Air Suspension Strut / Compressor Failure
SeriousSuspension & ChassisThe 4M rides beautifully on air, but leaking struts or tired compressors can leave the car sagging and trigger costly chassis warnings.
Est. Repair Cost: £700–£2,000
Reliability GuideCommon Problems with the
Common Problems with the
2016 Audi Q7 Mk2 (4M)
The launch year brought a lighter, more efficient Q7 with the 48V mild-hybrid system. Early cars carry the highest risk of BSG failures and AdBlue system faults, making recall and service history essential.
What changed for 2016
- •Launch with 3.0 TDI and 3.0 TFSI engines
- •Standard 48V mild-hybrid on selected models
- •Reduced weight by 300kg over 4L predecessor
- •New MLB Evo platform
Common MOT watch-outs
- !48V BSG failure at 20k–60k miles
- !NOx sensor and AdBlue faults on diesels
- !Air suspension strut leaks
5
Known Issues
2
Serious
2
Moderate
1
Minor
All Known Issues
48V Mild Hybrid BSG Failure
SeriousElectrics & ElectronicsThe belt-starter-generator (BSG) in the 48V mild hybrid system can fail, disabling start-stop and eventually draining both batteries, leaving the car stranded.
Est. Repair Cost: £0 (recall) – £1,500
NOx Sensor / AdBlue System Faults
ModerateExhaust & EmissionsDiesel SCR faults are the most common high-value annoyance on the 4M, often causing AdBlue warnings and eventual no-start countdowns even when the tank has been topped up.
Est. Repair Cost: £250–£1,500
MMI / Electrical Module Glitches
ModerateElectrics & ElectronicsOwners commonly report frozen MMI screens, camera faults, battery drain, and keyless-entry glitches - usually software or module related, but expensive if neglected outside warranty.
Est. Repair Cost: £0–£1,200
Software and Infotainment Bugs
MinorElectrics & ElectronicsThe complex MMI and vehicle management software can cause spontaneous reboots, camera dropouts, and various phantom warning lights.
Est. Repair Cost: £0–£500
Buying Tips for 2016 Audi Q7 Mk2 (4M)
- ✓Check Audi recall database for 48V BSG campaign before viewing
- ✓Verify AdBlue and NOx-sensor history on diesel models
- ✓Test the MMI, digital dash, and cameras thoroughly