2012 Audi Q7 Problems
Compared with other Audi Q7 years
Fewer complaints than typical for this model
0/100 0.2× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.2× that of a typical Audi Q7 year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- None of its 29 complaints were filed by the end of 2014.
- Most reported part: Fuel system (12 complaints, median 83,000 mi).
- 4 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 29filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 83,000miles, 22 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 4campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —no overall rating published
- EPA fuel economy
- 18 mpgcombined, 3.0L 6-cyl AWD · 16 city / 21 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2012 Audi Q7 (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 29 consumer complaints for the 2012 Audi Q7. The part named most often is fuel system, with 12 complaints (41% of the total), followed by engine (8) and steering (4). 22 of the complaints include a mileage, and 9% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 83,000 miles. Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns and 1,130 technical service bulletins for this model year. Fuel system complaints overlap with 3 recall campaigns covering the fuel pump, 1 NHTSA investigation and 82 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Engine complaints overlap with 90 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Compared with the other 10 Audi Q7 model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 0 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (fewer complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Fuel system12 41%
- Engine8 28%
- Steering4 14%
- Other or unknown3 10%
- Brakes2 6.9%
- Electrical system1 3.5%
- Exterior lighting1 3.5%
Also reported: Seat belts (1), Body and structure (1), Suspension (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Fuel system: “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 any issues, but now that I am they won't fix it. It obviously wasn't fixed properly”
NHTSA complaint #11255926, filed 2019-09, 30 milesEngine: “Over the past year, my vehicle has been consuming quarts of engine oil. During my last engine oil change, I was left to minimum oil levels after driving only 250 miles. No leaks were detected in engine by mechanics at both dealership and independent shops. The remedy recommend is an engine swap estimated to be over $10,000”
NHTSA complaint #11280524, filed 2019-11, 81,000 milesSteering: “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.”
NHTSA complaint #11327570, filed 2020-06, 121,000 milesOther or unknown: “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.”
NHTSA complaint #11301540, filed 2020-01, 72,164 milesMileage when problems were reported
9% of the 22 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 64,525 and 100,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2012 Audi Q7. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q7 · SUV AWD | not rated | — | — | — | 4 · 18.5% risk |
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2012 Audi Q7 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q7 AWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 16 | 21 | 18 | $4,550 |
| Q7 AWD | 3.0L 6-cyl · diesel | 8-speed automatic | 17 | 24 | 20 | $4,800 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 23V086000Feb 15, 2023Equipment › Other › LabelsCovers: Audi Q7 2009–2015
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…
- 18V818000Nov 19, 2018Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pumpCovers: Audi Q7 2007–2012, Q5 2009–2012
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…
- 16V660000Sep 13, 2016Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pumpCovers: Audi Q7 2007–2012, Q5 2009–2012
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.
- 15V019000Jan 20, 2015Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system › Fuel railCovers: Audi Q7 2011–2012, S4 2011–2012, A7 2012–2013 +3 more
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.
Recall details for the 2012 Audi Q7 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- EA11003High-Pressure Fuel Pump FailureClosed · Feb 7, 2011
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 1,130 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11038130Sep 25, 2026Other or unknown. This bulletin states that technicians are required to report to the manufacturer when a vehicle has flooded, and specify the height to which the vehicle has been flooded.
- 11038027Sep 25, 2026Other or unknown. This bulletin provides information for reporting safety related information to the manufacturer.
- 11038025Sep 15, 2026Other or unknown. This bulletin provides information when the license plate mounting bracket threded inserts are stripped.
- 11038143Sep 9, 2026Other or unknown. This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed if it meets the criteria provided.
- 11036917Aug 26, 2026Other or unknown. This bulletin provides information when the horn sound quality is poor.
- 11036911Aug 21, 2026Brakes. This bulletin provides information for all models regarding brake sounds.
- 11036909Aug 21, 2026Brakes. This bulletin provides information on the zirconium insercts in the brake piston (ceramic brakes only).
- 11036934Aug 11, 2026Other or unknown. This bulletin provides information when there is a paint issue on alloy wheels.
- 11036921Aug 11, 2026Brakes. This bulletin provides information about the general approach for brake vibration concerns.
- 11036915Aug 11, 2026Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). This bulletin provides information on the GFF test plan required for AC compressor replacements regardless of the concern.
Other model years of the Audi Q7
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 17 | — | 2 | 5 | 22 | — | Too new |
| 2023 | 16 | 16,136 | 3 | — | 21 | — | Too new |
| 2022 | 20 | 20,000 | 3 | — | 22 | — | Rising |
| 2021 | 75 | 52,000 | 9 | — | 21 | 100 · More | Rising |
| 2020 | 29 | 42,850 | 5 | — | 21 | 64 · Typical | Rising |
| 2019 | 63 | 12,700 | 4 | 5 | 21 | 100 · More | Rising |
| 2018 | 144 | 15,800 | 3 | 5 | 21 | 100 · More | Rising |
| 2017 | 322 | 33,150 | 7 | — | 22 | 100 · More | Rising |
| 2015 | 46 | 53,500 | 2 | — | 18 | 50 · Typical | Stable |
| 2014 | 46 | 50,150 | 2 | — | 18 | 38 · Typical | Rising |
| 2013 | 44 | 72,000 | 3 | — | 18 | 38 · Typical | Stable |
| 2012 | 29 | 83,000 | 4 | — | 18 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2011 | 23 | 90,700 | 4 | — | 18 | — | Stable |
| 2010 | 29 | 54,000 | 3 | — | 16 | 42 · Typical | Stable |
| 2009 | 21 | 90,000 | 3 | — | 16 | — | Falling |
| 2008 | 33 | 72,000 | 3 | — | 16 | 34 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2007 | 95 | 77,400 | 3 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
All Audi Q7 model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2012 Audi Q7 have?
NHTSA recorded 29 consumer complaints for the 2012 Audi Q7 as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2012 Audi Q7 is reported most often?
Fuel system is named most often, in 12 complaints (41% of the total), followed by engine with 8.
Has the 2012 Audi Q7 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2012 Audi Q7 get?
The EPA rates the 2012 Audi Q7 (Q7, 3.0L 6-cyl) at 18 mpg combined, 16 city and 21 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,550 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2012 Audi Q7 reported?
Among the 22 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 83,000 miles and the middle half falls between 64,525 and 100,000 miles; 9% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.