DecodedCars2008 Audi Q7
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.
- Class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV AWD 3.6l, 4dr SUV AWD 4.2l
- Engines
- 3.6L 6-cyl, 4.2L 8-cyl
- Drivetrain
- 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 16 combined · 14 city / 20 hwy
- Length
- 200.4 in
- Curb weight
- 5,049–5,468 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
Nothing stands out against similar models in the data.
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 14 similar 2008 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2008 Audi Q7 is a SUV - offered with 2 engines (3.6L 6-cyl and 4.2L 8-cyl) and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.
It measures about 200 inches long and 78 inches wide on a 118-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 5,049 lb (4dr SUV AWD 3.6l).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 16 MPG combined (14 city / 20 highway), 8% worse than the 2008 SUV - average of 17.4 MPG, for an estimated $5,150 a year in fuel.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 26 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the fuel/propulsion system.
What changed for 2008
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2007 Q7 — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2007; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2007 Q7 →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV AWD 3.6l | 200.4 in | 78 in | 68.5 in | 118.1 in | 64.2 / 65 in | 5,049 lb | 50/50 |
| 4dr SUV AWD 4.2l | 200.4 in | 78 in | 68.5 in | 118.1 in | 64.2 / 65 in | 5,468 lb | 50/50 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q7 | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 / 20 / 16 | -8% | $5,150 | 555 |
| Q7 | 4.2L 8-cyl | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 12 / 17 / 14 | -20% | $5,850 | 635 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 Audi Q7 under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2008 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Audi Q7 (this car) | 16 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2008 Land Rover Range Rover | 15 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2008 BMW X5 | 18 MPG | Not rated | 12 |
| 2008 Cadillac Escalade | 14 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2008 Lexus LX | 14 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2008 Lincoln Navigator | 14 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 BMW X6 | 17 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
Recalls (2)
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Nov 19, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V818000 · 5,987 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2007-2012 Audi Q7 and 2009-2012 Audi Q5 vehicles, previously repaired under NHTSA recall 16V-660. These vehicles were previously repaired with an interim repair of installing butyl tape to the fuel pump flange, until replacement remedy parts became available.
- Risk
- 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.
- Fix
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump flange and install butyl tape, free of charge. The recall began December 28, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20BJ.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Sep 13, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V660000 · 143,214 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 Audi Q5, and 2007-2012 Audi Q7 vehicles equipped with gasoline engines. The fuel pump flange on the affected vehicles may crack, allowing fuel to leak.
- Risk
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Audi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the flange, replacing any flanges that are cracked. If the flange is not cracked, dealers will clean the pump flange and install a butyl rubber band to protect the pump. These repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began November 9, 2016. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20W9.
Not every 2008 Audi Q7 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2008 Audi Q7 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 16 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Electrical System — 3 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Fuel System, Gasoline — 3 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 94,013 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2008 Audi Q7. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Q7 years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Q7 | 22 | 199.2 in | Not rated | 1 | 2 |
| 2025 Q7 | 22 | 199.2 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 17 |
| 2024 Q7 | 21 | 199.2 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 2 |
| 2023 Q7 | 21 | 199.2 in | Not rated | 3 | 16 |
| 2022 Q7 | 22 | 199.2 in | Not rated | 3 | 20 |
| 2021 Q7 | 21 | 199.2 in | Not rated | 9 | 75 |
| 2020 Q7 | 21 | 199.2 in | Not rated | 5 | 29 |
| 2019 Q7 | 21 | 198.8 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 63 |
| 2018 Q7 | 21 | 198.8 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 144 |
| 2017 Q7 | 22 | 198.8 in | Not rated | 7 | 322 |
| 2015 Q7 | 22 | 200.4 in | Not rated | 2 | 46 |
| 2014 Q7 | 22 | 200.4 in | Not rated | 2 | 42 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Audi. How we calculate this →