The Audi Q7 Mk1 was Audi dipping its toe into the ever-deepening well of SUV of sales. BMW had shown the way with the X5, and Audi had to catch up.
So, it hit back by offering a large SUV with all the luxury the company was famed for, plus the practicality of seven seats and of course, Audi’s quattro four-wheel drive.
And the good news is that these first-generation cars are now available for a comparatively bargain price, which you can further enhance by keeping down the servicing and repair costs by doing these tasks yourself.
Which is precisely where Haynes can be of assistance, because if you download our Haynes Autofix product for the Q7 Mk1, we’ll be there to help you suss out what sort of common problems the Q7 suffers, whether it’s fitted with a TDI motor or a TFSi petrol engine. Then we can help you to repair any niggles, meaning you avoid paying huge cash for garage labour charges.
What recalls has the Audi Q7 been subject to?
A powered tailgate is undeniably a convenient piece of kit, because it allows you to open and close it with just the touch of a button on the key fob. However, a powered tailgate that randomly shuts of its own volition is not so good – especially when you’re standing underneath it. Ouch. So the Q7 was recalled to have the motors replaced.
The 1073 examples were invited back to dealers to have the fuel rails replaced, because these could suddenly spring a leak, and you don’t want fuel leaking around an engine bay.
Then a faulty brake servo vacuum feed line could allow engine oil into the servo, reducing braking performance. The car was recalled to have the hose replaced, and any associated damage sorted.
But that’s it as far as recalls are concerned, which is a pretty low number for a car as technological as the Q7 Mk1.
What common problems does the Audi Q7 Mk1 have?
Audi Q7 buyers expect their cars to keep on ticking no matter what life throws at them. But when you start your engine and hear a rattling noise, well it’s going to be a concern. The most likely cause is a faulty timing chain tensioner.
The air suspension on the Q7 Mk1 isn’t free from glitches either, because it can cause a warning light to illuminate and the self-levelling function to fail.
A whining noise from underneath is indicative of a problem with the centre propshaft bearing, and an engine warning light can often be traced to a faulty inlet manifold flap or actuator.
Finally, if you notice that your Audi Q7 feels a bit lethargic on occasion, then it could be running too hot.
Does the Audi Q7 have timing chain problems?
Starting up your Audi Q7’s 3.0 TDI engine and hearing a rattling noise is going to cause a few cold sweats. It’s the sort of thing that sounds expensive to fix – and it can be if you leave it for too long.
The issue is a faulty timing chain tensioner, although a software update can also help. We’d advise having the software updated first, but if the problem persists, then you’re going to have to replace the timing chain tensioner.
And that’s where Haynes Q7 Autofix can ride to your rescue, because it can guide you through how to replace the tensioner. Just keep your phone or tablet by your side as you carry out the procedure and you’ll be fine. You’ll also be saving hundreds of pounds on garage labour rates.
Does the Audi Q7 have air suspension problems?
The self-levelling air suspension of the Q7 is a great piece of kit, because it keeps the car level no matter what is being carried in the boot.
However, all that goes out of the window if it fails. You’ll know when it does because the warning light will illuminate, and your headlights will be pointing skywards. The issue is most likely water getting into the compressor dryer.
Your first task will be to bleed the pressure accumulator and then the struts, before removing the compressor and replacing the compressor dryer.
The Haynes Q7 Autofix will be a vital assistant as you go about sorting the issue. Just keep your device by your side as you complete each section of the job. It’ll take a while, but it’ll save you a huge sum in labour costs.
Does the Audi Q7 have transmission problems?
As capable as the Audi Q7 Mk1 is when driving through adverse conditions or on slippery off-road surfaces, the four-wheel-drive transmission can be the source of some trouble.
The major symptom is a whining noise emanating from the underside of the vehicle as you drive at between 30mph and 40mph. The issue is more pronounced on days when the ambient temperature is lower.
The source of your problem is the centre propshaft bearing, which is wearing out.
Still, fixing it is a relatively simple job. Your first task will be to raise the car and make sure it’s supported safely on axle stands. This it’s a case of unbolting the propshaft, taking car to mark each end relative to the transmission and rear differential respectively, so you can put it back in exactly the same place.
After that, unbolt and renew the centre bearing and refit the propshaft.
The Haynes Q7 Autofix will be your companion in the know throughout the procedure, so just follow the steps and you’ll be fine.
Does the Audi Q7 have inlet manifold problems?
The engine warning light is an annoying light because it can signal all manner of grumbles. However, in the Audi Q7 Mk1 it can often be the sign of trouble with the inlet manifold flap and the associated actuator.
To track down the issue, you’ll need to plug in a fault-code reader to the OBD port. If it displays the codes P3135, 19591 or 4C87, it’s the Inlet manifold flap 1 that’s at fault. If it shows codes P1018, 17426 or 4412, it’s inlet manifold flap 2 at fault. Code P2008 is a problem with the inlet manifold control unit for cylinder bank 1, and P2011 shows a problem with the same component on bank 2.
After that, it’s simply a case of checking the manifold flap that’s the cause of the issue and renewing it if necessary. If the flaps are fine, it’s the actuator motors at fault, so you’ll need to replace the dodgy one. The part number for the motor is: 059 129 086 M.
As ever, Haynes Q7 Autofix will be able to guide you through how to carry out the process quickly and efficiently.
Does the Audi Q7 have thermostat problems?
You can usually tell right away when your Audi Q7 isn’t delivering the sort of shove-in-the-back performance that you’re used to. It just feels a bit less… insistent than usual when you put your foot down.
Well, there’s a good chance that the answer to this lies within the cooling system, which is allowing the engine to run too hot, thereby limiting performance.
The solution is to replace the thermostat, and your Haynes Q7 Autofix can help you with all the relevant coolant procedures, so just get the spanners out and get going.