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2015 Audi Q7: problems, recalls and fuel economy
NHTSA has 45 owner complaints on file for the 2015 Audi Q7[1], and the engine is the group named most often. NHTSA has 45 owner complaints on file for the 2015 Audi Q7[1], and the engine is the group named most often[2]. Two recalls apply[3], including a fuel pump flange that can crack[4].
Most reported problems
NHTSA lists 45 owner complaints for this model year[1]. One mentions a crash, one an injury, and none a fire or a death[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name several components.
| Component group | Complaints |
|---|---|
| Engine[2] | 13 |
| Fuel/propulsion system[6] | 7 |
| Unknown or other[7] | 6 |
| Brakes[8] | 4 |
| Speed control[9] | 4 |
| Power train[10] | 4 |
| Structure[11] | 3 |
| Air bags[12] | 3 |
Engine. The 13 engine complaints show a median mileage at failure of 59,000, with no crashes, fires or injuries[2]. In the sample of engine complaints we read, 4 of 11 describe oil use, such as adding oil often or failing an oil consumption test[2]. Another 4 of 11 describe hesitation, loss of power or the car shutting down while driving[2].
Fuel and propulsion. In the sample we read, 2 of 5 complaints describe fuel leaking, and one involves a recall repair that was delayed[6]. None of the 7 complaints reports a crash, fire or injury[6].
Speed control. In the 4 complaints we read, 3 describe the car not responding normally to the accelerator, either not speeding up or continuing to accelerate, and one describes the car shutting down while driving[9]. The group has 4 complaints and no crashes, fires or injuries[9].
Brakes. In the 3 brake complaints we read[8], owners describe a pedal that went to the floor, squealing and an ABS sensor fault. They are three different stories, so we do not see one pattern[8].
Air bags. This group holds the one crash and one injury on file[12].
Recalls
Two recalls are on file for this car, newest first.
- Certification label (23V086). The rear axle weight rating on the certification label is wrong. That can let the vehicle be overloaded, which raises crash risk. Dealers put an overlay label with the correct rating over the old one, free of charge[13].
- Fuel pump flange (17V298). The fuel pump flange can crack and let fuel leak. A leak near an ignition source raises the risk of fire. Dealers replace the flange if it is cracked. If it is not cracked, they apply a protective film. The work is free[4].
Before buying, ask the seller or an Audi dealer whether both recalls were done.
Fuel economy
EPA lists two versions:
| Version | City / Hwy / Combined MPG | Yearly fuel cost |
|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, diesel, all-wheel drive[5] | 19 / 27 / 22 | $4,350 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl, premium gas, all-wheel drive[14] | 16 / 22 / 18 | $4,550 |
Both are listed as Automatic (S8)[5][14]. EPA fuel cost uses current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the car was new.
Safety ratings
NHTSA gives the Q7 4 stars for rollover, with a rollover risk of 18.5%[15]. Our data has no other star ratings for this model year.
Engine and size
The 3.0L 6-cylinder is rated from 240 to 272 hp, depending on version[16]. Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.
All three listed versions are 200 in long, 78 in wide and 69 in tall, with a 118 in wheelbase[17][18][19].
How 2015 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 95 | 3 |
| 2008 | 33 | 3 |
| 2009 | 21 | 3 |
| 2010 | 29 | 3 |
| 2011 | 23 | 4 |
| 2012 | 29 | 4 |
| 2013 | 43 | 3 |
| 2014 | 46 | 2 |
| 2015 | 45 | 2 |
| 2017 | 320 | 7 |
| 2018 | 144 | 3 |
| 2019 | 63 | 4 |
| 2020 | 28 | 5 |
| 2021 | 75 | 9 |
| 2022 | 20 | 3 |
| 2023 | 16 | 3 |
| 2024 | 2 | 3 |
| 2025 | 17 | 2 |
| 2026 | 2 | 1 |
NHTSA shows 45 complaints and 2 recalls for 2015[3]. Several years have more complaints: 2007 (95), 2017 (320), 2018 (144), 2019 (63), 2021 (75) and 2014 (46)[3]. 2013 has 43, and the other listed years are lower[3]. The list has no 2016 entry[3].
On recalls, 2015 has 2, the same as 2014 and 2025[3]. 2026 has 1[3]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so treat the comparison as rough.
Should you buy a used 2015 Q7?
The complaint count is lower than some Q7 years and higher than others[3], and none of the complaints reports a fire or death[1]., and none of the groups reports a fire or death[1][3]. Engine complaints are the largest group, and in the sample we read, oil use and sudden loss of power both show up[2]. Check the service history for oil top-ups and ask about both recalls[13][4]. A pre-purchase inspection is a reasonable step. Our data does not cover reliability beyond owner complaints, so it cannot say how a given car will hold up.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2015 Audi Q7?
- Engine is the largest complaint group with 13 of 45 complaints[1][2]. In the sample we read, owners describe oil use and loss of power[2].
- Has the 2015 Audi Q7 been recalled?
- Yes, twice. One recall covers a fuel pump flange that can crack[4]. The other covers a wrong axle weight label[13].
- What is the gas mileage of the 2015 Audi Q7?
- EPA lists 22 MPG combined for the diesel[5] and 18 MPG combined for the premium gas version[14].
- How safe is the 2015 Audi Q7?
- NHTSA gives it 4 stars for rollover, with a rollover risk of 18.5%[15].
- Is 2015 a good year for the Audi Q7?
- It has 45 complaints and 2 recalls, fewer complaints than several other years but more than some[3].
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 45 owner complaints on file for the 2015 Audi Q7 (1 mention a crash, 0 a fire, 1 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- 13 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 59,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Audi Q7 model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- Recall 17V298, filed May 3, 2017: Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Q7, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Diesel, All-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 27 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- 7 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 6 complaints name the unknown or other component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 4 complaints name the brakes component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 4 complaints name the speed control component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 4 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 3 complaints name the structure component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 3 complaints name the air bags component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 23V086, filed February 15, 2023: Equipment › Other › Labels. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Q7, 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic (S8), Premium, All-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 22 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV AWD: rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 18.5%. NHTSA vehicle records
- EPA Test Car List, 2015 Audi Q7 with 3.0L 6-cylinder: rated 240 to 272 hp depending on version. www.epa.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, Q7 4DR SUV 3.0 TFSI PROGRESSIV/TECHNIK: length 200 in, width 78 in, height 69 in, wheelbase 118 in, curb weight 5,192 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, Q7 4DR SUV 3.0 TFSI QUATTRO SPORT: length 200 in, width 78 in, height 69 in, wheelbase 118 in, curb weight 5,412 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, Q7 4DR SUV TDI 3.0 QUATTRO PREMIUM/PREMIUM PL: length 200 in, width 78 in, height 69 in, wheelbase 118 in, curb weight 5,567 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov