VehicleVerdict

2012 Audi Q7 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2012 Audi Q7 sits mid-pack among Q7 years: 44 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 44, with 4 recalls and one closed investigation.

Fuel System leads the complaint categories with 12 reports (27% of the total).

44

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

1

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2012 compare to other Q7 years?

Q7 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 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, 2012 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Q7 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2012 Audi Q7 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System1227%
Engine818%
Steering49%
Visibility & Wipers49%
Electrical System37%
Other37%
Transmission37%
Brakes25%
Body & Structure12%
Suspension12%
Tires & Wheels12%
Seat Belts12%
Lighting12%

Does the 2012 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.

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · September 13, 2019

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 1, 2023

“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”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · June 6, 2020

“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.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · November 1, 2019

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · September 1, 2023

2012 Audi Q7 — common questions

Is the 2012 Audi Q7 reliable?

It is close to typical for the Q7: 44 NHTSA complaints, 4 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 2012 Q7 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (12 complaints), engine (8 complaints), visibility & wipers (4 complaints).

Does the 2012 Audi Q7 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2012 Audi Q7. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2012 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.