2012 Audi Q5 Fuel System Problems
NHTSA lists 23 fuel system complaints for the 2012 Audi Q5, 14% of all complaints for the year, with a median failure mileage of 70,200 miles. Two related recalls (16V660000 and 18V818000) cover a cracking fuel pump flange, and no crashes, fires, or injuries were reported.
- Fuel System complaints
- 23
- 14% of 168
- Crashes reported
- 0
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 70,200 mi
- Related recalls
- 2
Typical fuel system symptoms owners report
- Owners report the high pressure fuel pump and related components failing, sometimes accompanied by a whistling engine sound and a malfunction indicator light.
- Some owners describe delays in getting the fuel pump flange recall completed because replacement parts were unavailable at dealerships.
- A subset of complaints mention the fuel pump flange recall being bundled with a separate airbag recall, with owners confused about which campaign covered which repair.
- One owner reported the vehicle exceeded a reasonable time for recall repair while waiting for the fuel system fix.
When 2012 Audi Q5 fuel system complaints were filed
First complaint Feb 28, 2013, latest Sep 4, 2025.
Fuel System recalls for the 2012 Audi Q5
- NHTSA 18V818000Nov 19, 2018Fuel System5,987 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump
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.
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.
- NHTSA 16V660000Sep 13, 2016Fuel System143,214 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump
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.
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.
Fuel System complaints by Q5 model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many fuel system complaints does NHTSA have for the 2012 Audi Q5?
- NHTSA lists 23 fuel system complaints for the 2012 Audi Q5, which is 14% of all 168 complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a fuel system recall for the 2012 Audi Q5?
- Yes. Recall 16V660000 covers a cracking fuel pump flange on 2009-2012 Audi Q5 gasoline models, and recall 18V818000 addresses vehicles previously repaired under that campaign by replacing the flange and installing butyl tape.
- At what mileage do fuel system problems typically show up on the 2012 Q5?
- The median mileage at failure for fuel system complaints on the 2012 Q5 is 70,200 miles.
- Did the fuel system issue cause any crashes or fires?
- No. NHTSA data shows zero crashes, zero fires, and zero injuries linked to fuel system complaints on the 2012 Audi Q5.
- How does the 2012 Q5's fuel system complaint rate compare to other years?
- The 2012 Q5's 23 fuel system complaints (14% share) is lower than 2010 (32 complaints, 32% share) and 2011 (32 complaints, 22% share), but higher than most years from 2013 onward.