Experiencing engine trouble with your Audi Q7 can be concerning, especially when it involves malfunctions in a relatively new vehicle. Owners of the 2018 Audi Q7 are occasionally reporting issues that suggest more serious underlying problems. One such case involves a 2018 Audi Q7 3.0T Prestige experiencing a drive system malfunction, which led to further diagnosis revealing significant engine complications.
The owner reported the initial issue occurring while driving on the interstate, characterized by engine shuddering followed by a “drive system malfunction” error message. Upon taking the vehicle to an Audi dealership, technicians identified cylinder 4 misfire, along with codes indicating a “hide cylinder” and misfire during fuel injection. The presence of fuel residue on the spark plug led to an initial diagnosis suggesting faulty fuel injectors.
Following the replacement of the fuel injectors and clearing of the error codes, the engine misfire issue persisted. Subsequent investigations included a compression test on cylinder 4, which revealed a critically low reading of 3 BAR, significantly below the expected 10 BAR or higher. A borescope inspection of cylinder 4 showed no immediately visible damage, deepening the mystery and concern about the engine’s internal condition.
At this stage, with low compression confirmed and initial fixes unsuccessful, owners are often faced with daunting options. Dealerships may propose engine tear-down for further diagnosis, a labor-intensive process with uncertain outcomes and costs that can quickly escalate. The possibility of needing a full engine replacement also looms, representing a major expense for a vehicle of this age and mileage.
The situation highlights a critical issue: significant engine problems can arise in 2018 Audi Q7 models with moderate mileage, even outside of the warranty period. While dealerships acknowledge that engine failures can occur, it is understandably shocking for owners to face such severe problems in vehicles that are only a few years old. Owners in similar situations are encouraged to seek detailed explanations of diagnostic findings, explore all available options, and potentially seek second opinions to ensure the most appropriate and cost-effective resolution for their 2018 Audi Q7 engine problems.
