VehicleVerdict

2011 Audi Q7 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 26 complaints on file for the 2011 Audi Q7 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 4 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

26

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

1

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

5

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2011 compare to other Q7 years?

Q7 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 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, 2011 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Q7 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2011 Audi Q7 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Visibility & Wipers727%
Fuel System519%
Other415%
Electrical System28%
Tires & Wheels28%
Engine28%
Brakes14%
Seats14%
Airbags14%
Steering14%

Does the 2011 Audi Q7 have recalls?

4 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.

15V019000Fuel SystemJanuary 20, 2015 · 26,008 units

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.

Consequence

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“2 separate occasions now, the passenger-side windshield wipers have broken off. This is apparently a common incident with some Audi vehicles due to poor manufacturing/design. Audi has not implemented a recall. This is a safety concern as the wipers have broken off while I was driving and could hit…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · November 20, 2022

“FUEL PUMP RECALL RUBBER BAND FIX IS INADEQUATE. MY MODEL GOT REPAIRED LAST YEAR FOR THE RECALL. THIS REPAIR IS INADEQUATE AND PUT MY FAMILY'S SAFETY AT RISK. THE GASOLINE MELTED THE RUBBER BAND AND LEAK. WE STARTED SMELLING GASOLINE INSIDE OUR VEHICLE AND WHILE THE VEHICLE IS PARKED IN OUR GARAGE.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · August 1, 2018

“POSSIBLE IGNITION SWITCH ISSUE: I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT AROUND 70 MPH WHEN THERE WAS CLICK SOUND ACCOMPANIED BY LOSS OF POWER, BRAKES DIDN'T FUNCTION PROPERLY, STEERING WHEEL BECAME INCREASING HARD TO MANEUVER. I WAS ABLE TO BRING TO A STOP BY THE SHOULDER. I NOTICED THAT THE IGNITION…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · July 11, 2018

“I PURCHASED A NEW AUDI Q7 S-LINE IN 2011. MULTIPLE REPAIRS AND RECALLS DURING AND AFTER WARRANTY PERIOD. ELECTRICAL IS PARTICULARLY PROBLEMATIC. CHANGED FIRST SENSOR DOOR HANDLE IN 2014, UNDER WARRANTY. NOW, WITH JUST OVER 70,000, ALL FOUR HANDLES FAILED, HAD TO REPLACE NEW BATTERY AND ALL FOUR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 26, 2018

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 AUDI Q7. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE SUDDENLY BEGAN TO FLUCTUATE FROM HIGH TO LOW AND THEN BACK TO NORMAL. THE VEHICLE DECELERATED AND STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 8, 2014

2011 Audi Q7 — common questions

Is the 2011 Audi Q7 reliable?

The record is thin — 26 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 4 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2011 Q7 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are visibility & wipers (7 complaints), fuel system (5 complaints), other (4 complaints).

Does the 2011 Audi Q7 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2011 Audi Q7. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2011 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.