2012 Audi Q7

Routine

Owners filed 29 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the fuel/propulsion system. It has been recalled 4 times.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Fuel/Propulsion System8
000
Engine8
000
Visibility/Wiper3
000
Electronic Stability Control (esc)2
000
Unknown or Other1
000
Suspension1
000
Structure › Body1
100
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum1
000
Seat Belts1
000
Power Train1
000

4 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Equipment › Other › Labels23V086000
Filed Feb 15, 202312,100 vehiclesVolkswagen Group Of America, Inc.

Defect. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2009-2015 Q7 vehicles. The Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) listed on the certification label is incorrect, which can allow the vehicle to be overloaded. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims," and Part 567, "Certification."

Risk. An overloaded vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Dealers will install an overlay label containing the correct rear GAWR on top of the existing safety certification label, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 24, 2023. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 50G5.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump18V818000
Filed Nov 19, 20185,987 vehiclesVolkswagen Group Of America, Inc.

Defect. 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.

Remedy. 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 Pump16V660000
Filed Sep 13, 2016143,214 vehiclesVolkswagen Group Of America, Inc.

Defect. 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.

Remedy. 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.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System › Fuel Rail15V019000
Filed Jan 20, 201526,008 vehiclesVolkswagen Group Of America, Inc.

Defect. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Audi S4, S5, Q7, 2012 Audi A6, Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid, and 2012-2013 Audi A7 vehicles. In the affected vehicles the fuel injection system may experience a fuel leak.

Risk. A fuel leak in the injection system in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy. Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel rails and corresponding seals, free of charge. The recall began on March 17, 2015. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-822-2834 or Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 24AP for Audi customers and 24BK for Volkswagen customers.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Suspension
Filed Jan 18, 2026KS

On or December 5th, 2025 (4 days after taking possession of the vehicle, I experienced a sudden and severe steering system failure while driving. When turning the steering wheel (even slightly), the vehicle produced a loud buzzing/grinding noise and the steering effort increased significantly, creating an immediate safety hazard. Because the steering issue worsened quickly and made the vehicle difficult to control, I stopped driving and brought the vehicle to an authorized Audi dealership for inspection. The Audi dealership confirmed the steering failure was caused by a major power steering system defect, including active power steering fluid leakage from the steering rack area consistent with internal seal failure, and the power steering pump being faulty due to fluid loss. The dealership advised replacement of the power steering rack and pump and stated the vehicle was unsafe to test drive due to its condition. During the same inspection, the Audi dealership also identified additional serious safety-related defects, including a brake system condition where the brake pedal slowly sinks toward the floor when pressure is applied (indicating a braking system performance failure requiring brake fluid exchange and further diagnosis if unresolved). The inspection also documented multiple additional mechanical and safety concerns requiring extensive repairs, including suspension and drivetrain defects and other conditions indicating the vehicle was not roadworthy as sold. The vehic

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Mar 4, 2025101,000 milesAL

The contact owns a 2012 Audi Q7. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal odor inside the vehicle with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the high-pressure fuel pump and the fuel system were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 101,000.

Engine
Filed Mar 4, 2025AL

There have been continuous indicators by way of the check engine light repeatedly appearing on my vehicle's dash for a number of years. A different determination was always discovered each time I took my vehicle to the only Audi Certified Dealership in my area. Most recently, I have been told that my vehicle now requires a Fuel System Replacement, High Pressure Fuel Pump, All Components in Fuel Tank, Fuel Rails, Injectors, All Rubber Fuel Lines for a cost of $16,830.50. Coincidentally, I received information by mail from the manufacturer (Audi), indicating there was a Safety Recall 20W9--Fuel Pump Flange for this exact same issue, and that my vehicle had been identified amongst the other reported 143,214 vehicles, as affected. This information was dated October 6, 2016. I immediately contacted my local Audi dealership to schedule an appointment to discuss next step options to resolve this recall issue, and was told then by my assigned Service Technician that the parts were not available at that time to render repairs, but I would be contacted when to bring my vehicle back in. Subsequently, I don't recall ever having that particular issue get resolved because a plethora of other issues related the countless times the check engine light regularly appeared became priority. Now I'm eing told that the exact recall issue I was notified about years ago is the latest identified problem and totally my "financial responsibility", because it's not being covered under warranty. This is a

Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 24, 2025NY

On November 2, 2015, the Environmental Protection Agency and California Air Resources Board informed Volkswagen Group companies that my Model Year 2012 3.0L Turbo Diesel Injection (TDI) vehicle did not comply with Federal and California emissions standards. In the approved emissions modification, Audi Lynbrook claims to have removed the software that reduced the effectiveness of my TDI's emission control system and to have installed new emission control software designed to function effectively in all normal driving conditions. NOTE: this "fix" that was devised to meet emission standards was never actually tested for "vehicle reliability, durability, performance, drivability or other driving characteristics", and by their own account would consume 40% more DEF [XXX], meaning it's stressing the emissions system 40% more than designed. Since the TDI Modification my 2012 Audi Q7 TDI is having constant emissions system faults with 200 mile shutdown ransomware programming, and repeated replacement of the same components. It has rendered the vehicle as unreliable and now unusable unless I keep paying for Audi's "fix". My vehicle had no such issues prior to the TDI modification and received all regularly scheduled maintenance at Audi Lynbrook. I have compiled all my service records including the TDI Modification (7/26/18) then 9 emissions system failures (XXX). Currently, Audi Lynbrook states that again emissions component replacement is needed, a part (rear nox sensor G687) that wa

Engine
Filed Feb 20, 2024NJ

Since I bought my vehicle it has been burning oil I am adding oil every two to three days because it burns it and the smells burnt and the light comes on I have to add 3 oil bottles every two to three days It smells burnt and I cannot drive for long periods of times because I am scared something can happen. I have a 2012 audi q7.

Structure › BodyCrash
Filed Feb 19, 2021132,000 milesTX

HELLO! I HAVE AN 2012 AUDI Q7 AND MY AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED AT 50 MPH IMPACT. IT'S A TOTAL LOSS. DO I HAVE GROUNDS FOR A LAWSUIT?

Engine
Filed Oct 15, 202091,000 milesCA

VEHICLE HAS NOT EVEN REACH 92K MILES AND THE WATERPUMP IS A ALREADY FAILING. AUDI THIS IS A KNOW ISSUE BUT THE REMEDY HAS NOT BEEN FIXED. THEY ONLY WAY TO FIX THIS IS TO REPLACE WITH NEW UNIT. I UNDERSTAND AUDI SPECIFICALLY MADE A "WEEP" HOLE TO WARN THE OWNER BEFORE THE WHOLE UNIT FAILS. THIS CAUSES COOLANT TO LEAK WHICH EVENTUALLY GIVES YOU THE LOW COOLANT LEVEL WARNING ON THE DASH. THIS IS TO PREVENT THE BEARING INSIDE THE WATERPUMP TO COMPLETELY FAIL CAUSING METAL TO METAL CONTACT THUS CAUSING SPECS OF METAL INSIDE YOUR COOLANT SYSTEMS. IT'S UNFORTUNATE THAT THIS FAILING EARLIER THAN ANTICIPATED CONSIDERING VEHICLE HAS NOT EVEN REACH THE 100K MILES.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Oct 14, 202091,000 milesCA

2012 AUDI Q7 3.0T S LINE PRESTIGE, 91K MILES! STARTED AS SMALL GASOLINE SMELL BECOMING STRONGER THROUGHOUT THE NEXT COUPLE DAYS. SMELLED REALLY STRONG AROUND REAR LEFT DOOR AREA AND INSIDE CABIN. INVESTIGATED FUEL LEAK AND NOTICE UNDERNEATH THE SUV, FUEL DRIPPING DOWN THE SIDE OF ONE OF THE TWO FUEL TANKS. DISCONNECT BATTERY, REMOVE REAR SEAT TO ACCESS FUEL PUMP PANEL ON THE FLOOR, DISCOVERED LOTS OF FUEL LEAK NEAR PUMP AND ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS. NOTICED THAT THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING ALREADY HAD "AUDI'S QUICK FIX" (PROTECTIVE FILM) COVERING THE AREA BUT IT WAS STILL LEAKING. NOT TO MENTION THE PUMP'S ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS WAS SOAKED IN THE FUEL THAT HAD THE FUEL PUDDLE! THIS ISSUE SHOULD HAVE BEEN FOUND WHEN I HAD A RECENT SAFETY RECALL CODE 20W9 DONE AT AN AUDI DEALERSHIP JUST A COUPLE WEEKS PRIOR. IN ORDER TO FIX THE LEAKING ISSUE, I HAD TO BUY A NEW FUEL FILTER W/ FLANGE, "PROTECTIVE FILM", AND A SOME SEAL RING.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Sep 10, 202083,000 milesFL

FUEL PUMP LEAKED CAUSING A DANGEROUS SITUATION AND NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED IMMEDIATELY

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Sep 1, 2020116,000 milesGA

RECALL 20W9 WAS COMPLETED ABOUT MAY 2018. NO LEAKING OR CRACKS WERE FOUND. BUTYL TAPE WAS PLACED OVER FLANGE TO "PREVENT" FUTURE LEAKS. AUGUST 2020, FUEL FLANGE IS NOW LEAKING. STRONG GASOLINE SMELL FROM OUTSIDE OF VEHICLE. DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT CONFIRMS IT IS LEAKING. REFUSE TO COVER COST OF REPLACEMENT. THE ORIGINAL "RECALLED" PART IS STILL IN VEHICLE. WHY WILL IT NOT BE COVERED NOW BECAUSE THE PART LASTED A FEW YEARS LONGER THAT OTHERS. IT STILL HAS FAILED AND THEIR BAND AID HAS FAILED.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Jun 6, 2020121,000 milesIL

