2012 Audi Q7 recalls and problems

The 2012 Audi Q7 has 4 safety recalls and 29 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Audi dealer.

Recalls
4
Complaints
29
Crashes / fires
1 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2012 Audi Q7 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2012 Audi Q7 recalls

Recall 23V-086: Equipment, Tires

Reported Feb 15, 2023 · 12,100 vehicles affected · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

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.

Recall 18V-818: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Nov 19, 2018 · 5,987 vehicles affected · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

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.

Recall 16V-660: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Sep 13, 2016 · 143,214 vehicles affected · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

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.

Recall 15V-019: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Jan 20, 2015 · 26,008 vehicles affected · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

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.

2012 Audi Q7 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Fuel/Propulsion System11
Engine8
Steering4
Power Train3
Visibility/Wiper3
Unknown or Other3
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)2
Visibility1
Service Brakes, Hydraulic1
Seat Belts1
Electrical System1
Structure1

Most reported parts

  • Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 1
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum — 1
  • Structure › Body — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 83,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2012 Audi Q7 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Suspension · reported Jan 18, 2026
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…
Fuel System, Gasoline · at 101,000 miles · reported Mar 4, 2025
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 · reported Mar 4, 2025
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…
Unknown or Other · reported Jan 24, 2025
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…
Engine · reported Feb 20, 2024
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.

Other Audi Q7 years

Compare all Audi Q7 years · All Audi models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2012 Audi Q7 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2012 Audi Q7: 23V-086 (equipment, tires), 18V-818 (fuel system, gasoline), 16V-660 (fuel system, gasoline), 15V-019 (fuel system, gasoline). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2012 Audi Q7?

Owners report fuel/propulsion system problems most often (11 reports), followed by engine (8). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 83,000 miles.

Are Audi recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Audi dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.