VehicleVerdict

2009 Audi Q7 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2009 Audi Q7 sits mid-pack among Q7 years: 34 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 44, with 3 recalls and one closed investigation.

Fuel System leads the complaint categories with 9 reports (27% of the total).

34

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2009 compare to other Q7 years?

Q7 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 highlighted403 complaints2007: 134 complaints2008: 44 complaints2009: 34 complaints2010: 44 complaints2011: 26 complaints2012: 44 complaints2013: 49 complaints2014: 65 complaints2015: 56 complaints2016: 2 complaints2017: 403 complaints2018: 175 complaints2019: 81 complaints2020: 30 complaints2021: 112 complaints2022: 26 complaints2023: 26 complaints2024: 1 complaints2025: 25 complaints2026: 0 complaints
Q7 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Q7 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2009 Audi Q7 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System926%
Visibility & Wipers515%
Engine412%
Electrical System39%
Body & Structure26%
Transmission26%
Other26%
Brakes26%
Airbags26%
Speed Control26%
Seats13%

Does the 2009 Audi Q7 have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

23V086000OtherFebruary 15, 2023 · 12,100 units

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."

Consequence

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.

18V818000Fuel SystemNovember 19, 2018 · 5,987 units

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.

Consequence

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.

16V660000Fuel SystemSeptember 13, 2016 · 143,214 units

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.

Consequence

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“ACCORDING TO AUDI ATLANTA THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP (HPFP) EXPLODED. THIS SMALL BUT CONTAINED EXPLOSION WAS CENTERED WITHIN THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP ITSELF BUT THEN SENT SMALL METAL FRAGMENTS THOROUGH THE FUEL SYSTEM FROM DIESEL FUEL TANK THROUGH THE INJECTORS. DUE TO THIS 10K+ IN PARTS AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · May 16, 2015

“WHILE DRIVING IN MODERATE RAIN WITH THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS ON, THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDSHIELD WIPER FLEW OFF. I ORDERED A NEW PASSENGER SIDE WINDSHIELD WIPER AND IT WORKED FOR A MONTH. THEN THE PASSENGER SIDE WIPER FROZE DURING USE, CAUSING THE DRIVER SIDE WIPER TO HIT IT.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · September 17, 2020

“I was driving my 2009 Audi Q7 last June 27,2021 at 5 pm in interstate 5N my speed is 70mph when i heard a beep sound , Air bag and Hood light on flashes in the dash board and i decided to pull over on the shoulder lane when my wife noticed that smoke coming out in front of the engine, i stopped the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 27, 2021 · fire

“TAILGATE ON MY CAR DOES NOT OPEN ALL THE WAY UP LIKE IT USED TO, SOMETIMES WHEN IT STOPS AND SOMEONE TRIES TO REACH INSIDE IT CLOSES BY ITSELF, THIS HAPPENED WHEN MY WIFE WAS TRYING TO TAKE SOMETHING OUT OF THE TRUNK. IF I DID NOT GRAB THE TAILGATE AND STOP IT COULD CRUSH MY WIFE'S HANDS. CALLED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 16, 2014

“AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON AND DEALER PERFORMED A FUNCTION TEST. THE TEST FAILED BECAUSE OF A FAULTY AIR BAG MODULE THAT HAD AN ESTIMATED REPLACEMENT COST OF $1294.12 I WAS TOLD THAT THIS WOULD BE AT MY EXPENSE AS SAFETY COMPONENTS WERE NOT REPLACED BEYOND THE ORIGINAL MANUFACTURES WARRANTIES. *JS ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · December 26, 2013

2009 Audi Q7 — common questions

Is the 2009 Audi Q7 reliable?

It is close to typical for the Q7: 34 NHTSA complaints, 3 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 2009 Q7 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (9 complaints), visibility & wipers (5 complaints), engine (4 complaints).

Does the 2009 Audi Q7 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2009 Audi Q7. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2009 Audi Q7 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Audi Q7 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Q7 years to avoid are 2017, 2018, 2007, 2021, 2019. The cleanest record among Q7 years belongs to 2026.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.