2012 Audi Q7 Reliability Report

NHTSA data as of Oct 15, 2026Published Oct 19, 2026

Good

Ranks 6th of 16 Q7 years we score.

Owner complaints: 29; 1 is a recall notice
Per 10,000 cars: 31.5; 8,875 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 0.66×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 4; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 4
NHTSA crash rating: Not rated; no overall rating

← 2011 Q7 2013 Q7 →

Should You Buy the 2012 Audi Q7?

Yes, with the usual checks. Our reliability score for the 2012 Audi Q7 is 75 out of 100, which rates Good. Owners reported fewer problems than for the average car of the same age. It ranks 6th of the 16 Q7 years we score.

The most reported problem is high oil consumption, mostly burning or using oil (4 of 29 complaints). Owners also complain about the fuel system and the crankshaft pulley or harmonic balancer. 4 of the 29 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.

It has 4 recalls. Audi also offers three warranty extensions that may still apply, for problems with the engine and fuel system. For comparison, the 2011 scores 73 and the 2013 scores 73.

Before you buy, check that the recalls were done, ask an Audi dealer about warranty extension AWA-18-12 and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.

Pros

Good reliability score of 75
Fewer problems than the average car its age
No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls
3 Audi warranty extensions may cover repairs

Cons

Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil4 complaints
Fuel system: a bad smell3 complaints
Crankshaft pulley or harmonic balancer: parts breaking or coming apart3 complaints

How the 2012 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

Score breakdown
Item	Vs average	Points lost
Starting score		100
Serious problems	0.39×	−10
Everyday problems	1.3×	−9
Problems in the last two years	Not counted	–
Recalls	0.90×	−6
Score		75

Problems in the last two years are not counted for the 2012 Q7. If it were exactly average, its 8,875 cars would draw about 1.8 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 2012 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.

Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil
4 complaints (14%)
Burning or using oil. 1 of these 4 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 50,000 miles.
Fuel system: a bad smell
3 complaints (10%)
A bad smell.
Crankshaft pulley or harmonic balancer: parts breaking or coming apart
3 complaints (10%)
Parts breaking or coming apart. Median mileage when it started: about 80,000 miles.
Engine oil leak
2 complaints (7%)
A leak.
Fuel pump: a leak
2 complaints (7%)
A leak.
High-pressure fuel pump failure
2 complaints (7%)
A failure.
Serpentine belt: parts breaking or coming apart
2 complaints (7%)
Parts breaking or coming apart.
Windshield wipers: parts breaking or coming apart
2 complaints (7%)
Parts breaking or coming apart. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: loss of visibility.

Reported Once (15)

Show the 15 problems reported once

PCV valve or crankcase breather: burning or using oil
Airbags: no deployment in a crash
Brake power assist: loss of braking
Brakes failure
Cooling system: a leak
Diesel emissions system: the car not starting
Engine (misfire codes): a loss of power
Fuel leak
Drivetrain (part not stated)
Fuel filter: a leak
Suspension (part not stated)
Seat belts: parts breaking or coming apart
Steering: a leak
Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking
Transmission fluid leak

How the 2012 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 This year	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	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

See every Q7 year

2012 Audi Q7 Recalls

Four recalls cover the 2012 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 23V086000 Recall 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 18V818000 Recall 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 16V660000 Recall 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.
Fuel Injection System Fuel Leak
A fuel leak in the injection system in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of a fire.
NHTSA 15V019000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jan 20, 2015. By the second quarter of 2016, 92% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.

2012 Audi Q7 Warranty Extensions and Programs

Audi has three warranty extensions for the 2012 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-18-12
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 1.2 diesels, engine code CATA, fixed under the emissions recall. No model or year is named, and Gen 1.1 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.
Audi's bulletin (PDF)
Warranty extensionAudi AWA-13-07
Carbon buildup in engine secondary air ports
The problem:
Carbon can build up in the engine's secondary air ports. Fault codes then turn on the check engine light, and the car can fail an emissions test.
The fix:
An Audi dealer diagnoses the problem and, if needed, cleans the carbon out of the secondary air ports for free.
Who qualifies:
Certain 2009 to 2012 Audis with the 3.2 engine and 2009 to 2013 Audis with the 3.0T engine. Other causes of the warning light and damage from tuned engine computers are not covered.
Coverage:
10 years or 120,000 miles from the original in-service date, whichever comes first.
Audi's bulletin (PDF)
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.
Audi's bulletin (PDF)

2012 Audi Q7 NHTSA Investigations

NHTSA has opened one investigation that covers the 2012 Audi Q7. It closed without a recall.

High-pressure fuel pump failures and gasoline misfueling
Closed without a recall
NHTSA'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 EA11003 Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Feb 7, 2011 to Mar 27, 2015

NHTSA Crash Test Ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for this model year. See the 2012 Q7 ratings on NHTSA.gov.

SUV AWD

OverallNot rated

Frontal crashNot rated

Side crashNot rated

Rollover4/5

Check Before You Buy

A checklist for the 2012 Q7, from its four 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
Fuel Injection System Fuel Leak NHTSA 15V019000

Ask an Audi Dealer

Ask whether each of these warranty extensions applies to this VIN, and whether the work was done.

AWA-18-12: emissions and engine warranty after 3.0 TDI fix
AWA-13-07: carbon buildup in engine secondary air ports
AWA-15-05: TDI high-pressure fuel pump failure

On the Test Drive

Ask how often oil is added between changes, and watch for blue smoke at startup.
Confirm any fuel pump recall was done. Hard starting or stalling is a warning sign.

Ask the Seller

Ask whether any of these were ever repaired, and ask to see the receipts.

High oil consumption
Fuel system
Crankshaft pulley or harmonic balancer
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

All Q7 Years →Best years and years to avoid, side by side.Compare With Other Years →Put up to four model years side by side.Find Warranty Extensions →Repairs Audi may still cover for this year.Decode a VIN →Confirm the exact year, engine and trim of a car.