2012 Audi Q7 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Best The 2012 Audi Q7 has a complaint index of 11, the second-lowest among 19 model years, earning a Best verdict. Fuel system issues account for 41% of its 29 complaints, tied to fuel pump flange and fuel rail recalls, but crash, fire, and injury counts are all zero or near-zero.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 11/100
- #17 of 19 Q7 years
- Verdict
- Best
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 29
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 4
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 1
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Fuel System
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 19
- 16.5 city / 22.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2012 Audi Q7 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Fuel System12 (41%)
- Engine8 (28%)
- Brakes4 (14%)
- Steering4 (14%)
- Other3 (10%)
- Transmission & Powertrain3 (10%)
- Visibility & Wipers3 (10%)
- Electrical System2 (7%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (7%)
- Seat Belts1 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Fuel pump flange cracks and leaks, producing a strong gasoline smell near the driver-side rear tire, especially noticeable after the vehicle is turned off.
- Engine oil burns faster than expected, with owners reporting low-oil warnings and shaking while driving, sometimes needing extra quarts added between changes.
- Transmission oil cooler line wears through from rubbing plastic components, causing fluid loss and hesitant or delayed shifting.
- Brakes intermittently fail to stop the vehicle at speed, in one case requiring use of the emergency brake after a vacuum pipe failure.
- Panoramic sunroof glass has shattered while driving at highway speed with no apparent cause identified by dealers.
- Wiper arms have broken off completely during operation, including in wet weather.
2012 Audi Q7 recalls
4 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 23V086000Feb 15, 2023Other12,100 vehicles
Equipment:other:labels
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.
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.
- 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.
2012 Audi Q7 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 16.5 MPG
- Highway
- 22.5 MPG
- Combined
- 19 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $4,575
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Diesel
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2012 compared with other Q7 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2012 Audi Q7 reliable?
- Among 19 Q7 model years, 2012 ranks 17th worst (meaning it's one of the better years) with a complaint index of 11 and a Best verdict. It has 29 NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls, with no reported fires, injuries, or deaths.
- What is the biggest problem area for the 2012 Audi Q7?
- Fuel System complaints make up 41% of all reported issues, mostly tied to fuel pump flange cracks addressed by two NHTSA recalls (16V660000 and 18V818000).
- Does the 2012 Audi Q7 have a recall?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2012 Q7, covering fuel pump flange cracking, fuel injection rail issues, and an incorrect Gross Axle Weight Rating label.
- How does the 2012 Q7 compare to other Q7 years?
- The 2012 Q7's complaint index of 11 is much lower than the 2013 Q7 (94, Avoid) or the 2017 Q7 (100, Avoid), making 2012 one of the stronger years for the model.
- What is the median mileage for fuel system failures in the 2012 Q7?
- Owners who reported Fuel System problems had a median mileage at failure of 83,000 miles.