2010 Audi Q7 Reliability Report
NHTSA data as of Oct 15, 2026Published Oct 19, 2026
Ranks 13th of 16 Q7 years we score.
- Owner complaints
- 29
- Per 10,000 cars
- 47.5
- 6,099 made for the U.S.
- Vs the average car
- 1.2×
- same age, 1× is average
- Serious outcomes
- 10
- crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
- Recalls
- 3
- NHTSA crash rating
- Not rated
- no overall rating before 2011
Should You Buy the 2010 Audi Q7?
Only after careful checks. Our reliability score for the 2010 Audi Q7 is 68 out of 100, which rates Caution. Owners reported about 1.2 times as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 13th of the 16 Q7 years we score.
The most reported problem is the high-pressure fuel pump, mostly parts breaking or coming apart (6 of 29 complaints). Owners also complain about the fuel pump and tires. 10 of the 29 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.
It has 3 recalls. Audi also offers three warranty extensions that may still apply, for problems with the engine and fuel system. For comparison, the 2009 scores 76 and the 2011 scores 73.
Before you buy, check that the recalls were done, ask an Audi dealer about warranty extension AWA-18-08 and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.
Pros
- No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls
- 3 Audi warranty extensions may cover repairs
Cons
- High-pressure fuel pump: parts breaking or coming apart6 complaints
- Fuel pump: a leak4 complaints
- Tires: parts breaking or coming apart3 complaints
How the 2010 Q7 Earned Its Score
Every model year starts at 100. Each part takes points away when this year has more problems than the average car of the same age. How we score
| Item | Vs average | Points lost |
|---|---|---|
| Starting score | 100 | |
| Serious problems | 1.1× | −18 |
| Everyday problems | 1.4× | −9 |
| Problems in the last two years | Not counted | – |
| Recalls | 0.80× | −5 |
| Score | 68 |
Problems in the last two years are not counted for the 2010 Q7. If it were exactly average, its 6,099 cars would draw about 0.6 complaints in two years at this age, too few to compare. Their 30% moves to serious and everyday problems, which count for 80% of this score instead of 50%.
What Owners Report
We read all 29 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2010 Audi Q7, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first. A complaint that describes more than one problem is counted under each, so the counts add up to more than 29.
High-pressure fuel pump: parts breaking or coming apart
6 complaints (21%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, reduced power or limp mode and stalling. 5 of these 6 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 30,000 miles.
Fuel pump: a leak
4 complaints (14%)
A leak and a bad smell. Median mileage when it started: about 72,000 miles.
Tires: parts breaking or coming apart
3 complaints (10%)
Parts breaking or coming apart. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Windshield wipers: parts breaking or coming apart
3 complaints (10%)
Parts breaking or coming apart. Median mileage when it started: about 92,000 miles.
Battery drain: draining the battery
2 complaints (7%)
Draining the battery.
Fuel system: a loss of power
2 complaints (7%)
A loss of power and a bad smell. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving.
Screen and audio: works on and off
2 complaints (7%)
Problems that come and go.
Reported Once (17)
Show the 17 problems reported once
- Airbags
- Brakes: loss of braking
- Control module (unspecified): stopped working
- Door latches: not closing or latching
- Engine: surging
- Engine air intake: stopped working
- Engine failure: failure or loss of drive
- Key fob: stopped working
- Loss of power (cause not stated)
- Fuel filler neck: sticking or stiffness
- Problem (not described) (cause not stated)
- Seat heater: the system acting on its own
- Power liftgate: the system acting on its own
- Rearview camera: works on and off
- Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking
- Timing chain or camshaft: hard starting
- Turbocharger: parts breaking or coming apart
How the 2010 Audi Q7 Compares With Other Years
The other Q7 years of the 1st generation, 2007 to 2015, and the years just before and after it.
| Year | Rating | Score | Vs average | Per 10k cars | Recalls | Most reported problem |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Excellent | 81 | 0.44× | 14.8 | 2 | Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil |
| 2014 | Good | 72 | 0.73× | 25.8 | 2 | Fuel leak |
| 2013 | Good | 73 | 0.81× | 30.3 | 3 | Windshield wipers: parts breaking or coming apart |
| 2012 | Good | 75 | 0.66× | 31.5 | 4 | Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil |
| 2011 | Good | 73 | 0.82× | 25.8 | 4 | Windshield wipers: parts breaking or coming apart |
| 2010 This year | Caution | 68 | 1.2× | 47.5 | 3 | High-pressure fuel pump: parts breaking or coming apart |
| 2009 | Good | 76 | 0.64× | 24.1 | 3 | Engine: stalling |
| 2008 | Good | 79 | 0.47× | 20.0 | 3 | Fuel leak |
| 2007 | Good | 70 | 1.0× | 37.7 | 3 | Screen and audio: stopped working |
2010 Audi Q7 Recalls
Three recalls cover the 2010 Audi Q7. The most recent was issued in February 2023: “Incorrect GAWR on Label/FMVSS 110 & 567.” A VIN check at NHTSA shows which are still open on a given car.
Incorrect GAWR on Label/FMVSS 110 & 567
The Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) listed on the certification label is incorrect, which can allow the vehicle to be overloaded. An overloaded vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 23V086000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Feb 15, 2023. By the first quarter of 2025, 31% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Interim Butyl Tape Repair May Allow Fuel to Leak
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.
