The 2012 Audi Q7 has 4 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 187,309 vehicles. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Owners have filed 44 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the fuel/propulsion system. Last updated July 5, 2026.
Recall campaigns
EQUIPMENT23V0860002023-02-1512,100 affected
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…
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.
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…
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.
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…
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…
Complaints by component
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
11
ENGINE
8
STEERING
4
POWER TRAIN
3
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
3
VISIBILITY/WIPER
3
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1
1crashes
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
1
Total complaints44
What owners report
Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal
information removed.
“On or december 5th, 2025 (4 days after taking possession of the vehicle, I experienced a sudden and severe steering system failure while driving. When turning the steering wheel (even slightly), the vehicle produced a loud buzzing/grinding noise and the steering effort increased significantly,…”
“On or december 5th, 2025 (4 days after taking possession of the vehicle, I experienced a sudden and severe steering system failure while driving. When turning the steering wheel (even slightly), the vehicle produced a loud buzzing/grinding noise and the steering effort increased significantly,…”
“On or december 5th, 2025 (4 days after taking possession of the vehicle, I experienced a sudden and severe steering system failure while driving. When turning the steering wheel (even slightly), the vehicle produced a loud buzzing/grinding noise and the steering effort increased significantly,…”
“There have been continuous indicators by way of the check engine light repeatedly appearing on my vehicle's dash for a number of years. A different determination was always discovered each time I took my vehicle to the only audi certified dealership in my area. Most recently, I have been told that…”
“There have been continuous indicators by way of the check engine light repeatedly appearing on my vehicle's dash for a number of years. A different determination was always discovered each time I took my vehicle to the only audi certified dealership in my area. Most recently, I have been told that…”
“The contact owns a 2012 audi q7. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal odor inside the vehicle with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the high-pressure fuel pump and…”
“On november 2, 2015, the environmental protection agency and california air resources board informed volkswagen group companies that my model year 2012 3.0l turbo diesel injection (tdi) vehicle did not comply with federal and california emissions standards. In the approved emissions modification,…”
“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…”
Defect investigations
InvestigationEA11003 Opened 2011-02-07 · closed 2015-03-27
High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure
The Office of Defects Investgation (ODI) opened EA11-003 on February 7, 2011, based on 160 complaints to ODI and Volkswagen involving high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failures in model year (MY) 2009 through 2010 Volkswagen Jetta and Golf and Audi A3 TDI vehicles and questions regarding fuel sample results provided by…
InvestigationEA11003 Opened 2011-02-07 · closed 2015-03-27
High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure
The Office of Defects Investgation (ODI) opened EA11-003 on February 7, 2011, based on 160 complaints to ODI and Volkswagen involving high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failures in model year (MY) 2009 through 2010 Volkswagen Jetta and Golf and Audi A3 TDI vehicles and questions regarding fuel sample results provided by…
Recall, complaint, and investigation records from official NHTSA datasets (FLAT_RCL,
FLAT_CMPL, FLAT_INV), synced weekly. Counts reflect NHTSA records for the 2012 Audi Q7 as of
July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page
contains ads and affiliate links. Full methodology.