AUDI Q7 · model year

2012 AUDI Q7

44 NHTSA complaints, 3 crash reports, and 4 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2012AUDIQ7 carries 44 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 3 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall Not Rated/5 rating, with Not Rated/5 front crash, Not Rated/5 side crash, and 4/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2012 Q7 is fuel/propulsion system with 11 filings, followed by engine (8) and steering (4). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 4 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 9 investigation files overlapping the 2012 Q7. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

44
Complaints
3
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

44 filings

Crashes Reported

3 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

NHTSA NCAP overall: Not Rated/5 — Not rated · Front: Not Rated/5 · Side: Not Rated/5 · Rollover: 4/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM11
ENGINE8
STEERING4
POWER TRAIN3
VISIBILITY/WIPER3
UNKNOWN OR OTHER3
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)2
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM1
SEAT BELTS1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1
STRUCTURE:BODY1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING1
WHEELS1
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE1

Recalls (4)

15V01900020/01/2015

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:FUEL RAIL

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.

18V81800019/11/2018

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 re

23V08600015/02/2023

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 Vehic

16V66000013/09/2016

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.

Recent Complaints

20260118SUSPENSION

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, creating an immediate safety hazard. Because the steering issue worsened quickly and made the vehicle difficult to control, I stopped driving and brought the vehicle to an authorized Audi dealership for inspection. The Audi dealership confirmed the steering failure was caused by a major power steering system defect, including active power steering fluid leakage from the steering rack area consistent with internal seal failure, and the power steering pump being faulty due to fluid loss. The dealership advised replacement of the power steering rack and pump and stated the vehicle was unsafe to test drive due to its condition. During the same inspection, the Audi dealership also identified additio

20260118STEERING

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, creating an immediate safety hazard. Because the steering issue worsened quickly and made the vehicle difficult to control, I stopped driving and brought the vehicle to an authorized Audi dealership for inspection. The Audi dealership confirmed the steering failure was caused by a major power steering system defect, including active power steering fluid leakage from the steering rack area consistent with internal seal failure, and the power steering pump being faulty due to fluid loss. The dealership advised replacement of the power steering rack and pump and stated the vehicle was unsafe to test drive due to its condition. During the same inspection, the Audi dealership also identified additio

20260118SERVICE BRAKES

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, creating an immediate safety hazard. Because the steering issue worsened quickly and made the vehicle difficult to control, I stopped driving and brought the vehicle to an authorized Audi dealership for inspection. The Audi dealership confirmed the steering failure was caused by a major power steering system defect, including active power steering fluid leakage from the steering rack area consistent with internal seal failure, and the power steering pump being faulty due to fluid loss. The dealership advised replacement of the power steering rack and pump and stated the vehicle was unsafe to test drive due to its condition. During the same inspection, the Audi dealership also identified additio

20250304FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

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 the fuel system were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 101,000.

Mileage: 101,000

20250304ENGINE

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 my vehicle now requires a Fuel System Replacement, High Pressure Fuel Pump, All Components in Fuel Tank, Fuel Rails, Injectors, All Rubber Fuel Lines for a cost of $16,830.50. Coincidentally, I received information by mail from the manufacturer (Audi), indicating there was a Safety Recall 20W9--Fuel Pump Flange for this exact same issue, and that my vehicle had been identified amongst the other reported 143,214 vehicles, as affected. This information was dated October 6, 2016. I immediately contacted my local Audi dealership to schedule an appointment to discuss next step options to resolve this recall issue, and was told then by my assigned Service Technician that the parts were not av

20250304FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

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 my vehicle now requires a Fuel System Replacement, High Pressure Fuel Pump, All Components in Fuel Tank, Fuel Rails, Injectors, All Rubber Fuel Lines for a cost of $16,830.50. Coincidentally, I received information by mail from the manufacturer (Audi), indicating there was a Safety Recall 20W9--Fuel Pump Flange for this exact same issue, and that my vehicle had been identified amongst the other reported 143,214 vehicles, as affected. This information was dated October 6, 2016. I immediately contacted my local Audi dealership to schedule an appointment to discuss next step options to resolve this recall issue, and was told then by my assigned Service Technician that the parts were not av

20250124UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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, Audi Lynbrook claims to have removed the software that reduced the effectiveness of my TDI's emission control system and to have installed new emission control software designed to function effectively in all normal driving conditions. NOTE: this "fix" that was devised to meet emission standards was never actually tested for "vehicle reliability, durability, performance, drivability or other driving characteristics", and by their own account would consume 40% more DEF [XXX], meaning it's stressing the emissions system 40% more than designed. Since the TDI Modification my 2012 Audi Q7 TDI is having constant emissions system faults with 200 mile shutdown ransomware programming, and repeated repl

20240220ENGINE

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 can happen. I have a 2012 audi q7.

20240220UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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 can happen. I have a 2012 audi q7.

20210219CrashSTRUCTURE:BODY

HELLO! I HAVE AN 2012 AUDI Q7 AND MY AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED AT 50 MPH IMPACT. IT'S A TOTAL LOSS. DO I HAVE GROUNDS FOR A LAWSUIT?

Mileage: 132,000

20210219CrashEXTERIOR LIGHTING

HELLO! I HAVE AN 2012 AUDI Q7 AND MY AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED AT 50 MPH IMPACT. IT'S A TOTAL LOSS. DO I HAVE GROUNDS FOR A LAWSUIT?