NHTSA 18V818000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Nov 19, 2018. By the first quarter of 2020, 70% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Fuel Pump Flange May Crack Causing Fuel Leak
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
NHTSA 16V660000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Sep 13, 2016. By the first quarter of 2018, 65% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
2010 Audi Q7 Warranty Extensions and Programs
Audi has three warranty extensions and one service campaign for the 2010 Audi Q7, separate from its recalls. They are for problems with the engine and fuel system. Whether one applies to a car depends on its VIN, which an Audi dealer can check.
- Warranty extensionAudi AWA-18-08
Emissions and engine warranty after 3.0 TDI fix
- The problem:
- Under a recall, these 3.0 TDI diesels got an emissions fix. Audi then extended the emissions warranty and added a warranty for the engine's core parts.
- The fix:
- An Audi dealer repairs covered emissions and core engine parts under this warranty. If a repair keeps the car 3 hours or more, a free loaner or rental is offered.
- Who qualifies:
- 3.0 TDI Gen 1.1 diesels, engine code CATA, fixed under the emissions recall. A 2020 dealer email names the 2009 and 2010 Q7. Gen 1.2 uses the same code. Totaled cars qualify unless earlier damage caused the failure.
- Coverage:
- 10 years or 120,000 miles from the in-service date, or 4 years or 48,000 miles from the fix, each whichever comes first. The longer applies.
- Warranty extension
Powertrain warranty after coolant pump seal leaks
- The problem:
- A seal inside the coolant pump can wear out early and leak coolant. Audi extended the powertrain warranty for certain affected cars.
- The fix:
- An Audi dealer diagnoses and repairs any problem with the engine, transmission, differential or axles for free.
- Who qualifies:
- Certain 2009 to 2011 Audis with a 3.0 TFSI, 3.0 TDI or 3.2 FSI engine, in the coolant pump campaign or with a replaced pump. Only the owner Audi wrote to is covered, not later owners.
- Coverage:
- 5 years or 100,000 miles from the original in-service date, whichever comes first.
- Warranty extensionAudi AWA-15-05
TDI high-pressure fuel pump failure
- The problem:
- The high-pressure fuel pump on the TDI diesel can fail. The car goes into limp mode and warning lights come on. Driving on risks total pump failure.
- The fix:
- An Audi dealer checks the fuel filler neck and tests a fuel sample. If the car meets the conditions, the dealer replaces the pump for free.
- Who qualifies:
- Certain 2010 to 2012 A3 TDI and 2009 to 2012 Q7 TDI. The fuel must be the correct type and not contaminated. An A3 also needs an Audi-approved misfueling guard. Documents conflict on whether a Q7 needs its factory guard.
- Coverage:
- 10 years or 120,000 miles from the original in-service date, whichever comes first.
- Service campaignAudi 23H3
Engine software update for 3.0 TDI diesel
- The problem:
- The documents describe no symptom. Audi released new engine control software for these 3.0 TDI diesels to address customer satisfaction issues it does not name.
- The fix:
- An Audi dealer updates the engine control software and resets a setting in the SCR exhaust system.
- Who qualifies:
- 2009 and 2010 Q7 3.0 TDI diesels in set VIN ranges. The campaign must still be open on the car's VIN, and the car must be under its federal emissions warranty.
- Coverage:
- Free while the car is under its federal emissions warranty, whose term is not printed. Ask an Audi dealer for the exact terms.
2010 Audi Q7 NHTSA Investigations
NHTSA has opened one investigation that covers the 2010 Audi Q7. It closed without a recall.
High-pressure fuel pump failures and gasoline misfueling
Closed without a recallNHTSA's engineering analysis studied fuel pump failures in 2009-2012 Audi A3 and Q7 diesels. Audi mainly blamed gasoline put in the tank and added misfuel protection devices to A3 cars in a 2013 service campaign. NHTSA found stalls rare, under one percent after three years, and usually preceded by warnings. NHTSA closed it, with no reported crashes or injuries.
NHTSA EA11003Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Feb 7, 2011 to Mar 27, 2015
NHTSA Crash Test Ratings
NHTSA gave the 2010 Q7 no overall, frontal or side rating. It did rate each seat in those tests and lists the seat ratings under Rating Breakdown on its page. We show them the same way below. These tests are from before 2011, so the stars are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and newer models. See the 2010 Q7 ratings on NHTSA.gov.
4-door with side airbags
Check Before You Buy
A checklist for the 2010 Q7, from its three recalls, three Audi warranty extensions that may still apply and the problems owners report most.
Confirm the Recalls Were Done
Ask the seller for proof that each of these recalls was repaired.
- Incorrect GAWR on Label/FMVSS 110 & 567 NHTSA 23V086000
- Interim Butyl Tape Repair May Allow Fuel to Leak NHTSA 18V818000
- Fuel Pump Flange May Crack Causing Fuel Leak NHTSA 16V660000
Ask an Audi Dealer
Ask whether each of these warranty extensions applies to this VIN, and whether the work was done.
- AWA-18-08: emissions and engine warranty after 3.0 TDI fix
- Powertrain warranty after coolant pump seal leaks
- AWA-15-05: TDI high-pressure fuel pump failure
On the Test Drive
- Confirm any fuel pump recall was done. Hard starting or stalling is a warning sign.
- Look for uneven tire wear and listen for clunks or humming that changes with speed.
- Ask about battery and starter replacements. A slow start after the car sits is a warning sign.
Ask the Seller
Ask whether any of these were ever repaired, and ask to see the receipts.
- High-pressure fuel pump
- Fuel pump
- Tires
- Also ask for the service records, especially oil changes.
Before You Pay
- Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic you choose.
- Decode the VIN to confirm the model year, engine and trim.
- Check the title for salvage, flood or rebuilt branding.
What to do next