recalls
Two recalls cover the 2015 Audi Q7. The most recent was issued in February 2023: “Incorrect GAWR on Label/FMVSS 110 & 567.” A VIN check at NHTSA shows which are still open on a given car.
Incorrect GAWR on Label/FMVSS 110 & 567
The Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) listed on the certification label is incorrect, which can allow the vehicle to be overloaded. An overloaded vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 23V086000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Feb 15, 2023. By the first quarter of 2025, 31% 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 17V298000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued May 3, 2017. By the fourth quarter of 2018, 93% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
2015 Audi Q7 Warranty Extensions and Programs
Audi has four warranty extensions for the 2015 Audi Q7, separate from its recalls. They are for problems with the engine and emissions system. Whether one applies to a car depends on its VIN, which an Audi dealer can check.
- Warranty extensionAudi AWA-17-12
Emissions and engine warranty after 3.0 TDI fix
- The problem:
- Under a recall, these 3.0 TDI diesels got an emissions fix. Audi then extended the emissions warranty and added a warranty for the engine's core parts.
- The fix:
- An Audi dealer repairs covered emissions and core engine parts under this warranty. If a repair keeps the car 3 hours or more, a free loaner or rental is offered.
- Who qualifies:
- 3.0 TDI Gen 2.1 SUVs, engine code CNRB, fixed under the emissions recall. A 2017 version of the bulletin names the 2013 to 2015 Q7. Totaled cars qualify unless earlier damage caused the failure.
- Coverage:
- 10 years or 120,000 miles from the in-service date, or 4 years or 48,000 miles from the fix, each whichever comes first. The longer applies.
- Warranty extensionAudi AWA-17-02
Bridge warranty until 3.0 TDI emissions fix
- The problem:
- Under the emissions recall, these 3.0 TDI diesels waited for an approved fix. Their new car warranty could run out before the fix was ready.
- The fix:
- An Audi dealer repairs defects in materials or workmanship as the new car warranty would, with the same exclusions, such as tires and wear items.
- Who qualifies:
- 3.0 TDI Gen 2 diesels in the emissions recall whose new car warranty ran out, with no other coverage. Owners who opted out of the class action settlement do not qualify. For Gen 2.1 Q7s it ended November 6, 2017.
- Coverage:
- From January 31, 2017, or the end of the new car warranty if later, until an emissions fix is approved or denied.
- Warranty extensionAudi AWA-16-09
3.0 TDI exhaust gas temperature sensor fault
- The problem:
- Because of a manufacturing issue, the exhaust gas temperature sensor in the EGR cooler can malfunction now and then. The check engine light comes on, and emissions may be affected.
- The fix:
- An Audi dealer diagnoses the sensor and replaces it under the extended warranty if it is faulty.
- Who qualifies:
- Certain 2014 and 2015 Audis with the 3.0 TDI diesel, engine codes CNRB, CPNA or CPNB. The faulty sensor must have turned the check engine light on and kept it on.
- Coverage:
- 10 years or 120,000 miles from the original in-service date, whichever comes first.
- Warranty extensionAudi AWA-19-03
Crankcase ventilation valve whistle and warning light
- The problem:
- The crankcase ventilation valve can fail. It causes a whistling noise in the engine bay and turns on the check engine light.
- The fix:
- An Audi dealer replaces the crankcase ventilation valve for free if it diagnoses the valve as faulty.
- Who qualifies:
- Certain 2013 to 2016 Audis with a 3.0 or 4.0 gasoline engine. Cars with a branded title, such as salvage, flood, rebuilt, fleet or lemon law buyback, or bought from a junkyard or body shop, are excluded.
- Coverage:
- 10 years or 120,000 miles from the in-service date, whichever comes first.
NHTSA Crash Test Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for this model year. See the 2015 Q7 ratings on NHTSA.gov.
SUV AWD
Check Before You Buy
A checklist for the 2015 Q7, from its two recalls, four Audi warranty extensions that may still apply and the problems owners report most.
Confirm the Recalls Were Done
Ask the seller for proof that each of these recalls was repaired.
- Incorrect GAWR on Label/FMVSS 110 & 567 NHTSA 23V086000
- Fuel Pump Flange May Crack Causing Fuel Leak NHTSA 17V298000
Ask an Audi Dealer
Ask whether each of these warranty extensions applies to this VIN, and whether the work was done.
- AWA-17-12: emissions and engine warranty after 3.0 TDI fix
- AWA-17-02: bridge warranty until 3.0 TDI emissions fix
- AWA-16-09: 3.0 TDI exhaust gas temperature sensor fault
- AWA-19-03: crankcase ventilation valve whistle and warning light
On the Test Drive
- Ask how often oil is added between changes, and watch for blue smoke at startup.
- Brake firmly from a moderate speed. A soft, hard or pulsing pedal, or a brake warning light, is a warning sign.
- 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.
- High oil consumption
- Brakes
- Shattered sunroof glass
- 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