Mileage: 132,000

20210219CrashWHEELS

HELLO! I HAVE AN 2012 AUDI Q7 AND MY AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED AT 50 MPH IMPACT. IT'S A TOTAL LOSS. DO I HAVE GROUNDS FOR A LAWSUIT?

Mileage: 132,000

20201015ENGINE

VEHICLE HAS NOT EVEN REACH 92K MILES AND THE WATERPUMP IS A ALREADY FAILING. AUDI THIS IS A KNOW ISSUE BUT THE REMEDY HAS NOT BEEN FIXED. THEY ONLY WAY TO FIX THIS IS TO REPLACE WITH NEW UNIT. I UNDERSTAND AUDI SPECIFICALLY MADE A "WEEP" HOLE TO WARN THE OWNER BEFORE THE WHOLE UNIT FAILS. THIS CAUSES COOLANT TO LEAK WHICH EVENTUALLY GIVES YOU THE LOW COOLANT LEVEL WARNING ON THE DASH. THIS IS TO PREVENT THE BEARING INSIDE THE WATERPUMP TO COMPLETELY FAIL CAUSING METAL TO METAL CONTACT THUS CAUSING SPECS OF METAL INSIDE YOUR COOLANT SYSTEMS. IT'S UNFORTUNATE THAT THIS FAILING EARLIER THAN ANTICIPATED CONSIDERING VEHICLE HAS NOT EVEN REACH THE 100K MILES.

Mileage: 91,000

20201014FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

2012 AUDI Q7 3.0T S LINE PRESTIGE, 91K MILES! STARTED AS SMALL GASOLINE SMELL BECOMING STRONGER THROUGHOUT THE NEXT COUPLE DAYS. SMELLED REALLY STRONG AROUND REAR LEFT DOOR AREA AND INSIDE CABIN. INVESTIGATED FUEL LEAK AND NOTICE UNDERNEATH THE SUV, FUEL DRIPPING DOWN THE SIDE OF ONE OF THE TWO FUEL TANKS. DISCONNECT BATTERY, REMOVE REAR SEAT TO ACCESS FUEL PUMP PANEL ON THE FLOOR, DISCOVERED LOTS OF FUEL LEAK NEAR PUMP AND ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS. NOTICED THAT THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING ALREADY HAD "AUDI'S QUICK FIX" (PROTECTIVE FILM) COVERING THE AREA BUT IT WAS STILL LEAKING. NOT TO MENTION THE PUMP'S ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS WAS SOAKED IN THE FUEL THAT HAD THE FUEL PUDDLE! THIS ISSUE SHOULD HAVE BEEN FOUND WHEN I HAD A RECENT SAFETY RECALL CODE 20W9 DONE AT AN AUDI DEALERSHIP JUST A COUPLE WEEKS PRIOR. IN ORDER TO FIX THE LEAKING ISSUE, I HAD TO BUY A NEW FUEL FILTER W/ FLANGE, "PROTECTIVE FILM", AND A SOME SEAL RING.

Mileage: 91,000

20200910FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

FUEL PUMP LEAKED CAUSING A DANGEROUS SITUATION AND NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED IMMEDIATELY

Mileage: 83,000

20200901FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

RECALL 20W9 WAS COMPLETED ABOUT MAY 2018. NO LEAKING OR CRACKS WERE FOUND. BUTYL TAPE WAS PLACED OVER FLANGE TO "PREVENT" FUTURE LEAKS. AUGUST 2020, FUEL FLANGE IS NOW LEAKING. STRONG GASOLINE SMELL FROM OUTSIDE OF VEHICLE. DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT CONFIRMS IT IS LEAKING. REFUSE TO COVER COST OF REPLACEMENT. THE ORIGINAL "RECALLED" PART IS STILL IN VEHICLE. WHY WILL IT NOT BE COVERED NOW BECAUSE THE PART LASTED A FEW YEARS LONGER THAT OTHERS. IT STILL HAS FAILED AND THEIR BAND AID HAS FAILED.

Mileage: 116,000

20200606ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

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

Mileage: 121,000

20200606POWER TRAIN

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

Mileage: 121,000

20200606STEERING

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

Mileage: 121,000

20200124ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

MAIN PULLEY OR SO CALLED HARMONIC BALANCER BROKE AND SERPENTINE BELT FELL OFF CAUSING TO LOOSE POWER STEERING AND NOT BE ABLE TO STEER I WAS LUCKY THAT JUST MADE IT THE TURN AND I WAS ON STRAIGHT PAT AND LOW SPEED TO STOP SAFELY.

Mileage: 72,164

Compare 2012AUDIQ7 to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2012 AUDI Q7 have?
The 2012 AUDI Q7 has 44 NHTSA complaints, 3 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2012 AUDI Q7?
The 2012 AUDI Q7 received an overall NHTSA safety rating of Not Rated/5, front crash rating of Not Rated/5, side crash rating of Not Rated/5, and rollover rating of 4/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2012 AUDI Q7?
Yes, the 2012 AUDI Q7 has 4 recall(s). The most common affected component is FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:FUEL RAIL. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 AUDI Q7?
The most-complained component for the 2012 AUDI Q7 is FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM with 11 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ENGINE and STEERING.
Is the 2012 AUDI Q7 safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2012 AUDI Q7 has an NHTSA safety rating of Not Rated/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.