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 additional serious safety-related defects, including a brake system condition where the brake pedal slowly sinks toward the floor when pressure is applied (indicating a braking system performance failure requiring brake fluid exchange and further diagnosis if unresolved). The inspection also documented multiple additional mechanical and safety concerns requiring extensive repairs, including suspension and drivetrain defects and other conditions indicating the vehicle was not roadworthy as sold. The vehicle remains available for inspection. This incident involved a sudden loss of steering assist and braking abnormalities that could lead to loss of control, crash risk, and injury to the driver, passengers, and other motorists.
The worst 2012 Audi Q7 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Fuel system12
- Engine8
- Steering4
- Transmission3
- Visibility3
- Brakes2
- Driver assistance2
- Body1
- Electrical1
- Lights1
- Seat belts1
- Suspension1
- Wheels1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2012 Audi Q7
Recalls 4
Equipment: other: labels
- What is wrong
- 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.
Recall number 23V086000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump
- What is wrong
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2007-2012 Audi Q7 and 2009-2012 Audi Q5 vehicles, previously repaired under the federal safety agency 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.
Recall number 18V818000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump
- What is wrong
- 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.
Recall number 16V660000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system: fuel rail
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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 customers and 24BK for Volkswagen customers.
Recall number 15V019000 · Recall details
See all 4 recalls for the 2012 Audi Q7
Defect investigations
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 Volkswagen as part of its response to PE10-034.During EA11-003, ODI analyzed design information, field experience and test data for MY 2009 through 2012 Volkswagen Jetta, Golf and Touareg and Audi A3 and Q7 vehicles equipped with TDI engines. Volkswagen has not identified any design or manufacturing defects in the subject TDI Clean Diesel pumps and has stated that the subject pumps were designed, tested and approved for use in the United States market, with substantial design margins for fuels that are out of specification.Volkswagen believes that misfueling with gasoline is the primary cause of HPFP drivetrain failures in the field.Only the Q7 vehicles were built with misfuel protection devices.In May 2013 Volkswagen initiated a service campaign to install misfuel protection devices in all MY 2009 through 2012 Jetta, Golf and A3 vehicles.Volkswagen implemented misfuel protection devices in all of the subject models beginning in MY 2013. ODI?s analysis of HPFP drivetrain failure incidents indicates that most failures do not result in engine stall while driving and, when pump drivetrain failure does result in stall while driving, it is usually preceded by numerous warning symptoms (e.g., glow plug warning lamp, chime, limp mode, and driveability symptoms).The failure data for the subject vehicles show relatively low stalling rates (less than one percent at three years in service) for each of the pump designs used in the subject vehicles.There have been no reports of crashes, injuries or fatalities related to the alleged defect. Based on these facts, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that a safety-related defect does not exist.The agency will continue to monitor complaints and other information relating to the alleged defect in the subject vehicles and take further action in the future if warranted.For additional information, see the closing report in the document file for EA11-003.
EA11003
Technical service bulletins for the 2012 Audi Q7 1,135
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- This bulletin provides informaiton on the use of the PICO-NVH tool (VAS 611 015).
- This bulletin provides information to aid in diagnosing the vehicle locking system.
- This bulletin provides information when the engine is not runing smoothly; all gas engines.
- This bulletin provides information on VIN plates, Safety Certification labels, and ordering procedures.
- This bulletin provides information for reporting safety related information to the manufacturer.
- This bulletin states that technicians are required to report to the manufacturer when a vehicle has...
- This bulletin provides information about vibrations and rotational steering vibrations.
- This bulletin provides information when the license plate mounting bracket threded inserts are stripped.
- This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed if it meets the criteria provided.
- This bulletin provides information when the horn sound quality is poor.
2012 Audi Q7 fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6‑cyl Diesel | AWD | 17 | 24 | 20 |
| 3.0L 6‑cyl | AWD | 16 | 21 | 18 |
What 2012 Audi Q7 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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 available at that time to render repairs, but I would be contacted when to bring my vehicle back in. Subsequently, I don't recall ever having that particular issue get resolved because a plethora of other issues related the countless times the check engine light regularly appeared became priority. Now I'm eing told that the exact recall issue I was notified about years ago is the latest identified problem and totally my "financial responsibility", because it's not being covered under warranty. This is as much of a safety issue now as it was then, but never got directly addressed or settled. Thankfully due to my awareness by being the regular, primary driver of my vehicle, I have been diligent in reporting check engine light ndicators, along with any other mechanical light issues each time they've appeared, and there have been no incidents or accidents posing a major threat to my safety. Of course, I wish to keep it this way when operating any vehicle on the roads I travel.
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.
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 replacement of the same components. It has rendered the vehicle as unreliable and now unusable unless I keep paying for Audi's "fix". My vehicle had no such issues prior to the TDI modification and received all regularly scheduled maintenance at Audi Lynbrook. I have compiled all my service records including the TDI Modification (7/26/18) then 9 emissions system failures (XXX). Currently, Audi Lynbrook states that again emissions component replacement is needed, a part (rear nox sensor G687) that was replaced 4/10/2023 just 20 months for the second time since 11/12/2020. This failure to deliver a reliably working vehicle has already cost me considerably, so Audi has disabled my car with shutdown programming, taken it hostage needing proprietary Audi service, and are now demanding ransom to make it temporarily usable. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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.
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?
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.
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.
Fuel pump leaked causing a dangerous situation and needed to be repaired immediately
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.
Compare the 2012 Audi Q7
Q7 vs Acura MDXQ7 vs BMW X5Q7 vs Volvo XC90Q7 vs Lexus RXQ7 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE 350Q7 vs Cadillac XT5
Other model years
20072008200920102011201220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023202420252026
Questions about the 2012 Audi Q7
Is the 2012 Audi Q7 reliable?
Owners have filed 29 complaints about the 2012 Audi Q7, close to a typical Q7 model year.
What is the 2012 Audi Q7 year score?
The 2012 Audi Q7 scores 76 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Audi Q7: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2012 Audi Q7?
Fuel and propulsion system, with 12 complaints, typically around 83,000 miles. Next is engine (8).
How many recalls does the 2012 Audi Q7 have?
4 recalls, covering equipment and fuel system, gasoline.
What gas mileage does the 2012 Audi Q7 get?
Official estimates for the 2012 Audi Q7 range from 18 to 20 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.0L 6-cyl diesel, AWD) gets 17 city and 24 highway.
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