2012 Audi Q7 Problems, Complaints & Recalls
- Compared with other Q7 years
- About as many complaints as other years 10th of 20 for complaints
- Safety recalls
- 4 recalls: check your VIN
- NHTSA crash rating
- Not rated
Owners have filed 29 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Audi Q7. That ranks 10th out of 20 Q7 model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is fuel/propulsion system (11 complaints, 38%), typically at around 81,500 miles. Complaints mention 1 crash. There are 4 safety recalls covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 1 defect investigation involving it.
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- 29owner complaints
- 4safety recalls
- 1NHTSA investigations
- 1complaints mentioning a crash
Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.
Most common 2012 Audi Q7 problems
Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.
| Problem area | Complaints | Share | Median miles | Owners mention most | Typical repair cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel/propulsion System | 11 | 38% | 81,500 | — | — |
| Engine | 8 | 28% | 86,000 | — | — |
| Steering | 4 | 14% | 72,164 | — | — |
| Power Train | 3 | 10% | 100,000 | — | — |
| Unknown or Other | 3 | 10% | 72,164 | — | — |
| Visibility/wiper | 3 | 10% | 80,000 | — | — |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 2 | 7% | 90,500 | — | — |
| Electrical System | 1 | 3% | 72,164 | — | — |
| Exterior Lighting | 1 | 3% | 132,000 | — | — |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 1 | 3% | 101,000 | — | — |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 3% | — | — | — |
| Service Brakes | 1 | 3% | — | — | — |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 1 | 3% | 64,525 | — | — |
| Structure | 1 | 3% | 132,000 | — | — |
| Suspension | 1 | 3% | — | — | — |
| Visibility | 1 | 3% | 52,000 | — | — |
| Wheels | 1 | 3% | 132,000 | — | — |
One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.
Complaints by year received
2012 Audi Q7 recalls (4)
Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.
Equipment:other:labels; tires
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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 pump
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
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.
Fuel system, gasoline:fuel injection system:fuel rail
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.
NHTSA defect investigations
- High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure (EA11003) — opened Feb 7, 2011, closed Mar 27, 2015.
Recent owner reports
Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Other Audi Q7 years
| Year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Q7 | 1 | 1 |
| 2025 Q7 | 17 | 2 |
| 2024 Q7 | 2 | 3 |
| 2023 Q7 | 16 | 3 |
| 2022 Q7 | 20 | 3 |
| 2021 Q7 | 75 | 9 |
| 2020 Q7 | 28 | 5 |
| 2019 Q7 | 62 | 4 |
| 2018 Q7 | 143 | 3 |
| 2017 Q7 | 320 | 7 |
| 2016 Q7 | 2 | 1 |
| 2015 Q7 | 45 | 2 |
| 2014 Q7 | 46 | 2 |
| 2013 Q7 | 43 | 3 |
| 2012 | 29 | 4 |
| 2011 Q7 | 23 | 4 |
| 2010 Q7 | 29 | 3 |
| 2009 Q7 | 21 | 3 |
| 2008 Q7 | 33 | 3 |
| 2007 Q7 | 95 | 3 |
See all Audi Q7 problems by year, every Audi model, or the Audi VIN decoder.
Similar Audi models
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Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Audi Q7?
Owners most often report fuel/propulsion system, engine, steering problems. The top one, fuel/propulsion system, accounts for 11 complaints.
Was there a recall on the 2012 Audi Q7?
Yes, 4 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.
Was the 2012 Audi Q7 a good year?
Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other Q7 model years, the 2012 has about as many complaints as a typical year. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.