CRANK PULLEY HARD RUBBER CORE OR SO CALLED HARMONIC BALANCER BROKE AND SERPENTINE BELT FELL OFF CAUSING TO LOOSE POWER STEERING AND NOT BE ABLE TO STEER. I WAS PULLING OUT OF A HIGHWAY RAMP AND THANKFULLY OTHER CARS WERE ABLE TO AVOID ME DUE TO THE LOW TRAFFIC AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Jan 24, 202072,164 milesMI

MAIN PULLEY OR SO CALLED HARMONIC BALANCER BROKE AND SERPENTINE BELT FELL OFF CAUSING TO LOOSE POWER STEERING AND NOT BE ABLE TO STEER I WAS LUCKY THAT JUST MADE IT THE TURN AND I WAS ON STRAIGHT PAT AND LOW SPEED TO STOP SAFELY.

Seat Belts
Filed Jan 22, 2020NJ

VEHICLE HAS 31,000 MILES. ONLY THREE OR FOUR PEOPLE SAT IN THE BACK EVER IN THE TIME I HAD THE CAR AND THE SEATBELT IN THE BACK DRIVER SIDE IS BROKEN.

Engine
Filed Dec 3, 201980,000 milesMD

CRANKSHAFT PULLEY RIPPED ITSELF APART AT IDLE AFTER VEHICLE WAS STARTED.

Engine
Filed Nov 16, 201981,000 milesNY

OVER THE PAST YEAR, MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN CONSUMING QUARTS OF ENGINE OIL. DURING MY LAST ENGINE OIL CHANGE, I WAS LEFT TO MINIMUM OIL LEVELS AFTER DRIVING ONLY 250 MILES. NO LEAKS WERE DETECTED IN ENGINE BY MECHANICS AT BOTH DEALERSHIP AND INDEPENDENT SHOPS. THE REMEDY RECOMMEND IS AN ENGINE SWAP ESTIMATED TO BE OVER $10,000

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Nov 16, 201980,000 milesNY

ON TWO DIFFERENT OCCASIONS THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDSHIELD WIPER ARM HAS SNAPPED OFF DURING HEAVY RAINSTORMS WHILE DRIVING WITHIN NYC'S POSTED SPEED LIMIT ON THE GRAND CENTRAL PARKWAY OF 50 MPH. THE LACK OF VISIBILITY COMPROMISES MY SAFETY AND OTHERS WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE.

Engine
Filed Nov 14, 2019142,000 milesMD

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 AUDI Q7. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE OUT OF THE GARAGE, THE CONTACT NOTICED DRIPS OF OIL ON THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DETERMINED THAT THE OIL LINE TO THE ENGINE WAS FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 142,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Sep 16, 201930 milesCA

I SMELL GAS FUMES AFTER DRIVING MY CAR AND THEN PARKING IT IN THE GARAGE. THE PART WAS SUPPOSEDLY FIX BEFORE THROUGH THE RECALL BUT IF I WAS FIXED CORRECTLY OR IN FACT FIXED AT ALL, THEN WHY IS IT HAPPENING NOW. I TOOK THE CAR IN BECAUSE I RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTICE, NOT BECAUSE I WAS EXPERIENCING ANY ISSUES, BUT NOW THAT I AM THEY WON'T FIX IT. IT OBVIOUSLY WASN'T FIXED PROPERLY

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Sep 16, 201985,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 AUDI Q7. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V660000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE PRIOR TO RECEIVING THE NOTICE. AFTER THE RECALL REPAIR WAS PERFORMED, THE CONTACT NOTICED A FUEL ODOR AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE. AUDI VALENCIA (LOCATED AT 23923 CREEKSIDE RD, VALENCIA, CA, 91355, 888-626-6138) STATED THAT THE RECALL REMEDY COULD NOT BE COMPLETED AGAIN DUE TO THE PREVIOUS REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum
Filed Mar 18, 201964,525 milesGA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 AUDI Q7. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH APPROACHING A STOP LIGHT WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE BRAKES FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT QUICKLY APPLIED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AUDI MARIETTA (LOCATED AT 1141 COBB PKWY SE, MARIETTA, GA 30060, (678) 257-3658) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VACUUM PIPE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 64,525.

20 of 29 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2017
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20261100Routine
202516200Routine
20242300Routine
202316300Routine
202218300Routine
202173900Routine
202027510Routine
201961400Routine
2018142300Routine
2017319730Above average
20162100Routine
201544200Routine
201445200Routine
201341310Routine
2012 — this page29400Routine
201123400Routine
201029300Routine
200921310Routine
200833300Routine
200795310Routine

Compare every Q7 year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Feb 15, 2023. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.